Mercy Works: The First International Congress of Opera Misericordiae Takes Place in Mexico
A new global network of Christian charities gathers for the first time to strengthen collaboration and expand mercy-driven service to the world’s most vulnerable.
Last month, from April 13 to 17, 34 participants, including seven Legionary priests, gathered in Amecameca, Mexico, for the first International Congress of Opera Misericordiae. Newly created in December 2025, this collaborative network brings together Christian charitable works with a presence across five continents, focusing on accompanying the most needy, those at risk of social exclusion, and those without resources.
United in the Mission of Mercy
An international initiative of the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi, Opera Misericordiae seeks to serve the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, strengthen collaboration between apostolates, and respond more effectively to the needs of today’s world. Inspired by the love of the heart of Jesus and the Social Doctrine of the Church, the network seeks to bring the works of mercy to life in today’s world.
During the four-day event, representatives from 16 charitable entities from the United States, Mexico, and Europe shared experiences, lessons learned, and best practices.
Additionally, several support institutions were present, including the Regional Services Office (ORSSER), the Territorial Office of Regnum Christi (Mexico and Central America), the general area of “Life and Mission” of the RC Federation, the General Directorate of the Legionaries of Christ, and the Regina Apostolorum Foundation.
Key Insights and Collaborative Fruits from the Congress
Established as a space for encounter, prayer, formation, and reflection, the congress was an opportunity to generate important synergies and alliances while respecting the unique identity and mission of each organization. The value of diversity in approaches and methodologies, which allows for complementary efforts and multiplied impact, was one of the key ideas shared during the congress.
The organizations involved in the congress work in diverse fields, such as education and training, basic needs and assistance, nutrition, medical care, and the promotion of rural workers and vulnerable communities. But they all share a common purpose: person-centered care that recognizes each individual’s inherent dignity. The congress reaffirmed this core meaning central to their work: Christ is present in every person served.
Among the main fruits of the meeting were the creation of a solid international network based on collaboration and mutual support, the exchange of knowledge and best practices between apostolates, the generation of new strategic alliances, the openness to joint projects and growth in new territories, and the strengthening of a shared identity and mission.
In addition, the congress defined concrete lines of action for the coming years, focused on expanding the global reach of initiatives, channeling aid in a more effective way, and identifying new opportunities for works of mercy where they are needed most.
A Shared Vision for Expanding Works of Mercy Worldwide
With these concrete goals for collaboration and defined work lines established, the first congress marks the beginning of Opera Misericordiae: a path, guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe, toward responding to today’s challenges with greater depth, unity, and hope.
The congress concluded with an open invitation to other institutions and apostolates to join this initiative, which is already operating in various countries and aspires to grow in scope and depth in the coming years.
“Together We are Stronger”: Mercy That Multiplies
Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC, attended the congress as the board chair for Catholic World Mission (CWM).
“The first Congress of Opera Misericordiae surpassed all my hopes. I can see great things coming from this connection to the network of Opera Misericordiae, and there are already more than a dozen concrete synergies for CWM that have emerged so far.”
María Yactayo works in partner engagement and communication for the CWM team and participated in the congress as the practical secretary. For María, the congress was far more than a professional convention, but a return to her own missionary heart, which was set on fire over 30 years ago during a mission in Comayagua, Honduras. It was here that she first felt the call to serve the poor, the vulnerable, and those most in need, an encounter that shaped her life and eventually led her to her work at Catholic World Mission.
“In just five days, I tangibly experienced the fruits and benefits of being part of the Opera Misericordiae network. The shared wisdom, reflection, and prayer strengthened each work present—not in isolation, but in communion. In one week, we created synergies and began collaborations that would normally take years—and over a dozen emails—to form. In the breaking of bread, our eyes and hearts were open to the spirit of Christ in each alliance.”
“The network truly worked its magic—revealing how collective mission amplifies visibility, credibility, and influence, ultimately serving more people more effectively. Together we are stronger—rooted in Christ and united in mercy, we will accomplish far more than we ever could individually.”
For more information about Opera Misericordiae, visit their website at operamisericordiae.org or contact María directly at myactayo@catholicworldmission.org.
Learn More About Some of the Participating Organizations:
- Catholic World Mission bridges the gap between donors and partners to uplift those in spiritual and material poverty, extending the missionary outreach of the Catholic Church by empowering local Church leaders, missionaries, and lay faithful to bring Christ’s light to communities around the world.
- VIS Foundation is an international organization whose goal is to feed, care for, and educate children in the world’s poorest countries.
- Mano Amiga México is a network of Catholic educational centers, where children and young people with fewer opportunities receive the comprehensive training tools they need to develop and become successful people.
- Anáhuac Institute for Social Transformation is a university-based initiative that seeks to contribute to the integral formation of positive action leaders and promote the development of the human person and society, always inspired by the values of Christian humanism.
- Misión MasAlto serves, cares for, and accompanies the rural families of the Pico de Orizaba region, recognizing their dignity as children of God and providing them with tools for a full life.
- Medical Mission Network is a Christian charity that supports global healthcare initiatives, providing medical aid, supplies, and training to underserved communities while promoting holistic care and spiritual guidance.
- Plan 2040 is a project to break the cycle of poverty and ensure a brighter future for every single member of the community of Cuatro Ciénegas, Mexico, through long-term, holistic solutions that focus on health, education, family, spirituality, and employment, improving the lives of every family and helping every child meet their full potential.
- Albergue Sagrada Familia provides marginalized patients and families traveling to Mexico City to receive specialized medical treatments with safe and dignified accommodations, nutritious meals, and spiritual accompaniment.
- Helping Hands Medical Missions delivers compassionate healthcare and the Gospel to the most needy in the developing world.
- Fundación Altius España is a social foundation that aims to transform the lives of the most vulnerable populations, particularly through training and support to enter the workforce.
- Mission Youth and Family (Juventud y Familia Misionera) is a Regnum Christi apostolate which seeks to engage young people, adults, and families in the mission of spreading Christ’s love.
