ARCHBISHOP Denis Hart has written a letter to the Catholic people of Melbourne. In it he draws on the two parables – The Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son – in the context of the Year of Mercy. He stresses the forgiveness of God and encourages us to the practice of Reconciliation during Lent. (Greythorn will have a Reconciliation Service on March 16.)
The Archbishop also encourages people to practice mercy through practical measures such as charitable gifts; visits to those who are sick or in need; contributions to Project Compassion and engagement with efforts to advance the welfare of refugees.
“Mercy and tenderness are not optional extras in Catholicism but its very soul. Thank God, Pope Francis is continually calling all of us – as disciples – to reach out and show mercy, especially to those on the peripheries of our lives and our culture.”