STOCKBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS — Following 11 weeks with no public Masses due to the coronavirus, the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy will begin celebrating daily public outdoor Masses and providing opportunities for Confession on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.
In the first phase of a re-opening plan, the Marian Fathers announced that Masses will be celebrated on the Shrine’s south lawn, at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine, at 2 p.m. daily, followed by the 3 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Benediction, blessing of religious articles, and blessing with the relic of St. Faustina.
Drive-thru Confessions will be available in the large parking lot at Eden Hill’s main entrance. Confession will be available on weekdays from 1-2 p.m. and on weekends from 1-2 p.m. and 3:30-4:15 p.m.
“The Marian Fathers are filled with joy to be able to once again offer the Sacraments to the public,” said Shrine Rector Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC. “And we will be doing so in keeping with guidelines set by state health officials and the Diocese of Springfield.”
For Now, Here’s What Shrine Pilgrims Can Expect:
• Everyone over the age of 5 are required to wear a mask.
• Everyone must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet.
• As for the drive-thru Confessions, if more than one person is in the vehicle, then the penitent may leave the vehicle for Confession.
• No shuttle service will be available on Eden Hill.
• Handicapped persons may park near the Shrine in spaces marked for handicapped. We ask handicapped individuals to please bring a companion.
• The Gift Shop will reopen with limited capacity and reduced hours.
• At the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine, the policy is one person per bench; however family members may sit together as a group.
• Holy Communion will be distributed in the hand only, per our local bishop. It will be distributed at the sanctuary Communion rail. (Please maintain social distancing when waiting for Holy Communion. You may of course temporarily take off your mask to consume the Host.)
• For now, veneration of the relic of St. Faustina will not be included in the daily schedule.
• The Shrine chapel and receptionist area remain closed.
• Masses, enrollments, and St. Faustina oil are available in the Gift Shop.
• The picnic area will remain closed.
• The only restrooms available on Eden Hill are in the parking lot.
• All outdoor candle shrines are open.
• Per COVID guidelines set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, pilgrims visiting Massachusetts from other states are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
The Marian Fathers request that if you feel you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 after your visit, then please email the Pilgrimage Office at pilgrims@marian.org.
Since all activities will be held outdoors for now, please prepare for the weather. In case of severe weather, the Mass and 3 o’clock devotions may be modified or postponed.
What About Our Livestreams?
Please note that, for now, the Marian Fathers will continue to provide daily livestreams of the Mass (at 9 a.m.), the Chaplet (at 3 p.m.), and the Rosary (at 5 p.m.) on TheDivineMercy.org and our Facebook page, Divine Mercy (official).
What If You Are Unable to Attend Mass or Go to Confession?
Make an Act of Contrition and a Spritual Communion. Father Chris Alar, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers, explains:
Upon the outbreak of the coronavirus, the Marian Fathers on March 14, suspended all public celebrations and events. Since that time, tens of thousands of people from around the world have been tuning in daily to the Shrine's livestream Masses and devotions (the Chaplet and Holy Rosary).
The Marian Fathers hope to reopen the Shrine chapel itself to the public as soon as it's feasible, contingent upon matters of public health and social distancing guidelines. For updates, please visit ShrineOfDivineMercy.org.
