From Fr Jonathan Kalisch, Director of Chaplains and Spiritual Development of the Knights of Columbus, comes this timely reminder of the Feast of Divine Mercy this weekend. He writes:
“In her Diary,St Faustina writes that Our Lord spoke to her, saying: “Tell the whole world about my inconceivable mercy. I desire that the feast of mercy be a refuge and 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.”
In 2002, Pope John Paul II promoted prayers and devotions in honor of the Divine Mercy to Christians around the world, granting a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions. To receive the indulgence, the faithful must also fulfill a set of additional requirements:
* Take part in prayers and devotions in honor of Divine Mercy on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, while in a spirit completely detached from sin
* Recite the Our Father and the Creed in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus.
A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who, at least with a contrite heart, pray to the merciful Lord Jesus an approved invocation.”
“God always thinks with mercy: do not forget this. God always thinks mercifully. He is the merciful Father! God thinks like the father waiting for the son and goes to meet him; he spots him coming when he is still far off (Luke 15:11-32)” (Pope Francis)
(A reminder: the Apostles of Divine Mercy prayer group meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in the parish rectory, beginning at 7.30pm. Contact Janet Seward for more details)