The Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet, powerful prayers given to Saint Faustina, are central to this devotion. It emphasizes God’s boundless mercy and offers graces for all who recite them. The Chaplet is often prayed in conjunction with the Novena.
The Significance of the Divine Mercy Devotion
The Divine Mercy devotion, revealed through Saint Faustina, highlights God’s immeasurable love and compassion for humanity. It calls upon us to trust in His mercy, especially in times of suffering and despair. This devotion encourages us to seek forgiveness and to extend mercy to others, mirroring God’s own merciful nature. It is a path to spiritual renewal, offering hope and healing through the graces received by the faithful who embrace it. It emphasizes the importance of divine mercy for the salvation of souls and the conversion of hearts. The devotion encourages us to pray for the souls of others, especially those most in need of God’s mercy, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is considered a powerful means of obtaining this grace. It is a movement that calls on believers to be active participants in God’s plan of salvation.
Structure of the Divine Mercy Novena
The Novena consists of nine days of prayers, each day with a specific intention. It is often preceded by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and is a source of profound spiritual grace.
The Daily Prayers and Intentions
Each day of the Divine Mercy Novena focuses on a specific group of souls, as requested by Jesus to Saint Faustina. The first day is dedicated to all mankind, especially sinners, imploring them to immerse themselves in God’s mercy. The second day is for the souls of priests and religious, seeking to increase their good works. The third day is for all devout and faithful souls, asking for their continued devotion. The fourth day prays for those who do not believe in God, begging for their conversion. On the fifth day, the prayers are offered for the souls who have separated themselves from the Church, inviting them back to unity. The sixth day is directed towards the meek and humble souls, asking for their peace. The seventh day focuses on those who particularly venerate and glorify God’s mercy. The eighth day is for souls in purgatory, praying for their release, and the ninth day is for souls who have become lukewarm in their faith, imploring them for their renewed zeal.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a prayer revealed by Jesus to Saint Faustina, intended as a powerful plea for mercy. It is prayed using ordinary rosary beads and consists of a specific series of prayers. It begins with an opening prayer, followed by one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Apostles’ Creed. Then, on the large beads of the rosary, the prayer “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” is recited. On the small beads, the prayer “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world” is repeated. This is followed by concluding prayers, invoking God’s mercy and compassion. The Chaplet is often recited during the Hour of Great Mercy.
Praying the Chaplet
Praying the Chaplet involves specific opening, recitation, and concluding prayers. It uses rosary beads, and its structure is designed to invoke God’s mercy through the passion of Christ.
Opening Prayers of the Chaplet
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy begins with a specific set of opening prayers. The first prayer is the Our Father, followed by the Hail Mary, and then the Apostle’s Creed. These prayers serve as an invocation, preparing the heart and mind for the recitation of the chaplet. The Apostle’s Creed is a declaration of faith, affirming belief in God, the Father Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. It acknowledges the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, and the communion of saints, as well as the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. These opening prayers establish a foundation of faith before the devotion to divine mercy begins. The tradition of starting with these essential prayers is a way to draw closer to God.
Recitation and Structure of the Chaplet
The recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is structured around the use of rosary beads. It begins with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed. Then, on the large beads, the prayer “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” is recited. On the small beads, the prayer “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world” is repeated. This cycle is done five times, each time meditating on the passion of Jesus. The structure is rhythmic and repetitive, allowing for deep reflection on the suffering and mercy of Christ.
Concluding Prayers of the Chaplet
Following the five decades of the Chaplet, the concluding prayers are essential to the devotion. The most common is the recitation of “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world,” repeated three times. This prayer acknowledges the holiness and power of God and implores His mercy for all. A concluding prayer is often said by the leader, usually beginning with “Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us”. This final prayer calls upon God’s endless mercy and compassion, seeking His grace and blessings for everyone who has participated in the chaplet.
The Hour of Great Mercy
The three o’clock hour, the time of Jesus’ death, is considered the Hour of Great Mercy. It’s a time for special prayer, reflection, and asking for God’s mercy, often done at the Shrine.
Significance of the 3 o’clock Hour
The 3 o’clock hour, known as the Hour of Great Mercy, holds profound significance in the Divine Mercy devotion. This is the time when Jesus died on the cross, offering the ultimate act of mercy for humanity. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the depth of God’s love and compassion. At this hour, we are encouraged to turn to God with trust, imploring His mercy for ourselves and for the whole world. Many choose to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at this time, aligning their prayers with the moment of Christ’s sacrifice. The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy perpetually recites the Chaplet at three o’clock, emphasizing the importance of this time. This practice connects believers to the very heart of the Divine Mercy message, reminding them of the boundless grace available through Jesus’ suffering.
Divine Mercy Promises
Jesus promised great mercy, especially at the hour of death, to those who recite the Chaplet. This devotion is a source of hope and comfort, assuring divine aid.
Mercy at the Hour of Death
A core promise of the Divine Mercy devotion is the assurance of extraordinary mercy at the hour of death. Jesus conveyed to Saint Faustina that those who faithfully recite the Chaplet will receive this special grace. This promise is a profound source of solace and hope for the dying and their loved ones, offering confidence in God’s compassion even in the face of mortality. It is believed that reciting the Chaplet near the dying can bring them peace and forgiveness, easing their transition to eternal life. The prayers are seen as a powerful means of obtaining God’s mercy and grace, especially during the most vulnerable moments of life’s end, providing spiritual comfort and strength when it is most needed.
