Divine Mercy Sunday
Established by St. John Paul II, Divine Mercy Sunday celebrates the merciful love of God entering our world through the Easter mystery. The second Sunday of Easter was proclaimed Divine Mercy Sunday at the Canonization Mass of St. Faustina Kawalska. Thus, the word spread about the prayers and devotions associated with Faustina’s diary.
Born on August 25, 1905 in Glogowiec, Poland, St. Faustina stands out because of her love and compassion for the poor. Named Helena at birth, she took the name Sr. Maria Faustina when she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925. She felt commissioned by God to make his mercy known to the world so more people may come to know him. St. Faustina promoted the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which consists of reciting prayers using the rosary beads for the sake of Christ’s sorrowful passion.
St. Faustina is a reminder for us on Divine Mercy Sunday, to trust in Jesus’ mercy and to live a life of mercy toward others. We are called to reflect on the graces won for us during the Easter Triduum and in this way, we may be approach the mercy seat of God in a great way.
Keeping our gaze on the wounds of the Risen Jesus, we can sing with the Church: “His love endures forever” (Ps 117:2); eternal is his mercy. And with these words impressed on our hearts, let us go forth along the paths of history, led by the hand of our Lord and Saviour, our life and our hope.
(Pope Francis: Divine Mercy Sunday Homily 2015– From Vatican Radio)
-Lisa Dzikowski, Marketing & Sales Assistant
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