Divine Mercy Canonisation

Pope John Paul II was the second longest serving pope in history (from 16 October 1978 to 02 April 2005) and therefore the pope during most of my life so far.  I was in tears when I heard that he passed away.  I was in the middle of a personal crisis at the time and prayed he would watch over me.  I knew he was special and holy even if there were no talks of beatification nor canonisation at the time. 

(video from 2011)

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday.  There are many special graces associated with this day as the outpouring of Christ's love and mercy is especially abundant as revealed in St. Faustina's diary.

“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 the 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.” (Diary 699) 

It was Karol Wojtyla, then Archbishop of Krakow, who after St. Faustina's death (25 August 1905-05 October 1938) was the first to consider bringing her name before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints for consideration as a figure worthy of being put forward for beatification.  Then on Mercy Sunday, 18 April 1993, Pope John Paul II beatified St. Faustina.    

On 30 April 2000, Pope John Paul II canonised St. Faustina Kowalska and officially designated the Sunday after after Easter as the Sunday of the Divine Mercy.  It was Mercy Sunday on that day, too. 

What better day for Karol Wojtyla to be canonised himself but on this special day? 

The Holy Father Pope Francis will also be canonising Pope John XXIII so it will be a double celebration!

Saints in heaven, pray for us.