It is available in abundance to everyone if only we would embrace it. It is an endless and unfathomable gift that flows most profusely on the Sunday after Easter. It is the devotion of the Divine Mercy and it offers each of us a wonderful chance to begin anew through the Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena. Begun on Good Friday and completed on Divine Mercy Sunday, this powerful novena offers us a chance to change our lives forever! It is also a powerful way to intercede for our loved ones and the entire world by bringing all before the merciful gaze of Christ.

In 1931, a young Polish nun named Sister Faustina Kowalska, saw a vision of Jesus who, with rays of mercy in the form of blood and water streaming forth from His Heart, told her to paint an image of him and sign it, “Jesus, I Trust in You!” Calling her the Secretary of His mercy, He ordered her to also begin writing a diary so others would come to know of his unfathomable mercy. In a series of revelations that followed from 1931 through 1938, Jesus taught her about His unlimited ocean of mercy available to even the most hardened of sinners, saying “Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet” (Diary 699).

In her Diary, Jesus told Sr. Faustina, “I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fountain of My mercy, that from there they may draw strength and refreshment and whatever grace they need in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death” (Diary, 1209). While the Chaplet can be said anytime, the Lord specifically asked that it be recited as a novena, promising that “By this Novena (of Chaplets), I will grant every possible grace to souls” (Diary 796).

During each day of the Novena, which is prayed on Rosary beads, Jesus asked that souls be brought to his merciful heart to be immersed in his “ocean of mercy” for each of the nine days, “On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy … On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for graces for these souls” (Diary 1209). Specific intentions include all mankind, especially sinners; the souls of priests and religious; all devout and faithful souls; those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Jesus; the souls who have separated themselves from the Church; meek and humble souls and the souls of little children; the souls who especially venerate and glorify His mercy; souls detained in purgatory; and souls who have become lukewarm. It is interesting to note that Jesus saves the ninth day of the novena for “lukewarm” souls saying, “These souls wound my heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out – ‘Father, take this cup away from me if it be your will.’ For them the last hope of salvation is to flee to My mercy (Diary 1228).

This year’s Divine Mercy Novena is going to be even more meaningful than usual. Two great servants of mercy, Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII, will be canonized saints on Divine Mercy Sunday. In 1966, through the diligent efforts of then Karol Cardinal Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), the informative process for beatification of Sr. Faustina was begun. The message of mercy is now being spread throughout the world. On the Second Sunday of Easter of the Jubilee Year 2000, at the Mass for the Canonization of St. Faustina Kowalska, Pope John Paul II proclaimed to the world that “from now on throughout the Church” this Sunday will be called “Divine Mercy Sunday.” In speaking of Divine Mercy Sunday in Faustina’s Diary, Jesus said, “On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy” (Diary 699). Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy” (Diary 965).

It is important to note that there are three places in St. Faustina’s Diary that record promises from our Lord of the extraordinary graces He will make available through the devout reception of Holy Communion on this Feast Day:

The powerful Divine Mercy Novena as ordered above by Jesus gives us the tremendous opportunity to begin again – a fresh start of “complete forgiveness of sins and punishment” that may have otherwise have been due to us in life up to that point. So powerful is the Chaplet that Christ said, “Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy” (Diary, 687). Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will” (Diary 1731)

Jesus in his unfathomable mercy gives us this grace to begin anew through his passion and death on the cross where blood and water gushed forth from His heart. This Good Friday then, let us take advantage of this powerful novena while there is still time – for the sake of our souls, the souls of our loved ones and a world deeply and desperately in need of Divine Mercy.

Divine Mercy Sunday 2014

Monsignor James Lisante will be the principal celebrant at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy's annual Divine Mercy Sunday celebration on April 27, in Stockbridge, Mass., announced Shrine Rector Fr. Ken Dos Santos, MIC.

The Solemn Liturgy, beginning at 1 p.m., is, of course, the highpoint of a weekend-long celebration that will include a conference, music, prayer, and opportunities for confession.

The Marians are expecting a large crowd. Last year's celebration drew some 23,000 pilgrims.

If you can't make it to the Shrine for Divine Mercy Sunday, don't worry! You also can view the celebration live on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) on April 27. The broadcast begins at noon (EST).

Monsignor Lisante is pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park, N.Y., and a regular presenter at the Marian Fathers' Bronx Conference. Long active in the popular media, he has hosted several national television programs, including Personally Speaking and Christopher Close-Up.

Both the Sunday liturgy and the Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, will be celebrated on Eden Hill at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.

On Saturday morning, the Marian Fathers will host their annual Mercy Weekend Conference. This year's theme is "Saints John XXIII and John Paul II: Celebrating the Mercy Popes." Speakers include Msgr. James P. Moroney, rector of St. John's Seminary in the Archdiocese of Boston, and Deacon Chris Alar, MIC, a Marian seminarian who will be ordained to the priesthood on May 31.

