The Divine Mercy Chaplet is one of the most powerful prayers in the Catholic Church, given to St. Faustina Kowalska by Jesus Himself. It is a prayer of trust in God’s mercy, interceding for the world, sinners, and those in need of grace.
Whether you’re familiar with this devotion or just discovering it, this guide will explain what the Divine Mercy Chaplet is, its origins, how to pray it, and why it is essential for every Catholic.
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What Is the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a set of prayers said using a rosary. It is centered on the mercy of God, offering the passion of Christ as atonement for our sins and the sins of the world.
Jesus revealed this prayer to St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun and visionary, in the 1930s. He promised that those who prayed it with faith would receive great mercy, graces, and even conversion for dying sinners.
The chaplet is often prayed at 3:00 PM, the Hour of Mercy, when Christ died on the Cross. However, it can be prayed at any time.
The Origins of the Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet comes from the visions of St. Faustina Kowalska, recorded in her famous diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul.
On September 13, 1935, she had a vision in which an angel was about to bring God’s justice upon the world. In that moment, she prayed the words that would later become the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the angel was stopped.
Jesus then appeared to her and said:
“Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you. Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.” (Diary, 687)
From that moment on, St. Faustina faithfully prayed and spread devotion to Divine Mercy, and the chaplet became a prayer for sinners, the dying, and the whole world.
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
To pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, use a rosary and follow these steps:
- Begin with the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. - Opening Prayers
(Optional) Pray the following:“You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.”(Repeat 3 times):“O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!” - Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed
- Our Father
- Hail Mary
- Apostles’ Creed
- The Eternal Father Prayer (On the Our Father Beads)
“Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” - The Mercy Prayers (On Each Hail Mary Bead, 10 Times Per Decade)
“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” - Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for Five Decades
- Conclude with the Holy God Prayer (Three Times)
“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” - Closing Prayer (Optional)
“Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.”
Why Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
1. It Brings Great Graces
Jesus promised immense graces to those who pray the chaplet. He specifically told St. Faustina:
“The souls that say this chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death.” (Diary, 754)
This means it is an ideal prayer for the dying, as well as for those in great spiritual need.
2. It Can Save Sinners
Jesus told St. Faustina that praying the chaplet for sinners, even the most hardened ones, could bring them back to His mercy.
“Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy.” (Diary, 687)
3. It Helps Us Trust in God’s Mercy
The entire chaplet is an act of trust in Divine Mercy. When we pray it, we remind ourselves that God’s mercy is greater than any sin.
4. It Can Be Prayed Anytime, Anywhere
Unlike the Rosary, which requires meditation on mysteries, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is simple and can be prayed anywhere, even in moments of distress.
5. It Is Perfect for the 3 O’Clock Hour (The Hour of Mercy)
Jesus told St. Faustina that 3:00 PM, the hour of His death, is the Hour of Mercy. He encouraged her to pray the chaplet at this time for special graces.
“At three o’clock, implore My mercy… if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy.” (Diary, 1320)
Conclusion: A Prayer for Our Times
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a powerful prayer for the conversion of sinners, the dying, and the entire world. It is simple, yet profoundly effective, offering grace and mercy to those who pray it with faith.
In today’s world, where sin and suffering seem overwhelming, Jesus’ promise of Divine Mercy is more relevant than ever. Will you respond to His call?
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet today—and trust in His unfathomable mercy.
READ MORE: PRAYER SECTION
READ MORE: WHAT IS DIVINE MERCY? A GUIDE TO JESUS’ GREATEST MESSAGE OF LOVE