Divine Mercy Sunday: The Feast of God's Infinite Mercy

Feast Day: The Sunday after Easter (Second Sunday of Easter)
Liturgical Color: White (Symbolizing joy, purity, and the triumph of Christ’s mercy over sin)
Significance: Celebrates God’s infinite mercy, as revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska, and calls us to trust in Jesus and extend mercy to others.

Divine Mercy Sunday is a feast that highlights God’s boundless mercy and His desire to forgive all sinners. Instituted by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000, this feast is based on the visions of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who received private revelations from Jesus about His Divine Mercy.

This feast calls Catholics to:

1. Trust in God’s Mercy – Jesus revealed to St. Faustina: “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy” (Diary, 723).
2. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Jesus promises extraordinary graces to those who go to Confession and receive the Eucharist on this day.
3. Be Merciful to Others – Jesus commands: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

Divine Mercy Sunday serves as the completion of the Easter Octave, celebrating the fullness of Christ’s victory over sin through His merciful love.

"Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.’"

• On the evening of Easter, Jesus appears to His disciples and gives them the power to forgive sins.
• This moment establishes the Sacrament of Confession, through which we experience God’s mercy firsthand.

"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."

• God’s mercy is limitless, and He desires to restore and heal all who come to Him.

"Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’"

• St. Thomas doubted, but Jesus mercifully revealed Himself to strengthen his faith.
• This teaches us that God’s mercy meets us in our weakness and doubt, leading us to greater faith.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

• Jesus invites all sinners to trust in His Divine Mercy and receive His healing love.

Divine Mercy Sunday is rooted in:

1. The Paschal Mystery – Christ’s Death and Resurrection are the ultimate acts of Divine Mercy, opening the gates of Heaven.
2. The Sacraments of Mercy – Through Confession and the Eucharist, we receive the cleansing and healing power of God’s love.
3. Jesus’ Revelation to St. Faustina – Jesus promised:
   • “On that day, the very depths of My tender mercy are open.” (Diary, 699)
   • “The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 1109)

This means that all sins and their temporal punishment are completely wiped away, making it like a second Baptism!).

• 1930s: Jesus appears to St. Faustina Kowalska, instructing her to spread devotion to His Divine Mercy.
• 1950s-1970s: The devotion grows, despite opposition.
• 1980s: Pope St. John Paul II, a great advocate of Divine Mercy, promotes the message worldwide.
• April 30, 2000: Pope St. John Paul II canonizes St. Faustina and officially establishes Divine Mercy Sunday for the entire Church.
• April 2, 2005: St. John Paul II dies on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, confirming his deep connection to this devotion.

• Jesus taught St. Faustina this powerful prayer, promising extraordinary graces for those who recite it, especially at 3:00 PM (the Hour of Mercy).
• The Chaplet is prayed using Rosary beads and calls upon God’s mercy for the whole world.

• Jesus promises complete forgiveness of sins and punishment to those who go to Confession and receive the Eucharist on this day.

• Jesus asked St. Faustina to paint an image of Him with the words “Jesus, I trust in You.”
• The rays coming from His heart represent:
  • Red – His Blood, which is the life of souls.
  • Pale/White – Water, which makes souls righteous (Baptism).

• Jesus requested a special devotion at 3:00 PM, the hour of His death.
• This is a moment of prayer and reflection on Christ’s Passion.

• On Divine Mercy Sunday, priests are encouraged to preach about God’s mercy and the importance of trust and forgiveness.

• Go to Confession and receive the Eucharist to obtain the special plenary indulgence.
• Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, especially at 3:00 PM.
• Meditate on God’s mercy, reflecting on the Passion of Christ.
• Read passages from St. Faustina’s Diary, deepening your understanding of Divine Mercy.
• Perform works of mercy, following Jesus’ command: “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Divine Mercy Sunday is a day of grace, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Jesus invites us to trust in His mercy, receive the Sacraments, and extend His love to others. As we celebrate this feast, we are reminded that no sin is too great for God’s mercy, and His love is always waiting to restore us.