CINCINNATI — The Most Rev. Dennis M. Schnurr, archbishop of Cincinnati, will open the “Door of Mercy” at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati during the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Dec. 13.

That ceremony will mark the official beginning of the archdiocesan celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. Every cathedral around the world will be doing the same thing on the same day, including St. John Lateran in Rome. The Holy Father opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

The archdiocese has chosen a theme for the year of “Know Mercy, Show Mercy.” The theme is designed to reflect the Jubilee Year goal of growing in our own understanding and attitudes of mercy, and sharing the mercy of Christ with others.