“Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity! May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign supreme and mask our hypocrisy and egoism!”

—Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus, n. 15

In collaboration with the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization and in honor of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, this two-day colloquium will discuss questions specifically related to the topic of disability and the ways in which mercy, properly understood, requires friendship, communion, and a shared life with those who have disabilities.

Invited participants include Elizabeth Lev, the Rev. McLean Cummings, John P. O'Callaghan, Mary O'Callaghan, Gabriele Violini, Lorenza Violini, the Rev. Terry Ehrman C.S.C., Lisa Schiltz, Thomas Williams, and representatives from the L'Arche, Sant'Egidio, and Communion & Liberation movements.

Participants will gather at the Vatican June 5–6, 2016, for two days of presentations, reflections, discussion, and fellowship. Following the colloquium, guests may take part in the official events of the Jubilee for the Sick and Persons with Disabilities (June 10–12).

Dr. Mary O'Callaghan gives a preview of her presentation here: