Happy Second Sunday of Easter! Since 2002, this Sunday has also been called Divine Mercy Sunday. We are blessed as a Church as well because earlier today (Rome, Italy time) Servant of God John Paul II was declared Blessed John Paul II. That's right, his beatification was held in Saint Peter's Square in Rome. From the news commentary this morning, it was said that every pilgrim in Rome would have the opportunity to venerate Blessed John Paul II. There were like 1 million people in Rome for this amazing event. Thank you Dad for recording it for me. I can't wait to watch it with you.
Today's Feast is aimed at focusing our attention on one of the most wonderful attributes of Almighty God - His Divine Mercy. He is ever patient and merciful to us who struggle at times with sin and is always ready for us to return to Him with open hearts when we go astray and/or turn our backs on Him.
At my parish today for Divine Mercy Sunday, we had the Sacrament of Reconciliation available from 1:00PM - 3:00PM. Then, we had a Hour of Eucharistic Adoration from 3:00PM - 4:00PM during the Hour of Mercy. During that time, we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and spent time in quiet prayer. What a powerful afternoon with Jesus and His Divine Mercy. Many people turned to Him for forgiveness and His grace. Thank you God!
My evening ended on Divine Mercy Sunday with another blessing. I was able to hang out with our youth group which I like getting to do when I am able. Our Director of Youth Ministry Paul (awesome guy with awesome wife and awesome son) brought in a wonderful lady from California tonight to talk to our kids. Jackie Francois blessed us with a beautiful message of God's love and her gift of music. I especially loved her song entitled "Your Kingdom is Glorious." If you are able, her album is available on iTunes. I downloaded it and have enjoyed it so far. Here is a video that was made a few years ago with Jackie singing this song:
God bless you and Happy Easter, especially Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!
Father Joshua
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