There are many liturgical events taking place during the last week of Lent, leading up to our Easter Celebration. It is also important however, that you are aware & properly prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday.

On February 22, 1931, Jesus appeared to Saint Faustina and said, "Paint a picture according to the vision you see with the signature, 'Jesus I Trust In You'. By means of the image I shall be granting many graces t0 souls, so let every soul have access to it." He also said, "I want this image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it".

 In preparation for Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus requested that it should be proceeded by a nine day novena, which he dictated to St. Faustina, starting on Good Friday. Each day has a prayer with a different intention, followed by saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

On April 30, 2000, Saint John Paul II, in his canonization of Saint Faustina and in response to Jesus' command, proclaimed, "The first Sunday after Easter from now on throughout the church will be called Divine Mercy Sunday."

The image of Divine Mercy represents the risen Christ bringing mercy to the world. Jesus said of this feast day, "On this day the very depths of my tender mercy are open. Whoever approaches the font of my mercy on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment."

To receive the promised Grace of Divine Mercy Sunday, we must celebrate the Feast on the Sunday after Easter (or the vigil); go to confession before the feast day-sometime during Lent suffices; and receive Holy Communion worthily and trust in God's mercy.