Divine Mercy Sunday

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter which is now known as DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY.  Today is also the Octave of Easter which, simply put, means that every day this past week has been basically ONE DAY – Easter Sunday!
 
It was Saint Pope John Paul II who introduced Divine Mercy Sunday to the Universal Church as a perpetual observance on the Second Sunday of Easter. This observance is one which Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish Nun, said the Lord Jesus requested to celebrate the “ ocean of mercy” which is available to all who approach Him. Divine Mercy Sunday is the “ novena day” which began on Good Friday. Saint Faustina recorded her mystical writings within a diary which has now been published and serves as the inspiration for devotion to Divine Mercy, Jesus Himself. Saint Faustina died at the age of 33 in 1938 and is buried in the convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Grace in Krakow, Poland.
 
An image of Saint Faustina will be blessed at the Divine Mercy celebration which will take place in Saint Cecilia Church this afternoon beginning at 2 o’clock. The image will be placed in the votive room near the image of Divine Mercy.
 
The Divine Mercy celebration this afternoon will include wonderful music, inspirational reading from the Diary of Saint Faustina within the Exposition and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Priests will be available for the sacrament of penance. A  Plenary indulgence is available on this Sunday for all those who participate in this solemn celebration, a privileged occasion of grace and forgiveness for all people.
 
Today our brothers and sisters of the Orthodox Churches celebrate Easter Sunday. Tomorrow I leave with a group of fellow parishioners on a tour to Ireland. While I am in the land of Saint Patrick I assure you that I will remember all of you in my prayers. I know that our two priests will take good care of you while I am away and I look forward to returning to you on April 21st.
 
Father Pawel, Father Cerilo, Deacon Matt and Seminarian Angel join with me in expressing sincere thanks to all those who remembered us at Easter with food and much more. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are signs of the goodness of our Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Cecilia Parishes! We pray that the Risen Lord will richly bless you for remembering us!
 
Christ is Risen!
Father Zig