On February 9, 2016 Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass in St. Peter's with and for us Capuchins. Many Friars will be present for this Mass including two from our Province: Fr. Vincent Fortunato and Fr. Francisco Arredondo.

As our Minister General said, "I imagine all of you already know, Pope Francis has called an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. This choice comes from the awareness that "the Church is commissioned to announce the mercy of God, the beating heart of the Gospel, which in its own way must penetrate the heart and mind of every person. [...] It is absolutely essential for the Church and for the credibility of her message that she herself live and testify to mercy. Her language and her gestures must transmit mercy, so as to touch the hearts of all people and inspire them once more to find the road that leads to the Father." (Bull of Indiction, 12) The Holy Year will begin on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will conclude with the liturgical solemnity of Christ the King on November 20, 2016.

The beginning of the Lent of 2016 will represent a particular moment, when the Pope sends the Missionaries of Mercy (for our Province, Fr. Vincent and Fr. Francisco). For this event the Holy Father has asked us Capuchins to bring to St. Peter’s the relics of two among our saints that are most distinguished for service in the confessional: St. Leopold Mandić and St. Pio of Pietrelcina. They are two icons of life given in an unconditional way to the service of announcing the divine mercy. The request of the Pope honors us very much and will be from this moment on a strong invitation to dedicate ourselves with renewed commitment to this ministry both in our churches and in the places to which we are called for this service.

Capuchin General's letter announcing the Mercy of God.