Divine Mercy Sunday Devotion
🌊 What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
Divine Mercy Sunday is a special feast day in the Catholic Church celebrated on the 2nd Sunday after Easter. It was officially established by Pope St. John Paul II in the year 2000, in response to the revelations of Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun and mystic of the 20th century.
Jesus revealed to St. Faustina that He desires this feast to be a fountain of mercy for all souls—a day where His grace flows in an extraordinary way for the forgiveness of sins and the renewal of the world.
✨ Why is Divine Mercy Sunday Important?
1. It comes from Jesus Himself
Jesus told St. Faustina:
“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 of St. Faustina, 699)
2. It offers unparalleled graces
3. On Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus promised a complete forgiveness of sins and punishment—a grace so great that it resembles a second baptism, granted only under the right conditions.
4. It responds to the crisis of sin and despair
In a world full of brokenness, many people believe their sins are too great to be forgiven. This day is a radical invitation to hope, healing, and conversion.
🙏 What Are We Called to Do on Divine Mercy Sunday?
To receive the full grace Jesus promised, He asks us to:
-
Go to Confession
(Preferably before Divine Mercy Sunday; can be within about 20 days before or after.) -
Receive Holy Communion
On Divine Mercy Sunday itself. -
Trust in Jesus' Divine Mercy
Approach Him with a repentant heart and childlike trust. -
Perform an act of mercy
Through deed, word, or prayer, to someone in need. -
Venerate the Image of Divine Mercy
(Jesus asked that the image with the inscription “Jesus, I trust in You” be publicly venerated.) -
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Especially at 3 PM—the Hour of Mercy.
🌈 What Happens When We Participate?
Jesus promises:
"The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."
(Diary 699)
This means:
- All sins are forgiven
- All temporal punishment (purgatory time) is wiped clean
- Your soul is as pure as it was after baptism
❤️ Why Should We Do It?
- To trust in Jesus’ unfathomable love
- To respond to His personal invitation for mercy
- To intercede for the salvation of others
- To deepen our own conversion
- To be an instrument of mercy in a hurting world
Divine Mercy Sunday is not just another feast day—it’s a lifeline from Heaven.
A day when Jesus’ Heart is wide open, pouring out grace to anyone who dares to trust in His mercy.
Clarifications on the Devotion:
State of Grace:
You should be in a state of grace, meaning free from mortal sin. If you are not, you should make a good confession before or on Divine Mercy Sunday.
Confession:
While you ideally should confess your sins to receive the plenary indulgence, you can do so up to 20 days before or after Divine Mercy Sunday, or even on the day itself.
Holy Communion:
Receive Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday, either at Mass or a Vigil Mass the night before.
Pray for the Pope’s Intentions:
Pray for the Holy Father’s intentions, which can be done with a prayer like the Our Father or the Hail Mary.
Prayers and Devotions:
Participate in prayers and devotions in honor of Divine Mercy, which can include reciting the Our Father, Creed, and a prayer to the merciful Jesus (e.g., “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!”) in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. OR recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet in any Church or Chapel
Be Detached from Sin:
Have a complete detachment from even venial sin.