The Divine Mercy
The Chaplet Prayer of the Divine Mercy
THE CHAPLET PRAYER OF THE DIVINE MERCY
The Lord said to Blessed Faustina:
"Say unceasingly the Chaplet that I have taught you. Whoever will recite it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this Chaplet only once, he would receive grace form My infinite Mercy. I desire that the whole world know My infinite Mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My Mercy." (687)
"At the hour of their death I defend as My own glory every soul that will say this Chaplet; or when others say it for a dying person the indulgence is the same. When this Chaplet is said by the bedside of a dying person, God's anger is placated, unfathomable Mercy envelops the soul and the very depths of My tender Mercy are moved for the sake of the sorrowful Passion of My Son." (811)
How to recite the CHAPLET:
(On ordinary rosary beads)
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.
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.
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 to the dead, 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 life everlasting. Amen.
On the Large Bead before Each Decade: "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."
On the 10 Small Beads of Each Decade: "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy onus and on the whole world."
Conclude with: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have Mercy on us and on the whole world." (3 times)
"O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You."
At 3 o'clock in the afternoon say: "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."
Jesus asked that the Feast of Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He, Himself, dictated to Blessed Faustina the intentions to pray for on each day of the Novena. The Novena to the Divine Mercy can be prayed, not only in preparation for the Feast of Mercy, but at other times as well.
**It is greatly recommended that anyone making a Novena to the Divine Mercy, should pray the CHAPLET for nine consecutive days.
"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the Fount of My Mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever graces they need in the hardships of life and especially at the hour of death. On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father. You will do this in this life and the next. I will deny nothing to any soul whom you bring to the Fount of My Mercy. On each day you will beg My Father on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls." (1209)
Day 1. "Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief in which the loss of souls plunges Me."
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Day 2. "Today bring to Me the souls of Priests and Religious. They gave Me the strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them, My Mercy flow out upon mankind."
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Day 3. "Today bring to Me all devout and faithful souls. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Day 4. "Today bring to Me the unbelievers and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking of them during My bitter Passion and their future zeal comforted My Heart."
Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Day 5. "Today bring to Me the separated brethren. During My Passion they tore at My Body and Heart - that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape form the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Day 6. "Today bring to Me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. Only the humble soul is able to receive My grace."
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 of 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.
Day 7. "Today bring to Me the souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell."
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 the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend at His glory. Amen.
Day 8. "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.
Day 9. "Today bring to Me the 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.
In Blessed Faustina's Diary, Our Lord requested that a "Feast of Mercy" be officially established in the Church on the Sunday after Easter. Jesus said:
"My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable Mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender Mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My Mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from the very depths of My tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy." (699)
"I want the Image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it." (341)
"I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My mercy."
"Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy... I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it."
To observe the Feast of Mercy properly, one must:
Celebrate the Feast on the Sunday after Easter
- Sincerely repent of all our sins
- Place our complete trust in Jesus
- Go to Confession, preferably before that Sunday
- Receive Holy Communion on the day of the Feast
- Venerate* the Image of The Divine Mercy
- Be merciful to others, though our actions, words, and prayers on their behalf.
(Corporal and Spiritual Acts of Mercy)
*To venerate a sacred image or statue simple means to perform some act or make some gesture of deep religious respect toward it because of the person whom it represents.
In Blessed Faustina's Diary she wrote:
"In the evening, when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand [was] raised in a gesture of blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From beneath the garment, slightly drawn aside at the breast, there were emanating two large rays, one red, the other pale. In silence I kept my gaze fixed on the Lord; my soul was struck with awe, but also with great joy. After a while, Jesus said to me, Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world. (47)
I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory." (48)
"During prayer I heard these words within me: The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which i the life of souls...
These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross.
These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. I desire that the first Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy." (299)
Our Lord requested Sister Faustina to recall His death on the cross and meditate on His Passion at three o'clock in the afternoon.
"At three o'clock, implore My Mercy 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." (1320)
"I remind you, My daughter, that as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My Mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment Mercy was opened wide for every soul... My daughter, try your best to make the stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross then at least step into the Chapel for a moment and adore in the Blessed Sacrament My Heart which is full of Mercy and should you be unable to step into the Chapel, immerse yourself in prayer where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant. I claim veneration for My Mercy from every creature." (1572)
"Jesus, Mary, I love You, Save Souls"