6 March 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #21
24 hours of ‘Mercy’ for the Lord By Jamie O’Brien MERCY is the missing ingredient to our adult faith if we remain at the level of knowledge, said Director of the Maranatha Centre for Adult Faith Formation, Dr Michelle Jones, as Archbishop Timot hy Costelloe SDB this week extended a welcome invitation to Catholics across the Archdiocese to once again respond to Pope Francis’ 24-Hours-For-The-Lord initiative. Now in its second year, the initiative is a special time for prayer and confessions during the time of Lent, and in 2015 will take place on Friday, 13 March and Saturday, 14 March. The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation has advised that the theme for 2015, intended to guide reflections over the two days, is “God rich in Mercy” (Ephesians 2:4). In a letter to all priests across Perth, Archbishop Costelloe said that some parishes may begin the 24-hour period with a specially designed liturgical celebration on the Friday evening. “This might include the Stations of the Cross, a special penitential service, or exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,” the Archbishop said. “Some parishes might consider leaving the Church open until midnight for private prayer. EDITION #21 | 6 MARCH 2015
In a letter to all priests across Perth, Archbishop Costelloe said that some parishes may begin the 24-hour period on the Friday evening.. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
“You might also make yourself available for some of that time for the Sacrament of Penance.” In an interview with Archdiocese of Perth Communications and Media Office Editor Jamie O’Brien,
“They are all interrelated,” Dr Jones said. “It is one thing to have knowledge about the truths of revelation, but it is another thing to contemplate those truths in the radiance of God’s love,” Dr Jones said.
“God isn’t a puppet we can manipulate, but a mystery of love who will always be greater than our knowledge.” Dr Jones went on to talk about how this year’s theme for the 24-Hours-For-TheLord initiative can bring greater meaning for those looking to deepen their faith as adult Christians. Dr Jones said that when it comes to adult faith formation, mercy - together with knowledge, love and wisdom - are the key ingredients.
Dr Jones went on to explain that mercy is wisdom in action. “To act mercifully is to act from the truths of our faith, always allowing those truths to be imbued and surrounded by the uncontainable mystery of God’s love,” she said. “This makes us humble, reverent, and gentle with
each other and the world around us. “Mercy is the missing ingredient to our adult faith formation if we only remain at the level of knowledge. “Our knowledge must always be penetrated by love.” Dr Jones also explained that to be an adult Christian is to be childlike. “This is the great Gospel paradox. For more information, contact the Communications and Media Office on 08 9220 5900 or email communications@perthcatholic.org.au. Information on courses at the Maranatha Centre for Adult Faith Formation is available at www. maranathacentre.org.au. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au