Scottish Catholic Observer

At each of the eight cathedrals in Scotland—in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Oban, Paisley, Motherwell and Ayr—a special Holy Door was opened and all who pass thought them can obtain the Jubilee Indulgence decreed by the Pope. At St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia was joined by Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti last Sunday for what he called the ‘simple and noble’ ritual of the opening of the Holy Door.

“The Liturgy inspired a particularly prayerful atmosphere,” Archbishop Tartaglia said. “As they processed through the Holy Door, the people seemed to sense that the Jubilee Year of Mercy was a unique grace which could have a profound effect on our lives.”

On the same day at St Mary’s in Edinburgh, Archbishop Leo Cushley said Pope Francis wants all Catholics to rediscover the beauty and necessity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Jubilee of Mercy.

“Pope Francis is drawing attending to that and from his own experience saying it is ‘a good thing’, it is something that ought to be part of the landscape of your Christian living,” Archbishop Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh said in his homily following the opening of the Holy Door at St Mary’s Cathedral.

“Let’s put that sacrament back as an important component of the way we lead our Christian lives and if we do that, not only will we have our sins forgiven, not only will we receive the grace of the sacrament but we will understand our need of God’s mercy and, having received God’s mercy, we will understand that we also have a duty of mercy towards our brothers and sisters,” he said.

Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen also explained just how a Jubilee Indulgence can be gained: Either by entering, with a desire for conversion of heart and in hope of God’s mercy, through an authorised Door of Mercy; or by performing one or more of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy.

“Those unable to travel to a Door of Mercy, such as the sick, elderly, the housebound and those in prison, may gain the Indulgence by participation in the Sacraments and by reciting the above prayers in their homes or local chapels,” he added. “The Jubilee Indulgence can also be obtained for the deceased.”

In Paisley at St Mirin’s Cathedral Bishop John Keenan announced that ‘The Paisley diocese Door of Mercy is now open wide for everyone to come home to their Father’s house!’

Bishop Stephen Robson of Dunkeld at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee, reminded all that ‘a Jubilee, of course, accords us a very special time of reflection in the life of the Church.’

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Pic: Paul McSherry

—This story ran in full in the December 18 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.