REGINA……..With song and words, Sisters of the Myriam Family of the Prairies along with about 20 other people took part in a Year of Mercy celebration held November 9 at Holy Rosary Cathedral. “The Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis last year ends November 20 and we thought it would be good to celebrate God’s mercy,” said Sister Melanie Guillotte who led the celebration.
It began with Very Reverend Lorne Crozon, Rector of the Cathedral, in a short homily, talking about what the Year of Mercy meant and its effect on everyone. “We are called to be mindful that God’s mercy is that which surrounds us as well, that helps us to recognize the depth of God’s grace for us, the depth of God’s love for us and the constant call to share that love and the constant call to share that gift of God’s grace and goodness with those he has placed around us.”
Pope Francis opened the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica December 8, 2015, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception for a Jubilee Year and asked churches around the world to open their holy doors of mercy. Holy Rosary Cathedral designated the doors of the main entrance as Doors of Mercy with a sign Enter the Doors of Mercy above the doors topped with an array of wreaths.
Catholic teaching proclaims that anyone walking through Holy Doors, accompanied by prayer and repentance, in a Jubilee Year results in a remission of sins. Participants in the November 9th ceremony took part in an adoration of the Blessed Sacrament provided by Reverend Mau Nguyen, Holy Rosary’s Associate Priest. That was followed by song and prayer and the opportunity to go to confession offered by Reverend Mau and Reverend Norman Marcotte. With that done participants walked through the Holy Doors carrying large parcels, “representing their burdens,” which they left on the floor inside the church after walking through the doors, representing their relief at getting rid of the burdens.
The Myriam Sisters invited everyone to join them after the service at their residence.
