The Divine Mercy Devotions
& Novena
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List of Prayers
to the Saints
Trust
Trust
expresses the disposition we should have toward God. It includes not only
the virtue of hope, but also a lively faith, humility, perseverance and sorrow
for sins committed. It is the attitude of a child who trusts boundlessly
in the merciful love and strength of the Heavenly Father in every situation.
Without
trust the Divine Mercy devotion cannot exist because the worship of the Divine
Mercy is most importantly an expression of trust. Jesus promised, to
grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy. Sinners
will attain justification, and the just will be confirmed in good. Whoever
places his trust in My mercy will be filled with My divine peace at the hour of
death.
Trust
is the condition for obtaining graces. Jesus told Sister Faustina, the
graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is - trust.
The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive. Souls that trust
boundlessly are a great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of My
graces into them. The soul which will trust in My mercy is most fortunate,
because I Myself take care of it. No soul that has called upon My mercy
has been disappointed or brought to shame. I delight particularly in a
soul which has placed its trust in My goodness.
Mercy
Mercy
expresses
the disposition we should have toward every human being. Jesus told Sister
Faustina, I demand. . . deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for
Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere.
You must not shrink from this or try to excuse yourself from it. I am
giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first - by
deed, the second - by word, the third - by prayer. In these three degrees
is contained the fullness of mercy and it is an unquestionable proof of love for
Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy.
This
attitude of an active love of neighbor is also a condition for obtaining graces.
Jesus said: if a soul does not exercise mercy somehow or other, it will not
obtain My mercy on the day of judgment. If only souls knew how to gather
eternal treasure for themselves, they would not be judged, for they would
forestall My judgment with their mercy.
The
Lord desires that those who worship Him perform at least one act of mercy every
day. Jesus told Sister Faustina, Know that My Heart is mercy itself.
From this sea of mercy, graces flow out upon the whole world. . . I desire that
your heart be an abiding place of My mercy. Let no one who approaches you
go away without that trust in My mercy which I so ardently desire for souls.
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The Image of Divine Mercy
The image of the
Divine Mercy originates from a vision that Sister Faustina had in Plock on
February 22, 1931. In that vision Christ expressed His desire to have such
an image painted and that the words in the signature beneath it be: Jesus, I
trust in You.
The image
represents the risen Christ, whose hands and feet bear the marks of the
crucifixion. From His pierced Heart, two rays issue forth: red and pale.
Jesus explained: the pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls
righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls.
These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My
agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross.
The two rays
signify the Sacraments, and the Holy Church born of the pierced side of Christ,
as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit, of which water is a symbol in
Scripture. Jesus said: happy is the one who will dwell in their
shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him.
The image
portrays the great mercy of God, which was fully revealed in the Paschal Mystery
of Christ, and is manifested in the Church most effectively through the Holy
Sacraments. The purpose of this image is to serve as a vessel for
obtaining graces, and to be a sign which is to remind the world of the need to
trust in God and to show mercy toward our neighbor. The words found in the
signature beneath the image, Jesus, I trust in You, speak of an attitude
of trust. The image, Jesus said, is to be a reminder of the demands of
My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works.
The veneration of
this image is based on confident prayer joined with deeds of mercy. Jesus
attached the following promises to the veneration of the image thus understood:
the grace of salvation, great progress on the road to Christian perfection, the
grace of a happy death, and all other graces and temporal blessings which people
who practice mercy will ask Him for with trust.
I
am offering
people a vessel, Jesus told Sister
Faustina, with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of
mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: - Jesus I trust in
You. By means of this image I shall be granting many graces to souls; so
let every soul have access to it. I promise that the soul that will
venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over (its)
enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself
will defend it as My own glory.
Speak to the
world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It
is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While
there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them
profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them. Before I come
as a just Judge, I first open wide the doors of My mercy. He who refuses
to pass through the doors of My mercy must pass through the doors of My justice.
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Act of Entrustment to The Divine Mercy
O
Most Merciful Jesus, Your goodness in infinite, and the treasures of Your grace
inexhaustible. I trust boundlessly in Your mercy, which is above all Your
works. I consecrate myself to You completely and unreservedly, so as to
live and strive for Christian perfection.
I
want to spread Your mercy by performing works of mercy, both spiritual and
corporal, laboring especially for the conversion of sinners, bringing
consolation to those in need, to the sick and the suffering.
Guard
me then, O Jesus, as Your own possession and Your own glory. Though I
sometimes tremble with fear, aware of my weakness, at the same time I have
boundless trust in Your mercy. Oh, that all people would come to know the
infinite depths of Your mercy, while there is still time, so that they may place
their trust in Your merciful love and glorify You forever. Amen.
The Feast of Divine
Mercy
According
to Jesus' wish, the Feast of Mercy is to be celebrated on the first Sunday after
Easter, showing the close connection between the Easter mystery of man's
Redemption and this feast.
