This Saturday, March 29, the Holy Father’s Message to the Missionaries of Mercy was released on the occasion of their Jubilee pilgrimage, which takes place from March 28 to 30. The Pontiff encourages priests, “in their ministry as confessors, to be attentive in listening, ready to welcome, and constant in accompanying all those who wish to renew their lives and return to the Lord.”

Below we publish the message of the Holy Father Francis to the Missionaries of Mercy priests on the occasion of their Jubilee pilgrimage, read by His Eminence Monsignor Rino Fisichella:

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Message of the Holy Father

Dear brothers,

I would have liked to meet you on the occasion of your Jubilee pilgrimage and to express in person to you, Missionaries of Mercy, my gratitude and my encouragement.

Thank you, for with your service you bear witness to the paternal face of God, infinitely great in love, who calls everyone to conversion and renews us always with His forgiveness. Conversion and forgiveness are the two gentle touches with which the Lord dries every tear from our eyes; they are the hands with which the Church embraces us, sinners; they are the feet on which we walk in our earthly pilgrimage. Jesus, Saviour of the world, opens for us the way that we travel together, following Him with the strength of His Spirit of peace.

I encourage you, therefore, in your ministry as confessors, to be attentive in listening, ready to welcome and constant in accompanying those who wish to renew their own lives and return to the Lord. Indeed, with His mercy, God transforms us inwardly, He changes our heart: the Lord’s forgiveness is the source of hope, because we can always count on Him, in any situation. God made Himself man to reveal to the world that He never abandons us!

Dear friends, I wish you a pilgrimage rich in fruit. I heartily bless your apostolate, asking Mary Immaculate to watch over you as Mother of mercy. And do not forget, please, to pray for me.

Rome, “Gemelli” Hospital, 19 March 2025, Solemnity of Saint Joseph.

FRANCIS

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Daily Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office, 29 March 2025