St. Joseph has special role in Holy Year of Mercy

PATTERSON — St. Joseph Catholic Church will conduct the Rite of Opening of the Holy Year Door at approximately 9:45 a.m. Sunday.
The church was selected by Bishop Michael Jarrell to serve as one of 10 pilgrimage churches throughout the Diocese of Lafayette for the Holy Year of Mercy announced by Pope Francis.
“It’s a very great honor, and I attribute it especially to our good parishioners,” said the Rev. Herbert Bennerfield III, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson. “We have some wonderful parishioners here at St. Joseph.
“They’ve had some difficult times in the past and kept the faith. I think it’s a great tribute to them. As well as, it’s the oldest church parish in this part (southeast) of our diocese.”
The church was established in 1842 but was set up as a church on site in 1848.
The Holy Year began Tuesday and will continue until Nov. 20, 2016. Its emphasis will be on granting mercy and forgiveness, both by God to people and people of God to one another, as well as receiving.
Jubilee years have been observed in the Catholic church’s history since 1300.
“A jubilee is a special event called by the Pope,” said Bennerfield. “It’s a source of joy and great blessings for the church and that’s what this particular Holy Year is meant to be — a time of renewal, growing in holiness and discipline through practicing mercy and forgiveness.”
The present Holy Year is considered to be an extraordinary jubilee year due to rare occurrence.
For extraordinary years to happen, “the Holy Father decides to focus in on some-thing or give some special recognition,” Bennerfield said. Mercy and forgiveness are the focus for Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis felt like this is what the world needed,” Bennerfield said. “Again, he sees the church globally and he sees all of civilization globally.”
The last extraordinary year occurred in 1983, which was proclaimed by Pope John Paul II. It was a time to observe the 1,950th anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection.
Ordinary jubilee years occur every 25 years. The last one was observed in 2000.
“It’s significant for us certainly, as pastors,” Benner-field said, “because as leaders of our flock, this is something we want to encourage our people to participate in. It encourages us to turn to these topics again and again with the faithful about mercy and forgiveness.
“So, we’ll be speaking about that largely throughout the year in various ways.”
A pilgrim (Catholic) is someone who comes to St. Joseph Catholic Church or one of the selected churches in order to fulfill the requirements to receive the indulgences of the holy year, the blessings of the holy.
“You visit a certain church, attend Mass, receive the sacrament of reconciliation and holy Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father Pope Francis,” Bennerfield said. “You get extra graces and blessings for doing that.”
Pilgrims will also get an opportunity to learn the history of St. Joseph church.
Non-Catholics are welcome to attend the ceremony on Sunday.
“Anyone is always welcome to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness,” Bennerfield said. “We’d be happy to welcome them as well.
“Even though they may not be able to fulfill all the requirements, if they want to come and want to see what it’s all about, we welcome them.”
Pilgrimage groups planning on visiting St. Joseph during the Holy Year are encouraged to contact the church prior to their arrival. The church will remain open between 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. daily.