Adapt your charism to today’s needs, Pope tells Mercedarians

May 03, 2016

Pope Francis addressed members of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy who had gathered in Rome for their general chapter.

Speaking in the Sala del Concistoro (Hall of the Consistory) of the Apostolic Palace on May 2, the Pope paid tribute to the Mercedarians’ “great achievements” since their founding in 1218, including “the work of the redemption of captives, the daring mission in the New World, as well as the many members distinguished for their sanctity and learning.”

“The true life of the Order must be sought in the constant effort to adapt and renew itself, in order to be able to give a generous answer to the real needs of the world and of the Church, being faithful to the enduring patrimony of which you are the depositories,” he continued.

Calling the Mercedarians to be prophets who are led by the Spirit to the peripheries, Pope Francis asked them to “‘proclaim the Lord’s Year of Grace’ to all those to whom you are sent: to the persecuted because of their faith and to those deprived of freedom; to the victims of trafficking and to the young people of your schools; to those employed in your works of mercy and to the faithful of the parishes and the missions that have been entrusted to you by the Church.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Udienza ai partecipanti al Capitolo Generale dell’Ordine della Beata Maria Vergine della Mercede (Mercedari) (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope’s Address to the Mercedarians (Zenit)
• Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy