Celebration of the Jubilee for Deacons in Rome
Deacons and their families from all around the world are invited to make a pilgrimage to Rome in order to participate in a major gathering on the occasion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. This Jubilee for Deacons is a celebration for deacons—along with their wives and children—which will be held in the Eternal City from Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29, 2016.
The motto of the Holy Year, Merciful Like the Father, which is taken from the Gospel of Luke, serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure. Such a global convocation of deacons, men who by their vocation and ministry are closely associated with works of charity in the in the life of the Christian community, will serve to give witness to all that “mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life” (Pope Francis, Misericordiae vultus 10).
The program of events will provide opportunities for participants to discuss the important role of the deacon as the image of mercy for the promotion of the new evangelization. It will offer occasions though listening, discussion, and prayer to understand more deeply the role of the deacon as dispenser of charity. There will be time to make individual pilgrimages to the churches in Rome dedicated to San Lorenzo and to join along with particular language groups in a pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s. In the three Jubilee Churches, all located in the vicinity of St. Peter’s, there will be time set aside for Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. The three days will conclude on Sunday morning with Holy Mass celebrate by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square for the deacons and their families.
For the moment, we are organizing individual language tracks in Italian, English, Spanish and French. We would kindly ask, if possible, that all adults who register offer a 10 euro contribution to help offset the costs of the program. Registration will close on March 31, 2016. We look forward to your participation in this great Jubilee event!