THE STARTING PITCHER IN THE DARK NIGHT

San Padre Pio: “Lord, give me my weapon.”

When I squeezed the rosary beads with

My tense fingers, my soul was bone dry;

I pitched too fast, in a hurry to get the

Game over with as soon as possible.

I pitched my prayers with fear, and they

Wildly eluded the spiritual strike zone;

I needed you, Madonnina, to teach me how to

Pray the Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet.

You taught me to pray more passionately,

Through the loving power of the Holy Spirit:

Sweet spiraling curveballs in holy meditation,

Swift sparkling fastballs in holy contemplation.

So I’m learning to pitch my prayers with

Sincere love, for all nine innings,

And you, my darling catcher, faithfully

Bring my prayers to The Divine Mercy.

JUBILEE 2000: BEFORE MASS

As I serenely sit in front of St. Peter’s

  Basilica, I soak in the beauty of the piazza,

I look about my peaceful surroundings,

  Drinking in the delicious glory of God;

Clusters of clouds casually waft by, so low

  That they almost brush the top of the dome,

They pass by like eager pilgrims, Eucharistic

  White against the bright blue sky.

Fresh flowers flow down on the white steps in front

  Of the altar, like a colorful cascading waterfall,

I inhale the perfume of their sweet scent,

  And I breathe in the Lord’s love;

The elegant church bells powerfully and

  Rhythmically ring out God’s grandeur,

While the balmy breeze swirls around me

  And compassionately caresses me.

JUBILEE 2000: THE PIETÀ

Inspired by Michelangelo’s masterpiece

As I look up at the statue, I see Santa Maria,

  as white as virgin milk, holding her Jesus;

She is the elegant embodiment of humble

  Obedience and selfless compassion.

The Savior lay in the stately surrender of

  Sacrificial love, in His mother’s majestic arms;

He is crushed, the weight of the world’s

  Sin heavy upon His wounded body.

On the surrounding walls, the magnificent

  Marble is a multicolored whirlwind;

The Holy Spirit beautifully swirls and

  Soars through it in grace-ful agape.

JUBILEE 2000: ST. PETER'S BASILICA

Reflecting on God’s grandeur, I marvel

  At the beauty that surrounds me,

The statue of the Pietà vibrantly reflects

  The sweet sublimity of God’s mercy;

The nave floats in the swirling, variegated,

  Multi-colored waves of a marble ocean,

And massive pillars of magnificent marble

  Stand at attention like the Swiss Guards.

As the doors silently open, the Holy Father’s

  Vehicle slowly rolls down the aisle,

And in rushes a breeze of heavenly hope

  That placidly fills the sails of our souls;

I stand on my chair and see the saint whose

  Faith defeated the dreary dark night,

As he kisses a babe, love ripples through

  The crowd and rhymes in our hearts.

DIVINE MERCY AT PEYTO LAKE

As I struggle up the steep path,

My legs now feel much heavier,

And I wonder if the view will really

Be worth the arduous journey;

I see a sage old man approach,

Bearded like one of the prophets,

When I ask if I should continue,

He winks at me and nods yes;

Finally, when I reach the summit,

I behold the Valley of Heaven -- 

I breathe the Holy Spirit into my

Soul, and then exhale a smile;

The snow-capped mountains

Glisten in the warm soothing Light,

As the teal-colored lake glimmers in 

The Divine Mercy rays of the Son.

DIVINE MERCY AT MORAINE LAKE

It is a bright beautiful morning in the

  crisp clean air of the Canadian Rockies,

We ascend as I drive up a wonderfully

  windy road past babbling brooks,

The two of us are together, in the car that

we affectionately refer to as the “Tin Can”;

After reaching the sunny summit,

  we gently roll into the Valley of the Ten Peaks;

We finally arrive at the large lake and 

  look up at the regal ring of mountains,

Yet I feel slightly saddened because

  somehow it’s less than I expected;

A lodge that looks like a big log cabin

  stands silently like a sentinel near the water,

We decide to dine there and enjoy a 

  delightful bit of roast beef for lunch;

The savory flavor of my sandwich lingers

  in my mouth, as I think about my morning,

I try to cunningly convince myself that 

  I’m not disappointed, but I know that I am. 

Departing for our next destination,

  I wistfully walk towards our little car,

But as I look to the right, I see a

  tar-black hill with a winding trail upon it;

The people look like pilgrims as they

  make their way up the mysterious mound,

Curiosity gradually grows within me as I 

  ponder, puzzled, where the path leads;

So I investigate and struggle up the steep

  trail, tripping occasionally on rock and rubble,

But when I get to the top, I am frozen

  with fascination as I behold the view;

Above me is a diadem of snow-tipped peaks,

  gleaming with the glory of God,

Below me is the pristine lake, and it is

  shimmering and sparkling like a gemstone;

It appears as if millions of emeralds

  and sapphires have melted into liquid,

And the teal-green color of the 

  lovely lake is luminous in the sunshine.

