“The Soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow.” (Diary of Saint Faustina, 699.)
PROVIDENCE — The Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday drew many to parishes throughout the Diocese of Providence, including the hundreds who attended the prayer-filled events at St. Pius V Church in Providence.
Parishioner Eileen Persechino of North Providence shared that she is incredibly moved by God’s graces on this special day.
“It’s forgive and forget,” she said reflecting on the plenary indulgence. “It’s just a wonderful, wonderful celebration.”
The day included exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; confessions; the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary; O Blessed Host Litany, composed by St. Faustina; Chaplet of Divine Mercy; Litany of the Blessed Sacrament; Benediction; Divine Praises; Holy Mass; and veneration of a first-class relic of St. Faustina.
Persechino remarked on the hard work of the volunteers to make this day-long event so successful and well-attended. She also noted that the large-scale image of Jesus, surrounded by vibrant bouquets [arranged by Persechino, a florist by trade], was a spiritual focal point for the faithful.
“The image has been blessed by Archbishop George Pearce, SM, [who promoted devotion to the Divine Mercy throughout the 1990s] and has been with us for 19 years. It’s a special image and I love seeing all the people and how they venerate it. They love being there and taking part in this beautiful day.”
