Photo: CNS/Paul Haring
FOR millions of socially distanced Catholics, the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday this weekend would bring healing to a pandemic far older and far deeper than coronavirus.
Pauline Father Anthony David said on Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus Christ “pours out the contents of his merciful heart on the human race”.
“He draws all people closer to acceptance and submission of his Divine Mercy,” he said.
“It’s the only way for sinners to turn back to God, His mercy coming in contact with our misery and wretched condition caused by our sin, to bring us that healing and forgiveness that we need.”
Parishes across Brisbane archdiocese would be livestreaming Masses and services across Divine Mercy Sunday.
The parishes and communities preparing to livestream included Bowen Hills, Burleigh Heads, Bray Park, Maroochydore and Inala.
Fr David said Jesus Christ appeared to Polish St Faustina Kowalska and called on her to bring about the feast day.
Divine Mercy Sunday was established by Saint Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000, the same day he canonised St Faustina.
Catholics were called on to pray a nine-day novena in lead-up to the feast day to prepare themselves, and then attend Divine Mercy services in which they would be granted a special plenary indulgence.
Fr David said obtaining that special plenary indulgence was practically like a second baptism.
He said it was a day where people were “cleansed of our sin and filled with grace”.
But as Catholics could not go to confession with churches closed, Church leaders across the world called on the faithful to make acts of “perfect contrition”, as suggested by Pope Francis.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church taught contrition was “perfect” when it “arises from a love by which God is loved above all else”.
Such contrition remitted venial sins and brought forgiveness of mortal sins if it “includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible,” according to the catechism.
Pope Francis said the message of the catechism was “very clear”.
“If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your Father, and tell Him the truth,” he said.
“Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this – forgive me.’
“And ask for pardon with all your heart.”
Make an act of contrition, the pope said, and promise God, “‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God.”
“As the catechism teaches, you can draw near to God’s forgiveness without having a priest at hand. Think about it. This is the moment.”
Catholics online have been making suggestions to keep Divine Mercy Sunday by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, reading the diary of St Faustina, painting the Divine Mercy image or performing a spiritual work of mercy.
