Divine Mercy Novena

Divine Mercy by James B. Janknegt (Austin, TX)

The Novena
Today marks the beginning of the Divine Mercy Novena. Many parishes organize praying of the novena after the Good Friday service. The Novena consists of a prayer for a particular group of people followed by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. For example, today we pray for all mankind, especially sinners in need of mercy. One easy way to gather all the resources you need, including praying the Divine Mercy Novena, is to download the free Divine Mercy App.  +Stacey Gonzalez and I have used the app in the past to lead us in the chaplet. Yes, it has an audio component!

By His Side

Tonight we heard in the Gospel that Jesus was pierced in His side and water and blood poured out. In that pouring of Himself we receive all of His grace and mercy. Lord, may we never be parted from your side!

Divine Mercy Resources

Below are some links to help you get started on the Novena and to explain a bit about the devotion of Divine Mercy and the wonderful promises associated with it. 

• Divine Mercy, Joe Catholic
• The Divine Mercy, Marians of the Immaculate Conception who maintain the National Shrine of Divine Mercy
• The Divine Mercy Devotion, EWTN
• St. Faustina, Catholic Online

Memorial Day: Honoring Pops

Not Another Veteran's Day

Technically, Memorial Day is meant to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service for our country. While I personally think it is inappropriate to treat this day as another Veteran's Day, I believe it is fitting to honor those who served in the Armed Forces, but are no longer with us. 

Bronze Star

Today, I choose to honor and remember one of my heroes, my maternal grandfather, Antonio G. Palacios. Everyone who knew him simply called him Pops. He was awarded the Bronze Star while serving in the European Theater during World War II. Pops never really talked to me about his time in the war until I too had joined the Army. I remember sitting in his back yard listening to his stories. I remember this as fondly as I do all the times he would take my brother Tony and I fishing. He was not just a war hero, he was my 'buelito Pops.

Mercy Hour

According to the Veteran's Administration, U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, in December 2000. This Act encourages everyone to stop what their doing and take a minute of silence at 3PM on Memorial Day to remember all the soldiers who have died in service to the nation. I don't think it is accident that the time chosen to recall the fallen soldiers is the Divine Mercy Hour. Instead of just taking a moment of silence, how about praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for all the military families who have lost a loved one?

Spiritual Toolbox: Divine Mercy Novena

Today marks the beginning of the Divine Mercy Novena. Many parishes will have organized praying of the novena after the Good Friday service. The Novena consists of a prayer for a particular group of people followed by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. For example, today we pray for all mankind, especially sinners in need of mercy. One easy way to gather all the resources you need, including praying the Divine Mercy Novena, is to download the free Divine Mercy App.  +Stacey Gonzalez and I used the app to lead us in the chaplet. Yes, it has an audio component!

Below are some links to help you get started on the Novena and to explain a bit about the devotion of Divine Mercy and the wonderful promises associated with it. Tonight we will hear that Jesus was pierced in His side and water and blood poured out. In that pouring of Himself we receive all of his grace and mercy. Lord, may I never be parted from your side!

Additional Resources:

• Divine Mercy, Joe Catholic
• The Divine Mercy, Marians of the Immaculate Conception who maintain the National Shrine of Divine Mercy
• The Divine Mercy Devotion, EWTN
• St. Faustina, Catholic Online

Divine Mercy Novena

Today marks the beginning of the Divine Mercy Novena. Many parishes will have organized praying of the novena after the Good Friday service. Below are some links to help you get started on the Novena and to explain a bit about the devotion of Divine Mercy and the wonderful promises associated with it. Tonight we will hear that Jesus was pierced in His side and water and blood poured out. In that pouring of Himself we receive all of his grace and mercy. Lord, may I never be parted from your side!

Divine Mercy, Joe Catholic

The Divine Mercy, Marians of the Immaculate Conception who maintain the National Shrine of Divine Mercy

The Divine Mercy Devotion, EWTN

St. Faustina, Catholic Online

Please enjoy this video presentation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.