Once upon a time…

On December 17th, 1936 Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina from Italian parents. During all of his childhood, his grandmother would tell him stories about different saints and this had a great impact on his faith.

At the age of 17, Jorge Mario profoundly experienced God's infinite mercy. He was taking a walk with friends when suddenly as he passed in front of the San José Church, he felt a strong desire to go inside and confess. “It was on that day that I received the calling to become a priest. I had absolutely no doubt what so ever.” He confided later on. 

Reminding the world that Jesus' mercy for mankind is so important for Jorge Mario, that once elected Pope, in 2015, he announced the Jubilee year of Mercy! He enabled God's mercy to become a central part of our faith, by encouraging adoration of the blessed sacrament and receiving the sacrament of reconciliation.

A Saying…

Mercy brings joy, because the heart opens up to the hope of a new life.

“Only joy sprung forth from the hearts of the two women, the adulteress and the sinner! Forgiveness finally made them feel free and happy like never before. Their tears of shame and pain were transformed into a smile because they knew that they were loved. Mercy brings joy because the heart opens up to the hope of a new life. The joy of forgiveness is indescribable, but it is reflected within us each time we experience it. The love with which God comes to meet us is at the root, breaking our egoism that encircles us, and making us become instruments of His mercy.” Misericordia et misera, n°3

A prayer…

Today we can pray for our Holy Father, asking that his heart never stops opening up to God's mercy, so that divine grace can continue working within him. 

Three ways to pray for this intention:
1. I click immediately on the tab “I pray” just below, and I carefully read the “prayer to the Holy    Spirit for Pope Francis”
2. I say 10 Hail Marys and I click on the tab “I pray”
3. I offer 3 minutes of silence, heart to heart, with God, then I click on the tab “I pray”