The Archbishop lit the traditional lamp and thereafter opened the decorated holy door of Cathedral ceremoniously and entered the church along with other priests and representatives of the various religious societies and parishes. Archbishop Moras enthroned the Book of the Gospel on the altar and garlanded it.
The Motto of the Holy Year of Mercy, “Merciful like the Father,” (Lk. 6:36) serves as an invitation to follow the example of the Compassionate Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and give love and forgiveness without measure.
It is, indeed, the Pope’s wish that Jubilee be a living experience of the closeness of the Father so that the faith of every believer may be strengthened and thus testimony to it be ever more effective. Pope’s thoughts first of all go to the faithful who will experience the grace of the Jubilee. “You may call God love or goodness, but the best name for Him is compassion. “The story of Jesus is a story of mercy. The Good News of Jesus is that God is compassionate Father and there is no limit to his compassion.

The Archbishop in his homily further said the Holy Father proposed a year of reflection on the merciful face of the Father through the Revelation of the Word of God, particularly the Gospel of Mercy, viz., the Gospel of Luke. Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy. These words could sum up the mystery of Christian faith. Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus. The Father, ‘rich in mercy’ (Eph 2:4), after having revealed his name to Moses as “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6)”has never ceased to show, in various ways throughout history, his divine nature. In the “fullness of time” (Gal 4:4), when everything had been arranged according to his plan of salvation, he sent his only son into the world, to reveal his love for humanity in a definitive way. Whoever sees Jesus sees the Father (Jn 14:9). Jesus of Nazareth, by his words, his actions and his entire person reveals the mercy of God.

Dr. Moras said, ‘we need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity and peace. Each person’s salvation depends on it. We are called to gaze even more attentively on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives. For this reason, it was proclaimed and Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy as a special times for the Church; a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective.
“An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin.” An indulgence is a remission before God and a temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven. Holy Father’s thoughts go to every individual and to reach each person. He strives for the good of every person, the Church and the entire world. Sickness and diseases leave a person if he or she enters through the Holy Door but only if one is prepared with spiritual exercises. Jubilee indulgence is to be celebrated with hope, faith and charity. This one year is to welcome new life. Holy Father has special understanding and concern for women especially those resort to abortion. Pope Francis said pressure led them to do it. To prepare them towards reconciliation with the Father, he has given permission for all priests all over the world to absolve sins of abortion during this year of mercy.
The Vicar Generals of the Diocese, Msgrs C Francis and S Jayanathan gave a message on mercy in Kannada and Tamil respectively.

Archbishop imparted Pope’s special blessings to all priests, nuns and lay faithful of the Archdiocese. Dr. Moras also intoned the Jubilee prayer. The opening of the Jubilee Door of the Cathedral came to a close with Asst. Parish priest proposing a vote of thanks. The Archbishop also thanked all the priests, nuns and the faithful. He specially thanked the VGs, Msgrs Jayanathan and C Francis, Fr Anthony Swamy the Parish Priest for organizing such a grand celebration. Hide