Pope Francis has convened around 500 priests, known as the Missionaries of Mercy, in Rome from March 28-30 to celebrate a special jubilee dedicated to their role. These priests, who have faculties to hear confessions worldwide and absolve certain sins previously reserved to the Holy See, were commissioned by Pope Francis in 2016 during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
The number of Missionaries of Mercy has grown significantly, with over 1,200 priests now serving globally. In the US, there are approximately 100 priests who have taken part in this ministry, and one of them, Father Augustine Deji Dada, described his experience as “life-changing”. Deji serves at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New York.
The jubilee’s theme is centered around the idea that mercy and hope share a vital link. According to Pope Francis, Missionaries of Mercy should revive hope and offer forgiveness whenever sinners come to them with an open heart and penitent spirit. The event includes training sessions on theology, canon law, and best practices regarding confession, as well as sharing experiences among the priests.
This year’s edition of “24 Hours for the Lord” is part of the program, a night-and-daylong event that began by Pope Francis during the Lenten season in 2013. The initiative will begin with a liturgy in Rome’s Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle and conclude with Mass on March 30.
Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263025/this-is-life-changing-missionaries-of-mercy-gather-in-rome-for-jubilee-of-hope