St. Joseph opens door to Holy Year of Mercy

PATTERSON — St. Joseph Catholic Church parishioners and visitors gathered Sunday before Mass to witness the Rev. Herbert Bennerfield conduct the Rite of Opening of the Holy Year Door in Patterson.
Prior to the door ceremony, main entry doors of the church were closed and remained closed.
Before the ceremony, “it’s just a door,” said Yvonne Adams, parishioner at St. Joseph.
After the ceremonial doors are opened, “it becomes a holy door,” Adams said. “It’s a holy door of mercy.”
“Our God is inside welcoming us with the gifts of his mercy and forgiveness,” Bennerfield said. “Come on in.”
Bennerfield offered special prayers, a blessing of the people, and ceremonial opening of the doors to signify that year of mercy has begun.
Pope Francis blessed the St. Peter’s Basilica Holy Door on Wednesday at the Vatican.
“To enter the Holy Door means to rediscover the deepness of the mercy of the Father who welcomes all and goes out to meet everyone personally,” said Pope Francis during the homily at mass, according to the National Catholic Reporter.
“I think it’s fantastic, the Year of Mercy,” Adams said. “I’m excited about it because it’s going to bring more people to church. And you do not even have to be Catholic.”
For another parishioner, the year of mercy brings about excitement and a sense of anticipation as to how the year will unknowingly unfold.
“I think it’s going to be one of those years that develop as it goes, and that’s kind of exciting,” said Loretta Brocato. “It’ll be like starting small and then progressing throughout the year with prayers and opportunities to reflect mercy to others.
“Of course, it’s about asking mercy from God but it’s also about extending mercy and forgiveness to others. But I think it’s going to be a work in progress as the year goes.
“I don’t think it’s going to be anything that we really know where it’s going to take us. I think it’s going to be a journey.”
Brocato has been a member of St. Joseph for 19 years. Adams has been a member for 21 years.
Plaques were displayed on each side of the door. The picture symbolizes the nature of Jesus Christ as it relates to humanity.
Ann Picou was responsible for the door plaques.
Most jubilees of the past were focused on pilgrims traveling to Rome. Pope Francis desired to expand the practice globally by asking dioceses throughout the world to open their door at a cathedral or other church, according to the National Catholic Reporter.
St. Joseph was selected as one of 10 pilgrimage churches throughout the Diocese of Lafayette for the Holy Year of Mercy.
Pilgrims are welcomed daily at St. Joseph between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contact the church for more information.
“Not everybody knows right now what’s going on, but Father B has been pushing and talking about this,” Adams said. “Father B is so excited. It’s a big honor to have a church honored as a pilgrim church for the Year of Mercy.”