My senses are suddenly soaked in the

  Holy Spirit’s lasting love, and I feel Your beauty,

At this moment, nothing else matters,

  and I only long to be close to You;

At this moment, I am oblivious to my past,

  and I am oblivious to my future,

I am living in the eternal and

  mystical present of the great I AM;

You are Holy Humility, You are

  Magnificent Mercy, You are Limitless Love,

And with Your divine sense of humor,

  You really are the God of surprises.

A MISSION OF DIVINE MERCY

As I gradually look up,

  I see luminous rose petals

Fall gently and delicately

  From the sky like snow,

Eucharistic-white

  In the deep dark night.

My mission is prayer

  In the dark night of the unseen,

My mission is surrender

  In the dark night of unknowing,

My mission is love

  In the dark night of the cross.

The path before me is

  Strewn with radiant roses that

Glow like glorious lamps,

  So I faithfully travel it and find

The Eucharistic Light

  That transfigures the dark night.

THE DOVE OF DIVINE MERCY

The Holy Spirit,

The Light of the Universe,

Travels at the speed of eternity,

And when He passes through

The Sacred Heart of Jesus,

The Dove of Divine Mercy is

Transfigured into dazzling rays

Of red and white that pierce

My soul and energize it with

The Holy Lightning of Love.

THE CHALICE OF DIVINE MERCY

When I scourge you with my sins

But then ask you for forgiveness,

Your most treasured blood

Trickles like tears into my heart;

When my thorny sins crown you,

But then I tell you that I’m sorry,

Drops of your royal red blood

Sink soothingly into my spirit;

I fail you again and again and again,

Yet when I sincerely surrender

My whole heart and soul to you,

Your beautiful blood and water

Spill from your open wound

Into the Chalice of Divine Mercy,

And my thirsty soul drinks in the

Sweet new wine of the Spirit.

THE OCEAN OF DIVINE MERCY

I hesitantly open the door

of the confessional

and to my utter surprise

I see a sandy beach:

as I approach the waters

of gentle aquamarine,

I see Jesus before me;

He looks at my feet,

crusty and blackened

with all my sins,

so He washes them

with His holy hands;

then He leads me into the ocean,

whose welcoming waves

of delightful divine mercy

kiss and caress my soul,

cooling and refreshing me;

peace and joy

rush through me,

and as love ripples and rhymes,

sweetening my soul,

I am born again.

THE CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCY

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS

SACRED ART: "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Pedro de Calabria

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-coronation-of-the-virgin/0055a585-4c6e-48ae-935a-0ac083d819ef

The Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed by 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.

The 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.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the life everlasting.

Amen.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIRST DECADE

SACRED ART: "Jesus in the House of Annas" by José de Madrazo y Aged

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/jesus-in-the-house-of-annas/f4b0a5a5-ef3c-4cc6-9e8b-69860c5ba0a5?searchid=e39ff973-0ea8-5eb9-6df8-6675175b73e6

(For optimal viewing, click once on the minus sign to the right and then once on the plus sign)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE SECOND DECADE

SACRED ART: "Mocking of Christ" by Carl Bloch

https://preview.redd.it/ib4wywhq7jl51.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=af74b34ec6db985a4dc796f21a757d4e2ee71468

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE THIRD DECADE

SACRED ART: "Christ Falls on the Way to Calvary” by Raphael

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/christ-falls-on-the-way-to-calvary/870c8293-1691-4a90-88ff-b554a2bc3fe8?searchid=aec4b8b7-4d5e-ae1b-8ec4-d83bfcaa20fb

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the minus sign to the right, then once on the plus sign)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FOURTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "Crucifixion" by Frans Francken II

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frans_Francken_II#/media/File:Frans_Francken_d._J._003.jpg

(For optimum viewing, click once on the painting)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIFTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Supper at Emmaus" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-supper-at-emmaus/1086e8ad-8cda-424d-860c-3d147545ae48?searchid=83e40004-a1fb-e2f4-a64c-574d8f8e8c73

(For optimal viewing, click once or twice on the minus sign to the right)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

CONCLUDING DOXOLOGY & CONCLUDING PRAYER

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

Recite the following prayer three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us, And on the whole world.

