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!