The experience of mercy, whether we are the ones giving it or the ones receiving it, leads to joy. This is because mercy opens our hearts to the hope of new life. As scripture reminds us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Therefore, in this Year of Hope, we ask God not only for hope for ourselves, but also for the grace to become instruments of His hope for others.

As part of the celebrations around the Jubilee Year, through both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, we will make God’s mercy manifest in our communities. We will be tangible signs of hope for our brothers and sisters who experience hardships. The works of mercy are tangible and measurable; no act is too large or too small, especially when done with great love. Empowered by the message of the Gospel, we invite our community to take on the challenge of completing 1,000,000 works of mercy in our diocese. Join us in the challenge!

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“During the Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.” – Spes Non Confundit (Proclamation of the Jubilee Year 2025)

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is spreading hope by completing 1,000,000 Works of Mercy. We are calling this our “Acts of Mercy Challenge”. Please join us! All you need to do is serve God through acts of love and service (the corporal and spiritual works of mercy).

The works of mercy don’t have to be something extra-ordinary, like going to a soup kitchen (though they can be). They can be something simple, but still meaningful like cooking a family meal or praying for a friend in need.You can do this as an individual, with a friend, with family, or as a team (perhaps a Church small group or ministry). Visit our diocesan website for more information and to submit your works of mercy. www.Mercy2025.org