World Apostolic Congress on Mercy also known as the WACOM, is a global association of devotees and promoters, which includes bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters and the laity. The first WACOM was held in Rome in 2008; the second was in Krakow in 2011 and the third was in Bogotá in 2014. Convened every three years, the Philippines is to host the 4th WACOM this January 16-20, 2017.
Philippines, which is most forward Catholic country in South East Asia is privileged to present the 4th WACOM. The entire convention would be celebrated as a Pilgrimage of Mercy, taking the delegates and the participants on a spiritual journey to different sacred places of Philippines. The theme for this year’s WACOM – “Communion in Mercy; Mission for Mercy” – shall accelerate the ‘culture of mercy’ in the Church and in the world.
This five day event will be held at 5 different places in Philippines starting from the opening mass at Manila Cathedral to the final talk and closing ceremony hosted at the Diocese of Balanga in Historic Bataan. The entire schedule for the 5 day convention is as follows –
Day 1 – Manila Cathedral
Celebration of the Holy Mass by Most Rev. Giuseppe Pinto, D.D., Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and with His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, D.D. as homilist.
Day 2 – University of Santo Tomas
Celebration of the Holy Mass presided over by His Eminence Christoph Cardinal Schonborn, D.D. along with Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, D.D., CB CP President as homilist. The day will witness the first 4 Talks of the Convention.
Day 3 – Batangas
The third day of the Congress will witness the congregation coming together to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with a hundred and twenty priests scheduled to hear confessions at the Archdiocese of Lipa, Batangas. This would be followed by Talk 5 and Testimonies.
Day 4 – Bulacan
The fourth day would largely be a grand day of festivities, celebrating the cultural richness of Philippines. This day would also witness the blessing and dedication of the 100-ft statue of the Divine Mercy atop a four story multi-purpose building to perpetuate the memory of WACOM 2017. The day would end with cultural events and a sumptuous feast.
Day 5 – Bataan
At the Diocese of Balanga, in historic Bataan the final talk would be delivered the final talk. As the official website of WACOM states ‘All the delegates to the 4th WACOM come together to receive the mandate to spread to all the corners of the earth, the joy, the bliss and privilege and the opportunity to proclaim the unfathomable mercy of God!’
Source: – www.wacom4.com
