Feast of Divine Mercy
One of the newest feasts of the Catholic Church is this Feast of Divine Mercy which we celebrate this weekend. On April 30, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized a Polish nun by the name of Faustina Kowalski who had visions and conversations with Jesus during the 1930’s. St. Faustina promoted devotion to the divine mercy of Christ. In canonizing her, he designated the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday and officially made it part of the church’s liturgical calendar. On the following Divine Mercy Sunday, he re-emphasized the message of the feast: “Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust ot Divine Mercy. Divine Mercy! This is the Easter gift that the church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity.” Devotion to Divine Mercy has grown rapidly over the past few years.
Divine Mercy reminds us that mercy is the gift of God which is given to us through the passion and death of Jesus. Jesus speaks to Faustina that every soul that believes and trusts in His mercy will receive it. He further says that there must also be deeds of mercy, “which arise out of love for me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or absolve yourself from it.”
Perhaps it is this message that is most pertinent for today’s world. We live in a culture that would rather attack and blame others, than forgive and show mercy. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are obliged to show that same mercy to others. Having rejoiced in the forgiveness of our sins, we are now challenged to show that same mercy to others.
The dispensation from Sunday’s Mass attendance has been lifted by our bishop. However, if you are over 65, have a health issue, or are caring for someone with a health issue, or if you are pregnant, you are still dispensed by the bishop. If you come to Mass and are turned away because there are too many people already there, you are dispensed for that weekend. Other dispensations can be granted by the pastor when you do not fall into any of these categories, but still feel you should not return at this point. The seating capacity is still at 25% and masks and social distancing are still required. Taking up the collection and communion during Mass rather than after Mass will also start back. Communion services after 8:30 and 10:30 Masses will still remain for the time. I appreciate all who have graciously cooperated with these guidelines.
Father Jeff
Our Seminarian, Paul Lesupati will be ordained a Transitional Deacon on Friday, April 9th. Deacon Lesupati, a native of Kenya, is a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. He will continue his studies at St. Meinrad Seminary and will be ordained a priest in 2022. If you see Paul this weekend, congratulate him!