The examples of four models of mercy from the Americas were recounted at a Sept. 24 symposium in Rome, called “Witnesses of Mercy in the Americas.”
The symposium, which aimed to highlight lived examples of mercy during this Jubilee Year of Mercy as well as promote unity within the Americas, explored the lives of Father Eusebio Kino, Father Antonio Margil de Jesus, Father Michael McGivney and “angel of charity” Julia Greeley from Denver. The symposium was organized by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Denver.
Among the speakers were Dr. Jonathan Reyes, executive director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Martha Reichert, president of Denver-based women’s bible study ministry Endow.
Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila delivered the keynote address for the symposium. These four witnesses, he said, give people a glimpse of the face and heart of Christ and exemplify virtues that are needed in a world that is hostile to people of faith.
Archbishop Aquila referred back to Pope Francis’ bull indiction for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Misericordiae Vultus, and said these four witnesses are exceptional examples for people to look to in living out the remainder of this year of mercy.
“As we go forth from this symposium, I ask you to speak with God in the quiet of your heart about how he is calling you to be a herald of mercy without reservation and with your whole heart, as these four witnesses did,” he said.
