Jubilee of Americas 'a celebration of God's mercy' - Cardinal Lacroix

(Vatican Radio)  In the context of the Jubilee of Mercy, the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and the CELAM (Latin American Bishop's Conference) have organised a great "Celebration of Mercy in the American Continent" in Bogotà, Colombia.

The celebration is taking place 27-30 August, with the participation of Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Religious, and lay people from countries ranging from Canada to the "Patagonia". The purpose of the meeting is to bring together different aspects of ‘church’ and to experience the merciful face of the Father.

Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, the Archbishop of Quebec, spoke to Vatican Radio from the Jubilee of the Americas event.

Listen to the full interview:

Pope Francis sent a video message for the opening of the event on Saturday. In the interview, Cardinal Lacroix said the Pope had put it well: "The Holy Father was right. This is not a convention, a meeting, or a seminary; it's a celebration of God's mercy."

That celebration includes visiting the various manifestations of mercy throughout the city of Bogotà.

Cardinal Lacroix said, "Today all the delegates were invited to go in the many places where there are works of mercy so we could see, listen, meet, learn, share, and thank God for all the wonderful people who are working, here and all over the world, to make God's love shine through acts of love. Love in action."

He said the presentations of works of mercy in the American continents echoed Pope Francis' call to live the Jubilee Year of Mercy to the full. 

"From Canada to Argentina and everywhere: [the testimonies showed] how people have heard this call from the Holy Father to experience this Year of Mercy, not just pray but to act. And I think this will be more than just a year of mercy; it will be a conversion of mercy for the rest of our lives."

Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga is also participating in the event, click here to listen to his interview with Vatican Radio.