Enhance Your Celebration

More ways to open hearts to the special graces of the day.

enhance-1-priest-with-monstrance

The worthy reception of the Eucharist on Divine Mercy Sunday is sufficient to obtain the extraordinary graces promised by Jesus. Also, a plenary indulgence[1] can be obtained by fulfilling the usual conditions.  Nonetheless, there are many ways that you can enhance your liturgical celebrations. 

A. Benediction 
A brief Exposition and Benediction at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Liturgy would highlight the importance of the Eucharist and allow for a personal moment of worship and praise. Exposition invites us to contemplate the One whom we have received in sacramental Communion. 

B. Veneration of The Divine Mercy Image 
To "venerate" a sacred image simply means to perform some act or gesture of deep religious respect toward it because of who it represents. Here are some suggestions for parishes:

  • Display the Divine Mercy Image in the sanctuary so that the parish may venerate it during the Eucharistic Liturgy.
  • After the Communion Prayer, the priest may incense the Image and, kneeling before it, recite an appropriate prayer.
  • Venerate the Image at the end of a Holy Hour.

C. Prayers of the Faithful 
You may wish to include special petitions in the Prayers of the Faithful.  Download Prayers of the Faithful used at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.* 
 

D. 3 O'Clock Prayer Service 
There is a long-standing tradition of calling to mind Christ's Passion at the 3 o'clock "Hour of Great Mercy" (the hour Jesus expired on the Cross). Offering a prayer service to extend the celebration of God's mercy is especially appropriate at this time. Download sample Prayer Service.*

E. Holy Hours before the Blessed Sacrament 
Jesus is The Divine Mercy Incarnate and He is truly present in the Eucharist. Among the prayers that can be offered during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are: Vespers, the Rosary, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. 

F. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy 
Recite or sing the chaplet, which is a plea for God's Mercy on the world — a plea based on God's supreme act of mercy for us all, namely, His "sorrowful Passion." See how to pray the Chaplet. 

G. The Sacrament of Reconciliation 
Pastors should encourage confessions during Lent. If at all possible, have additional priests available to hear the confessions of those who did not go before Mercy Sunday. 

H. Encourage Works of Mercy 
All participants should be encouraged to perform some special work of mercy on the day itself. God's mercy is not only meant to be received with trust; it is also to be shared through love. The practice of the works of mercy, both spiritual and corporal, is the goal and fruit of devotion to Divine Mercy, as well as a Gospel command: "Be merciful even as your Father is merciful" (Lk. 6:36). See the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

[1]The extraordinary graces promised to the faithful by our Lord Himself through St. Faustina should not be confused with the plenary indulgence granted by Pope John Paul II for the devout observance of the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday). The Decree of the Holy See offers:

"A plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!)..."

*The pdf samples are from the Divine Mercy Parish Guide.