Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman Rt. Rev Philip Anyolo Launched the Jubilee of Mercy year at the Kenya Catholic Secretariat on 10th, December, 2015 two days after Pope Francis inaugurated it in Rome.
During the celebration of Mass, the KCCB Chairman, Bishop Phillip Anyolo expressed gratitude to the Holy Father Pope Francis for declaring the year of Mercy calling on the faithful to reflect, open their hearts and let Jesus Christ inn.
“Let us serve the Lord with one heart, one spirit and with understanding that our God is merciful and he comes with a lot of mercy and wants us to unite,” he said.
The Holy Father Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee of Mercy on 8th December, 2015 during the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, a year that will go until the 20th of November, 2016 during the Feast of Christ the King.
In his Homily at the Catholic Secretariat, the Bishop of Marsabit Rt. Rev Peter Kihara said that the Roman Pontiff symbolically opened the door of mercy at St. Peter's Basilica to the whole World and at many other Cathedrals' across the world the doors of mercy will be opened by the Bishops on Sunday 13th December, 2015. Including the Popes Diocese of Rome St. John Lateran.
He said that the Holy Father has also given permission for the Dioceses that feel that their faithful live far from the Cathedral to have the doors of the shrines and Parishes open an opportunity that the Bishop of Marsabit intends to utilize fully in his diocese.
During this Jubilee year, one can receive indulgence if he/she receives a blessing from any Bishop. The Holy Father has granted special authority to all the bishops in this Jubilee year and He has also given special faculties to all priests to grant absolution for the sin of abortion.
Like other previous jubilees the Jubilee of Mercy is a special, holy year of remission of sins and universal pardon, in this occasion focusing particularly on God's forgiveness and mercy.
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communication KCCB