John Paul II Training Center For The New Evangelization

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Mercy Saints

What is the purpose of life?

To receive and reflect the Divine Mercy.

We believe that the purpose which drove the life of our Savior on this earth was - Mercy. Therefore, the purpose which should be the driving force behind a Catholic’s life is to receive and reflect the Divine Mercy. Mercy is at once the motivating force and end result of Catholic evangelization (II Corinthians 5:14). The wisdom of the Church is revealed through the canonization of specific saints at specific periods in the history of the world. At a time in history when we are faced with events that incite man to anger, vengeance, and hate, which end in hopelessness, the Church has presented us with the Mercy Saints as an alternative. It is through the Divine Mercy that people will be reconciled to God and to each other. A Mercy Training Center is proposed primarily as a means of helping proclaim the unfathomable Mercy of God: to encourage Catholics and draw back “stray Catholic sheep.” We seek to live and proclaim a Mercy Driven Life. The Mercy Saints help us to accomplish our task since the driving force in their lives is Mercy.

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Before we continue our discussion of the mercy patron saints, we would like to draw your attention to a FDA Warning regarding the IVC Filter, a medical device recommended for people  who are at risk for DVT and can not be treated with blood thinning medications.

The FDA has warned that recipients of an IVC filter could suffer from a number of serious side effects such as: IVC filter migration, fracture, filter components that puncture internal organs or lodge in blood vessels, tilting or moving of the IVC filter from its original position, among others. The result could be:

•  Pulmonary embolism,
• Compromised respiration
•  Stroke
•  Death

It is important to learn all the facts about the potential life-threatening side effects of the IVC filter. Already there are numerous lawsuits that claim in certain IVC filters there are design defects, manufacturing defects, along with breach of implied warranty, and negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered negative consequences from an IVC filter, contact an IVC attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. We pray for your safe recovery.

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Mercy-Evangelization Patron Saints

The Apostle John, John Eude, Claude de la Colombiere, Philip Neri, Theresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola, Isadore the Laborer, Francis Xavier, Francis of Assisi, Francis of Sales, the Apostle John, Vincent Ferrier, Margaret-Marie Alacoque, Theresa of the Child Jesus, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Sr. Faustina, Maximillian Kolbe, Radagonde...we also rely on the prayers of Pierre Goursat (founder of the Emmanuel Community), Marthe Robin, and John Paul II. A Google search of each or any of these personalities would be inspiring.

One of the Mercy Saints we have been drawn to is St. Philip Neri. In fact, the Mercy Center in Brazil is calling one of our centers: The Philip Neri Training Center.

Why the emphasis on ‘Saint Philip Neri?’

Only two people in the history of the Church have the honor of being named The Apostle of Rome. The first was Saint Peter, the second, Saint Philip Neri. Every student of the New Evangelization should study closely the life, and spirituality, and evangelistic methods of Saint Philip Neri. In the 16th century, while The Protestant Reformation was trying to empty the Catholic Church, he became the Apostle of joy and second Apostle of Rome in the evangelization of the Church from within. He did it, not by attacking the protestant reformers, but by emanating the irresistible beauty of the Catholic Church. See the book: Philip Neri, The Fire of Joy, by Paul Turks.

The choice of Philip Neri is also linked to his burning heart for evangelization, and his life and practical method of evangelization through question-answer spiritual conversations. For Philip, crisis in the Church meant opportunity rather than catastrophe. His love for the Eucharist and huge heart drove him into the streets with a gospel of Mercy. (He is also the patron saint of commandos.) With style and uncommon originality, he drew the “multidudes” and the clergy back to God and the Church. From the poor to the nobility, all were drawn to the Merciful Heart of God in Philip. Waiting inside the parishes would never bring them back. His genius was to go out daily into the streets and initiate spiritual conversations (ragionamento) to draw stray and sick sheep back to the Shepherd. May Saint Philip Neri inspire and accompany us in all forms of the New Evangelization.

Pope John Paul II’s high estimation of the place of St. Philip Neri in the success of the New Evangelization can be found in the Appendix of perhaps the best book currently available in English on the Saint: The Apostle of Joy.

