KK Archdiocese launches Year of Mercy

KOTA KINABALU – Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese launched the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy at the Sacred Heart Cathedral here on 8 Dec 2015 in communion with the launching of it by Pope Francis in Rome.  The Year of Mercy (YOM) runs from 8 Dec 2015 to 20 Nov 2016.

Despite the sweltering heat, over a thousand faithful from all walks of life witnessed the event.  The cathedral was already full by 6:00 PM.  Archbishop John Wong presided over the trilingual Mass, concelebrated with around thirty priests who took a break from their nightly Advent penitential services from Nov 30 to Dec 18.

The liturgy was that of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  In his homily given in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu, the prelate touched on the “loving choice” of God in choosing Mary to be the mother of his Son, in choosing us to be his children.  He also asked the faithful to reflect on their response to this loving choice of God.

Before the dismissal, the prelate reminded the people on the three goals of the Jubilee Year: (1) to experience God’s salvation again; (2) to become witnesses of mercy; and (3) to enter into the logic of God.  He said that one way of celebrating the Year of Mercy is to go on pilgrimage to the four designated “Doors of Mercy” that is, Sacred Heart Cathedral KK, Holy Rosary Limbahau, St Peter Kudat, and St Peter Claver Ranau.

The Doors of Mercy are scheduled to be opened on Dec 12 (Sacred Heart Cathedral) and Dec 13 (Holy Rosary Limbahau, St Peter Kudat and St Peter Claver Ranau).