It is no coincidence that Pope Francis designated that the Year of Mercy should begin on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8.
In his announcement of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said, “I am convinced that the whole Church will find in this jubilee the joy needed to rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God, with which all of us are called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time.
“From this moment, we entrust this Holy Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she might turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey.”