Pope Francis has given thanks for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Dec. 8, 2015-Nov. 20, 2016, which concluded this morning, including to those who have spiritually contributed.
Francis did this during his Angelus address to some 70,000 pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square who were present for the Mass, with the new cardinals, the College of Cardinals, religious and faithful, officially closing the Holy Year. At the beginning of the Mass, the Supreme Pontiff led the Rite of closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Before the midday prayer, the Pope said, ‘We give God praise and thanksgiving for the gift that the Holy Year of Mercy has been for the Church and for so many people of good will.’ Remembering those who contributed spiritually to the Holy Year, the Pope noted, «I think of many elderly and sick people, who prayed incessantly, even offering their sufferings for the Jubilee.»
Recalling that tomorrow marks Pro Orantibus Day, a day of prayer for cloistered religious, Francis gave thanks and urged faithful to pray for cloistered nuns, «our sisters who totally dedicate themselves to prayer and need spiritual support.» This world day was instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1994 to fall on Nov. 21, the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lady in the Temple.
Francis also recalled that yesterday Father Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus, of the Order of Discalced Carmelites was beatified in Avignon, France. The late priest, who the Pope said was ‘a man of God’ and ‘attentive to the spiritual and material needs of his neighbors,’ was the founder of the secular Our Lady of Life Institute.
Before concluding and circling the Square to greet the pilgrims, the Holy Father also warmly greeted all those who have come from various countries for the closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and prayed that the Virgin Mary help all people to keep heart and render the spiritual gifts of the Jubilee of Mercy fruitful.
After the Angelus, Pope Francis signed Misericordia et misera, his Apostolic letter to mark the end of the Jubilee Year, which will be published and presented tomorrow.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Angelus Address: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-angelus-address-at-closure-of-jubilee-year-of-mercy/
Full Homily: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-homily-at-closure-of-jubilee-of-mercy-on-feast-of-christ-the-king/
