In this e-weekly:
- FRIDAY IS DAY OF FAST (LESS FOOD) AND ABSTINENCE (NO MEAT)
-Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena starts Good Friday (under praying hands)
-Pope Francis Speaks that Humility is the ONLY way during Holy Week (Diocesan News and Beyond)
- FRIDAY IS DAY OF FAST (LESS FOOD) AND ABSTINENCE (NO MEAT)
-Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena starts Good Friday (under praying hands)
-Pope Francis Speaks that Humility is the ONLY way during Holy Week (Diocesan News and Beyond)
Jesus, Priest and Victim, on Holy Thursday------Jesus dies on Good Friday---------------The empty tomb on Easter
Roman Catholic Good News
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
HOLY WEEK
"So he took the morsel and left at once. And it was night." John 13:30
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
HOLY WEEK
"So he took the morsel and left at once. And it was night." John 13:30
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
We are heading toward the Sacred Triduum of Holy Week (see terms below). We have celebrated these before, however, this is not old hat, because you and I are different, and we will come to these sacred days and events differently with different people.
Let the Lord, Who is ever the same and whose love is unchanging while His Mercy changes us, let this Lord enfold you in His love and power which you and I experience in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection! Do this by going to the Masses and Services during this holy time!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is Easter Sunday. >>> Readings
Homilies from Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil are found below, click with your mouse pointer on the blue lines below:
Part I
Part II
We are heading toward the Sacred Triduum of Holy Week (see terms below). We have celebrated these before, however, this is not old hat, because you and I are different, and we will come to these sacred days and events differently with different people.
Let the Lord, Who is ever the same and whose love is unchanging while His Mercy changes us, let this Lord enfold you in His love and power which you and I experience in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection! Do this by going to the Masses and Services during this holy time!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is Easter Sunday. >>> Readings
Homilies from Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil are found below, click with your mouse pointer on the blue lines below:
Part I
Part II
*********LIVING SCRIPTURES BIBLE STUDY*********
Eighteenth Session-The Passion Narratives of the Holy Gospels (Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19)- There are many similarities among them, but there are also many differences. Looking at the unique features of each Gospel, we only know some details because on one Gospel has told us. Which one tells us? Listen below:
Narratives of the Holy Gospels
*********LIVING SCRIPTURES BIBLE STUDY*********
Eighteenth Session-The Passion Narratives of the Holy Gospels (Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19)- There are many similarities among them, but there are also many differences. Looking at the unique features of each Gospel, we only know some details because on one Gospel has told us. Which one tells us? Listen below:
Narratives of the Holy Gospels
*********LIVING SCRIPTURES BIBLE STUDY*********
Good Friday can be found here.
Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) can be found here.
Catholic Term
Term Review
Passion (Palm) Sunday - - the Sunday before Easter celebrated in commemoration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem; so called because this begins Holy Week which leads to Christ's Passion, and at which Christ's Passion is proclaimed during the Gospel
Sacred Triduum - (Latin, from tri- "three" + -duum "days";="three days")
-space of three days beginning the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday
[The Jewish people counted a day from sunset to sunset. So the Triduum actually begins on sunset of Holy Thursday with the FIRST day ending with sunset on Good Friday. The SECOND day goes until sunset on Holy Saturday. Thus, Easter, the THIRD day, begins with sunset on Holy Saturday encompassing the Easter Vigil and Easter.]
Easter Sunday (akin to Old English ēast "east" + Old English sunnandæg, trans. of Latin diés sōlis "day of the sun")
- greatest and oldest solemnity at the heart of the liturgical year which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ with joy;
[It is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox, as calculated according to tables based in Western churches on the Gregorian calendar and in Orthodox churches on the Julian calendar.]
Solemnity (from Latin sollemnis "regularly appointed")
-highest rank of liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church;
-a marked feast day of great importance and significance
Easter (akin to Old English ēast "east")
- great 50 day season of which the first 8 days are all solemnities commemorating and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. [Easter is the "feast of feasts," the solemnity of solemnities, the "Great Sunday."]
