Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday History

Divine Mercy Sunday serves to remind believers of God's unending love and mercy. The day draws its theological relevance from the visions of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, who was said to have had encounters with Jesus Christ where He expressed his divine mercy, calling all to accept it without fear or hesitation. Key aspects of the event include the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a series of prayers, and the Divine Mercy image, representative of Jesus’ divine mercy, accompanied with the phrase 'Jesus, I Trust in You'.

Historically, the devotion to Divine Mercy spread globally after Saint Faustina's death in 1938. Australia, with its deep Catholic roots, embraced this observance, with various religious groups and parishes actively participating. For Australian Catholics, Divine Mercy Sunday serves as a time of reflection on God's infinite mercy. This is seen as particularly poignant given Australia's diverse and multi-ethnic population, reinforcing a universal message of compassionate mercy that transcends cultural differences.

In Australia, Divine Mercy Sunday is typically marked with mass prayers, processions, and the singing of hymns. The Divine Mercy image is prominently displayed and venerated in parishes, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet is recited. Spaces for personal reflections and confession are often provided to allow participants to contemplate on mercy in their own lives. Divine Mercy Sunday falls on the second Sunday of the Easter season, a week after Easter Sunday, which runs according to the Gregorian calendar.

Facts about Divine Mercy Sunday

• St. Faustian was a Polish nun who lived in the early 20th century. She devoted her life to spreading the word about God's forgiveness, or divine mercy, for anyone who asks for forgiveness. Although she was a mystic, she also cooked and gardened as part of her convent life.
• St. Faustian had visions much of her life. One that was the most profound was of Jesus, with one hand raised in blessing and with two fingers of his other hand resting on his heart. She said that Jesus asked her to have the image painted, and to include a prayer that said, Jesus, I trust in you. This is the prayer that Catholics recite on Divine Mercy Sunday.
• Pope John Paul II, who canonized Sister Faustina and instituted Divine Mercy Sunday, visited Australia twice during his papacy, once in 1986 and then again in 1995.
• The shrine of the Divine Mercy can be found in Penrose Park, run by the Pauline Fathers. Every year on Divine Mercy Sunday, devotees of the Divine Mercy from all over Australia come to this shrine to pray and receive blessings.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Divine Mercy Sunday

Top things to do in Australia for Divine Mercy Sunday

• If you are a Roman Catholic who left the church and want to come back, ask a priest to give you the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is offered in churches throughout the year, but is particularly appropriate on Divine Mercy Sunday.
• Go to confession. Understanding that every person falls short is an important part of Christianity. In the Catholic Church, priests give acts of penitence after confession, which often involves prayer. They also offer forgiveness.
• Visit the St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney: This beautiful cathedral is a prime location for Catholics to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, with special masses and prayer services held to commemorate the occasion.
• The Divine Mercy Shrine in Keysborough, Victoria: This is a significant event where devotees gather for confessions, recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Holy Mass, and a procession of the Divine Mercy image.