The Lord Jesus asked, through Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska, that the first Sunday after Easter Sunday be celebrated as the feast of Divine Mercy. Many years later, Pope St John Paul II fulfilled our Lord’s request so that this Feast day is universally celebrated throughout the entire Church.
Jesus made a very special promise: whoever goes to Confession and Holy Communion on the Feast of Mercy will receive, not only the forgiveness of sins, but the forgiveness of all temporal punishment and all time in purgatory.
Here is our Lord’s promise:
“My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners.
“On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.
“On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity.
“Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. “
Diary of St Faustina, 699
Jesus Risen 