In 1931, Jesus appeared to a young nun in Poland and asked her to spread the message of His Divine Mercy. During the course of these visions, Jesus asked St. Faustina numerous times that a feast day be celebrated the Sunday after Easter for His Divine Mercy. Therefore, in May of 2000 Pope John Paul II declared the Sunday after Easter Divine Mercy Sunday. St. Faustina tells us: "On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. 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. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment." (Diary of St. Faustina 669)
Because of the Father's Divine Mercy, anyone who partakes in this feast and fulfills the four criteria below, will receive a plenary indulgence, which is the total remission of a persons temporal punishment due to sin. To receive this plenary indulgence, these four criteria must be met.
- One must take part in the Mass on Divine Sunday with a spirit that is completely detached from the affection of sin, even venial sin.
- One must take part in the Sacrament of Confession, within about 20 days before or after the feast. The best option is receiving Confession before Sunday Mass so you are completely detached from your sins before celebrating the feast.
- One must take part in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, preferably on the feast day, or ASAP on the days before or after.
- One must offer up prayers for the intentions of the Pope.
This should not be something we should take lightly. Our Father in Heaven wants to shower us with His mercy. Please humble yourselves, open your hearts, and rejoice in Our Fathers love and mercy.
There is also a Novena that can precede the feast of Divine Mercy Sunday. These are the prayers that Jesus asked St. Faustina to pray for the conversion of sinners which includes the Divine Mercy Chaplet. For more information on the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Novena, please click the link.
