Earlier this year, two priests of DU’s Catholic Men’s religious community—DU’s Catholic chaplain the Rev. John Ignatius, and another priest, the Rev. Paul Kostka—were selected as the “Missionaries of Mercy” for the archdiocese of Denver. They were asked to come to Rome to be mandated by Pope Francis on Feb. 9. The Clarion spoke with the Chaplain to hear about Fr. John and Fr. Paul’s travels in Rome.

Describe your role as the Catholic Chaplain at DU, both in relation to the Catholic community at DU, and to the rest of the students and faculty.

As the Catholic chaplain at DU, I have the honor of continuing and building the legacy of Jesus Christ: preaching Jesus’ message, teaching Jesus’ Gospel and promoting the mission of Jesus. My first responsibility is the conversion and education of those who are already Catholic. Catholic college students are a vibrant minority whose ancient beliefs are worthy of respect and support. The Catholic Church rejoices that college students are so interested in Jesus Christ and His ongoing mission. And I am blessed to celebrate sacraments, educate faithful Catholics, and overcome prejudices against the Church by representing Jesus’ words, Jesus’ teaching, Jesus’ example and Jesus’ Church.

How did you and Fr. Paul Kostka get to be selected as the “Missionaries of Mercy” for the Archdiocese of Denver?

Occasionally a pope will call for a Jubilee Year, which is a year of celebrating the forgiveness and mercy Jesus wins for us by his death and resurrection. Catholics are called to receive that mercy in being forgiven, and also to extend that mercy in forgiving others. Catholics are also encouraged to practice Jesus’ “works of mercy,” which include feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, providing for the poor. This year, the Pope has also designated “Missionaries of Mercy,” who are empowered as all priests are to absolve and forgive sins in the name of Jesus. However, the Pope has also symbolically empowered “Missionaries of Mercy” to absolve some of those sins that only the Pope has the authority to absolve. In addition, Missionaries of Mercy are asked to provide extra occasions for Confession, extra lectures and talks and to be promoters of the Mercy during the Jubilee Year.

The archdiocese of Denver made us aware of this opportunity, and invited us to apply. Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila recommended Father Paul and me to the Holy Father, and his office accepted that recommendation and chose us to be Missionaries of Mercy.

What is the main reason that you went to Rome and met Pope Francis?

Pope Francis desired to assemble the priests designated as Missionaries of Mercy to celebrate part of their Jubilee Year in Rome, and to attend a meeting with the pope on Feb. 9 to hear his vision for this special ministry. Then the pope wished the Missionaries of Mercy to concelebrate Mass with him in St Peter’s Basilica, on Feb. 10, for their “commissioning” and being sent from Rome to the four corners of the earth.

What was your meeting with Pope Francis like? What kinds of things did you discuss?

Being “backstage” at the Vatican was exciting. The ancient buildings and their art were breathtaking enough. But the living faith of over a thousand priests from all over the world was a joy to experience. The words of the Holy Father were gracious, welcoming and fatherly. He reminded us of the ancient analogy of Church as mother, and that we must be maternal in our welcome of sinners and paternal in our encouragement of sinners. He noted from the Bible that God’s interest is decreasing shame, and increasing forgiveness and confidence, and that our interest must be the same.