Today is Divine Mercy Sunday!
It is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska, which recommended a particular devotion to the Divine Mercy. In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina and, during the ceremony, he declared: It is important then that we accept the whole message that comes to us from the word of God on this Second Sunday of Easter, which from now on throughout the Church will be called “Divine Mercy Sunday”.
To ensure that the faithful would observe this day with intense devotion, the Supreme Pontiff [John Paul II] himself established that this Sunday be enriched by a plenary indulgence, so that the faithful might receive in great abundance the gift of the consolation of the Holy Spirit.
To observe the Feast of Mercy well, which is the Sunday after Easter, and to gain a plenary indulgence, we should:
1) Celebrate the Feast on Divine Mercy Sunday,
2) venerate the Image of the Divine Mercy [perform some act or make some gesture of deep religious respect toward it, because it represents our Most Merciful Savior],
3) be merciful to others, through our actions, words, and prayers on their behalf,
4) place our complete trust in Jesus,
5) have the intention of gaining a plenary indulgence,
6) pray the Divine Mercy novena,
7) detach ourselves from all sin,
8) go to Confession, preferably before the Feast [we may go within 20 days before or after the Feast, according to previously issued norms for plenary indulgences],
9) pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of Pope Francis, and
10) receive Holy Communion on the day of the Feast.
The Divine Mercy image is a depiction of Jesus based on a vision that St. Faustina had in 1931. This image shows Jesus raising his right hand in blessing, and pointing with his left hand on his chest from which flow forth two rays: one red and one (pale) white.
The depictions often contains the message “Jesus, I trust in You!” (Polish: Jezu ufam Tobie). The rays streaming out have symbolic meaning: red for the blood of Jesus (which is the Life of Souls), and pale for the water (which justify souls) (from Diary – 299). The whole image is symbolic of charity, forgiveness and love of God, referred to as the “Fountain of Mercy”.
Jesus I trust in You. ♥
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