Divine Mercy Sunday is April 19

During the pontificate of the late St. Pope John Paul II, this saintly shepherd designated the Sunday after Easter Sunday as “Divine Mercy Sunday”. By now, most Catholics are aware of the impetus behind his decision and the meaning of this particular Sunday. Devotion to the image of “the Divine Mercy” is everywhere now and we are blessed to have an image of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Church here in Glens Falls.

The late Pope also established a special plenary indulgence that could be received on that day only when certain observances were undertaken by Catholics. These include reverencing an image of Divine Mercy, going to Confession near the day of the feast, going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion on that day, making a resolution to detach from all sin, a resolution to perform one of the Spiritual or Corporal works of mercy, and reciting the Creed and some prayers for the intention of the Holy Father. At the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in nearby Stockbridge, Massachusetts, a popular outdoor public Mass was always scheduled on this day and, in the past, was attended by hundreds of pilgrims each year. This year, of course, the events at the Shrine are cancelled. In several parishes in our diocese, large gatherings were also scheduled on this day so that Albany Catholics could observe it with due honor and have access to priests for Confession. Again, this is impossible this year. So what does one do this year about this day and this indulgence? Let me offer an opinion.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has, from the beginning of the breakout of this virus, shown great compassion for those who are homebound, and especially for those suffering from the virus. Realizing that they cannot be visited by clergy or get to public functions, he relaxed conditions so that quarantined Christians can receive many of the spiritual benefits of the Sacraments and public devotions while at home or in hospitals. His “Urbi et Orbi” message, which he gave a few weeks ago, and subsequent directives, express a deep desire to help bring forgiveness and peace to the suffering and isolated. He has gone so far as to allow simple at-home spiritual practices that were once only gained through public ceremony and participation to come to a person in isolation.

So, in light of this, I think the Pope’s current and appropriately liberal example can be extended as we think about wanting to gain the Divine Mercy plenary indulgence on April 19 this year at home. I’m not certain of my position, and this is only my opinion. (It does not represent anything official so it may have to be corrected. If I find out my thoughts are contrary to official teaching, I will let you know and ask you to follow official teaching and not my own.) However, I think it’s consistent with the thinking of the Church in this time of crisis to propose that one might receive the benefits of the indulgence this year by reverencing a picture of the Divine Mercy at home, saying the Chaplet, and fulfilling all the other requirements for the indulgence with the promise to go to Confession as soon as it can be available again and to receive Holy Communion when public Mass is permitted. So, until I learn otherwise, I’m offering this idea for your consideration.

Divine Mercy Sunday is a day to glory in the merciful heart of God. The entire sacrifice of Christ on the cross and his resurrection were radical expressions of God’s mercy for his wayward children. I would also ask that you join me in pleading with the Lord for an end to this threat to human life and well-being on Divine Mercy Sunday. His goodness is available for the asking.