Diaries, resembling those used today, have been around since the second century AD. As literacy increased, so did the use of diaries. Originally used for capturing business or travel details, as they gained popularity, the pages became more personal.
One of the gems of mystical literature is the “Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska,” which was written in Vilnius and Kraków from 1934-1938. The diary presents the “richness and fascinating beauty of the mystery of Divine Mercy from the vantage-point of Sister Faustina’s life and mystical experiences.” (saint-faustina.org)
Following Jesus’s directive to transcribe His message of mercy, Faustina’s diary entries are a great testimony of God’s divine mercy. There is an inspiring three-fold message throughout the nun’s writings: God is love itself. His love is poured out for us. God wants no one to escape His merciful love.
Pope John Paul II in his Nov. 30, 1980, encyclical letter on divine mercy, titled “Dives in Misericordia,” called upon all people to face the evils that afflict modern humanity. His reinvigorating message invited all to pray with intensity, fervor and zeal for the saving power of God’s merciful love.
Following Jesus’ instructions to St. Faustina, the Pope underscored the profound power in reciting, “Jesus, I trust in You.”
The underlying message of the Pope’s stirring directive, as explained by author and Catholic priest Father Michael Gaitely, is that “merciful love transforms consciences, puts a stop to evil, and can renew the face of the earth.”
Gaitely spotlights the need for bold prayer that “pierces the heart of God and can help save the world.”
Per Faustina’s diary, the first service the divine mercy image was displayed was on April 28, 1935, which was the second Sunday of Easter. Pope John Paul II canonized Faustina on April 30, 2000, and subsequently designated the second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday.
Divine Mercy Sunday marks the eighth day of Eastertide, which is often called the Octave Day of the Easter season. The second longest liturgical season, the 50-day period begins on Easter Sunday and leads up to Pentecost Sunday, which will be on June 8 this year.
It is a season of celebration that focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In 2001, the Pagosa Springs Knights of Columbus Council #7560 joined the ranks of churches around the world in leading a Divine Mercy Sunday service. Earl Greenwood, grand knight at that time, led the effort with the support of Guiseppe Margiotta.
In 2002, the Divine Mercy Sunday logistics were handed over to Margiotta and his wife of 32 years, Maureen. When asked why they have tirelessly kept it going for 24 years, Maureen Margiotta shared, “It is our rock during difficult times. When our family and friends face challenges, we turn to God’s Mercy for us and the whole world.”
When COVID prevented in-person attendance for two consecutive years, the Margiottas livestreamed.
“This is our ministry and, with the grace of God, we keep it going because,” Guiseppe Margiotta explained, “everyone is deserving of God’s Mercy.”
In His revelations to Faustina, Jesus asked for a special prayer and meditation focused on His Passion to be said at 3 p.m., which recalls the time of His death on the cross. Known as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the faithful pray a nine-day novena that starts on Good Friday and ends on Divine Mercy Sunday.
Hosted by the Pagosa Springs Knights of Columbus Council, all are invited to attend the Divine Mercy Sunday service on April 27. The chaplet, led by the music ministry, will start at 2:45 p.m. A light reception will follow.
Pope John Paul II Catholic Church is located at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd. If unable to attend, free pamphlets are available at the parish office. Visit ihmjp2.org for hours.
