The Latin Catholic Church of Cyprus also had the solemn liturgy of the opening of the Jubilee Year.
United with our Patriarch who opened the Jubilee Year in Nazareth, in Cyprus the church chosen was the Saint Mary of Grace Church in Lanarca. His Excellency Mgr. Bruno Varriano ofm, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop of Cyprus, presided over the Solemnity. His Excellency Mgr. Selim Sfeir, Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus, joined the great celebration, strengthening the unity of the Catholic Church of Cyprus.
The day was marked by a pilgrimage of all the parishes, groups, and various pastoral care, with the presence of the various institutes of nuns: Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition and the Sisters of Perpetual Help present on the Island. There were also numbers of priests and friars. Our youth group began their activities in the morning with their own specific preparation for the jubilee.
The pilgrimage from the different parishes began arriving in Lanarca at 12:00, where we began with Eucharistic adoration, and a meditation given by Father Peter Aston. The preparation was marked by the confessions with an introduction on the meaning of the jubilee year, and the grace of acquiring indulgences given by Father Ismael Quequesa. In an atmosphere of faith and unity all those present passed through the main door of the Saint Mary of Grace Church in Lanarca as pilgrims of hope.
May the grace of the jubilee year give our beloved island of Cyprus the long-awaited unity of the island.
Here is the homily of His Excellency Monsignor Bruno Varriano for the occasion.