Friday, September 30, 2016




Celebrating the
Jubilee
Year of Mercy
Dec 8, 2015 – Nov 20, 2016



Holy Door and Indulgence
The church of Our Lady of La Vang has been designated by Cardinal DiNardo as one of the eight sacred places where entering the church (through the main door) impart indulgences.
The celebration of this 21st Asian Mass is a great occasion to gain a Plenary Indulgence according to the intention of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. 
The following are the designated Holy Doors in the archdiocese:
    Our Lady of La Vang Church (12320 Old Foltin Rd, Houston, TX 77086)
    St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica (Holy Family Parish, 2011 Church St, Galveston TX 77550)
    Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002)
    St. Bernadette Church (15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062)
    Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (2405 Navigation Blvd, Houston TX 77003)
    St. Francis of Assisi Church (5100 Dabney St, Houston, TX 77026)
    St. Ignatius Church (7810 Cypresswood Dr, Spring, TX 77379)
    St. Theresa Church (705 St. Theresa Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77498)

Pilgrims who pass through this ‘Door of Mercy' at any of the above designated churches receive the Jubilee Indulgence. This Jubilee indulgence can be gained once a day for oneself or for someone who has died. Indulgence is not forgiveness (removal) of sin, but a remission (removal) of the temporal punishment due to the sin.  This remission may be partial or plenary (full).  The indulgence benefits the person who receives it, and it can be transferred (applied) to the souls in purgatory.

The Holy Father has stated that, in order to receive this Jubilee Indulgence, the following must be observed.  One must …
1.      Physically pass through the Holy Door
2.      Have the intention to receive the indulgence
3.      Receive Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, if not on the day itself, but within 20 days
4.      Say the Profession of Faith
5.      Pray for the Holy Father and his intentions

With regard to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, the Holy Father further instructed that “each time that one of the faithful personally performs one or more of these actions, he or she shall surely obtain the Jubilee Indulgence”.

Corporal Works of Mercy
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise.  They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs" (USCCA).  They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.  They are:
1.       Feed the Hungry
2.       Give drink to the thirsty
3.       Shelter the homeless
4.       Visit the sick
5.       Visit the prisoners
6.       Bury the dead
7.       Give alms to the poor

Spiritual Works of Mercy
The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history.  Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to “help our neighbor in their spiritual needs” (USCCA).  They are:
1.       Counseling the doubtful
2.       Admonishing the sinner
3.       Comforting the sorrowful
4.       Forgiving injuries
5.       Bearing wrongs patiently
6.       Praying for the living and the dead

 

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