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It was wonderful, very pertinent event.
The conference was encouraging. The speakers presented their talks sincerely and reminded the listener of the peace that God’s mercy brings.
It was a valuable event! I learned a lot and met some amazing new friends!
Great event, great speakers, great community
It was a valuable event! I learned a lot and met some amazing new friends!
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The ‘God is Hope’ online event
Real stories of lives utterly changed by God’s love, to help you renew your faith, and be witness to God’s faithfulness!
God’s nature is mercy and loving kindness.
On November 28-29, 2020, a host of Catholic speakers and guests came together to celebrate a message the world starves for.
It’s the message of the Gospel itself. That God is mercy. It is His nature. Together, we explore and share stories to help us become more merciful, loving, and fair – to ourselves and the world.
Live talks and group chats
Real stories from real Catholics
Meet and make friends
Catholic veterans and new voices
Join workshops & events
Recorded videos
Resources and guidance
Restore your hope
We need mercy
“The fragility of our era is this, too: we don’t believe that there is a chance for redemption; for a hand to raise you up; for an embrace to save you, forgive you, pick you up, flood you with infinite, patient, indulgent love; to put you back on your feet. We need mercy.”
Pope Francis, The Name of God is Mercy


Welcome Letter from Anne DeSantis
Dear friend,
At the end of 2020, you might be asking, “Where is the light? Does God know or care about me? Is there really even a God?”
What if we could prove to you that not only is there a God Who cares, but His character is actually pure mercy?
If you have felt disappointed in God this year, walk with us for a weekend as we give testimony of His faithfulness.
Listen to real-life stories and vital experiences of God’s saving hand throughout history – and in our own day.
Delve into the problem of evil and why we don’t need to despair.
Discover how to balance the justice of God with the mercy of God.
Learn practical wisdom for sin-management and dealing with Catholic guilt.
Find out why and how to love the sacrament of Confession.
Hear from the popes, especially Pope Francis, how to be mercy-bearers to the world.
We’re really excited about the timing of this conference because it opens the same weekend as Advent, that wonderful yearly time of renewal.
Get ready to welcome Jesus into your hearts and bring Him to your communities this Christmas.
As we open a new liturgical year together, anticipating the arrival of the Light of the World, let the hope within us restore the hope within you.
Anne DeSantis
Topics we will cover:
- The Great Lover in Scripture
- Jesus Christ, the Face and Word of God
- Father of Mercies and God of all comfort
- Redeemer of the WorldLife-Giver and Sanctifier
- Divine Mercy
- Relationship with Christ and His Mother
- Why Bad Things Happen to Good People: God’s Response
Saints of Mercy - The Sacraments and Mercy
- Vocations and Living Mercy
- Holy Quotes on God’s Mercy
- Loving One Another and Mercy
- The Sacrament of Confession
- Spreading the Gospel in Daily Life
- Forgiving through Mercy
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16
Meet the Speakers
The SmartCatholics Directory
Read their details, find all the links to their websites, and download any freebies they’re sharing!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the videos?
The videos will be sent to the email you registered with. You are able to watch 3 of them for free right now!
I can’t attend the event. Will there be replays?
Yes, all the replays will be stored in a beautiful, on-demand library that you can watch any time.
Is there a community?
Yes, this event is happening within the SmartCatholics community. Get formation, feedback, answers, and new friends!
Questions? Leave a comment! →
Be a Magnetic Catholic!
Lonely Catholics risk becoming bystanders.
We need to regroup, make friends, and turn into first-responders! The SmartCatholics community helps us be magnetic Catholics in the modern world.
If this is your first time hearing about SmartCatholics, read the About Page to learn more.
We’re a mission Church, united to Pope Francis’ call to bring the joy of the Gospel to every corner of the world – starting with ourselves.
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Why you should join this community:
We need somewhere online that’s ours, where we can
- Uplift and inspire each other, and make new friends
- Swap stories and ideas (not just advice!)
- Be free of toxicity, trolls, and ads. (Bye bye, Facebook. We love you, but…)
We need more than just information. We need insights we can trust. We need friendship to help us live lives of hope and meaning.
Who this community is not for:
For any community to mean something and take action, there must be focus. And our community exists for a clear goal: unity, friendship, and formation.
Pope Francis is a source of unity for us. Please don’t enter if you reject Pope Francis and the 2nd Vatican Council, thrive on impending apocalyptic prophecies, polarized politics, and constant argument.
There are plenty of other groups out there for you! Discussion on all topics is welcome, but bad manners aren’t. Ever. Offenders are warned or removed. God love you!
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