Faces of Mercy, an artistic gift from Australia to Rome

A performance of music, art, and poetry spanning from Sydney to Rome is a contribution to the Year of Mercy from a group of Australian Catholic artists. 

Inspired by Pope Francis' Jubilee of Mercy, the group of artists has collaborated to create a performance piece entitled The Faces of Mercy, which was performed on October 23 in Sydney and will be performed again on November 17 at Domus Australia in Rome.

The Faces of Mercy combines music by composer George Palmer, poetry by Kevin Brophy, a triptych of artwork by Niké Arrighi Borghese, and additional text based on the writings of Pope Francis and the psalms by Professor Clare Johnson in collaboration with the production's director/producer Michael Campbell.

Performers include soprano Amelia Farrugia, Kevin Brophy, a clarinet and string quartet featuring soloists of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and organ and choir from St Mary's Cathedral.

Former Australian ambassador to the Holy See, John McCarthy, initiated the project and chairs the project committee.

"Years of Jubilee have, over the centuries, inspired sacred works in various forms from the talents and visions of artists. I became determined to witness a reflection of the great notion of God's mercy in the work of exceptionally accomplished and talented Australians," Mr McCarthy said.

The theme of mercy resounds throughout the preaching, prayer, and prose of Pope Francis. 

The Faces of Mercy employs texts and ideas drawn from the Pope's writings and proclamations on mercy and echoes his call to contemplate the mystery of mercy, to hope for mercy, and to act with mercy.