I encourage the People of God of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to visit and pray at pilgrimage churches during the Year of Mercy. Pilgrimage is a long-standing and revered practice of the Church, one that produces much fruit in the life of the pilgrim. Archbishop John C. Wester, Archdiocese of Santa FeOn Dec. 8, Pope Francis launched the Jubilee Year of Mercy, an effort to focus the mission of the church and of the faithful on mercy and forgiveness rather than on judgment. This is a call for both individuals and for the institution. Did you know Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque is one of the official pilgrimage sites for this observance?
Today, on the first day of 2016, the abbey will commemorate World Day for Peace and the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God as part of the observance. Pope Francis has called for liturgies of peace on this day. The members of the Norbertine community invites you to join them today for a series of liturgies at the Abbey meditating on mercy, calling for peace, and celebrating the one who bore Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, to our world.
Here is the schedule:
- Solemn Vespers, 5:30pm
- Prayer for Peace in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament: 6:00pm. We will pray over lamentations and hopes from 2015. There will be opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation during this time as well.
- Abbatial Mass , 7:15pm
- Fellowship, 8:30pm