The Franciscan Jubilee Year in honour of the Holy Name of Jesus was formally inaugurated in St. Clare’s Parish Church, Graiguecullen on Sunday March 16th by Bishop Denis Nulty following a Triduum of prayer in preparation. The Parish Youth Choir earned the praise of all by their beautiful rendering of the special jubilee hymn and other suitable pieces. A packed congregation joined in prayer with Bishop Nulty as he concelebrated the 11.30.am Mass.
In his homily the Bishop reminded everyone that simply calling on the Holy Name of Jesus with trust, from the heart, brings His Presence and His power into the situations in our lives that we struggle with. Unfortunately the Holy Name is often used in public thoughtlessly but without malice. A good way of honouring this jubilee year would be to clean up our language in this regard.
Visiting St. Clare’s or any other Church in the Carlow Deanery area under the usual conditions of Confession, Communion and prayers for the Pope’s intentions can gain a Plenary Indulgence, applicable to the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
The year 2014 commemorates the centenary of the renewal in Ireland of devotion to the Holy Name initiated by the Franciscan Family in 1914. The aim of the Year is simple – to foster a re-newed reverence and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, and in so doing to deepen personal love of the Lord Jesus and faithfulness to His Gospel.
Pronouncing the Holy Name of Jesus with love and trust is the shortest of prayers. In a busy world we can find ourselves in difficult situations unexpectedly. The Name of Jesus can be a source of comfort and support when all else fails. For those struggling with addictions it is a powerful help when temptations are strong.
We can practice praying continually the Jesus Prayer, that beautiful prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
May the Holy Name of Jesus be everywhere praised and glorified. And may it continue to be a source of peace, protection and blessing for our families, our communities and our country.
PRAYER FOR THE YEAR OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS
JESUS, yours is the name above all names;
We offer you our heartfelt praise and gratitude.
Deepen in us an abiding reverence
For your Holy Name.
Jesus, Saviour, heal the wounds within
That our sin and fear have inflicted.
Set us free from all that hinders us from
Rejoicing in your boundless love
And sharing your goodness with others.
Jesus, Friend, draw us ever closer to you.
We entrust all we carry in our hearts
To your abundant mercy.
Jesus, Lord, pour out
The Holy Spirit upon your people
That our lives may overflow with your grace,
Our days be filled with your love,
And all our actions shine with your light.
Amen.
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)