One of the novelties for the Jubilee of Mercy is that for the first time Holy Doors will be designated in every diocese throughout the world.

The Jubilee of Mercy is an Extraordinary Holy Year that will open this year on Dec. 8 – the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – and will close Nov. 20, 2016 with the Solemnity of Christ the King.

The Pope first announced the Year of Mercy on March 13, the second anniversary of his pontifical election, during a Lenten penitential liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Mercy is a theme that is dear to Pope Francis, and is the central topic of his episcopal motto “miserando atque eligendo,” which he chose when ordained a bishop in 1992.

Bishop Libasci has directed that one church within each of New Hampshire’s nine deaneries have a Holy Door that pilgrims may pass through this jubilee year.

On December 13, there will be the solemn opening of the Holy Doors designated in our diocese.  Each Holy Door in our diocese will be solemnly blessed and opened.  In the Upper Valley Deanery, Saint Mary Church in Claremont was chosen and the Blessing and Opening of the Holy Door will take place on December 13th at 3:00 pm.  Bring your image or statue of the Infant Christ Child when you pass through the Holy Door and they will be blessed.  There will be a period of song, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the Holy Rosary for peace and opportunities for Confession. Benediction will conclude our time of prayer.