Solomon Islands - Mercy for all

By ANS

Gizo, Solomon Islands, 10 May 2016 - When he announced the Jubilee of Mercy Pope Francis said that a Door of Mercy should be opened in every diocese, "so that everyone will be able to experience the love of God who consoles, who forgives and gives hope." The problem in the diocese of Gizo in the Solomon Islands is that the isolation and remoteness of parishes from the diocesan centre makes it virtually impossible for the people living in the villages to come to the Holy Door at the cathedral. For this reason the pastoral team of the diocese, led by Bishop Luciano Capelli, SDB, thought of a mobile Holy Door.

"The fever of Mercy that converts hearts and commits us to forgiveness, to service and solidarity, reached its highest level here in the diocese of Gizo," says Bishop Capelli who has been bishop of the diocese since 2007.

The isolated population cannot reach the Holy Door in the Cathedral, so the Holy Door will tour the parishes and villages to reach the isolated people, thought the pastoral team. So for two months, the Holy Door has covered the most remote islands and villages of the diocese. Its pilgrimage ended yesterday, 9 May. In each of the 14 stations visited there was a level of participation in the liturgy never seen before.

The programme was carried out in almost the same way in every village: the Warriors of the village officially welcomed the Holy Door. This was followed by a liturgy over a period of three days to present the meaning of the Jubilee. It included a prayer vigil in preparation for the sacrament of reconciliation, and then a dialogue of reconciliation between people and groups in conflict.

"The priests were surprised by the participation and goodwill experienced in a real climate of mercy” concluded Bishop Capelli. “It is beautiful when people are able to forgive and start afresh... mistakes and conflicts can become moments of encounter and growth if approached with an open heart, with faith and generosity."

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