Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Since the Holy Door of Mercy was opened in the basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra (Mumbai), Maharashtra, it has attracted thousands of Christians and faithful of other religions. "Everyone is eager to receive the sacrament of reconciliation," says Msgr. Nereus Rodrigues, rector of the basilica, who cares for many pilgrims who arrive every day from dawn to dusk, along with the vice rector Fr. Anaiceto. The prelate adds: "Many Christians come here, stand in line, then kneel in front of the priest and sit in the confessional. Speaking softly, asking for the forgiveness of their sins".
Msgr. Nereus is confident that many people of different faiths come to the Church throughout the year. But now, with the opening of the Jubilee Door, the church is frequented by a growing number of devotees.
Outside the basilica, in the area reserved to the oratory (see photo), the bishop installed panels that draw your attention to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, underlined by Pope Francis for this Jubilee. According to Msgr. Nereus, "in this way, through the written warnings, pilgrims can read, understand and then implement the works of mercy."
Other panels were placed along the sides of the front entrance to the basilica. Msgr. Nereus said: "We want the faithful to celebrate the Jubilee of mercy even before entering the church. At the entrance there are two large panels that sway in the wind: one shows the logo of the extraordinary Holy Year, the other is the image of the prodigal son, with an explanation by Pope Francis. "
Moreover, the same Holy Door is decorated with the message: "On one side the inscription 'Mary conceived without sin'. The other an invocation for the Jubilee. "