Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday
Saint Bonaventure celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday.

"This Feast emerged from the very depths of My Mercy...
It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter....."

Each year parishioners gather in the church and pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, have Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image, reflect on Saint Faustina's praises, and conclude with Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
The earliest message of Divine mercy that Sister Faustina received from the Lord on February 22, 1931 was not only directed for her personal growth, but also for the good of all people.

With the command of our Lord to paint an image according to the pattern that Sister Faustina had seen, came also a request to have this image venerated, first in the Sisters’ chapel, and then throughout the world.

Jesus appeared to her with the rays radiating from his heart. The two rays denote Blood and Water: the pale rays stands for Water, which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for Blood, which is the life of souls. “These two rays issued from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized heart was opened by a lance of the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father,” (Diary 299)

On May 5, 2000 as part of the Jubilee Year, Pope John Paul II, moved by the consideration of the Father of mercy, willed that the Second Sunday of Easter be dedicated to recalling with special devotion these gifts of grace and gave this Sunday the name: “Divine Mercy Sunday”.

To ensure that the faithful would observe this day with intense devotion, the Pontiff himself established that this Sunday be enriched by a plenary indulgence granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in the spirit that is completely detached from the affection of a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus.