Catholics observe Divine Mercy Sunday
A week after Easter Sunday, Roman Catholics observe Divine Mercy Sunday, a reminder of Jesus’ promise for the complete forgiveness of sins that gives man a chance for salvation.
It was introduced by Saint John Paul II on April 30, 2000 during the canonization of Polish nun Saint Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy.
In observance of the Divine Mercy Sunday, holy masses and the recitation of the Novena and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy will be celebrated in Divine Mercy Shrines around the world.
In the country, the center of celebrations will be the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year particularly during the Holy Week.
It is home to the world’s tallest statue of the Divine Mercy at 100 feet, which was blessed and dedicated during the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM) held in the country in 2017.
At the Divine Mercy Shrine in Mandaluyong City, hourly high masses will be celebrated from 6 a.m. to 12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saint John Paul II described Divine Mercy as God’s “Easter Gift” to the world. Like Pope Francis, John Paul II believed that mercy is the answer to the world’s problems. His final message was read out on a Divine Mercy Sunday, the day after he died:
“Humanity sometimes seems bewildered and overwhelmed by the power of evil, selfishness, and fear; but as a gift to humanity, the Risen Lord offers His mercy, His love that pardons, reconciles, and reopens hearts to love. It is love that converts hearts and gives peace. How much the world needs to understand and accept Divine Mercy,” the late Pontiff said.
Divine Mercy Sunday focuses on the diary of St. Faustina, which Jesus requested her to write in the 1930s, for mankind to know about His great mercy and His promise of complete forgiveness of sins on this day. Jesus said that a person who avails of Sacramental Confession, and receives Holy Communion today, shall obtain the total forgiveness of all sins and punishment.
In June 2002, John Paul II granted indulgences to Catholics who recite specific prayers on this day. The priests are also ordered to lead the prayers in honor of the Divine Mercy to inform the parishioners about the Divine Mercy, and encourage them to go to confession.