The Chaplet Of Divine Mercy

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         In my last article entitled “The Paschal Precept”, I mentioned that there is a way to obtain a plenary indulgence for our self.  Many years ago I was listening to a program on the Eternal Word Television Network describing the Chaplet and its effect on the human soul.  I was informed that if a person made a novena, that is, praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy from Good Friday through Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), one could obtain a plenary indulgence.  Of course, there are the usual norms that you must follow, such as fulfilling the Paschal Precept which consists of obtaining sacramental absolution in the Sacrament of Penance and the reception of the Holy Eucharist on or before Divine Mercy Sunday, not living in a state of grievous sin, living in the state of grace, and believing in all of the truths that the Catholic Church teaches.

         Let’s review the actual prayer.  Using rosary beads, the person must recite the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed. On the large beads of the rosary, we pray the following, “Eternal Father, I offer you the Body, the Blood, the Soul, and the Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.”  On the ten small beads of the rosary, we pray, “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”  One must pray five decades of the previous prayer formula.  After the five decades, one must recite the following prayer three times.  “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

         This prayer is from the diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, the saint of Divine Mercy.

         Saint Padre Pio once taught that all of us believe in Divine Grace.  We should also believe in Divine Hope that should lead us to believe in Divine Mercy, which is the only refuge for our souls exposed to the storms of life.  If you follow my advice, then someday I will truly see you in Paradise with our Divine Lord.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Laus Deo.  See you in Paradise.