December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016
THE Year of Mercy logo and motto together provide a fitting summary of what the Jubilee Year is all about.
The motto – Merciful like the Father – serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and give love and forgiveness without measure (Luke 6:37-38).
The actual logo is that of a son having taken upon his shoulders the lost soul demonstrating that it is the love of Christ that brings to completion the mystery of his incarnation culminating in redemption.
The logo expresses the profound way in which the Good Shepherd touches the flesh of humanity and does so with a love and the power to change one’s life.
Pope Francis on the Holy Year of Mercy:
Dear brothers and sisters, I have often thought how the Church may render more clear her mission to be a witness to mercy; and we have to make this journey. It is a journey which begins with spiritual conversion. Therefore, I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has as its center the mercy of God. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36) And this especially applies to confessors! So much mercy!
I am confident that the whole Church, which is in such need of mercy for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy, with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and woman of our time.
Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness. Let us henceforth entrust this Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey: our penitential journey, our year long journey with an open heart, to receive the indulgence of God, to receive the mercy of God….