Yesterday we had the privilege and honor of visiting the Office of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the Evangelization. Fr. Geno Sylva was our presenter and he is the English language representative for this council. There are three responsibilities of the office. First, to promote the new evangelization. Second, to plan for, promote and execute the Jubilee Year celebrations. Third, to approve catechetical texts and to help Dioceses in planning for and implementing catechesis.
Fr. Geno told us of the Pope's thinking regarding the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Some of the highlights include:
- The Pope will perform an act of mercy each month for the next year with the hope that priests and parishes throughout the world will do the same.
- Holy doors will be designated in every diocese throughout the world.
- The Vatican will help to build a new Cathedral in Uganda and help to establish an orphanage so that the effects of the Holy Year will be lasting.
- Priests delegated as "missionaries of mercy" will gather in Rome and be trained to offer days of reflections on mercy for parish communities and be available for confessions.
He also explained a lot about the logo for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. It was designed by an iconographer and depicts the lost sheep gathered into the arms of the shepherd. There are only 3 eyes with one middle eye shared between the two. When we are able to care for one another with mercy and compassion, we share a common vision to see things together. The almond shape is significant in iconography and the colors indicate a move from darkness into the light.
Fr. Sylva indicated the importance of every Catholic to be a "protagonist" in helping the Gospel to be preached to all ends of the earth.
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