The Big Five

In studying the life of St. Philip Neri, we realized he was closely linked in Mercy Evangelization with four other saints, as explained in the following from “Search for the Beautiful Garden.”

Danelle and I are in the process of visiting a part of the Garden that has 5 very beautiful “exotic” flowers. They became available for worldwide distribution March 12, 1622. The Head Gardener at that time was Pope Gregory XV. The five “orchids” are Isador the Farmer, Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and a particularly beautiful flower named Philip Neri. That all five flowers made their entry into the bed of the canonized flowers on the same day is extraordinary, almost as extraordinary as their lives and teachings. The Head Gardener and his counselors always have the wisdom of God the Owner to canonize flowers at just the right moment. It is rare, indeed, that flowers of this quality are presented as prayer flowers at the same time in the history of the world, and of the Garden.

It is like a treasure hunt in the Garden to find rare flowers and figure out why the Owner chose to plant them when and where He planted them in the history of the Garden. In the case of the “Big Five” as we call them, we feel that the world has yet to benefit wholly from the powerful beauty of these five. Perhaps the secret is making a “bouquet” of all five at once.

Why were they canonized the same day? What is it that makes them individually and corporately so important for this century? Find the answers to those questions and perhaps the Owner of the Garden will give you a large whiff of the perfume of the graces linked to each flower of the “Big Five.” Here are some clues to use in the search. There is an individual spirituality of each of the flowers which is enhanced by the other four. The perfume of its spirituality encourages many who live in the Garden. The only scent better than that of one flower is that of two or three or four or all five together. That’s the fun and that’s the challenge in the Garden. Find out how the perfume of one complements and completes those of the others and you benefit from the discovery.

Some cultures like the fragrance of Saint Ignatius of Loyola better than that of Philip Neri. That’s okay, unless the Head Gardener and the Owner wish to sow the Good News of the Garden in new innovative ways. Some people have overdosed on one perfume for so long that they need a whiff of something new, for a while at least. We want to spread the Good News of the Garden everywhere. We need the help of the fragrances of all the flowers to effectively plant the Garden everywhere.

To find out what qualities are contained in each of the flowers in the “Big Five,” it will take some research. Certain of the flowers have weed-killing capacities that could be effectively used in Garden planting. Certain ones can bring healing of sick plants. Certain ones fertilize the soil. Certain ones have roots that go deep and hold water in the soil even during drought. Certain ones, like Francis Xavier, will grow just about anywhere. Certain ones, like Philip Neri, give you joy just gazing at them. Certain are good in times of Garden storms, like Teresa of Avila. Certain inspire hard labor in the Garden like Isidore the Laborer. They all seem to be good at giving off the fragrance of the love of the Garden everywhere.

The great news is that the archives of gardening are rapidly being put on files that can be accessed on the Internet. In fact, you can simply type “Canonization 1622” and start the treasure hunt. We won’t tell you what we found. It would ruin the search. Perhaps now is the time in the history of the Garden and the world when such flowers as these, old though they seem, may together help the Owner and the Head Gardener make the Garden even more beautiful.

 

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More Background on JP2TrainingCenter.com

 

JP2TrainingCenter.com occupies a unique place among archived religious websites. Unlike many inactive domains that disappear permanently after their owners stop maintaining them, this domain was intentionally acquired and restored by an individual who believed the original ministry deserved to remain available to future generations. The site's current introduction openly explains that the original website had vanished after the domain expired and that the purchaser recreated as much of the archived material as possible to preserve its message rather than allow the domain to be repurposed for unrelated commercial use.

Although the website never achieved widespread public recognition, it represents an interesting chapter in the history of Catholic lay evangelization during the era inspired by Pope John Paul II. Its pages combine spirituality, practical evangelization, devotion to Divine Mercy, biographies of influential saints, and reflections on how ordinary Catholics can participate in what Pope John Paul II famously called the "New Evangelization."

Unlike many religious websites that primarily announce parish events or publish sermons, JP2TrainingCenter.com functioned as a training resource. Its purpose was educational, missionary, and deeply spiritual. Visitors were encouraged not merely to study Catholic teaching but to actively share their faith through everyday encounters, charitable works, and joyful witness.

