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“But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

We thank Saint Pope John Paul II for reminding us today of God’s love for all people—no matter their station, no matter their sins. 

This is Divine Mercy Sunday, a celebration begun by our beloved Pope in 2000.  On the Sunday after Easter that year he canonized Blessed Faustina Kowalska, a devoted religious, designating the second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday.  Mindful of St. Faustina’s gift to the Church at Easter, our Holy Father proclaimed:

“Jesus said to St. Faustina one day, ‘Humanity will never find peace until

it turns with trust to Divine Mercy.’  Divine Mercy!  This is the Easter gift

that the Church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity.”

What our Holy Father is saying is that personal transformation—the passage into new life that we celebrated at Easter—is only possible because of God’s mercy.  Each time we witness mercy, we transform ourselves in God’s image and offer the gift of new life to the world.  We become creators in a worldly way and in a spiritual way, too.

God’s mercy opens the door to a deeper practice of our faith, never failing to forgive and transform.  So, think of mercy as your starting point.  Know that mercy is God’s personal gift to you.  Then share the bounty.  Reach out to all of Creation, to everyone you encounter, and offer them the example of transformation that God has called you to be.  Mercy is a chance to heal divisions, overcome the hurts, set aside the misunderstandings, and start over.  With God’s blessing.

Friend, accept God’s divine mercy as the gift that that never stops giving back.  The more we practice being merciful, the more complete we become, and the stronger we are for the journey home.  Think big, practice small… an act of mercy a day.  More when you can.  I know God will bless and reward you. 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Pour out Your mercy upon me,

O divine Savior and Lord

who from the cross blessed the world

with salvation and grace.

Wash away my sins and cleanse me

from all transgressions against

Your most Sacred Heart.

More than water covers the earth

let Your mercy cover the world

freeing the captive, healing the

broken-hearted, and lifting

up the downtrodden.

You who prayed to the Father

to forgive Your executioners

help me to let go of past grievances

and turn over to You any thoughts

of vengeance or retribution

that I might worthily walk in Your ways.

Amen

Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.