The Second Sunday of Easter was declared by Pope John Paul II to be Divine Mercy Sunday. This was a request directly from Jesus to Sr. Faustina Kowalska when He was speaking to her about Himself as Divine Mercy. The Gospel for that day is especially fitting, as it is the appearance of Jesus to the Apostles in the Upper Room, when He proclaimed, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive are forgiven them, and the sins you shall retain are retained.” By these words He instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation or the Sacrament of Mercy.
   
He requested that the Second Sunday of Easter become Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the world. Pope John Paul II honored that request during the celebrations of the Millenium Year of 2000 AD. Jesus said that there would be an ocean of mercy on that day, poured out upon all sinners. One should go to confession on that day or in the weeks before or after that day.
   
The Cathedral will hold special Divine Mercy Vespers on that Sunday, April 27, at 3 pm. That is known as the Hour of Mercy, because it is the time when Jesus died.
   
All are welcome to the Cathedral next Sunday, April 27, at 3 pm.