Davao Divine Mercy devotees join WACOM

A total of 171 Divine Mercy devotees from Davao city composed of 167 lay, 2 priests (Fr. Amado Arroyo and Fr. Joel Caasi) and two bishops (Archbishop Romulo G. Valles and Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla) attended the WACOM 2017.

WACOM stands for World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, an international gathering of Divine Mercy devotees and promoters; among whom are bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters and the laity. Convened every three years, the Philippines is privileged to host the 4th WACOM this January 16-20, 2017.

WACOM was first held at the Vatican in Rome, Italy on April 2-6, 2008. Led by its President, Christoph Cardinal Schonborn, O.P., where more than 4,000 delegates gathered from all over the world reflecting on the Theme: “Be Witnesses of Mercy”. The second WACOM was held in Krakow, Poland with the theme “Unique Hope for the World” on October 1-5, 2011. Here the Marians of the Immaculate Conception initiated the signature campaign for St. Faustina’s declaration as doctor of the Church. The third WACOM was in Bogota, Columbia on August 14-18, 2014, with the theme: “Mercy, Word and Mission for a New Spring in the Church”.

This year 2017’s theme “Communion in Mercy; Mission for Mercy” shall accelerate the ‘culture of mercy’ in the Church and in the world. As His Holiness, Pope Francis leads the way with the proclamation of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016) let us follow the path the Lord Jesus has set for us in faith, hope and love. (Manilee Araune, SUGID-Digos)