Blessed are the Merciful

group at wydWorld Youth Day in Krakow, Poland

Associate Denise Ficorelli, OPA, recently participated in World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. The following reflection offers a few glimpses of God’s mercy during the group’s journeys – “If eyes are open to seek His mercy, it will be seen. If hands are open to give mercy, it will be received.”

Sorrows and discouragements turn to unimaginable joy!

A month and a half have passed since I returned home from World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, and each day unfolds a deeper meaning of my journey. I traveled with a group of 48 teens and young adults, many I had never met, but we were all there for the same purpose – to seek Jesus. A few looked in the wrong places, others sought a re-awakening of God’s love, and happily the majority witnessed the many blessings poured out on us all living as community alongside two million other pilgrims. Our sorrows and discouragements along the way always seemed to turn into unimaginable joys!  Continue reading →

Posted in News
| Tagged in , ,

The Earth Needs Mercy

Karen Martens, OPA
Blog by Associate Karen Martens, OPA

In reflecting on this Year of Mercy, perhaps our first thought goes to the people who need mercy. But, Earth also is crying out for mercy. Too often these cries are ignored, or at best, simply not heard. Some see Earth as a resource to be used to the advantage of people. Why else would strip mining occur? Why else would wetlands be destroyed? Why else would fracking occur? Or dams be built? Or new homes be built in farmland while existing homes and neighborhoods are left to deteriorate? Continue reading →

Posted in Peace & Justice Blog
| Tagged in ,