Easter Octave (possibly eostre meaning "dawn;" from Latin, feminine of octavus "eighth")
- the 8-day expansion of Easter Sunday continuing its unique celebration until Divine Mercy Sunday
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"When Therefore Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the "Feast of feasts," the "Solemnity of solemnities," just as the Eucharist is the "Sacrament of sacraments" (the Great Sacrament). St. Athanasius calls Easter "the Great Sunday" and the Eastern Churches call Holy Week "the Great Week." The mystery of the Resurrection, in which Christ crushed death, permeates with its powerful energy our old time, until all is subjected to him."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #1169
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Term Review
Passion (Palm) Sunday - - the Sunday before Easter celebrated in commemoration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem; so called because this begins Holy Week which leads to Christ's Passion, and at which Christ's Passion is proclaimed during the Gospel
Sacred Triduum - (Latin, from tri- "three" + -duum "days";="three days")
-space of three days beginning the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday
[The Jewish people counted a day from sunset to sunset. So the Triduum actually begins on sunset of Holy Thursday with the FIRST day ending with sunset on Good Friday. The SECOND day goes until sunset on Holy Saturday. Thus, Easter, the THIRD day, begins with sunset on Holy Saturday encompassing the Easter Vigil and Easter.]
Easter Sunday (akin to Old English ēast "east" + Old English sunnandæg, trans. of Latin diés sōlis "day of the sun")
- greatest and oldest solemnity at the heart of the liturgical year which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ with joy;
[It is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox, as calculated according to tables based in Western churches on the Gregorian calendar and in Orthodox churches on the Julian calendar.]
Solemnity (from Latin sollemnis "regularly appointed")
-highest rank of liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church;
-a marked feast day of great importance and significance
Easter (akin to Old English ēast "east")
- great 50 day season of which the first 8 days are all solemnities commemorating and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. [Easter is the "feast of feasts," the solemnity of solemnities, the "Great Sunday."]
Easter Octave (possibly eostre meaning "dawn;" from Latin, feminine of octavus "eighth")
- the 8-day expansion of Easter Sunday continuing its unique celebration until Divine Mercy Sunday
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"When Therefore Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the "Feast of feasts," the "Solemnity of solemnities," just as the Eucharist is the "Sacrament of sacraments" (the Great Sacrament). St. Athanasius calls Easter "the Great Sunday" and the Eastern Churches call Holy Week "the Great Week." The mystery of the Resurrection, in which Christ crushed death, permeates with its powerful energy our old time, until all is subjected to him."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #1169
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from Roman Catholic Good News Holy Week 2006
Sacred Triduum of Holy Week
Dear friends, we are now in Holy Week, the holiest week of the liturgical year. The week where Christ established the source of the all the Sacraments of the Church, the week where He came up to the holy city Jerusalem to fulfill the Davidic kingship, the week when He suffered, died, and was buried and on the third day he rose.
Holy Thursday
The formal 40 days of Lent end on the evening of Holy Thursday. The Sacred Triduum begins with the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.
Holy Thursday is the day when the Lord shared the Passover meal with His apostles. He fulfilled the Passover by turning it into the First Holy Mass.
The Lord instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the source of all the Sacraments, when He said to His disciples, "This is my Body," and "This is the cup of my Blood."
The Lord instituted the Priesthood at the Last Supper, when He said to His disciples, "Do this in memory of Me."
Good Friday
This is the day of the Lord's Death on Calvary. The Gospel writers state that is was at the 3:00 o'clock hour when Jesus died. Most parishes have a Good Friday Service during the afternoon or evening to hear the Sacred Scriptures, pray in a special way for themselves and the world, Venerate the Holy Cross, and receive Holy Communion. Holy Mass is never celebrated on Good Friday.
Holy Saturday
Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence. Most continue this fast throughout the day-light hours of Holy Saturday. At night fall on Holy Saturday, the third day of the Sacred Triduum begins which starts with the Easter Vigil, which is the beginning of the 50 days of Easter.
Easter Sunday
The first day of a 50 day season of which the first 8 days are all solemnities. This means Easter Sunday is extended for 8 days, such as there are 8 days of Sundays so that essentialness of Christ's rising from the dead may be fully celebrated.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us enter deeply into these Sacred Mysteries, so that we might rise to an Easter of unending joy here on earth and forever in heaven! Amen.
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******************************************************REMEMBER****************************
******************************************************REMEMBER***************************
Good Friday is Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Abstinence:
All who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, on all Fridays during Lent and on Good Friday.
Fasting:
All those who are 18 and older, until their 59th birthday, are to fast on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 6) and Good Friday (March 21). Only one full meal is allowed on days of fast. Light sustenance on two other occasions, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs. But together, these two occasions should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.
The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability to work would be seriously affected. People in doubt about fast or abstinence should consult a parish priest. The obligation does not apply to military personnel in deployed or hostile environments in which they have no control over meals.
To completely disregard the law of fast and abstinence is seriously sinful (i.e. mortal sin).
******************************************************REMEMBER**************************
******************************************************REMEMBER**************************
"Beginning with the Easter Triduum as its source of light, the new age of the Resurrection fills the whole liturgical year with its brilliance. Gradually, on either side of this source, the year is transfigured by the liturgy. It really is a "year of the Lord's favor." The economy of salvation is at work within the framework of time, but since its fulfillment in the Passover of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the culmination of history is anticipated "as a foretaste," and the kingdom of God enters into our time."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #1168
Sacred Triduum of Holy Week
Dear friends, we are now in Holy Week, the holiest week of the liturgical year. The week where Christ established the source of the all the Sacraments of the Church, the week where He came up to the holy city Jerusalem to fulfill the Davidic kingship, the week when He suffered, died, and was buried and on the third day he rose.
Holy Thursday
The formal 40 days of Lent end on the evening of Holy Thursday. The Sacred Triduum begins with the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.
Holy Thursday is the day when the Lord shared the Passover meal with His apostles. He fulfilled the Passover by turning it into the First Holy Mass.
The Lord instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the source of all the Sacraments, when He said to His disciples, "This is my Body," and "This is the cup of my Blood."
The Lord instituted the Priesthood at the Last Supper, when He said to His disciples, "Do this in memory of Me."
Good Friday
This is the day of the Lord's Death on Calvary. The Gospel writers state that is was at the 3:00 o'clock hour when Jesus died. Most parishes have a Good Friday Service during the afternoon or evening to hear the Sacred Scriptures, pray in a special way for themselves and the world, Venerate the Holy Cross, and receive Holy Communion. Holy Mass is never celebrated on Good Friday.
Holy Saturday
Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence. Most continue this fast throughout the day-light hours of Holy Saturday. At night fall on Holy Saturday, the third day of the Sacred Triduum begins which starts with the Easter Vigil, which is the beginning of the 50 days of Easter.
Easter Sunday
The first day of a 50 day season of which the first 8 days are all solemnities. This means Easter Sunday is extended for 8 days, such as there are 8 days of Sundays so that essentialness of Christ's rising from the dead may be fully celebrated.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us enter deeply into these Sacred Mysteries, so that we might rise to an Easter of unending joy here on earth and forever in heaven! Amen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
******************************************************REMEMBER****************************
******************************************************REMEMBER***************************
Good Friday is Day of Fasting and Abstinence
Abstinence:
All who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, on all Fridays during Lent and on Good Friday.
Fasting:
All those who are 18 and older, until their 59th birthday, are to fast on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 6) and Good Friday (March 21). Only one full meal is allowed on days of fast. Light sustenance on two other occasions, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs. But together, these two occasions should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.
The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability to work would be seriously affected. People in doubt about fast or abstinence should consult a parish priest. The obligation does not apply to military personnel in deployed or hostile environments in which they have no control over meals.
To completely disregard the law of fast and abstinence is seriously sinful (i.e. mortal sin).
******************************************************REMEMBER**************************
******************************************************REMEMBER**************************
"Beginning with the Easter Triduum as its source of light, the new age of the Resurrection fills the whole liturgical year with its brilliance. Gradually, on either side of this source, the year is transfigured by the liturgy. It really is a "year of the Lord's favor." The economy of salvation is at work within the framework of time, but since its fulfillment in the Passover of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the culmination of history is anticipated "as a foretaste," and the kingdom of God enters into our time."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #1168
from Roman Catholic Good News Holy Week 2007
What We Are Celebrating
What We Are Celebrating
"What we are celebrating over the coming days," he said, "is the supreme confrontation between Light and Darkness, between Life and Death. We too must place ourselves in this context - aware of our own night, our own sins, our own responsibilities - if we wish to gain spiritual benefit from reliving the Paschal Mystery, which is the heart of our faith." -Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
I will let the beloved Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI explain the significance of the days we are approaching, the Sacred Triduum:
(Holy Thursday)--Following Mass "in Cena Domini [Lord's Supper]" the faithful are invited "to adore the Blessed Sacrament, reliving Jesus' agony in Gethsemane. ... Thus they can better understand the mystery of Holy Thursday, which incorporates the supreme triple gift of priestly ministry, the Eucharist and the new Commandment of love."
(Good Friday)--Holy Friday, Pope Benedict continued, "is a day of penance, of fasting and of prayer, of participation in the death of the Lord. ... The community adores the Cross and takes the Eucharist, consuming the sacred species conserved from the Mass 'in Cena Domini' of the preceding day." On Holy Friday, Christian tradition also includes "the Way of the Cross, which offers us the chance ... to imprint the mystery of the Cross ever more deeply in our hearts."
(Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil)--On Holy Saturday, the Pope proceeded, "Christians are called to interior meditation, ... something often difficult to cultivate in our own times, in order to prepare for the Easter vigil" in which "the veil of sadness shrouding the Church for the death and burial of the Lord will be shattered by the cry of victory: Christ is risen and has overcome death forever!"
(Easter Sunday)-"The Paschal Mystery we relive in the Easter Triduum is not just a memory but a current reality. Even today, Christ overcomes sin and death with His love. Evil in all its forms does not have the last word. The final triumph is of Christ, truth, love! If we are prepared to suffer and die with Him, as St. Paul reminds us in the Easter vigil, His life become out life. It is upon this certainty," the Pope concluded, "that our Christian lives are built." (from Vatican Information Service)
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
I will let the beloved Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI explain the significance of the days we are approaching, the Sacred Triduum:
(Holy Thursday)--Following Mass "in Cena Domini [Lord's Supper]" the faithful are invited "to adore the Blessed Sacrament, reliving Jesus' agony in Gethsemane. ... Thus they can better understand the mystery of Holy Thursday, which incorporates the supreme triple gift of priestly ministry, the Eucharist and the new Commandment of love."
(Good Friday)--Holy Friday, Pope Benedict continued, "is a day of penance, of fasting and of prayer, of participation in the death of the Lord. ... The community adores the Cross and takes the Eucharist, consuming the sacred species conserved from the Mass 'in Cena Domini' of the preceding day." On Holy Friday, Christian tradition also includes "the Way of the Cross, which offers us the chance ... to imprint the mystery of the Cross ever more deeply in our hearts."
(Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil)--On Holy Saturday, the Pope proceeded, "Christians are called to interior meditation, ... something often difficult to cultivate in our own times, in order to prepare for the Easter vigil" in which "the veil of sadness shrouding the Church for the death and burial of the Lord will be shattered by the cry of victory: Christ is risen and has overcome death forever!"
(Easter Sunday)-"The Paschal Mystery we relive in the Easter Triduum is not just a memory but a current reality. Even today, Christ overcomes sin and death with His love. Evil in all its forms does not have the last word. The final triumph is of Christ, truth, love! If we are prepared to suffer and die with Him, as St. Paul reminds us in the Easter vigil, His life become out life. It is upon this certainty," the Pope concluded, "that our Christian lives are built." (from Vatican Information Service)
Diocesan News AND BEYOND
Holy Week is about humility - there is no other way, Pope saysby Elise HarrisRome, Italy, March (EWTN News/CNA) - Pope Francis on Palm Sunday said that imitating the humility of Jesus is what makes Holy Week "holy," and encouraged attendees to mimic his attitude of humiliation as the week unfolds.
Referring to the day's second reading from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, which recounts how Jesus "humbled himself" by taking on human form, the Pope said that "these words show us God's way and the way of Christians: it is humility."
Humility, he said, is "a way which constantly amazes and disturbs us: we will never get used to a humble God!"
As the Church sets out on the path of Holy Week that leads us to Easter, "we will take this path of Jesus' own humiliation. Only in this way will this week be holy for us too!" Francis explained.
Pope Francis spoke to the thousands of pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square for his March 29 Palm Sunday Mass, which the Church celebrates in recollection of how the inhabitants of Jerusalem laid palms along the road where Jesus entered on a donkey, hailing him as king the week before he was killed.
After processing to the altar with his own palm in hand, the Pope blessed those the pilgrims were holding, and participated in the reading of Jesus' entire Passion and death, taken from the Gospel of Mark.
In his homily Francis focused on how Jesus' incarnation and death serve as strong examples of God's humility, which he shows to his people even when they disobey and complain to him.
Despite the shame Jesus faced, "this is God's way, the way of humility. It is the way of Jesus; there is no other. And there can be no humility without humiliation," Francis said.
By taking on the "form of a slave," Jesus shows us that true humility is expressed in service to others, and consists of stripping and emptying oneself of worldliness so as to make room for God, he said.
