Introduction: Embracing God's Infinite Mercy
In a world often riddled with anxieties, divisions, and despair, the message of God's boundless mercy offers a beacon of hope and healing. At the heart of this message for our times is the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a powerful prayer revealed by Jesus Christ to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun in the 1930s.
This devotion is not merely a set of words; it's an invitation to trust fully in Jesus, to embrace His infinite compassion, and to intercede for the salvation of souls. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential aspects of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, ensuring you understand its profound origins, its incredible promises, and how to pray it faithfully according to the Catholic tradition.
What is the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a set of prayers, typically recited using rosary beads, that implore God's mercy for ourselves and for the whole world. It was given to Saint Faustina Kowalska by Jesus Himself, who appeared to her with instructions for this specific devotion.
According to St. Faustina's Diary, "Divine Mercy in My Soul," Jesus expressed His desire for the Chaplet to be prayed widely: "Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you" (Diary, 1541). He emphasized that "When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as a just Judge but as a merciful Savior" (Diary, 1541).
The Chaplet is distinct from the Rosary, though it utilizes the same beads. Its focus is a profound meditation on the Passion of Jesus Christ and His infinite mercy.
The Promises of the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Jesus made extraordinary promises to those who faithfully pray the Chaplet:
Great Mercy at the Hour of Death: "Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this Chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy" (Diary, 687). "When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as a just Judge but as a merciful Savior" (Diary, 1541).
Answered Prayers: "It pleases Me to grant everything souls ask of Me by saying the Chaplet, if what you ask is compatible with My will" (Diary, 1731).
Protection and Peace: "By saying the Chaplet you are bringing humankind closer to Me" (Diary, 929). It serves as a shield against evil and a source of profound peace.
These promises underscore the immense spiritual power of this devotion and God's boundless desire to pour out His mercy upon humanity.
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet Step-by-Step
The Divine Mercy Chaplet can be prayed using a standard rosary. Here's how to pray it:
1. Make the Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. Optional Opening Prayers:
You may choose to begin with the optional opening prayers given by Jesus to St. Faustina (Diary, 187):
"You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us."
"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!" (Recite three times)
3. On the Crucifix (or first large bead):
Recite the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Apostles' Creed.
Our Father: Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Apostles' Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
4. On each of the five large beads (before each decade):
Recite the following prayer:
"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."
5. On each of the ten small beads of each decade:
Recite the following prayer:
"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
6. After completing all five decades (after the last decade's ten small beads):
Recite the following invocation three times:
"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
7. Optional Concluding Prayer:
"Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself." (Diary, 950)
When to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
While the Chaplet can be prayed at any time, Jesus specifically requested that it be prayed at 3:00 PM, which He called the "Hour of Great Mercy." This hour commemorates His death on the Cross. "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. I will allow you to enter into My mortal sorrow. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion..." (Diary, 1320).
The Divine Mercy Novena also begins on Good Friday and concludes on the Sunday after Easter, which is celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday.
Who Was Saint Faustina Kowalska?
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska (born Helena Kowalska in Glogowiec, Poland, in 1905) was a humble Polish nun of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. She received extraordinary revelations from Jesus about His Divine Mercy. Guided by her spiritual director, Blessed Father Michael Sopoćko, she diligently recorded these messages, visions, and conversations in her diary, which later became known as "Divine Mercy in My Soul."
Despite suffering greatly from illness and various spiritual trials, St. Faustina faithfully carried out her mission, becoming the "Secretary of Divine Mercy." She died in 1938 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000, establishing Divine Mercy Sunday for the universal Church.
The Message of Divine Mercy
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is an integral part of the broader Message of Divine Mercy. This message, as conveyed through St. Faustina, calls humanity to:
Trust in Jesus: "Jesus, I trust in You!" is the hallmark of the Divine Mercy message. It's a call to complete reliance on God's goodness, even amidst our weaknesses and sins.
Repentance and Forgiveness: A recognition of our sinfulness and a sincere desire for conversion.
Acts of Mercy: To show mercy to others through our words, deeds, and prayers. "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36).
Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image: Jesus instructed St. Faustina to have an image painted depicting Him with red and pale rays flowing from His Heart, symbolizing the Blood and Water that gushed from His side.
Observance of Divine Mercy Sunday: A special feast day to immerse ourselves fully in God's mercy.
Conclusion: Trusting in Jesus, Our Merciful Savior
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a profound gift to the Church, offering immense graces and a clear path to draw closer to the Heart of Jesus. As we pray this Chaplet, we not only plead for mercy for ourselves and the world but also deepen our trust in God's boundless love and compassion.
Whether you are a long-time devotee or just beginning to explore this powerful prayer, embrace its profound message. Let the words "Jesus, I trust in You!" resonate in your heart, transforming your life and helping you become an instrument of His Divine Mercy to others.
