Pope Francis officially proclaimed a Year of Mercy which is to take place December 8th, 2015, to November 20th, 2016. In his announcement of the Year of Mercy, he explained that “the Church, in this time of great historical change, is called to offer more evident signs of God's presence and closeness. This is a time to be a sign and an instrument of the Father’s mercy."

The Holy Year’s motto is, “Be merciful like your Father” which the Pope said, involves opening our hearts and witnessing mercy everywhere, for, "Pardon is a force that can give rise to new life and infuse courage to look with hope to the future.”

For More Information about the Year of Mercy, visit the the following websites: 

Diocese of Hamilton
 http://hamiltondiocese.com/year-of-mercy/

The Vatican
http://www.im.va/content/gdm/en.html