The Catholic Church in Turkey will mark 2024 as the Year of Divine Mercy. The decision to honor this special year was communicated through a pastoral letter from Martin Kemetek, the President of Turkey's Bishops' Conference and the Archbishop of Izmir, reaching out to all believers across the country. The Year of Divine Mercy commences on December 3, 2023, coinciding with the inaugural Sunday of Advent, and culminates on November 24, 2024, coinciding with the Feast of Christ the King.
Expressing the aspirations of the Turkish Church, Archbishop Kemetek highlighted a profound desire to deepen the understanding, devotion, and proclamation of Lord Jesus among the faithful. The essence of this year-long observance lies in recognizing Jesus' presence akin to the disciples of Emmaus. The intention is to engage more actively and attentively in liturgical practices, fostering a collective commitment to enhancing faith in the Holy Eucharist, regarded as a divine manifestation of God's boundless love. This sacrament, originating from Jesus' Last Supper, holds immense spiritual significance, serving as both sustenance for the soul and a unifying symbol, promising an auspicious future for adherents.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of Eucharistic adoration, the Archbishop underscored its significance as the primary response to God's profound and unconditional love. Worship, in essence, signifies devoutly acknowledging Jesus as the supreme authority. It's noteworthy that in Turkey, where an overwhelming Islamic majority prevails, Christians, including various sects, constitute a minority, with approximately 250,000 followers, among whom only 35,000 adhere to the Catholic faith.
The Year of Divine Mercy in Turkey symbolizes a dedicated endeavor within the Catholic community to fortify their spiritual foundation, deepen their reverence for the Holy Eucharist, and reaffirm their devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ amidst a predominantly different religious landscape.
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