"This is the greatest humiliation of all," the Pope noted, and warned against taking that path of the world, which tempts us with "vanity, pride, success," just like the devil did with Jesus during his 40 days in the desert.
However, Jesus "immediately rejected" this temptation, he said, explaining that "with him, we too can overcome this temptation, not only at significant moments, but in daily life as well."
He encouraged attendees to follow Jesus on his path of "humiliation" during Holy Week, and noted how throughout the course of the next week, the Church will participate in Jesus' suffering in a concrete way.
"We will feel the contempt of the leaders of his people and their attempts to trip him up. We will be there at the betrayal of Judas, one of the Twelve, who will sell him for thirty pieces of silver. We will see the Lord arrested and carried off like a criminal; abandoned by his disciples, dragged before the Sanhedrin, condemned to death, beaten and insulted," he said.
In addition, we will also hear how Peter, the "rock" among the disciples, denies Jesus three times and will hear how the crowds, urged by their leaders, call for Barabas to be freed and Jesus crucified.
Jesus will be "mocked by the soldiers, robed in purple and crowned with thorns. And then, as he makes his sorrowful way beneath the cross, we will hear the jeering of the people and their leaders, who scoff at his being King and Son of God," the Pope explained.
He closed his homily by recognizing the many who selflessly give themselves in hidden service to others, and by praying for those who are persecuted "because they are Christians."
Referring to them as the "martyrs of our own time," Francis said these people refuse to deny Jesus and therefore endure "insult and injury with dignity."
He prayed that as the Church sets out on the path of Holy Week, faithful would commit to following Jesus' way of humility with determination and "immense love" for him, saying that it is this love which "will guide us and give us strength."
After Mass the Pope led pilgrims in the recitation of the traditional Angelus prayer, and noted in comments after how Palm Sunday also marked the 30th World Youth Day, which was established by St. John Paul II in 1984.
This year's theme - the second in a series on the beatitudes - is "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," while last year's was "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Next year's theme for the international gathering in Krakow, Poland, will be "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."
The Pope also prayed for the 150 victims of the Germanwings Airbus plane crash in the French Alps earlier this week, which included a group of German students, and entrusted them to the intercession of Mary.
Francis' slate of activities for Holy Week includes a Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Holy Thursday, as well as a visit to a Roman prison later that evening, where he will wash the feet of inmates and celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper.
The next day, Good Friday, the Pope will keep in line with papal tradition and celebrate a service for the Passion of Our Lord in St. Peter's Basilica before heading to the Colosseum, where he will lead thousands in the traditional prayer of the Stations of the Cross.
The Roman tradition of holding the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday goes back to the pontificate of Benedict XIV, who died in 1758.
On Holy Saturday Francis will preside over the Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica starting at 8:30 p.m., during which he will administer the sacrament of baptism to certain individuals.
Easter morning, April 5, he will celebrate the Mass of Our Lord's Resurrection in St. Peter's Square before giving his 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing - which goes out to the city of Rome and to the world - from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Referring to the day's second reading from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians, which recounts how Jesus "humbled himself" by taking on human form, the Pope said that "these words show us God's way and the way of Christians: it is humility."
Humility, he said, is "a way which constantly amazes and disturbs us: we will never get used to a humble God!"
As the Church sets out on the path of Holy Week that leads us to Easter, "we will take this path of Jesus' own humiliation. Only in this way will this week be holy for us too!" Francis explained.
Pope Francis spoke to the thousands of pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square for his March 29 Palm Sunday Mass, which the Church celebrates in recollection of how the inhabitants of Jerusalem laid palms along the road where Jesus entered on a donkey, hailing him as king the week before he was killed.
After processing to the altar with his own palm in hand, the Pope blessed those the pilgrims were holding, and participated in the reading of Jesus' entire Passion and death, taken from the Gospel of Mark.
In his homily Francis focused on how Jesus' incarnation and death serve as strong examples of God's humility, which he shows to his people even when they disobey and complain to him.
Despite the shame Jesus faced, "this is God's way, the way of humility. It is the way of Jesus; there is no other. And there can be no humility without humiliation," Francis said.
By taking on the "form of a slave," Jesus shows us that true humility is expressed in service to others, and consists of stripping and emptying oneself of worldliness so as to make room for God, he said.
"This is the greatest humiliation of all," the Pope noted, and warned against taking that path of the world, which tempts us with "vanity, pride, success," just like the devil did with Jesus during his 40 days in the desert.
