Cardinal Tagle leads opening of Year of Mercy in Manila

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Wednesday led the opening of the Holy Door of the Manila Cathedral to signal the start of the observance of the Jubilee Year of Mercy in the country.

 

In his message, Tagle, who was accompanied by the poor and several persons with disability, called for an end to corruption and abuse of women, children and the oppressed.

 

"Stop the rampant corruption. Stop the abuse of women and children. Spread mercy, stop the endless abuse of the weak," an article on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines' website quoted Tagle as saying in Filipino during the Mass.

 

He also challenged the faithful to make God’s mercy more evident in the world today.

 

The opening of the Holy Year of Mercy in Manila followed Pope Francis' ceremonial opening of the Holy Door of the St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

 

Pope Francis has declared December 8, 2015 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) to November 20, 2016 (Feast of the Christ the King) as the "Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy."

 

For this, the Vatican has designated Jubilee churches, including the Manila Cathedral, for pilgrimages. 

 

By passing through the Holy Door in Jubilee churches, devotees can receive indulgences.

 

In the Archdiocese of Manila, four others have been designated Jubilee churches: National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City; Sanctuario de San Cristo in San Juan City; Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong City; and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church in Pasay City. —Trisha Macas/KBK, GMA News