Divine Mercy Sunday is one of the greatest graces of the modern Church—a feast of unfathomable mercy, instituted by Christ Himself through His revelations to St. Faustina Kowalska. Celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, this feast offers a unique opportunity to receive the fullness of God’s mercy, especially through Confession and the Eucharist.
But what exactly is Divine Mercy Sunday? Where did it come from, and why does it matter?
Let’s explore the biblical roots, history, devotion, and spiritual significance of this extraordinary day in the Church calendar.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Divine Mercy Sunday
The devotion to Divine Mercy began with a humble Polish nun, St. Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938). Over several years, Jesus appeared to her and entrusted her with the mission of spreading His message of mercy to the whole world.
In her diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, St. Faustina recorded Jesus’ words:
“I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls… On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open.”
— Jesus to St. Faustina, Diary 699
Jesus asked specifically that this Feast of Mercy be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter—emphasising His desire to pour out grace, healing, and forgiveness upon all who turn to Him.
Official Recognition by the Church
Though St. Faustina died in 1938, the message of Divine Mercy gained recognition and momentum over the decades that followed.
In the year 2000, during the canonisation of St. Faustina, Pope St. John Paul II officially established Divine Mercy Sunday as a universal feast of the Church. It now sits within the liturgical calendar as the Second Sunday of Easter, also called the Octave Day of Easter.
This timing is no coincidence—it links Divine Mercy with the Resurrection, showing that Christ’s triumph over sin and death is rooted in His infinite mercy.
Biblical Foundations of Divine Mercy
While Divine Mercy Sunday is a relatively new feast, it is deeply biblical and rooted in the heart of the Gospel:
- John 20:19–31, the Gospel for this Sunday, tells of Jesus appearing to His disciples after the Resurrection and instituting the Sacrament of Confession: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven.” (John 20:22–23)
- This passage also includes the story of Doubting Thomas, who moves from scepticism to faith, crying out: “My Lord and my God!”—a powerful reminder of the mercy Christ shows to the weak and broken-hearted.
Divine Mercy is not a side note—it is the very essence of the Gospel. As Pope Francis said:
“Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life.”
How to Participate in Divine Mercy Sunday
1. Go to Confession (before or on the day):
Jesus promised extraordinary graces to those who go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday.
You don’t have to go to Confession on the same day—as long as you’re in a state of grace, Confession within a reasonable time (typically within 8 days) is accepted.
2. Receive Holy Communion worthily:
Attend Mass and receive the Eucharist with a heart open to God’s mercy.
3. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet:
This powerful prayer, given to St. Faustina, is especially recommended at 3:00 PM—the Hour of Mercy.
“At three o’clock, implore My mercy… This is the hour of great mercy.”
— Jesus, Diary 1320
4. Perform Acts of Mercy:
Jesus told St. Faustina that mercy should be shown through:
- Deeds
- Words
- Prayer
This includes forgiving others, helping those in need, and offering prayers for sinners.
What Are the Graces of Divine Mercy Sunday?
Jesus promised something extraordinary for this feast day:
“The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.”
— Diary 699
This is not the same as a plenary indulgence—it’s even more powerful. It’s likened to the graces of baptism: a complete renewal of the soul.
It’s a clean slate. A fresh start. A total outpouring of mercy.
But it requires trust in God’s mercy and a willingness to be merciful to others in return.
6. Why Divine Mercy Is So Relevant Today
We live in a time of confusion, brokenness, and fear. Many feel unworthy of God’s love or overwhelmed by guilt and shame. Divine Mercy Sunday is God’s answer for our times.
St. John Paul II described this feast as the “bridge between the two millennia”—a powerful sign that God’s mercy is needed now more than ever.
Whether you’re deeply devout or returning to the Church after years away, Divine Mercy Sunday offers a door wide open.
“Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.”
— Jesus, Diary 699
Conclusion: Mercy Is the Heart of the Gospel
Divine Mercy Sunday is not just a beautiful devotion. It is an urgent call from Christ Himself to trust in His love, return to Him, and extend mercy to others.
As we celebrate this feast, let us echo the words on the image Jesus revealed to St. Faustina:
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
May this trust lead us to the confessional, to the altar, and to a life transformed by the ocean of mercy flowing from Christ’s pierced Heart.
READ MORE: WHAT IS DIVINE MERCY? JESUS’ GREATEST MESSAGE OF LOVE
