What is the Year of mercy?

“Jesus Christ is the face of the father’s mercy.”

With these words, Pope Francis announced a Holy Year of Mercy beginning on Dec. 8,2015 – the feast of the Immaculate Conception – and ending on the feast Christ the King on Nov. 20, 2016.

Mercy lies at the very heart of the Christian message. Pope Francis envisions a year in which we will become more merciful in own own lives and share God’s mercy with others. In this Year of mercy, we are called to bring consolation to the poor, liberty to those bound by new forms of slavery in our society, spiritual sight to those who have lost touch with God, and human dignity to those most in need.