World Apostolic Congress on Mercy

A first ever World Congress on Mercy

The first ever World Apostolic Congress of Mercy will take place in Rome from 2nd to 6th April 2008 exactly three years to the day after Pope John Paul II's providential passing away on the Vigil of the Feast of Divine Mercy 2005. Pope Benedict XVI reminded us a year later that: "The mystery of the merciful love of God was at the center of the pontificate of my venerated predecessor." This Congress will be the starting point for the continental Congress (2009), national (2010), diocese (2011), and the new world Congress (2012).

What is the purpose of this Congress?

Divine Mercy is fundamental to our understanding of the Risen Christ. The Risen Christ is the Merciful One. In his appearances to the disciples after the resurrection Christ shows the depth of his mercy through his patience, his pedagogy, his love for people just as they are. This is not a teaching; it is the Risen Christ saying to every one of us , "This is what I am. This is what you can be." Mercy is Jesus himself! And the Church is invited to relive and proclaim this salvific reality.

... We Will Also be There...

During the convention we are called to be witnesses to the experience of Mercy that we live daily in our houses through:

  • Friday April 4, 2008 - Aula Paolo VI - 9:00am Mother Elvira's testimony
  • Thursday April 3, 2008 - Recital "Do not be Afraid!" Piazza Navona (to be confirmed) - Rome 9:00pm

The Power to Change the World

Divine Mercy has the power to change the world. It is a Revolution of Love able to uproot evil and sow goodness instead. Pope Benedict XVI explains "It is the mercy of God become flesh in Jesus that alone can redress the balance of the world from good to evil, beginning with that small and decisive "world" which is man's heart." (Angelus, February 23, 2007)

Information

Information: www.worldapostoliccongressonmercy.org

Program

2nd-6th April, Rome 2008 April 2nd : dedicated to the prophetic intuition of Pope John Paul II regarding Divine Mercy

  • April 3rd : Mercy in the Mystery of the Church
  • April 4th : Communion of the Church, stimulated by Mercy
  • April 5th : The role of Mercy in the Church's mission
  • April 6th : Closing Celebration of the Eucharist at St. Peter's Square

Interiorising the message through: Plenary sessions Eucharistic Celebrations Prayer Vigils Torchlight Procession through the streets of Rome Work shops and round-tables on a large choice of themes (theological, pastoral, biblical) Spreading the message through the Festival of Mercy: The Congress goes to the people. Every evening the Congress will open its doors and its participants will be invited to host an international programme of concerts, prayer vigils in the many churches of Rome, testimonies in squares.