A Website Inspired by Pope John Paul II

The title itself immediately reveals its inspiration.

The "JP2" in JP2TrainingCenter.com refers to Pope John Paul II, whose papacy from 1978 until 2005 profoundly influenced Catholic evangelization throughout the world. One of the defining themes of his pontificate was the call for a "New Evangelization," an appeal for Catholics to rediscover the missionary spirit within traditionally Christian societies where religious practice had declined.

John Paul II repeatedly described this evangelization as "new in ardor, methods, and expression," encouraging Catholics to communicate ancient truths through contemporary means. His vision inspired countless ministries, conferences, educational programs, and lay organizations dedicated to missionary outreach.

JP2TrainingCenter.com clearly positioned itself within that movement.

Rather than focusing on apologetics or theological debates, it emphasized personal conversion, mercy, charity, and joyful evangelization.

Why the Website Was Preserved

One of the site's most interesting features is its explanation of why it exists today.

The present owner describes discovering that the original domain had expired. Concerned that someone might acquire it for unrelated purposes, they purchased the domain and reconstructed much of its archived content from preserved web pages.

This transforms today's website into more than simply an active ministry.

It has become a digital preservation project.

The restoration serves as both an historical archive and a tribute to the ministry that originally occupied the domain. Rather than rewriting the material, the owner intentionally retained the original philosophy, acknowledging that some portions may not perfectly match visitors' memories because only archived pages remained available.

The Central Theme: A Mercy Driven Life

Everything on JP2TrainingCenter.com revolves around one foundational concept:

"The purpose of life is to receive and reflect the Divine Mercy."

Rather than treating Divine Mercy as simply another Catholic devotion, the website presents mercy as the motivating force behind every aspect of Christian life.

According to the site, Christ's earthly mission was fundamentally an expression of God's mercy. Therefore, Christians are called to imitate that same mission by extending mercy toward others through evangelization, forgiveness, compassion, and service.

This philosophy is summarized throughout the website using the phrase "Mercy Driven Life." The site's authors argue that authentic Catholic evangelization cannot be separated from mercy because mercy reconciles people both to God and to one another.

Rather than relying on confrontation or argument, the ministry encouraged Catholics to become visible examples of Christ's compassion.

Understanding the New Evangelization

To appreciate the website, it helps to understand the broader Catholic movement that inspired it.

Pope John Paul II introduced the concept of the New Evangelization during the late twentieth century as many traditionally Christian nations experienced declining Mass attendance, fewer religious vocations, and increasing secularization.

His solution was not to invent a new Gospel but to proclaim the same Gospel with renewed enthusiasm and creativity.

JP2TrainingCenter.com reflects that philosophy almost point for point.

Instead of focusing on institutional growth, the site encourages personal witness, relationships, and missionary discipleship. It repeatedly urges Catholics to seek out inactive believers rather than waiting for them to return on their own. This emphasis closely parallels John Paul II's teachings on evangelization and the missionary role of the laity.

Mercy Saints as Models of Evangelization

One of the site's most distinctive educational features is its emphasis on what it calls the Mercy Saints.

Rather than presenting saints merely as historical figures, JP2TrainingCenter.com treats them as practical teachers whose lives illustrate different dimensions of evangelization.

Among those highlighted are:

• St. Philip Neri
• St. Francis Xavier
• St. Francis of Assisi
• St. Francis de Sales
• St. Ignatius of Loyola
• St. Teresa of Ávila
• St. Thérèse of Lisieux
• St. John the Apostle
• St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
• St. Faustina Kowalska
• St. Maximilian Kolbe
• Mother Teresa
• St. John Paul II

The site also references influential Catholic figures such as Pierre Goursat and Marthe Robin, asking readers to seek their intercession even though they had not yet been canonized when the original material was written.

Rather than emphasizing miracles or biographies alone, the website encourages readers to study how each saint approached evangelization.

The Remarkable Focus on Saint Philip Neri

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of JP2TrainingCenter.com is its extraordinary admiration for Saint Philip Neri.

