On Sunday December 13, Dom Joaquim Giovani Mol Guimarães, auxiliary bishop of Belo Horizonte, opened the Holy Door of Mercy, in the Archdiocesan Shrine of Health and Peace.
The celebration began at 8:30 am, in the church square, filled with hundreds of faithful. The parish priest, rector of the Shrine, Father Sergio Stein sscc, spoke about the historical moment that the opening was for the parish. This was the first time in the 74 years since the Church was built that a Holy Door was opened here.
“May the Gate of Justice be open"! With these words, Bishop Mol opened the Holy Door of the Sanctuary. The Bishop, followed by two religious and a lay person as servers, the concelebrating priests and all the pilgrim people then processed through the door into the church to celebrate the Eucharist. Arriving at the sanctuary, the bishop blessed the water and then sprinkled the assembly, recalling the new life of baptism. In his homily, Bishop Mol reflected on our commitment to Mercy. "Jesus Christ is the Father's mercy. There is no other way for the road in life but to be formed in mercy. It means putting our heart right where the misery of others is. God puts his heart into our misery. Let us be merciful as our Father is merciful," the bishop said.
The excitement of those who crosses the Door
"When I went through the Gate of Mercy I felt like I was renewing my vows as a Christian. That next year may be merciful to me every day! The Holy Year is a breath of hope for us young people; we feel small facing many disasters, corruption and atrocities," said Victor Rinaldi, a parishioner.
"I am very happy and grateful to God for this opportunity," said Maria Auxiliadora Gomes. "The joy of passing through the Holy Door is inexplicable. We feel the act of the Father's mercy for us," Lucas Lima explained. “At the beginning of the Holy Year with this beautiful celebration, we are encouraged to follow in holiness and mercy with the strength and vigor of the Eucharist.”
Program of events of the Jubilee Year in the Sanctuary:
February 11: Jubilee of the Sick
October 2: Jubilee pregnant women
October 8: Jubilee of health professionals
12/17/2015