However, Jesus "immediately rejected" this temptation, he said, explaining that "with him, we too can overcome this temptation, not only at significant moments, but in daily life as well."
He encouraged attendees to follow Jesus on his path of "humiliation" during Holy Week, and noted how throughout the course of the next week, the Church will participate in Jesus' suffering in a concrete way.
"We will feel the contempt of the leaders of his people and their attempts to trip him up. We will be there at the betrayal of Judas, one of the Twelve, who will sell him for thirty pieces of silver. We will see the Lord arrested and carried off like a criminal; abandoned by his disciples, dragged before the Sanhedrin, condemned to death, beaten and insulted," he said.
In addition, we will also hear how Peter, the "rock" among the disciples, denies Jesus three times and will hear how the crowds, urged by their leaders, call for Barabas to be freed and Jesus crucified.
Jesus will be "mocked by the soldiers, robed in purple and crowned with thorns. And then, as he makes his sorrowful way beneath the cross, we will hear the jeering of the people and their leaders, who scoff at his being King and Son of God," the Pope explained.
He closed his homily by recognizing the many who selflessly give themselves in hidden service to others, and by praying for those who are persecuted "because they are Christians."
Referring to them as the "martyrs of our own time," Francis said these people refuse to deny Jesus and therefore endure "insult and injury with dignity."
He prayed that as the Church sets out on the path of Holy Week, faithful would commit to following Jesus' way of humility with determination and "immense love" for him, saying that it is this love which "will guide us and give us strength."
After Mass the Pope led pilgrims in the recitation of the traditional Angelus prayer, and noted in comments after how Palm Sunday also marked the 30th World Youth Day, which was established by St. John Paul II in 1984.
This year's theme - the second in a series on the beatitudes - is "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," while last year's was "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Next year's theme for the international gathering in Krakow, Poland, will be "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."
The Pope also prayed for the 150 victims of the Germanwings Airbus plane crash in the French Alps earlier this week, which included a group of German students, and entrusted them to the intercession of Mary.
Francis' slate of activities for Holy Week includes a Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Holy Thursday, as well as a visit to a Roman prison later that evening, where he will wash the feet of inmates and celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper.
The next day, Good Friday, the Pope will keep in line with papal tradition and celebrate a service for the Passion of Our Lord in St. Peter's Basilica before heading to the Colosseum, where he will lead thousands in the traditional prayer of the Stations of the Cross.
The Roman tradition of holding the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday goes back to the pontificate of Benedict XIV, who died in 1758.
On Holy Saturday Francis will preside over the Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica starting at 8:30 p.m., during which he will administer the sacrament of baptism to certain individuals.
Easter morning, April 5, he will celebrate the Mass of Our Lord's Resurrection in St. Peter's Square before giving his 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing - which goes out to the city of Rome and to the world - from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
In 2010 Pope Benedict Spoke to Pilgrims During Holy Week
EASTER TRIDUUM LEADS US TO CHRIST
EASTER TRIDUUM LEADS US TO CHRIST
VATICAN CITY, 31 MAR 2010 (VIS) - The Easter Triduum was the central theme of Benedict XVI 's catechesis during his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square.
"We are", the Pope began, "living through the holy days that invite us to meditate upon the central events of our Redemption, the essential nucleus of our faith". In this context, he encouraged everyone "to experience this period intensely, that it may decisively guide everyone's life to a generous and strong adherence to Christ, Who died and rose again for us".
At the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, apart from the blessing of the oil used for catechumens, the sick and those being confirmed, priests will renew their vows. "This year the gesture has particular significance because it takes place in the context of the Year for Priests, which I called to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of the holy 'Cure of Ars'. To all priests I would like to reiterate the hope I expressed at the end of my Letter inaugurating the Year: 'In the footsteps of the Cure of Ars, let yourselves be enthralled by Christ. In this way you too will be, for the world in our time, heralds of hope, reconciliation and peace!'".
On the evening of Holy Thursday "we will celebrate the moment of the institution of the Eucharist" when Christ, "in the species of the bread and the wine, makes Himself truly present with the Body He gave and the Blood He split as a sacrifice of the New Covenant. At the same time He made the Apostles and their successors ministers of this Sacrament, which He consigned to His Church as the supreme proof of His love".
