In 2016, the Catholic Church celebrated an extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. This was a special period, as declared by Pope Francis, for the Catholic Church to focus on forgiveness and healing in a special way. The Holy Father called it a "Jubilee of Mercy" because, as he stated, "Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life."

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As part of this extraordinary year, Bishop Sebastian Francis of the Penang Diocese in Malaysia, announced three churches as pilgrimage sites: Church of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam, Church of Divine Mercy in Penang Island, and Church of Sacred Heart in Kampar. Each of these churches had a "Holy Door of Mercy" opened for the occasion. 

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The Church of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam is a particularly significant site, known for its annual St. Anne's Novena and Feast Day celebrations, which attract pilgrims from across the region. The opening of the Holy Door of Mercy in this church was a remarkable event. The door symbolizes Jesus, who said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture" (John 10:9). Walking through the Holy Door symbolizes leaving the past behind and crossing the threshold from sin to grace, from slavery to freedom, and from darkness to light.

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To relate to this event, you can reflect on the symbolism of the Holy Door. Consider your own journey of faith and how you can personally embrace mercy, forgiveness, and healing in your life. Are there areas where you need to extend mercy to others or seek it for yourself? The Holy Door is not just a physical passage but a spiritual journey that invites us to transformative conversion.

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Moreover, you can also participate in the tradition of making a pilgrimage. While the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy has passed, the act of making a pilgrimage to a holy site, such as the Church of St. Anne, can still be a meaningful act of faith. It's an opportunity to step away from daily life and dedicate time to spiritual reflection and connection with God.

Lastly, remember that the Year of Mercy may have been a specific event, but its spirit is meant to be carried forward. Pope Francis has urged us all to keep the "doors of mercy" wide open in our hearts. By being merciful in our interactions with others and in the way we live our lives, we can keep the spirit of the Year of Mercy alive every day.