Divine Mercy Sunday, observed on the Second Sunday of Easter, is a cherished celebration deeply rooted in the hearts of many believers. Originating from the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska, this day emphasises devotion to the Divine Mercy and underscores the significance of mercy in our lives as inspired by biblical teachings.
This feast holds profound meaning, especially following the spiritual journey of Lent and the celebration of Jesus' resurrection during Easter. Divine Mercy Sunday invites us to reflect on God's boundless mercy and grace that continually uplifts and sustains us. It also reminds us of the importance of extending mercy and compassion to others, mirroring the love that God lavishes upon us.
Declared by Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000, following the canonisation of St. Faustina, Divine Mercy Sunday remains a relatively recent addition to the liturgical calendar. St. Faustina, the patron saint of mercy, dedicated her life to spreading the message of God's mercy. Born in Poland in 1905, she joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and received visions of Jesus as the "King of Divine Mercy."
In one of these visions in 1931, Jesus instructed St. Faustina to have an image painted portraying Him as she saw Him, with the words "Jesus, I trust in you" inscribed below. He further directed her to have the painting blessed on the first Sunday after Easter and to establish the Feast of Mercy on that day. Lastly, Jesus asked that this feast be preceded by a novena, consisting of nine days of prayer, starting on Good Friday. This novena serves as a spiritual preparation for the celebration and deepens participants' understanding of God's mercy.
For those interested in participating in the Divine Mercy Chaplet or learning more about the novena, resources are available:
May Divine Mercy Sunday be a source of renewal and spiritual enrichment for all who celebrate it. Join us at the Cathedral on Sunday 7 April 2024, from 1:15pm to 4pm for the Rosary, Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation, Benediction and Veneration. For enquiries, please call the Parish Office on 02 8379 1700, or Betty Koh on 0418 421 764.