Pope Francis announced an opportunity for Catholics to obtain a plenary indulgence during the Year of Mercy by passing through a designated Holy Door during the Year of Mercy, or performing one of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy; and fulfilling the usual conditions of having the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, receiving sacramental Confession and the Holy Eucharist, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.
As the New Year begins, Carmelite friars at the Kent shrines of Aylesford and Faversham are ready to welcome pilgrims through the ‘Doors of Mercy’ set up specially for the Church’s Year of Mercy.
In addition to the Holy Doors at certain basilicas in Rome, Pope Francis has urged dioceses and religious communities worldwide to establish Doors of Mercy through which pilgrims can pass as a sign of their devotion.
The Door of Mercy at Aylesford Priory is symbolically located at the confessionals, stressing the link between God’s gift of mercy and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This will be the main entrance into the Relic Chapel for the duration of the Year of Mercy.
The Door of Mercy at Aylesford Carmelite Priory (‘The Friars’)
The door at Aylesford was blessed by the Prior, Fr. Damian Cassidy, O.Carm., during the community celebration of Mass on 13th December 2015.
