A 'HOLY Door' was officially opened at Clonard in west Belfast yesterday to mark Pope Francis's Year of Mercy.
The door, depicting a modern day interpretation of the prodigal son, was designed and created by a Belfast father and son Seamus, and Seamus Og, O’Labhradha from Ardoyne.
Bishop Noel Treanor led a service yesterday to mark the event after Pope Francis called on every diocese in the world to open a 'door of mercy' for celebrations to mark a special jubilee year in the church's calendar.
The jubilee commenced earlier this month to commemorate both the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary marking the end of the Second Vatican Council.
The Pope marked the official start of a symbolic year for Catholics across the world, by opening the original Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica in Rome, for the first time since the turn of the century.
The aim of the Year of Mercy is to allow Catholics to show mercy and compassion and focus on forgiveness, reconciliation and doing good.
The crossing of the threshold of a Holy Door is a sign of the passage from sin to grace.
The Holy Door at Clonard carries a modern day interpretation of the prodigal son however a girl is also featured in the depictions.
Fr Noel Kehoe, Rector of Clonard, said: "There is an important opportunity this year to experience for oneself the forgiveness of sin.
"But at Clonard we really want to emphasis this concept that Mercy is experienced and learnt. We must bring that mercy onto the streets, into our families, or work, our world. As Pope Francis encourages, the church must firstly be seen as a mother of mercy not judgement".
During the year, pilgrims will come to Clonard to pass through the door and groups are also invited.
Fr Kehoe revealed that during the Year of Mercy there would be reconciliation pilgrimages taking place along the west Belfast peace line showing how the gates "can be seen as channels of reconciliation, mercy and friendship".
The Year of Mercy runs until November 20 next year.
The Holy Door will be open any time confessions are available in the church or monastery, from 9am until 7pm and from 9am to 9pm on a Thursday as it is Novena Day.
