Jubilee of Missionaries of Mercy to Commence Today in Rome

Vatican City, March 28, 2025 – The celebrations of the Jubilee of Missionaries of Mercy will begin today at the Vatican in Rome. Running from March 28 to 30, the event will bring together 500 Missionaries of Mercy priests from across the world. Organised by the Dicastery for Evangelisation, the three-day celebration will feature theological sessions, reconciliation initiatives, liturgical celebrations, and a special musical concert.

The participating Missionaries of Mercy priests will be arriving from countries including the United States, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Spain, France, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Colombia, and India. Established by Pope Francis in 2015, these priests have been entrusted with a special ministry of reconciliation, including the authority to forgive sins normally reserved for the Apostolic See. Their numbers have since grown to 1,258 worldwide.

Opening Ceremony and Theological Discussions

The celebrations will begin this morning with a prayer service in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, marking the opening of the Fourth World Meeting of Missionaries of Mercy. The conference, themed “Forgiveness as a Source of Hope”, will feature theological discussions led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, followed by a session on pastoral guidelines.

In the evening, the visiting priests will participate in the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle, a global event dedicated to prayer and reconciliation. Launched by Pope Francis in 2013, this annual observance highlights the significance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Church’s mission. This theme for this year's edition of the event, in alignment with the Jubilee Year, is inspired by Psalm 71:5: “You are my hope.”

On Saturday, March 29, the visiting priests will embark on a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before gathering to pray the Holy Rosary at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens.

Closing Mass and Holy Year Concert

The Jubilee of Missionaries of Mercy will conclude on Sunday, March 30, with a morning Mass celebrated by Archbishop Fisichella at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle. In the afternoon, the Fifth Holy Year Concert, “Missa Papae Francisci”, will be held at the Church of Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso. Performed by the Roma Sinfonietta Orchestra and choral ensembles, the concert will pay tribute to the renowned Italian composer Ennio Morricone.

Papal Message

Although Pope Francis recently returned to Casa Santa Marta following a month-long hospitalisation, he will not be present for the Jubilee celebrations. However, he is expected to send a written message to the Missionaries of Mercy priests participating in the event.

Courtesy: Vatican News