The
Feast of Mercy is to be not only a day designated for the singular worship of
God's Mercy, but also a day of grace for all people, particularly for sinners.
Jesus attached great promises to this feast, the greatest of which is connected
with the reception of Holy Communion on that day. It is the promise of
complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. In other words, this grace is
equal only to the one we receive in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. The
greatness of this feast lies also in the fact that everyone, even those who are
converted that very day, may obtain any grace for the asking, if what they ask
for be compatible with God's will.
Jesus
said: I want this image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after
Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy. I desire that the Feast
of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners.
On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a
whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy.
The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy communion shall obtain
complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day are open all the
divine floodgates through which graces flow. Let no soul fear to draw near
to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.
Preparation
for this fast is to be a novena consisting of the recitation of the Divine Mercy
Chaplet for nine days, beginning on Good Friday.
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Novena before the
Feast of Mercy
Jesus
told Sister Faustina, that during these nine days you bring souls to the
fount of My mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and
whatever graces they need in the hardships of life and, especially, at the hour
of death. On each day you will bring to My Heart a different group of
souls, and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy, and I will bring all
these souls into the house of My Father . . . On each day you will beg My
Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls.
First Day
Today,
bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean
of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into
which the loss of souls plunges Me.
Most
Merciful Jesus whose very nature is to have compassion on us and to forgive us,
do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Your infinite
goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart,
and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which
unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor
sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the
sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Your mercy, that we may praise the
omnipotence of Your mercy forever and ever. Amen.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Recite
One Our Father - Our Father who art in
heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; they will be done on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Recite
One Hail Mary - Hail Mary full of grace,
the Lord is with Thee; Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of
they womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at
the hour of our death.
Recite
The Apostles' Creed - I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again
from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the
Father Almighty; from whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and
life everlasting. Amen.
Glory
be to the Father, to the Son and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and every shall be. Amen.
Complete
the following sequence of prayers five times.
(The beads of the Rosary may be useful).
Recite one
time on the single bead - "Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul
and Divinity of your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for
our sins and those of the whole world."
Then
recite one time on each of the ten beads - "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion,
have mercy on us and on the whole world."
--------------------------------
In conclusion, recite three times -
"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole
world."
Second Day
Today
bring to Me the souls of priests and religious, and immerse them in My
unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me the strength to endure My
bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My mercy flows out upon
mankind.
Most
Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in us,
that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify
the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company (of chosen ones) in Your
vineyard-upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the
strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son, in which
they are enfolded, impart them Your power and light, that they may be able to
guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your
boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Repeat
the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (described after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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Third Day
Today
bring to Me all devout and faithful souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My
mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They
were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.
Most
Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great
abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most
Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by
that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so
fiercely.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of
Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing
and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail
in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts
of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages.
Amen.
Repeat
the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (described
after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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Fourth Day
Today
bring to Me the pagans and those who do not yet know me. I was thinking
also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart.
Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.
Most
Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into
the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not
know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too,
together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape
from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet
do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great
happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the
generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Repeat
the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (described
after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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Fifth Day
Today
bring to Me the souls of heretics and schismatics, and immerse them in the ocean
of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart; that
is, My Church. As they return to unity with the church, My wounds heal,
and in this way they alleviate My Passion.
Most
Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of
You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of
heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the
Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate
Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to adore the generosity of Your
mercy.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who
have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting
in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your
own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since
they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it
about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Repeat
the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (described
after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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Sixth Day
Today
bring to Me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children, and
immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart.
They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels,
who would keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of
grace. Only the humble soul is able to receive My grace. I favor
humble souls with My confidence.
Most
Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble
of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most compassionate Heart all
meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send
all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites.
They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes
delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your
Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love
and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your
merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children,
who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance
rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of
all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You
take in them: bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the
praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Repeat The Chaplet of Divine
Mercy (described after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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Seventh Day
Today
bring to Me the souls who especially venerate and glorify My mercy, and immerse
them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered
most deeply into My Spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate
Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life.
Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend
each one of them at the hour of death.
Most
Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most
Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the
greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God
Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward,
confident of Your mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all
mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but
You mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate You
greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the
Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their
hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings
a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your
mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there
be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them, I Myself will
defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of
their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy.
Repeat
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy (described
after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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Eighth Day
Today
bring to Me the souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in
the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their
scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. they are
making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them
relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer
them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.
Most
Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into
the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are
very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May
the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the
flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Your mercy
may be praised.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are
enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the
sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His
most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under
Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds
of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit
to Your goodness and compassion.
Repeat
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy (described
after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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Ninth Day
Today
bring to Me souls who have become lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My
mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered
the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls.
They were the reason I cried out: "Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be
Your will." For them, the last hope of salvation is to flee to My mercy.
Most
compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls
into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure
love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep
loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise
the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love;
and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal
Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nevertheless
enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg
You by the bitter Passion of Your son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross:
Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your Mercy.
Repeat
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy (described
after the First Day).
Chaplet
Prayers
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