Bogotá, Colombia, Aug 14, 2016 / 02:02 am
South America's Catholic leaders will celebrate the Catholic Church's Year of Mercy in a special way, gathering for a continental celebration in Colombia. They will pray a rosary for the Americas, visit poor parts of Bogota, and reflect on the example of the saints.
The Celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy aims to be "a sign of the communion of the churches of the whole continent, mutually committed to celebrating and radiating the Gospel of Mercy from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego," organizers said.
Pope Francis will send a video message to the gathering's inauguration.
The Aug. 27-30 event will draw participants from all the countries of South America. Fifteen cardinals and more than 120 bishops have registered for the event. The more than 400 attendees include rectors of National Marian Shrines, religious superiors, and directors of associations and new ecclesial communities.