The biblical message of Divine Mercy is that God loves each and everyone of us, that His mercy is far greater than our sins. We are called to turn to the Lord with trust to receive His mercy, and to let it flow through us to others.
In our own time, this message has been highlighted through the private revelations received by St Faustina in the early 20th century.
Jesus told St. Faustina that “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy” (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 300 and 699).
Forms of Devotion (As found in the Diary of St Faustina)
The Feast of Divine Mercy: Jesus told St Faustina, “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My mercy.” (Diary, 699)
The Image: Have a blessed Divine Mercy image in your home or carry one with you that you may gaze upon it and constantly place your trust in Jesus in all things. “I promise that the soul that will venerate this image (of the Divine Mercy) will not perish.” (Diary, 48)
The Hour of Great Mercy: Divine Mercy Holy Hour is held at 3pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Herne Bay every Monday to Friday, including Exposition. “At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.” (Diary, 1320).
Chaplet: Using regular rosary beads, the Divine Mercy chaplet is a simple and beautiful way to call upon our Lord’s mercy on the whole world. “Through this chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will.” (Diary, 1731)
Novena: A novena is usually nine days of prayers in preparation for a celebration of a feast day, but you can make a novena at anytime for a specific intention. There are two forms of the Divine Mercy novena:
The Novena of Chaplets as recommended by Jesus for us to obtain all graces necessary. Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet for nine days for your intention.
2. The Novena to the Divine Mercy is prayed for nine days beginning on Good Friday in preparation for the Feast of Divine Mercy. You may also make this novena at anytime. Our Lord Jesus gave St. Faustina the following prayer intentions for each day of reciting the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Novena:
- All mankind, especially sinners;
- the souls of priests and religious;
- all devout and faithful souls;
- those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Jesus;
- the souls who have separated themselves from the Church;
- the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children;
- the souls who especially venerate and glorify His mercy;
- the souls detained in purgatory;
- and souls who have become lukewarm.
“I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fountain of My mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever grace they have need of in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death” (Diary, 1209).
Daily Reflections
365 Days with St Faustina: Through the personal relationship between Jesus and St Faustina, we are enriched and enlightened by the truths that are expressed in this intimacy which speak to us in our own personal relationship with Jesus.