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

DIVINE MERCY: ENLIGHTENED BY THE HOLY EUCHARIST

I stagger and stumble        

and struggle through life,    

my brain twisted into knots    

by perplexing problems,         

by a delirium of doubts,    

by a flurry of fickle fears;    

so Our Lady of Love            

takes me by the hand        

and gently leads me to        

The Divine Mercy,        

where He is enthroned in His        

regal monstrance of gold,    

and I pour out my heart    

before His Holy Majesty;    

from His Most Precious Body    

two beams of bright light,    

both red and white,        

burn through the darkness,    

illuminating my mind,        

and the Truth has set me free.

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: DAY 9

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

PRAYER INTENTION

“Today bring to Me souls who have become lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’ For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.”

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 ardor 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.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS

SACRED ART: "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Pedro de Calabria

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-coronation-of-the-virgin/0055a585-4c6e-48ae-935a-0ac083d819ef

The Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed by 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.

The 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.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the life everlasting.

Amen.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIRST DECADE

SACRED ART: "Christ Carrying the Cross" by Tiziano Vecellio

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/christ-carrying-the-cross/657fa964-0040-48df-971e-88f0de5c6714?searchid=8459af29-21b3-0192-73cd-ba148b44f466

(For optimum viewing, click once on the minus sign to the right)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE SECOND DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Raising of the Cross" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elevation_of_the_Cross_(Rubens)#/media/File:Rubens_-_The_Raising_of_the_Cross.jpg

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE THIRD DECADE

SACRED ART: "Crucifixion" by Frans Francken II

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frans_Francken_II#/media/File:Frans_Francken_d._J._003.jpg

(For optimum viewing, click once on the painting)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FOURTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Crucified Christ" by Diego Velázquez

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-crucified-christ/72cbb57e-f622-4531-9b25-27ff0a9559d7

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the minus sign to the right, then once on the plus sign)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIFTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Supper at Emmaus" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-supper-at-emmaus/1086e8ad-8cda-424d-860c-3d147545ae48?searchid=83e40004-a1fb-e2f4-a64c-574d8f8e8c73

(For optimal viewing, click once or twice on the minus sign to the right)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

CONCLUDING DOXOLOGY & CONCLUDING PRAYER

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

Recite the following prayer three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us, And on the whole world.

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

SURRENDERING TO DIVINE MERCY

When I wave the white flag

in the serene surrender of prayer,

I allow the water of my soul

to be poured freely into

His chalice of gold;

there I am baptized by Love

and born again,

transformed by the Transfigured,

changed forever by the sweet

new wine of the Spirit.

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: DAY 8

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

PRAYER INTENTION

“Today bring to Me 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.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS

SACRED ART: "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Pedro de Calabria

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-coronation-of-the-virgin/0055a585-4c6e-48ae-935a-0ac083d819ef

The Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed by 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.

The 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.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the life everlasting.

Amen.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIRST DECADE

SACRED ART: "Christ Carrying the Cross" by Tiziano Vecellio

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/christ-carrying-the-cross/657fa964-0040-48df-971e-88f0de5c6714?searchid=8459af29-21b3-0192-73cd-ba148b44f466

(For optimum viewing, click once on the minus sign to the right)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE SECOND DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Raising of the Cross" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elevation_of_the_Cross_(Rubens)#/media/File:Rubens_-_The_Raising_of_the_Cross.jpg

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE THIRD DECADE

SACRED ART: "Crucifixion" by Frans Francken II

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frans_Francken_II#/media/File:Frans_Francken_d._J._003.jpg

(For optimum viewing, click once on the painting)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FOURTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Crucified Christ" by Diego Velázquez

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-crucified-christ/72cbb57e-f622-4531-9b25-27ff0a9559d7

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the minus sign to the right, then once on the plus sign)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIFTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Supper at Emmaus" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-supper-at-emmaus/1086e8ad-8cda-424d-860c-3d147545ae48?searchid=83e40004-a1fb-e2f4-a64c-574d8f8e8c73

(For optimal viewing, click once or twice on the minus sign to the right)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

CONCLUDING DOXOLOGY & CONCLUDING PRAYER

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

Recite the following prayer three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us, And on the whole world.

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Our fruit is very sweet,

And He is very happy,

When we remain attached

To the one true Vine.

Joy warms us with light,

Peace conquers fear,

Patience stops time,

Kindness multiplies smiles.

Generosity feeds the world,

Faithfulness makes us a Church,

Gentleness purifies the heart,

Self-control shuts out darkness.

But Love, yes Love, wondrously

Binds them all together into

Majestic harmony as our souls

Drink of the Lord’s Divine Mercy.

