Divine Mercy Sunday

The Servants of Jesus of The Divine Mercy

 

 Catherine M. Lanni/Spiritual Moderator & Foundress

“On the Feast of Divine Mercy are opened all the divine Floodgates through which graces flow.”

What is Divine Mercy Sunday?

The second Sunday of the Easter season is called Divine Mercy Sunday.  It was named by Pope John Paul II at the canonization of St. Maria Faustina on April 30, 2000, and then officially decreed by the Vatican.

Pope John Paul II expressed that it was the Sunday of thanksgiving for all the goodness that God has shown us throughout the Easter season.  Divine Mercy Sunday is the Octave Day, or eighth day of Easter that brings us to the fullness of Christ’s Resurrection, which began with Easter Sunday.  In the Diary of St. Faustina, Jesus revealed that on Divine Mercy Sunday He desires to pour out a flood of mercy on souls, and the soul who will go to Confession (obligations are met for the Easter duty) and receive Holy Communion (on that day) shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.

The image of Jesus of The Divine Mercy is to be venerated as well on this Feast day. The image of the risen Christ has red and pale rays streaming from His heart, which represent the blood and water which was shed while He was on the cross. These rays are a fount of healing graces for sinners, who will turn to Him with trust,

hence the inscription “Jesus I trust in You!”  He told St. Faustina, “I want the image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it” (Diary, 341).

Prior to Divine Mercy Sunday we should begin to prepare with prayer (the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Novena of The Divine Mercy) and by practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.  Jesus also states in the Diary that, “mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy” (699).  In these times when there is so much suffering, it is good to come together for prayer and to intercede for each other.  We must never give up!  God will give us the necessary grace to bear our crosses and triumph over our trials, and not only be triumphant, but victorious.  May the peace that He promises us, be always with you, to strengthen and guide you.

May God bless you abundantly!