St. John Paul II proclaimed in 2000 that, from that year forward, the Second Sunday of Easter would be celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday. This was proclaimed at the canonization Mass of St. Faustina Kawalska, who worked throughout her life to make all aware of the merciful love of God. In her years in the convent, St. Faustina heard a call from God to make God’s mercy known to the world so that the world may more fully receive God’s healing grace. St. Faustina promoted the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, in which a rosary is used to recite prayers to the Eternal Father for the sake of Christ’s sorrowful passion. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a growing devotion and recently has been included in the parish prayers after daily Mass.
On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23, at 3 pm, St. Francis Xavier Parish will offer a time of prayerful Eucharistic Adoration, the praying of the Chaplet and reflections from St. Faustina’s journal. Here is an opportunity to learn about this devotion and join with others in prayer affirming God’s mercy. This Holy Hour of prayer will be preceded by the Sacrament of Penance beginning at 2:15 pm.