Divine Mercy Sunday (on April 28 in 2019) typically involves large numbers of people gathering to celebrate Holy Masses at which God's mercy is proclaimed by the priests or deacons. To receive the Extraordinary Graces of this Feast, the only condition is to receive Holy Communion worthily on Divine Mercy Sunday (or the Vigil celebration) by making a good confession beforehand and staying in the state of grace and trusting in His Divine Mercy.
How to Make a Good Confession
You do not have to go to confession on Mercy Sunday itself. We know from her Diary that Saint Faustina made her confession in preparation for Mercy Sunday on the day before (Diary 1072). In fact, all of Lent should be a preparation to make a good confession to receive Holy Communion worthily on Easter Sunday and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Sin is the only obstacle to our fervent reception of Holy Communion, and our sins can be wiped away by the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The important thing is to receive Holy Communion on these great feast days in a state of grace, and with great trust in God's mercy. Don't wait until the last moment, take advantage of available Confession times wherever you live. Call your local parish office!
How to Obtain a Plenary Indulgence
A Plenary Indulgence can be obtained by fulfilling the usual conditions. The extraordinary graces promised to the faithful by Our Lord Himself through Saint Faustina should not be confused with the plenary indulgence granted by Pope Saint John Paul II for the devout observance of the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday). The Decree of the Holy See offers:
"A plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (such as, Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!)..."
How to Observe Divine Mercy Sunday
To fittingly observe the Feast of Mercy, we should:
1) Celebrate the Feast on the Sunday after Easter (or its Vigil).
2) Sincerely repent of all our sins.
3) Place our complete trust in Jesus.
4) Go to Confession, preferably before the Feast.
5) Receive Holy Communion on the day of the Feast (or its Vigil).
6) Venerate the image of the Divine Mercy. To venerate a sacred image or statue simply means to perform some act or make some gesture of deep religious respect toward it because of the person whom it represents — in this case, our Most Merciful Savior.
7) Be merciful to others through our actions, words, and prayers on their behalf. There are many ways to enhance the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. See suggestions.
+JMJ+
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