Divine Mercy Sunday

The Second Sunday of Easter is also called “Divine Mercy Sunday”. When Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina in the Jubilee Year of 2000, he added the title to this day. In visions, Faustina heard Jesus request that the image of Divine Mercy be venerated on the Sunday after Easter, a day John Paul lovingly chose for Faustina’s canonization. Many communities display the image of Divine Mercy on this day. Jesus’ penetrating, compassionate gaze reaches out to the viewer. Red and white rays emanate from his heart, symbols of blood and water - Eucharist and Baptism.

Many Catholics confess their sins or pray before the Blessed Sacrament in conjunction with this feast. The mercy of God may be proclaimed in the homily or the Universal Prayer, but especially on the actions of believers, who extend God’s mercy to all they meet.