On Good Friday, in memory of the passion and death of the Lord, we will recall how "Jesus offered His life as a sacrifice for the remission of the sins of humankind, choosing the most cruel and humiliating death: crucifixion. There exists an indissoluble link between the Last Supper and the death of Jesus", said Pope Benedict , explaining how in the Upper Room "Jesus offered His Body and Blood (that is, his earthly existence, Himself), anticipating His own death and transforming it into an act of love. And so death, which by its nature is the end, the destruction of all relations, is made by Him an act of communication of Self, an instrument of salvation and a proclamation of the victory of love".
Easter Saturday "is characterised by a great silence. ... At this time of expectation and hope, believers are invited to prayer, reflection and conversion, also through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that, intimately renewed, they may participate in the celebration of Easter", said the Holy Father.
On the night of Easter Saturday, "that silence will be broken by the cry of Alleluia, which announces the resurrection of Christ and proclaims he victory of light over darkness, of life over death. The Church will joy in the meeting with her Lord, entering the day of Easter which the Lord inaugurated by rising from the dead", the Pope concluded.
AG/EASTER TRIDUUM/... VIS 100331 (530)
"We are", the Pope began, "living through the holy days that invite us to meditate upon the central events of our Redemption, the essential nucleus of our faith". In this context, he encouraged everyone "to experience this period intensely, that it may decisively guide everyone's life to a generous and strong adherence to Christ, Who died and rose again for us".
At the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, apart from the blessing of the oil used for catechumens, the sick and those being confirmed, priests will renew their vows. "This year the gesture has particular significance because it takes place in the context of the Year for Priests, which I called to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of the holy 'Cure of Ars'. To all priests I would like to reiterate the hope I expressed at the end of my Letter inaugurating the Year: 'In the footsteps of the Cure of Ars, let yourselves be enthralled by Christ. In this way you too will be, for the world in our time, heralds of hope, reconciliation and peace!'".
On the evening of Holy Thursday "we will celebrate the moment of the institution of the Eucharist" when Christ, "in the species of the bread and the wine, makes Himself truly present with the Body He gave and the Blood He split as a sacrifice of the New Covenant. At the same time He made the Apostles and their successors ministers of this Sacrament, which He consigned to His Church as the supreme proof of His love".
On Good Friday, in memory of the passion and death of the Lord, we will recall how "Jesus offered His life as a sacrifice for the remission of the sins of humankind, choosing the most cruel and humiliating death: crucifixion. There exists an indissoluble link between the Last Supper and the death of Jesus", said Pope Benedict , explaining how in the Upper Room "Jesus offered His Body and Blood (that is, his earthly existence, Himself), anticipating His own death and transforming it into an act of love. And so death, which by its nature is the end, the destruction of all relations, is made by Him an act of communication of Self, an instrument of salvation and a proclamation of the victory of love".
Easter Saturday "is characterised by a great silence. ... At this time of expectation and hope, believers are invited to prayer, reflection and conversion, also through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that, intimately renewed, they may participate in the celebration of Easter", said the Holy Father.
On the night of Easter Saturday, "that silence will be broken by the cry of Alleluia, which announces the resurrection of Christ and proclaims he victory of light over darkness, of life over death. The Church will joy in the meeting with her Lord, entering the day of Easter which the Lord inaugurated by rising from the dead", the Pope concluded.
AG/EASTER TRIDUUM/... VIS 100331 (530)
--------------------
"At the Council of Nicaea in 325, all the Churches agreed that Easter, the Christian Passover, should be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon (14 Nisan) after the vernal equinox. Because of the different methods of calculating the 14th day of the month of Nisan, the date of Easter in the Western and Eastern Churches is not always the same. For this reason, the Churches are currently seeking an agreement in order once again to celebrate the day of the Lord's Resurrection on a common date." -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1170
"At the Council of Nicaea in 325, all the Churches agreed that Easter, the Christian Passover, should be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon (14 Nisan) after the vernal equinox. Because of the different methods of calculating the 14th day of the month of Nisan, the date of Easter in the Western and Eastern Churches is not always the same. For this reason, the Churches are currently seeking an agreement in order once again to celebrate the day of the Lord's Resurrection on a common date." -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1170
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
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.
3. On each of the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Divine Mercy Novena
Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said:
"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."
