FRENCHVILLE, Maine — The Holy Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis, will conclude on Nov. 20, the Solemnity of Christ the King. In commemoration of the end of the jubilee year, the four Holy Doors in the Diocese of Portland will be closed.
In Aroostook County, the door has been located at St. Luce Church in Frenchville, and will close during a Mass on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. The three other doors will close in Bangor and Lewiston, also Nov. 13, and in Portland on Nov. 20.
The Year of Mercy began in December 2015 with the opening of the four Holy Doors by Bishop Robert P. Deeley to represent a renewed opportunity to encounter or grow closer to Jesus, who calls everyone to redemption. The holy door represents the passage to salvation which was opened to humanity by Jesus.
The graces and indulgences of the holy year, geared toward personal conversion, can be obtained by making a pilgrimage to any of these churches, passing through the holy door, confessing one’s sins near the time of the visit, and praying for the intention of the Holy Father and the Church. Though it is customary to recite one Our Father and one Hail Mary, any other suitable prayer may be said.
Bishop Deeley will celebrate the Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on November 20 for the official diocesan closing of the Holy Year of Mercy.
