Bishop Michael Mulvey walks through the Holy Doors of Corpus Christi Cathedral, ushering in the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy on Dec. 13.
Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic
With three knocks upon the Holy Door of Mercy at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Bishop Michael Mulvey ushered in the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy for the flock in the Diocese of Corpus Christi during a Sunday Mass on Dec. 13, 2015.
“Let us enter through it and obtain mercy and forgiveness,” Bishop Mulvey said as doors opened to allow him and other pilgrims through to the full cathedral inside.
Pope Francis called for Holy Doors to be designated and opened in all cathedrals of the world from Dec. 8, 2015 to Nov. 20, 2016 during this jubilee year because of all of the violence and suffering that has happened worldwide this year, Bishop Mulvey said.
The pope typically calls holy or jubilee years every 25 years, he said. But in a change from the norm, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Dec. 8, 2015.
Those who walk through the door and make a profession of faith will receive an indulgence if they satisfy all required criteria. In order to receive the grace of the Jubilee Indulgence, it is necessary to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist within 20 days, be free from all attachment to sin and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. An indulgence may also be asked for a loved one who is deceased.
In accordance with the pope’s announcement, Bishop Mulvey issued a decree on Sunday, Nov. 29, designating five churches in the Diocese of Corpus Christi as “pilgrim churches” for the Year of Mercy. Making a pilgrimage to these churches also makes pilgrims eligible for a plenary indulgence if all other criteria are met.
The five churches include, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beeville; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kingsville; St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Alice; the Chapel of Our Lady of Schoenstatt, Lamar; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Corpus Christi; and of course the Corpus Christi Cathedral.
“Since the 1300s, there have been jubilee years. They are a time of renewal and amnesty,” Bishop Mulvey said.
During his homily, Bishop Mulvey said the Jubilee Year was a “time for renewal.”
“This year, turn away from narcissism and ego and relocate in the merciful heart of Jesus. Now is the time for renewal,” he said.
“All of us are invited to move through the door and plead for God’s mercy,” he said.
The bishop said he had visited prisoners in Beeville correctional facilities and invited them to reconcile through God’s mercy. Bishop Mulvey called on the congregation to be “Ambassadors of Grace,” and, “By receiving grace, the faster love and justice can grow.”
Some ways to show grace are by treating people fairly, clothing the needy and consoling those in sorrow, Bishop Mulvey said.
Pilgrims who made the journey from small towns in South Texas to the cathedral were joyful about being able to walk through the Holy Door.
The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary journeyed more than 60 miles round trip from their Retreat House in Lamar. They did not expect to be able to walk through the Holy Door on Dec. 13.
“We were praying to be able to come today. It was amazing and we represented our community,” said Sister Citlali, who comes from Mexico.
They said they asked God to open his heart and to forgive them so they could give that grace to others.
“There was a great feeling of peace and joy in my heart,” Sister Victoria Heiderscheidt said.