The conference will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Congregational Church, 4 Main Street in Stockbridge, just down the hill from the National Shrine. General admission is $20 (bag lunch included). Admission is free for members of the 13th of the Month Club, Friends of Mercy, and the Holy Souls Sodality. To register, please call 1-800-671-2020 or go online. The deadline to register online is April 16.

On Saturday and Sunday, tents will be set up on Eden Hill for Eucharistic Adoration, confession, presentations, Masses and enrollments, candle lighting, and a gift shop.

One highlight of the weekend will be the prayer banner composed of thousands of pieces of cloth, each one bearing a Marian Helper's prayer intention. Each year, there's a different "theme" for the banner, which ties into the Divine Mercy Sunday celebration. This year's theme is "Mercy United, 2014." The centerpiece of the banner will feature an image of John Paul II and John XXIII with the Divine Mercy in the background.

Mud. Rain. Snow. Sun. They are potential elements of the unpredictable spring in the beautiful Berkshires. Pilgrims are advised to dress in layers. Wear comfortable shoes that have traction, and don't forget rain gear.  

As always, we encourage the faithful to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday in their own local parishes, since it is a universal feast day in the Church. If you don't have a special Divine Mercy observance locally, consider asking your pastor to begin one. The Marians have resources that can help, including Celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday in Your Parish: A Practical Guide. Call 1-800-462-7426 for more information.

About 650 volunteers are needed for the weekend. Those interested in volunteering for any part of the weekend can call 413-298-1114 or e-mail volunteers@marian.org for more information.

Saturday, April 26
8 a.m. — Holy Mass-National Shrine
9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. — Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament-Adoration Tent. At 2:45, there will be a procession to the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.
10 a.m. — Divine Mercy Conference: "Saints John XXIII and John Paul II: Celebrating the Mercy Popes" held at First Congregational Church of Stockbridge. Speakers will include Monsignor James P. Moroney, rector of St. John's Seminary in the Archdiocese of Boston and our own Fr. Jim McCormack, MIC, Prefect of Formation and Novice Master for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.
3 p.m. — Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet, Exposition of and
Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine
4 p.m. — Vigil Mass, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine

Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27
9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. — Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration Tent
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Music and spiritual presentations, recitation of the Rosary, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine
1 p.m. — Solemn Liturgy will be celebrated by Monsignor James Lisante, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park, N.Y., Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine
3 p.m. — Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet; Exposition of and Benediction with the Most Blessed Sacrament; blessing of religious articles and water, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine

On Saturday and Sunday, confessions will be heard from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., tents for enrollments and Masses will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the food court will serve starting at 8 a.m. Gift shop tents will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. (The gift shop will be closed on Monday, April 28.)

The votive candle tent will be open from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Sunday, while Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and Immaculate Conception Candle Shrine will be open all day.

For up-to-date information, visit the Shrine website, call (413) 298-1118, or e-mail pilgrims@marian.org.

Thanks the 1st time I prayed Divine Mercy was on GOOD FRIDAY 2004. I Prayed Novena outside the church waiting for it to open.

I met two guys just released from county prison. They were also awaiting church to open it’s doors. Struck up a conversation, Praying for something special?They told me they were both saddened because their families wouldn’t accept them in their home for Easter because of their lifestyle.They had nowhere to go...

I said lets pray tell GOD you are sorry..
I explained what DM Novena was and gave them one of 3 pamphlets I found in pew at Mass a week previous. I Told them to beg for God’s Mercy and let the Chips fall where they may! I led the Novena as best I could. After we finished the Novena I said the St Gertrudes prayer with them.
Just as we finished the last prayer the Retiring Pastor pops his head out the front door and apologizes he gave the Sacristan the morning off and it was his responsibility to open the Church. Just then from two different directions family members of the paroled convicts come to let them Know their parents had a change of heart and to please come home with them. They both witnessed God’s Mercy and wept.They hugged and like prodigal sons went home.

I went inside and prayed the Liturgy of the Hours then re-prayed the DM Chaplet and the Rosary. I dedicated mine to a young Blind Gentlemen.I asked Jesus Christ if he could give this guy a personality or restore his sight!

This guy was in an accident 5 years previous. He was declared legally blind used a Cane and sunglasses.In the warmer months he used to wear white hanes t-shirts. He wrote I LOVE Jesus Christ with a bic pen black ink on the front and back. He walked slowly around town everyone noticed his salute to Christ. They never commented but everyone stopped to read his t-shirt and his profession of faith.. Fast forward to the First Friday evening 11pm 2004. I speak to a friend who asked did I hear the news. I ask what News..?
She said the Blind Guy was walking around the Indoor track overlooking the basketball courts at the YMCA this morning. He stopped because he got sweat in his eyes. He rubbed his eyes and his sight came back! Praise the Lord!

Remember to pray for people who don’t believe in the Body Blood Soul and Divinity of our LORD Jesus Christ nor the existence of God’s fountain of MERCY!

April 19 - Holy Saturday - Day 2 of the Novena

Second Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious,

and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

* In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use.

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Divine Mercy Sunday 2014

REMINDER

April 19 - Holy Saturday - Day 2 of the Novena