Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday History

Divine Mercy Sunday emphasizes a message of hope for sinners and serves as a reminder of the power of forgiveness bestowed through divine mercy. The day involves the recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, participation in the sacrament of reconciliation, and attendance at mass, with the hopeful expectation of experiencing God's divine mercy.

In Canada, the tradition of Divine Mercy Sunday is deeply ingrained in the faith systems of numerous Catholic communities. Its historical roots trace back to an early 20th Century Polish nun, Saint Faustina Kowalska, who had visions of Jesus revealing a message of mercy. This day finds an echo in the multicultural heart of Canada that houses a sizeable population of Polish descent and also wide-ranging practicing Catholics. Divine Mercy Sunday persists to offer solace and spiritual replenishment in the busy lives of Canadians across the country.

In typical Canadian observance, Divine Mercy Sunday is marked by various local events and church services focused on spiritual reflection, enabling believers to connect with the divine mercy of God. Activities often include the recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet at 3 pm, reflecting the hour of Christ's death, and special reconciliation services. Prayer gatherings and masses are held virtually and in-person, following health guidelines. As Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday of Easter, it aligns with the global Catholic calendar, reinforcing the universal appeal for divine mercy across the Canadian faithful.

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.
• This feast day was established in 2000 by Pope John Paul II, in response to St. Faustina Kowalska's divine message, which was made known to her by Jesus Christ himself.
• On Divine Mercy Sunday, Canadians often read passages from the 600-page Divine Mercy in My Soul, the diary of St. Faustina Kowalska.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Divine Mercy Sunday

Top things to do in Canada 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 Divine Mercy Shrine in Edmonton: This shrine is dedicated to the Divine Mercy and hosts events specifically for Divine Mercy Sunday including mass, the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer and veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy and St. Faustina's relic.
• Attend the Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy - In Quebec, the Marian Helpers organize an annual live-streamed event from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy. The event usually features Holy Mass, Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayer, blessing of religious articles and reading of St. Faustina’s diary passages.