Divine Mercy Sunday

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. One must take part in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, preferably on the feast day, or ASAP on the days before or after.
4. 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.

Why do we not say 'Alleluia' during Lent?

Q: Why do we not sing the Alleluia during Lent? Why do we sing the Latin Sanctus during lent and where can we find the words and translation?

A: Great Question. During lent we refrain from saying or singing the Alleluia in the liturgy to remind us we are not in the state of rejoicing. The season of lent imitates the 40 days in the desert, which is a time of preparation and waiting. When Easter comes the "Alleluia" becomes more significant and exciting, just as chocolate is on Easter morning if it you sacrificed it for lent. Secondly, Sanctus means Holy in Latin, so when we say Sanctus we are referring to the beginning of the Eucharistic prayer when we say or sing:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth

are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.

Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.

You can follow along with the Order of Mass in the front of the missalette, Celebrating the Eucharist. Unfortunately, the missalette does not have the Mass parts in Latin. A personal missalette, called the Magnificat, has the Order of Mass and the Latin Mass parts. A Magnificat would be a great resource to have for this and the daily readings and feast days. I love my Magnificat!