Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

On this eighth day, the octave of Easter, we have the great privilege of celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday.  St. Pope John Paul II inaugurated this feast for the universal Church after careful examination of the accounts of a Polish nun, St. Faustina Kowalska. It is based on the diary accounts that St. Faustina had with our Lord as a result of visions and visitations, wherein He asked for a special feast to honor His mercy in a world torn apart by hatred, violence and war. Who could possibly doubt that the world is  desperately in need of that same mercy NOW. 

This Feast receives from Jesus the biggest promises  of grace related to the devotion of Divine Mercy if  a person goes to Sacramental Confession (the confession may take place some days before and after);  and receives Holy Communion on that day or the  Saturday Vigil Mass. The grace received shall obtain the total forgiveness of all sins and punishment. That means each person would go immediately to Heaven after death without suffering in Purgatory. Also, there are prayers to be offered for the Holy Father along with the Divine Mercy devotions. This is commonly known as a plenary indulgence. On Sunday, we will begin our devotions coupled with devotions to St. Padre Pio as well, beginning at 2:30PM. Confessions will begin at 2:00PM in St. Mary Magdalen. 

During these Great 50 Days we honor and glory in the Resurrection of our Lord. Many celebrations take place, namely First Holy Communion and Confirmation on Pentecost, which concludes Eastertide.  Let us avail ourselves to the infinite graces our Lord wishes to bestow on us. 

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

Father Langan