The Octave of Easter

My Dear Parishioners,

This Sunday is known by a variety of names: the Octave of Easter; Saint Thomas Sunday; and Divine Mercy Sunday. All of these designations are commemorated on this, the Lord’s Day! The Resurrection festival we commonly call EASTER is celebrated with an octave, which means the feast day lasts for 8 days rather than 1. The Lord Jesus’ triumph over sin and death is the cornerstone of our faith. Such a feast as this cannot be merely celebrated on just one day but rather an octave of days prolongs this day. It also reminds us of eternity as Saint Peter the Apostle wrote: “…that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8)

This Second Sunday of Easter is traditionally called “Saint Thomas Sunday” because the post Resurrection account of the Risen Lord appearing to the Apostle Thomas on the Sunday after Resurrection, as recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 24-29, has always been proclaimed in the liturgical assemblies of both Eastern and Western Churches. The Easter faith of the Apostles was strengthened as they were once again in the presence of the Risen Christ.

Divine Mercy Sunday is the most recent name given to this Sunday which was instituted by Saint John Paul II. Devotion to the Lord Jesus as Divine Mercy was spread through the efforts of a Polish nun, Saint Faustina Kowalska, who in the early twentieth century experienced mystical revelations from the Lord. Jesus’ emphasis on mercy as a vast ocean which is available to sinners is a consolation for all of us. During this JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY our Holy Father, Pope Francis, is bringing this to the forefront in a most wonderful fashion. We are being reminded of the mercy which is available to us as well as the mercy we are called upon to show one another.

I would like to thank all those who assisted in whatever way to make our Holy Week and Easter liturgies solemn and beautiful. Special thanks to the choir, altar servers, lectors, extra ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, ushers and cleaning crew. GOD BLESS YOU! All of us in the rectory would like to also express our sincere thanks to all those who remembered us during these holy days. We appreciate the food and other gifts we received. We assure you of our love and prayers.

Christ is Risen!
Father Zig