DIBRUGARH, Nov 13 - Amidst a huge gathering of pilgrims, the year-long celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy of the Catholics in Upper Assam concluded today at Sacred Heart Cathedral Church at the Bishop�s House here.
Thousands of Christian pilgrims from various parts of Upper Assam thronged the decked up Sacred Heart Cathedral since pre-dawn hours today. The huge congregation also included about 200 priests, over 300 nuns and seminarians. Bishop Joseph Aind, the head of the Catholic Church in Upper Assam, presided over all the liturgical events during the ceremonious conduct of the programmes.
Catholics across the globe observed the Year of Mercy from December 8 last year as declared by Pope Francis. The �Year of Mercy� called for universal pardon by showing mercy to the repentant.
Traditionally, a holy year is proclaimed by the Pope every 25 years. The holy year features special celebrations like self retrospection, repentance from sin and other spiritual events that offer special opportunities to experience God�s grace.
In Upper Assam too, the Catholics observed the year-long celebration with spiritual events like examination of conscience, penance, fasting, pilgrimage, prayers and absolution in different Churches. The parish Churches of Golaghat, Dibrugarh and Doomdooma were identified and declared as pilgrimage locations for the special spiritual programmes. �The actual conclusion of the �Year of Mercy� is November 22, 2016, but for local convenience of the Church, the Diocese of Dibrugarh concluded the jubilee today,� said Fr Lazar Kakkasery, Vicar General of the Diocese.
While presiding over the Holy Eucharistic (prayer) celebration under a huge marquee at the Cathedral campus, the Bishop called for pious living.
�God is all merciful and forgiving. He forgives our sins. We need to shun evil ways, repent and come back to him. The Church has called for reunion with God through the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy,� exhorted Bishop. He also prayed for universal peace, especially for those in conflict and war.
The Bishop also led a huge religious procession from the venue to Thana Chariali and back. People prayed and intoned hymns during the procession. The jubilee event concluded with the benediction service and ceremonious closing of the �Holy Door� of the Cathedral. As the Holy Door was closed, Bishop Aind, the main celebrant thanked the Almighty for the extraordinary opportunity to experience his love and divine mercy through the �Holy Year�.
The last extraordinary holy year was observed in 1983. Pope John Paul-II (now Saint John Paul- II) had declared 1983 a �holy year� in commemoration of the 1950th anniversary of the year of redemption, a release stated.