In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:
"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:
DAY 1 (Good Friday) - All mankind, especially sinners
DAY 2 (Holy Saturday) - The souls of priests and religious
DAY 3 (Easter Sunday) - All devout and faithful souls
DAY 4 (Easter Monday) - Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him
DAY 5 (Easter Tuesday) - The souls of separated brethren
DAY 6 (Easter Wednesday) - The meek and humble souls and the souls of children
DAY 7 (Easter Thursday) - The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy
DAY 8 (Easter Friday) - The souls who are detained in purgatory;
DAY 9 (Easter Saturday) - The souls who have become lukewarm.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena.
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 it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our 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 for ever and ever. Amen.
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 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 men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them 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 to 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.
* In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use.
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 a 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 grace 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.
Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not 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 those who do not believe in God and of those 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 those who do not believe in You, 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.
*Our Lord's original words here were "the pagans." Since the pontificate of Pope John XXIII, the Church has seen fit to replace this term with clearer and more appropriate terminology.
Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church*,
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 those who have separated themselves from Your Church. 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 glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, 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 His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
*Our Lord's original words here were "heretics and schismatics," since He spoke to Saint Faustina within the context of her times. As of the Second Vatican Council, Church authorities have seen fit not to use those designations in accordance with the explanation given in the Council's Decree on Ecumenism (n.3). Every pope since the Council has reaffirmed that usage. Saint Faustina herself, her heart always in harmony with the mind of the Church, most certainly would have agreed. When at one time, because of the decisions of her superiors and father confessor, she was not able to execute Our Lord's inspirations and orders, she declared: "I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus " I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me" (497). The Lord confirmed her action and praised her for it.
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 will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of 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 souls, upon humble souls, and upon 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.
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; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your 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 hearts, overflowing with joy, sing 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 that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
*The text leads one to conclude that in the first prayer directed to Jesus, Who is the Redeemer, it is "victim" souls and contemplatives that are being prayed for; those persons, that is, that voluntarily offered themselves to God for the salvation of their neighbor (see Col 1:24; 2 Cor 4:12). This explains their close union with the Savior and the extraordinary efficacy that their invisible activity has for others. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren.
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 on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for 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 Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
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 but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me the 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 Gardenof 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 run 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 nonetheless 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. Amen.
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
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.
3. On each of the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Divine Mercy Novena
Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said:
"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."
In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:
"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:
DAY 1 (Good Friday) - All mankind, especially sinners
DAY 2 (Holy Saturday) - The souls of priests and religious
DAY 3 (Easter Sunday) - All devout and faithful souls
DAY 4 (Easter Monday) - Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him
DAY 5 (Easter Tuesday) - The souls of separated brethren
DAY 6 (Easter Wednesday) - The meek and humble souls and the souls of children
DAY 7 (Easter Thursday) - The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy
DAY 8 (Easter Friday) - The souls who are detained in purgatory;
DAY 9 (Easter Saturday) - The souls who have become lukewarm.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena.
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 it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our 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 for ever and ever. Amen.
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 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 men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them 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 to 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.
* In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use.
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 a 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 grace 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.
Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not 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 those who do not believe in God and of those 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 those who do not believe in You, 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.
*Our Lord's original words here were "the pagans." Since the pontificate of Pope John XXIII, the Church has seen fit to replace this term with clearer and more appropriate terminology.
Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church*,
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 those who have separated themselves from Your Church. 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 glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, 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 His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
*Our Lord's original words here were "heretics and schismatics," since He spoke to Saint Faustina within the context of her times. As of the Second Vatican Council, Church authorities have seen fit not to use those designations in accordance with the explanation given in the Council's Decree on Ecumenism (n.3). Every pope since the Council has reaffirmed that usage. Saint Faustina herself, her heart always in harmony with the mind of the Church, most certainly would have agreed. When at one time, because of the decisions of her superiors and father confessor, she was not able to execute Our Lord's inspirations and orders, she declared: "I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus " I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me" (497). The Lord confirmed her action and praised her for it.
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 will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of 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 souls, upon humble souls, and upon 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.
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; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your 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 hearts, overflowing with joy, sing 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 that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
*The text leads one to conclude that in the first prayer directed to Jesus, Who is the Redeemer, it is "victim" souls and contemplatives that are being prayed for; those persons, that is, that voluntarily offered themselves to God for the salvation of their neighbor (see Col 1:24; 2 Cor 4:12). This explains their close union with the Savior and the extraordinary efficacy that their invisible activity has for others. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren.
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 on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for 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 Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
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 but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me the 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 Gardenof 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 run 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 nonetheless 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. Amen.
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