April 7, 2024, 12:00 PM

Our Divine Mercy Liturgy celebrates what Jesus asks of us through St. Faustina. In the 1930s, Jesus provided Divine Mercy revelations to a humble Polish nun, Maria Faustina Kowalska. In her Diary, she recorded 14 occasions when Jesus requested the observation of a Feast of Mercy. Jesus said, “I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls … The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment… It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter” (Diary, no. 699). In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Sister Faustina and declared the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. In 2002, the Pope approved indulgences for Divine Mercy devotions. If we receive the Sacrament of Penance, perform a Work of Mercy, and receive Holy Communion, we can obtain a plenary indulgence, the complete forgiveness of all sins and all due punishment. Jesus also gave St. Faustina the Chaplet of Divine Mercy saying, “Encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given you” (Diary, no. 1541). “Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death… I desire that the whole world know My infinite mercy” (Diary, no. 687). Jesus gave St. Faustina nine intentions for the Novena. We should pray the Novena of Chaplets of Divine Mercy beginning on Good Friday and ending on the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday. However, it can be prayed anytime. God gave the world a Savior. We are called to make known His Divine Mercy and prepare for His Second Coming. Now you know!