Laity Sunday is being celebrated in our Archdiocese on June 26, 2016.

The Jubilee Year of Mercy is half over, and we need to use the remaining months to deepen further our reception of God’s gift of mercy, and our commitment to be merciful to those around us. Let us find inspiration in Pope Francis’ exhortation concerning the Year of Mercy: “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty. And let us enter more deeply into the heart of the Gospel where the poor have a special experience of God’s mercy. Jesus introduces us to these works of mercy in His preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as His disciples.” (MV 15).

The Office for Lay Collaboration in Ministry has reflected on the Year of Mercy and prepared Guidelines for a meaningful celebration of this Jubilee Year.

I urge all Parish Priests to celebrate Laity Sunday by using the guidelines sent by the Office for Lay Collaboration in Ministry, praying in a special way for the Lay Heads of Cells and Associations in the Parish, that they may lead their group members in deepening their commitment to be compassionate to all those in need of mercy. That same evening, these Heads of Cells and Associations are invited to gather at St Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra, at 4 pm, for a diocesan rally.

June 13, 2016

+Oswald Cardinal Gracias
Archbishop of Bombay