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: DAY 7

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

PRAYER INTENTION

“Today bring to Me 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 hearts, overflowing with joy, sing 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 DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS

SACRED ART: "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Pedro de Calabria

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-coronation-of-the-virgin/0055a585-4c6e-48ae-935a-0ac083d819ef

The Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed by 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.

The 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.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the life everlasting.

Amen.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIRST DECADE

SACRED ART: "Christ Carrying the Cross" by Tiziano Vecellio

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/christ-carrying-the-cross/657fa964-0040-48df-971e-88f0de5c6714?searchid=8459af29-21b3-0192-73cd-ba148b44f466

(For optimum viewing, click once on the minus sign to the right)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE SECOND DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Raising of the Cross" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elevation_of_the_Cross_(Rubens)#/media/File:Rubens_-_The_Raising_of_the_Cross.jpg

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE THIRD DECADE

SACRED ART: "Crucifixion" by Frans Francken II

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frans_Francken_II#/media/File:Frans_Francken_d._J._003.jpg

(For optimum viewing, click once on the painting)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FOURTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Crucified Christ" by Diego Velázquez

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-crucified-christ/72cbb57e-f622-4531-9b25-27ff0a9559d7

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the minus sign to the right, then once on the plus sign)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIFTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "The Supper at Emmaus" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-supper-at-emmaus/1086e8ad-8cda-424d-860c-3d147545ae48?searchid=83e40004-a1fb-e2f4-a64c-574d8f8e8c73

(For optimal viewing, click once or twice on the minus sign to the right)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

CONCLUDING DOXOLOGY & CONCLUDING PRAYER

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

Recite the following prayer three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us, And on the whole world.

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

THE SACRED HEART

As the Sacred Heart

Beats with thrills of joy,

The new wine of Divine Love

Sweetly surges through the

Thirsty Body of Christ,

Bringing the refreshment

Of the Holy Spirit,

And the gentle mercy

Of our Heavenly Father;

With compassion, Jesus says,

“Let every beat of my heart today

Be an act of love for you.”

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: DAY 6

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

PRAYER INTENTION

“Today bring to Me 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 favorites. 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 DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: INTRODUCTORY PRAYERS

SACRED ART: "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Pedro de Calabria

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-coronation-of-the-virgin/0055a585-4c6e-48ae-935a-0ac083d819ef

The Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed by 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.

The 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.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead.

On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the life everlasting.

Amen.

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIRST DECADE

SACRED ART: "Flagellation” by Lodovico Carracci

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Douai_chartreuse_carracci_flagellation.jpg

(For optimal viewing, click once on the painting)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE SECOND DECADE

SACRED ART: "Mocking of Christ" by Carl Bloch

https://preview.redd.it/ib4wywhq7jl51.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=af74b34ec6db985a4dc796f21a757d4e2ee71468

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE THIRD DECADE

SACRED ART: "Ecce Homo” by Antonio Ciseri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecce_homo#/media/File:Ecce_homo_by_Antonio_Ciseri_(1).jpg

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the minus sign to the right, and then once on the plus sign)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FOURTH DECADE

SACRED ART: "Christ Falls on the Way to Calvary” by Raphael

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/christ-falls-on-the-way-to-calvary/870c8293-1691-4a90-88ff-b554a2bc3fe8?searchid=aec4b8b7-4d5e-ae1b-8ec4-d83bfcaa20fb

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the minus sign to the right, then once on the plus sign)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: THE FIFTH DECADE

SACRED ART: “Christ Carrying the Cross” by El Greco

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Carrying_the_Cross_(El_Greco,_New_York)#/media/File:Cristo_abrazado_a_la_cruz_El_Greco.jpg

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the painting)

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

Recite the following prayer ten times:

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

CONCLUDING DOXOLOGY & CONCLUDING PRAYER

SACRED ART: "Divine Mercy" by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/divine-mercy-original.jpg

(Left-click once on the painting to get a closer view)

Recite the following prayer three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy on us, And on the whole world.

Recite the following prayer once:

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.

OUR FATHER OF DIVINE MERCY

Our Father’s eyes are upon us,

And we are gently caressed

By His compassionate gaze;

He speaks with a voice sublime,

Words of hope and encouragement,

Urging us to remain in Divine Mercy;

He knows everything about us,

The good, the bad, the ugly,

And yet, remarkably, He still loves us;

Then, we humbly approach Him,

Like the repentant prodigal son,

Wearing the tattered rags of sin:

He joyfully embraces and kisses us,

And, to our amazement, we are

Forgiven, and we are born again.