Divine Mercy Sunday originated when Our Lord appeared to
Saint Faustina, a humble, Polish sister.
Jesus told Sister Faustina of his great desire to have a
Feast of Mercy established on the first Sunday after Easter. He also
instructed that the Feast be preceded by a Divine Mercy Novena that begins on Good Friday and ends the day before Divine
Mercy Sunday.
During
one of the visions, Jesus asked Sister Faustina to “Paint an image according
to the pattern you see with the signature: Jesus, I Trust in You. I
promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.
In the Divine Mercy image, Jesus is portrayed with one hand
outstretched blessing the world, while his other hand rests on the side wounded
by the soldier’s spear. From the wound in his side stream blood (red
rays) and water (blue rays).
When the first image was
painted, Sister Faustina cried because the image was not as beautiful as the
Jesus who appeared to her. Jesus comforted her by saying,
“Not in the beauty of the
color, nor of the brush is the greatness of his image, but in My grace.”
Jesus told Saint Faustina
that any person who goes to confession (as close as possible to Divine Mercy
Sunday) and receives Holy Communion, will obtain forgiveness of ALL sins and
the punishment that goes along with them.
In June 2002, Pope John Paul II granted indulgences to those who
recite an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
It is also recommended that a prayer such as, “Jesus, I Trust in You,” be added
to the usual recommended prayers.
Divine Mercy is not supposed to be reserved for Divine Mercy
Sunday only. When Our Lord appeared to Sister Faustina, he told her that
3 pm should be designated as the hour of mercy. It is traditionally held
as the hour in which Jesus died on the Cross.
Jesus told Sister
Faustina: “As
often as you hear the clock strike the third hour immerse yourself completely
in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it, invoke its omnipotence for the whole
world, and particularly for poor sinners, for at that moment mercy was opened
wide for every soul.”
Divine
Mercy Sunday is not just about God’s mercy towards us, but about the mercy we show
towards others as well. We are all in need of God’s love and mercy but
then we are called to give the love and mercy we receive to others.
Credits:
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