Charism

Foundation: The Priestly Society of Mercy is rooted in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. It is fully Catholic, holding those things which are necessary for salvation. It also rejoices in its descent from the Church of Utrecht and the Ultrajectine Tradition. The Ultrajectine tradition emphasizes the importance of autonomy both in non-essentials of doctrine as well as local governance. The name “Old Roman Catholicism” now describes this belief system. Established by Archbishop Arnold Harris Mathew in 1910, Old Roman Catholicism holds as essential “that Faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all” (St. Vincent of Lerins) while expressing our faith in a compassionate manner. In claiming this tradition of Utrecht and Old Roman Catholicism, we maintain a filial devotion to the See of Rome through common apostolic tradition and belief in the Bishop of Rome’s role as center of unity while also emphasizing our own autonomy.
Fundamentals of Our Life: The word mercy has come to symbolize “compassion for an offender.” We seek to display and promote mercy to all we encounter. In doing so we model the words of Our Lord: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).
Sacramental Mercy: As a clerical Society, we promote mercy through the sacraments. The sacraments, “as special means of conveying Divine Grace and influence to the souls of men,” are means by which Christ unites us with Himself. We seek to promote their frequent reception, especially regarding the Most Holy Eucharist, as spiritual nourishment. In administering the sacraments, we follow Our Lord’s command that “freely you have received; freely give” (Matt. 10:8). We realize the sacraments are not our possession, and that Our Lord “did not come to call righteous people, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
Works of Mercy: We are aware of our duty as Christians to care for our brothers and sisters. As a clerical society, we are to be especially focused on service to others through the administration of the sacraments, but not to neglect other works of mercy. We are especially called to minister to those most in need of mercy: the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned. Through our direct service and financial support, we must always seek to place their needs at the forefront of our ministry.
Promoting God’s Mercy: Many people feel perceive themselves as unlovable or beyond forgiveness. As clerics, we proclaim God is “rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4) and our mission is to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isa. 61:1). We proclaim God’s mercy because we also depend on God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Recognizing God’s Majesty: We recognize that we cannot merit God’s mercy and that we “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). We, therefore, seek to give God our very best through offering the sacraments reverently and with solemnity.
Recourse to the Mother of Mercy: We have a special devotion to the Mother of God as intercessor and protectress, especially under the title of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn (Mother of Mercy). Realizing the special bond of mother and child, we rely on her prayers for mercy and seek her help in our lives.
Bridging East and West: We find value in the spirituality of both the Eastern and Western Churches. Through utilizing the liturgies, prayers, devotions, perspectives, and intercessions to the saints of each tradition we find a holistic spiritual understanding. We are committed to building up both expressions following the words “behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
Promoting Signs of the Sacred: We promote and maintain signs which are beneficial to spiritual life. Though they may have been developed by the Church later or in certain locales, we find value in blessings, consecrations/dedications, and other ceremonies which promote a full spiritual life.
Prayer and Spiritual Growth: Prayer is central to our spiritual growth. St. Ephrem says “virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven." We strive towards frequent prayer, recollection, spiritual reading, and other ways of deepening our relationship with God.
Learning and Intellectual Growth: We can never stop learning or growing intellectually. Learning and promoting wisdom is an important part of the Society’s charism. We heed the words of Saint Jerome, who said “when we pray we speak to God; but when we read, God speaks to us,” by reading critically and evaluating different perspectives and ideals.