Shrine to Divine Mercy to be established in Carlisle

The Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt Rev Michael Campbell OSA has established that, for the duration of the Year of Mercyi, Our Lady & St Joseph's Church, Carlisle will be a Diocesan Shrine to the Divine Mercy. The establishment of the Shrine by the Bishop comes as a response to the request of the parish clergy.

The liturgical celebration inaugurating the Shrine, will include Vespers, Chaplet & Benediction and will be led by the Bishop at 3.30pm on Friday 11 December 2015 - all are most welcome.

A statement from the Bishop's office, says: "Everyone in the Diocese of Lancaster, (particularly in the northern part) and wider-afield too, are most welcome to make pilgrimages to this Border City Shrine throughout the course of the Jubilee Year of Mercy so as to experience for themselves the gift of Divine Mercy. A particular 'open door' and welcome is extended to those who have stopped going to Church regularly, so that they can experience, even by small steps, a fresh encounter with Jesus.

"St Faustina in her visions of the merciful Jesus experienced the mercy of God in a deeply personal and profound way... Pope Francis has asked that each diocese establish churches to be a focus for a profound experience and encounter of God's mercy. During the Year of Mercy the Canons of Ss Ambrose & Charles who staff the Carlisle city centre church will aim to promote devotion to the merciful Jesus and to provide opportunities for people to come on pilgrimage to personally experience this encounter of Mercy in the Sacrament of Confession and adoration of the merciful Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

"A special programme will be offered to visiting pilgrims each Saturday throughout the Year of Mercy consisting of Holy Mass, Lunch, time for silence, a catechesis on the Divine Mercy, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession and Benediction. There will also be an opportunity to venerate the relics of St Faustina and St John Paul II (who did so much to spread and promote this devotion in the Church)."

The Bishop's establishment of the Shrine is made as part of the Diocese's programme for the Year of Mercy which can be found at: http://newevangelisationlancaster.com/about/jubilee- year-of-mercy/

Bishop Campbell offers his reflection on the diocesan programme for the forthcoming Year of Mercy on his Blog: https://bishopcampbellsblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/07/proposed-plans-for-the-jubilee-year-of-mercy-in-the-diocese-of-lancaster/

For information on the Canons of Ss Ambrose and Charles go to: www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/our-people-places/the-canons-of-ss-ambrose-charles/