Divine Mercy Sunday

by Fr. John Granato  |  04/12/2026  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, a gift given to us by Pope St. John Paul II. Pope John Paul decreed that the second Sunday of Easter, which is the last day of the Octave of Easter, would also have the title of Divine Mercy Sunday, after the allocutions of our Lord to St. Faustina, a Polish nun who compiled a diary of these allocutions. Jesus used her to spread the message of mercy to his people at a time in the 20th Century when there was need to refresh our Catholic faith with this message of mercy.

At this Mass, we read from the Gospel of John about Thomas, who was not in the upper room on Easter Sunday and did not see the Risen Lord. When he doubted the other Apostles, he said he would not believe until he placed his hands on Jesus’ wounds. Eight days later, Thomas was with the Apostles, and Jesus once again comes to the upper room and shows his wounds to Thomas. Thomas replies with those most famous words, “My Lord and my God.” These words are repeated by millions of Catholics as they approach the altar for Holy Communion and say these very same words before they receive our Lord. It is an act of faith for Catholics to say and believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in Holy Communion. The bread and wine cease to exist and the Body and Blood of Christ becomes the Real Presence. Since today is also Easter Sunday, since every day of the Octave is Easter, have a blessed Easter day today for today is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad. God bless