Good afternoon, everyone...  

This month sees the end of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, for which the Pontiff issued an extraordinary plenary indulgence.

Those received the special plenary indulgence fulfilled certain obligations, including:

• Making a full and sincere confession
• Performing penance
• Receiving Holy Communion
• Praying for the intentions of the Holy Father
• Finally, to obtain the indulgence, passing through a Holy Door

Holy doors have been open in every diocese and in many key parishes around the world.

I was fortunate enough be at a conference at Rome’s University of Santa Croce in April, so I was able to complete the last three of the requirements, and went to Reconciliation and performed penance as soon as I returned home to Australia.

The experience of grace and compassion I felt in the Vatican the day I was there was palpable, and unforgettable. Sure, the security was tight, but an Islamist terrorist cell had just been discovered in Milan, so it was reassuring to the many pilgrims I shared that morning with.

That feeling continues. A friend who works for the Italian Justice Ministry went to the Mass the Pope celebrated for 1000 prisoners 10 days ago...

“È stato emozionante,” he wrote – which can be translated as thrilling, or moving... and was probably both. I know that's what I feel when I have been fortunate enough to be in St Peter's Square with the Holy Father.

Apparently the Vatican is chock-a-block this week with pilgrims who have left until the last minute their obligations for the plenary indulgence!

During the Year of Mercy, CathNews Perspectives has been running a series of Reflections by our Archbishops and Bishops on the subject.

They sit on the CathNews website, on the Reflections tab in the top menu.
They are also now on Catholic Australia website, under the Living the Faith & Mission tab on the top menu here.

As always, if you have any thoughts or suggestions about CathNews, CathNews Perspectives, or Catholic Australia, please email me at news@cathnews.com.

Until next month, from here at Church Resources Publishing, many blessings.

Peace and grace

Christine Hogan
Publisher Church Resources