8 December 2015 marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis for the Catholic Church. The year will conclude on 12 December 2016.
For Sisters of Mercy and their partners-in-Mercy, the year provides a profound call to explore Mercy anew. On Sunday 13 December when the Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran is opened by Pope Francis, the Door of 64A Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, the first House of Mercy founded by Catherine McAuley in 1827, now known as Mercy International Centre, will be opened by Mary Reynolds rsm, Executive Director of Mercy International Association (MIA).
That same day, across the Mercy world, in the 44 countries on six continents Mercy communities and ministries have been invited to open a local door of Mercy using a common ritual prepared for the occasion and to reflect on three key questions during the ritual:
• What door do we hope Mercy will open in the coming year?
• What threshold does Mercy need to cross?
• What door of Mercy can you open?
The Pope’s call to ‘contemplate the mystery of mercy’ also signals the start of a year-long reflection time which will be a shared Mercy activity.
Founded by Catherine McAuley in Ireland in 1931, the Mercy Order world-wide now has 7,000 Sisters, 5000 Associates and 250,000 employees who are called into this year of reflection. Mary Reynolds rsm, echoing the call of Pope Francis said ‘My hope, as we open Doors of Mercy around the world to inaugurate the Jubilee Year, is that by crossing the threshold of these doors, we will find the strength to embrace God’s mercy and to dedicate ourselves anew to being merciful with others as the God of Mercy is with us.’
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
