In the announcement of this Jubilee Year, the Pope said, “Dear brothers and sisters, I have often thought of how the Church may render more clear her mission to be a witness to mercy; and we have to make this journey. It is a journey which begins with spiritual conversion. Therefore, I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its centre the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (cf. Lk 6:36)”.
During this year, we are encouraged to rediscover the richness encompassed by the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
Corporal Works of Mercy
The Corporal Works of Mercy include helping our brothers and sisters with their material and physical needs.
- feed the hungry
- give drink to the thirsty
- clothe the naked
- shelter the homeless
- visit the sick
- visit the imprisoned
- bury the dead
Spiritual Works of Mercy
The Spiritual Works of Mercy include helping our brothers and sisters with their emotional and spiritual needs.
- counsel the doubtful
- instruct the ignorant
- admonish sinners
- comfort the afflicted
- forgive offenses
- bear wrongs patiently
- pray for the living and the dead
"Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity!" (Misericordiae Vultus No. 15)
