From global meetings to weekly audiences, to his encounters with youth, Pope Francis has meticulously spoken about one common theme: God's mercy.
In sharing this message with the world, the pope has stated that this mercy even extends to the most sinful or the farthest from Jesus.
FR. GENO SYLVA
Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelization
'It's so important to recall, though, that for the Holy Father, the Jubilee of Mercy was going to be so unique and different, because of the fact that it was going to be celebrated in the particular churches all around the world, but also here in Rome.â?
As such, the pope invited bishops to select a 'Holy Door' in each diocese for believers to receive the same indulgence they would in Rome. Additionally, each bishop appointed a contact who would dialogue with the organizers in Rome, communicating highlights from their own diocese and sharing the inspirational stories that have softened many hearts.
In fact, it is these stories and the conversions attained through hearing the pope's words about God's mercy that made all the difference.
FR. GENO SYLVA
Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelization
'For me personally, I have heard from so many people that this is the first time they've been back to the sacrament of reconciliation in 25 years. So hearing the Holy Father speaking at all of these events about God never tiring in forgiving us, you know, the merciful face of God wants to look upon everyone. People have really taken that invitation to heart and come back.â?
The Jubilee Year was not about attracting visitors to stare in amazement at St. Peter's Basilica or enjoy the rich history contained within the Colosseum. As Fr. Geno explained, the hope was for people to take advantage of the mercy of God and to carry it to the whole world, even after the Year of Mercy has ended.
FR. GENO SYLVA
Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelization
'That's the desire, that not only are there so many perpetual fruits of the Jubilee of Mercy ,but that there will be so many initiatives that will blossom out of this Jubilee of Mercy. That when the Holy Door closes on November 20th, that now that our hearts and our minds are fixed more closely on the merciful face of God, we now know that it's our duty as Christians, as Catholics, to present that merciful face of God. I know it will continue on, I know it will continue on.â?
As the Jubilee comes to an end November 20th, if the pope's mission was to have God's mercy reach every heart, undoubtedly he will continue to speak about this topic. This is evident in his latest endeavor, a series of catecheses about the works of mercy during his Wednesday General Audiences.
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