Today, on the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates the Feast of Divine Mercy.
In the early 1930s, the world was in turmoil, and its future appeared bleak. Communist ideology was gaining ground in Eastern Europe. The Great Depression was felt across the globe, and international political crises were escalating.
It was to a despairing and despondent world that Our Lord, on February 22, 1931, first appeared to Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska in Plock, Poland, and requested that she spread the message of His infinite mercy. In total, Jesus visited Sr. Faustina fourteen times between 1931 and 1938. The faithful nun kept an extensive diary, detailing Our Lord’s revelations that would eventually be disseminated around the globe to people who hungered – and still hunger – for hope, love, and trust in God’s mercy.
Our Lord informed the young nun that He desired the Second Sunday after Easter to be declared Divine Mercy Sunday. He also instructed her how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and directed her to recite it unceasingly, promising that whoever prayed the Chaplet would receive great mercy at the hour of their death.
The painting of today’s internationally recognized Divine Mercy image with the inscription “Jesus, I trust in You” was originally requested by Our Lord of Sr. Faustina to serve as a constant reminder that we are to approach Him with complete trust, for His mercy is greater than our sins.
Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II on April 30, 2000.
We encourage you to read our special page dedicated to Divine Mercy Sunday, where we answer questions such as:
- What is the meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday?
- What are the promises of the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
- How did Jesus appear to St. Faustina?
- What is the relationship with the Divine Mercy and the Second Coming of Jesus?
On the page, we also offer a free eBook, Divine Mercy Novena, which will help prepare you for the Feast of Divine Mercy.
We hope this eBook and page will encourage you to rest in the assurance of Our Lord’s Divine Mercy. May God bless you.
In Christ,
Your EWTN Family
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