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.

Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me,

I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

*Our Lord's original words here were "the pagans." Since the pontificate of Pope John XXIII, the Church has seen fit to replace this term with clearer and more appropriate terminology.

Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church*,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

*Our Lord's original words here were "heretics and schismatics," since He spoke to Saint Faustina within the context of her times. As of the Second Vatican Council, Church authorities have seen fit not to use those designations in accordance with the explanation given in the Council's Decree on Ecumenism (n.3). Every pope since the Council has reaffirmed that usage. Saint Faustina herself, her heart always in harmony with the mind of the Church, most certainly would have agreed. When at one time, because of the decisions of her superiors and father confessor, she was not able to execute Our Lord's inspirations and orders, she declared: "I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus " I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me" (497). The Lord confirmed her action and praised her for it.

Sixth Day
Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children,

and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Seventh Day
Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy*,

and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God:

Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

*The text leads one to conclude that in the first prayer directed to Jesus, Who is the Redeemer, it is "victim" souls and contemplatives that are being prayed for; those persons, that is, that voluntarily offered themselves to God for the salvation of their neighbor (see Col 1:24; 2 Cor 4:12). This explains their close union with the Savior and the extraordinary efficacy that their invisible activity has for others. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren.

FINAL DAY OF THE NOVENA

Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm,

and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. 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 run to My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Divine Mercy Sunday 2014

REMINDER

April 19 - Holy Saturday - Day 2 of the Novena

FINAL DAY OF THE NOVENA