Message on the Holy Year of Mercy

Our Holy Father Pope Francis commemorated the second anniversary of his pontificate today, March 13, by announcing an extraordinary jubilee — a Holy Year of Mercy– selecting a theme that has frequently accompanied his homilies and messages since ascending the Chair of Peter.

“No one can be excluded from God’s mercy,” the Pontiff explained during a Lenten penance service at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  “I have frequently thought about how the Church can make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy.”  Pope Francis is offering this Holy Year as a means to that end, beginning Dec. 8, 2015 unto Nov. 20, 2016.

Under the guidance of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, the Diocese of Trenton will joyfully celebrate this jubilee throughout the parishes of the four counties of the Diocese, beginning with Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  Details will follow.

Please join me in entrusting diocesan preparations for this special year to Mary, Mother of Mercy and Queen of the Assumption.  Let us pray that our hearts may be open to God’s mercy and that we may always witness to and share His mercy generously with one another.

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of Trenton