Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. If Pope John Paul II declared the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday, why don't all churches celebrate it? My pastor refuses to acknowledge the Feast.

A. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops requires that this day be celebrated as "Divine Mercy Sunday," as requested by Pope John Paul II when he made it a universal Feast: "Throughout the world, the Second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that humankind will experience in the years to come." (Ordo, April 7, 2002)

Your pastor will find Divine Mercy Sunday explained in the Ordinal for April 7, 2002. The Ordinal is the book of directives from the Church that priests are required to follow. If these directives are being ignored in our parishes, we can only remind our local pastors and pray for them that they may recognize the significance of this day. At the minimum, priests should announce that this day is Divine Mercy Sunday and preach about mercy at all the Masses. That is all that is strictly required by the Church. In addition, if pastors are willing, there are many other ways to enhance the celebration of this Feast.

Suggested Reading:
Download free PDF of Understanding Divine Mercy Sunday

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