In the context of this "Jubilee Year of Mercy", 1075 of us we were chosen by Pope Francis as "missionaries of Mercy". We were called to Rome to receive the mandate and to be sent officially to fulfil our mission with fidelity and consistency.
How was the meeting in Rome, at the Vatican?
The morning of the first day was devoted to prayer. We were assigned to a church near the Vatican where we received the sacrament of Penance and we had time to pray. Then we had a meeting with the Pope, during which the Holy Father told us that the Missionary of Mercy is a witness of God's closeness and his way of loving, and he invited us to allow ourselves to be reconciled by the Lord.
Who is a Missionary of Mercy?
He is a priest who must make this mercy present. This consists of three specific tasks: to preach mercy; to be available for whatever is asked of us in the field of evangelization; to live and to pass on the sacrament of reconciliation, with the faculty also to forgive sins which traditionally only the Holy See can absolve. During this year, I feel obliged to point out that the Church is the sign of God's mercy in the midst of our society.
What does this appointment mean in your life?
It is true that with every appointment comes responsibility, but this choice surprised me, I was very surprised. And later it created in me a lot of joy. I ask the Lord to grant me the ability to help many people, especially those who feel weak and inwardly broken, to those who are far away, those to whom God lovingly gives his mercy. I am convinced that God's role is to welcome and forgive.
What are your hopes and desires?
I wish we were all able to intensify the experience of mercy, and to celebrate the sacrament of Penance well and, above all, to bring into our environments, into every family, the wealth of mercy. I fervently wish that we could make our families the hearth of mercy, make our schools places of forgiveness, peace, respect and understanding. I hope that the profound mystery of God's grace may spread mercy to all those in need.
