Divine Mercy Sunday

The Sunday after Easter, the second Sunday of the Easter season, is called Divine Mercy Sunday. It was named by Pope John Paul II at the canonization of Saint Maria Faustina on 30 April 2000 (ten years ago), when he proclaimed to the world that “from now on throughout the Church this Sunday will be called Divine Mercy Sunday.”

The Marians of the Immaculate Conception, in their explanation of Divine Mercy Sunday, tell us:

"Among all of the elements of devotion to The Divine Mercy requested by our Lord through St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the Feast of Mercy holds first place. The Lord's will with regard to its establishment was already made known in His first revelation to the saint, as recorded in her Diary. In all, there were 14 revelations concerning the desired feast. . . .

"Liturgically the Easter Octave has always been centered on the theme of Divine Mercy and forgiveness. Divine Mercy Sunday, therefore, point us to the merciful love of God that lies behind the whole Paschal Mystery — the whole mystery of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ — made present for us in the Eucharist. In this way, it also sums up the whole Easter Octave. As Pope John Paul II pointed out in his Regina Caeli address on Divine Mercy Sunday, 1995: 'the whole octave of Easter is like a single day,' and the Octave Sunday is meant to be the day of 'thanksgiving for the goodness God has shown to man in the whole Easter mystery.'"

In addition to the regular Masses, there are a number of special observances in observance of Divine Mercy Sunday.  The most noted observance may be the one at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, which this year is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. In addition to this one, there are observances at cathedrals, churches, shrines, and other holy places throughout the world. Each of these observances encourage us to sincerely repent of all our sins (and go to confession), to place our complete trust in Jesus, to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, and to be merciful to others (through our actions, our words, and  our prayers for them). May we listen to our Lord as He calls us, and really embrace this message!

Speaking of the shrine in Stockbridge, Myrna and I had a chance to drive out there many years ago. It is a beautiful shrine, and I am always glad to encourage others to visit it.

For additional reflection/information:

Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD: Divine Mercy Sunday: What's This Feast All About, Anyway?

Homily of Pope John Paul II at the Mass for the Canonization of Sister Mary Faustina Kowalska

National Shrine of The Divine Mercy