Archbishop Sheen Today! -- Fountain of mercy Barbara Kralis Barbara Kralis September 21, 2004 © Catholic Online 2004 What does the Church mean when she uses this theological phrase, 'Fons Misericordiae' or 'Fountain of Mercy? Let us first look at the Church's definition of mercy: "A moral virtue that prompts its owner to have compassion for and to succour those in spiritual or temporal want." Mercy is the one distinctive virtue of being a Christian — to be a Christian is to be merciful. Furthermore, Clemency (mercy) together with charity is a requirement to perform the necessary Spiritual and Corporal...