"In this difficult time for mankind, Holy Mother Church gives us another twelve months to start anew with Christ, letting us be accompanied by Mary, a sign of consolation and sure hope for all," says Archbishop Fabio Dal Cin, Pontifical Delegate to the Shrine of Loreto.

Hundreds expected to cross the threshold of mercy on Sunday in St Patrick's Basilica at the launch of the 2016 pilgrimage season.

"We have tried to institutionalise God’s mercy and many of those in our institutions have experienced them as anything but merciful” - Archbishop Martin.

"I pray that anyone who enters through the Holy Doors in our diocese will experience, in a profound way, the love of God who consoles, pardons and instils hope.”

"In effect, it is the same as if Pope Francis himself said the Mass and gave the blessing”.