SSJ Earth Center

Pope Francis adds New Work of Mercy to Original Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

As Pope Francis adds Care for Creation as a Corporal and Spiritual Work of Mercy,

this explanation was published in the Catholic New York newspaper.

“ As a spiritual work of mercy, the pope said, care for

Creation requires “a grateful contemplation of God’s world.”

While as a corporal work, it calls for “simple daily gestures

which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and

selfishness.” The Year of Mercy, he added, offers Christians an opportunity to

experience not only an interior conversion but also an “ecological conversion,”

one that recognizes “our responsibility to ourselves, our neighbors, creation and the Creator.”

Here are the Corporal Works of Mercy

1.       Feed the hungry

2.       Shelter the homeless

3.       Clothe the naked

4.       Visit the sick and imprisoned

5.       Bury the dead

6.       Give alms to those who are poor

7.       Care for our common home

Here are the Spiritual Works of Mercy

1.       Instruct

2.       Advise

3.       Console

4.       Comfort

5.       Forgive

6.       Bear wrongs patiently

7.       Care for our common home

( translation from Loyola Press)