DEVOTION TO THE
DIVINE MERCY

The Divine Mercy Prayers have been taken from the compilation by Fr. S. Michalenko, M.I.C., published by St Stanislaus Kostka Province of his order, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and distributed by Padre Pio Bookshop, l0 Upper Tachbrook St. London, SW1.

• Introduction
  
• Divine Mercy Chaplet
  
• Novena to the Divine Mercy (Instructions)
  
• Novena to the Divine Mercy (Prayers)
  
• Sister Faustina's Praises of the Divine Mercy
  
• More Prayers of Sister Faustina

A world which practises the wholesale abortion of its babies is a world sorely in need of forgiveness from its merciful Redeemer. Pro-life campaigners should work and pray for the conversion and eternal salvation of Herod as well as for the protection of the Holy Innocents. The writings of Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska of Poland (died 1938), whose beatification is being considered in Rome, give us precisely the encouragement we need and the insights into the immensity of God's mercy being offered to man at this time of frightful sinfulness. The promises of which this nun speaks should be seized upon gratefully by pro-lifers, at their wits' end, as to how to turn the horrible tide against which they swim. Let us all respond to Jesus telling Sister Faustina, "I want the whole world to know my infinite mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in my mercy."

Devotion to the Image of Jesus - Jesus, I trust in you.

Jesus himself instructed the sister to paint this picture and told her:

"I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I myself will defend it as my own glory ... I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the inscription: Jesus, I trust in you ... I desire that this image be venerated first in your chapel and then throughout the world.

The two rays on the picture denote blood and water - the pale ray stands for the water which makes souls righteous; the red ray stands for the blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of my most tender mercy when my agonized heart was opened by a lance on the cross ... Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him."

At another time Jesus declared:

"By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls; it is to be a reminder of the demands of my mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works."

The Hour of Great Mercy.

Through the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus the very Kingdom of God has been opened to us. What love should fill our hearts, and how willingly we should respond to the request of our Lord who said to Sister Faustina:

"At three o'clock implore my mercy especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in my Passion, particularly in my abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy for the whole world... In this hour I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of me in virtue of my Passion".

Later, Jesus said to her:

"I remind you, my daughter, that as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in my mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners, for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking. It was the hour of grace for the whole world; mercy triumphed over justice.

"My daughter, try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore my heart in the most Blessed Sacrament which is full of mercy. And should you be unable to step into chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there, where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant."

Sister Faustina tells us that those who make a novena to the Divine Mercy beginning on Good Friday and ending on Sunday after Easter, using this chaplet, are promised by Jesus every possible grace. Pro-lifers ought therefore to make this novena at the required time (although not only then) for the protection of unborn children in their own country.

Sister's instructions were to recite this chaplet on the beads of the rosary as follows:

Our Father, who art in heaven ...

Hail Mary, full of grace ...

I believe in God, ...

Then, on each of the "Our Father" beads, say:

"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."

On each of the "Hail Mary" beads, say:

"For the sake of his sorrowful
Passion,
have mercy on us and on the
whole world."

At the conclusion we say three times:

"Holy God, Holy Mighty One,
Holy Immortal One,
have mercy on us and on the
whole world."

(Good Friday to Sunday after Easter.)

Sister explained as follows:

This is "a Novena to The Divine Mercy which Jesus instructed me to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy. It begins on Good Friday."

Our Lord's words recorded by Sister Faustina:

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of my mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death.

"On each day you will bring to my heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of my mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of my Father ...

"On each day you will beg my Father, on the strength of my bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

In the intention prescribed for each day, we can easily include the pro-life intentions, as follows:

Day 1: FOR SINNERS

In the prayers for sinners, we include prayers for those sinners who violate the life of the baby.

Day 2: FOR PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS

We ask in particular that priests and religious renew their efforts in prayer, instruction and practical example on behalf of the unborn.

Day 3: FOR FAITHFUL SOULS

We pray particularly for our faithful, fellow pro-life campaigners.

Day 4: FOR THOSE WITHOUT FAITH

We pray especially for the members of the medical and nursing professions who have no faith.

Day 5: FOR SEPARATED BRETHREN

We pray that they come very soon to full unity with us in moral teaching.

Day 6: FOR HUMBLE SOULS

We pray that they spread the gift of humility. Abortionism is the pride of man who thinks he owes no obedience to his Creator.

Day 7: FOR SOULS WHO VENERATE CHRIST'S MERCY

We pray in gratitude for contemplatives, sick, housebound, and all those who support the pro-life cause in prayer.

Day 8: FOR SOULS IN PURGATORY

We pray that on reaching heaven these souls will intercede with Christ to rid the world of the scourge of abortion.

Day 9: FOR SOULS WHO HAVE BECOME LUKEWARM

We pray especially for politicians and others in authority who by deed or omission support or tolerate the destruction of the baby or fail to exert themselves sufficiently in its defence.

Here now is the novena to the Divine Mercy in full. The introductions are from Jesus himself, the prayers after each introduction are to be said by us.

ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY ALL SINNERS, and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. In this way you will console me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges me."

Most merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of your most compassionate heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of you by your love which unites you to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the most compassionate heart of Jesus. For the sake of his sorrowful Passion show us your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

THE SOULS OF PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS and immerse them in my unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure my bitter Passion. Through them as through channels my mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase your grace in women consecrated to your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all, who see them, may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of your blessing. For the love of the heart of your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

ALL DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SOULS and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most merciful Jesus, from the treasury of your mercy you impart your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of your most compassionate heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this grace of you by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which your heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of your Son. For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, grant them your blessing and surround them with your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the host of Angels and Saints, may they glorify your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN ME AND THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW ME. I was thinking also of them during my bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted my heart. Immerse them in the ocean of my mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, you are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of your most compassionate heart the souls of those who as yet do not believe in you or do not know you. Let the rays of your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is your most compassionate heart.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in your Son, and of those who as yet do not know you, but who are enclosed in the most compassionate heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love you. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

THE SOULS OF THE SEPARATED BRETHREN and immerse them in the ocean of my mercy. During my bitter Passion they tore at my body and heart, that is, my Church. As they return to unity with the Church my wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate my Passion."

Most merciful Jesus, goodness itself, you do not refuse light to those who seek it of you. Receive into the abode of your most compassionate heart the souls of our separated brethren. Draw them by your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of your most compassionate heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls of our separated brethren, especially those who have squandered your blessings and misused your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of your own Son and upon his bitter Passion, which he underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in his most compassionate heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN, and immerse them in my mercy. These souls most closely resemble my heart. They strengthened me during my bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at my altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving my grace. I favor humble souls with my confidence."

Most merciful Jesus, you yourself have said, "Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of your most compassionate heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favourites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in your most compassionate heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the most compassionate heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg you by the love you bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

THE SOULS WHO ESPECIALLY VENERATE AND GLORIFY MY MERCY and immerse them in my mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into my spirit. They are living images of my compassionate heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most merciful Jesus, whose heart is love itself, receive into the abode of your most compassionate heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of your mercy; and united to you, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate your greatest attribute, that of your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the most compassionate heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their heart, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to you, O most high! I beg you O God: Show them your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in you. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of his, he, himself, will defend as his glory. Amen.

THE SOULS WHO ARE DETAINED IN PURGATORY and immerse them in the abyss of my mercy. Let the torrents of my blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by me. They are making retribution to my justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of my Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to my justice."

Most merciful Jesus, you yourself have said that you desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of your most compassionate heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to you, and yet, who must make retribution to your justice. May the streams of blood and water which gushed forth from your heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the most compassionate heart of Jesus. I beg you, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus, your Son, and by all the bitterness with which his most sacred soul was flooded. Manifest your mercy to the souls who are under your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Most compassionate Jesus, you are compassion itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of your most compassionate heart. In this fire of your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled you with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O most compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of your mercy and draw them into the very ardour of your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond your power.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the most compassionate heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg you by the bitter Passion of your Son and by his three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of your mercy. Amen.

Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the bosom of the Father,

I trust in you.

Into one hymn yourselves unite, stars, earth and sea, and the incomprehensible Divine Mercy in concert praise, charmingly. Amen.

For Fidelity to the will of God

O Jesus, extended upon the cross, I implore you, give me the grace of doing faithfully the most holy will of your Father, in all things, always and everywhere. And when this will of God will seem to me very harsh and difficult to fulfil, it is then I beg you, Jesus, may power and strength flow upon me from your wounds and may my lips keep repeating, "Your will be done, O Lord." O Saviour of the world, lover of man's salvation, who in such terrible torment and pain forgot yourself to think only of the salvation of souls, O most compassionate Jesus, grant me the grace to forget myself that I may live totally for souls, helping you in the work of salvation, according to the most holy will of your Father. Amen.

For Divine Mercy on us all

O greatly merciful God, infinite goodness,
today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery
to your mercy - to your compassion, O God;
and it is with its mighty voice of misery that it cries out.
Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth's exiles!
O Lord, goodness beyond our understanding,
Who are acquainted with our misery through and through,
and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to you,
we implore you: Anticipate us with your grace and keep on increasing your mercy in us,
that we may faithfully do your holy will
all through our life and at death's hour.
Let the omnipotence of your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation's enemies,
that we may with confidence, as your children,
await your final coming - that day known to you alone.
And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus
in spite of all our wretchedness.
For Jesus is our hope:
Through his merciful heart as through an open gate we pass through to heaven. Amen.