Many Catholic evangelization ministries emphasize St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier, or St. John Paul II.

JP2TrainingCenter.com instead places Philip Neri at the center of its educational philosophy.

The site describes him as one of only two individuals ever known as the "Apostle of Rome," the other being St. Peter.

According to the website, Philip Neri succeeded during the Protestant Reformation not by attacking opponents but by radiating joy, attracting people through conversation, and demonstrating the beauty of Catholic life.

The ministry especially admired his practice of initiating informal spiritual conversations in the streets rather than waiting for people to enter churches. It viewed this method as highly relevant for modern evangelization.

This emphasis is historically significant because Pope John Paul II himself praised Philip Neri as an enduring model of joyful evangelization, highlighting his combination of humility, charity, prayer, and joy.

The "Big Five" Educational Framework

Another original feature of the website is its discussion of what it calls the "Big Five."

This refers to five saints canonized together on March 12, 1622:

• Philip Neri
• Ignatius of Loyola
• Francis Xavier
• Teresa of Ávila
• Isidore the Laborer

The site compares these saints to rare flowers in a garden, suggesting that each contributes unique spiritual gifts while complementing the others.

Readers are encouraged to study all five rather than focusing exclusively on one spirituality.

The metaphor reflects the site's broader philosophy that successful evangelization requires multiple gifts working together—joy, discipline, missionary zeal, contemplation, and humble labor.

Possible Connections with the Emmanuel Community

The archived material repeatedly references Pierre Goursat and the Emmanuel Community.

The Emmanuel Community is an international Catholic lay movement founded in France that emphasizes Eucharistic adoration, evangelization, community life, and missionary outreach.

Although the surviving pages do not explicitly state that JP2TrainingCenter.com officially belonged to the Emmanuel Community, the repeated references strongly suggest theological influence.

The site also mentions Mercy Centers in Brazil and notes that one intended training center would bear the name of Saint Philip Neri.

These references indicate that the ministry may have participated in a broader international network of evangelization initiatives inspired by similar spiritual principles.

Intended Audience

JP2TrainingCenter.com was clearly written for ordinary Catholics rather than theologians or clergy.

Its audience included:

• lay evangelists
• parish volunteers
• prayer groups
• Catholic study groups
• adults seeking deeper spiritual formation
• individuals interested in Divine Mercy
• Catholics hoping to return inactive family members to the Church

The language throughout the site is conversational rather than academic.

Instead of presenting systematic theology, it encourages readers to pray, study the saints, participate in evangelization, and cultivate personal holiness.

Educational Style

The site's teaching method differs noticeably from many contemporary Catholic websites.

Rather than publishing lengthy theological essays, it often teaches through:

• stories
• metaphors
• biographies
• historical examples
• reflective questions
• practical applications

One recurring image compares saints to flowers in God's garden, illustrating how different personalities contribute unique gifts to the Church.

This literary approach gives the material an approachable, devotional tone while still encouraging historical research and spiritual study.

Popularity and Public Recognition

Available evidence suggests that JP2TrainingCenter.com was never a high-traffic religious website.

Unlike major Catholic organizations, there is little surviving evidence of:

• national media coverage
• significant press interviews
• major awards
• academic studies
• extensive public recognition

Instead, the ministry appears to have served a specialized audience interested in evangelization and Divine Mercy.

Its influence likely came through personal formation, parish use, and small-group study rather than large-scale public visibility.

Legacy

Although the original ministry eventually disappeared from the internet, its ideas remain representative of an important period in modern Catholic history.

The website reflects the optimism that characterized many lay evangelization efforts inspired by Pope John Paul II during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Its emphasis on joy, mercy, conversation, and missionary outreach continues to resonate with Catholics interested in the New Evangelization.

The site's preservation also demonstrates the value of digital archiving. Without the efforts of its current owner and archived web captures, much of its original content might have been permanently lost.

Today, JP2TrainingCenter.com serves not only as a repository of historical religious material but also as an example of how individuals can preserve online cultural and spiritual heritage long after an organization's active ministry has ended.

 

All the Mercy Saints draw their inspiration from Mary, the Mother of Mercy.

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