Rome 2016 – Merciful Like the Father
I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its centre the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (cf. Luke 6:36) Pope Francis.
St Augustine said, “the world is a book and those that do not travel, stay on the same page.”
In that sense, travel could have a number of definitions; the physical, the spiritual, the educational, all these came into focus as the Emeritus Director of Music, Bruce Hicks travelled recently to Rome to represent the college community at the Archdiocese of Liverpool, Year of Mercy Pilgrimage.
The itinerary saw the party of 25, teachers and Priests embrace the ethos of a true pilgrimage as the group entered the Holy Doors of:
- St John Lateran
- St Marie Maggiore
- St Peters Basilica
- St Paul Outside the Walls
As well, the group was able to meet the group of Seminarians studying for the Priesthood at the Pontifical Beda College. A surprise meeting occurred when the college crest was recognized by one seminarian Phillip Carr, who was in fact the nephew of the college chaplain – Yes, a small world!
The group was blessed, thrilled and greatly honoured to be part of the general audience of Pope Francis who sent his blessing to the families and communities of those represented there on that day. The Pope’s sense of warmth, his wonderful engaging personality and his deep humanity shone through as he welcomed all to Rome, with the group from Liverpool gaining a mention.
Speaking on his return to Liverpool Mr Hicks said, “It was a truly remarkable experience, with a wonderful group of educators led by a wonderful group of clergy, with the common thread of the Year of Mercy.”
Adding, “A deep sense of renewal in the vocation of all educators was very apparent which we will hold in our hearts and minds for many years to come.”
Perhaps a final thought should be left to the words of the Year of Mercy Prayer
Jubilee Prayer of Mercy:
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved.
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.
We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen
