March 11, 2020

Marian Fathers announce cancellation of Divine Mercy Weekend celebration

REGIONAL
Staff report

Worshipers attend the 2011 Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge. (iObserve photos/courtesy of National Shrine of The Divine Mercy)

STOCKBRIDGE – In an online statement, the Congregation of Marian Fathers announced March 10 that they will not hold the annual Divine Mercy weekend celebration at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, here.

“In collaboration with the local health officials and emergency personnel, the Marian Fathers are cancelling the annual Divine Mercy Sunday outdoor weekend celebration on April 18 and 19,” the statement reads. “The Marian Fathers deeply apologize to all the dedicated organizers and faithful pilgrims who were planning to be with us. Out of our care and concern for the wellbeing of each person, we do not wish to increase the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus).”

The annual celebration of the message of Divine Mercy revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska attracts 15,000 to 20,000 worshipers each year and the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass is broadcast live on EWTN.

“Please remember that the extraordinary grace of Divine Mercy Sunday is available to you on that day by receiving Holy Communion in a state of grace,” the Marian Fathers said in the online statement. “Consider going to Confession prior to Easter, so as not to overwhelm your local parish on Divine Mercy Sunday.

“If you are homebound or otherwise cannot attend Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, you may wish to watch Mass on local television or EWTN,” the statement advises. “Even if that is not possible, please remember that you can obtain the graces available on this day by receiving Jesus in your heart with great longing and love – also known as making an act of Spiritual Communion.

A man holds images of St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy during the 2011 Divine Mercy Weekend at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge.

“God will give you all the graces you need because of your great trust in Him. God does not abandon anyone,” the Marian Fathers stated. “He is especially close to the broken-hearted and those bound by disease, sin, despair, loneliness, or physical handicaps. We ask you to join us in praying for all those around the world who have been exposed to or who will be affected by this virus. We ask God for His assistance that we may speedily overcome this disease.”

The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy remains open with its regular daily schedule of Masses, opportunities for confession, and devotions.