Today is Divine Mercy Sunday—the Sunday after Easter when the Church celebrates the infinite mercy of God.
If you're wondering how to observe this day, or what makes it special, this guide will walk you through the key practices and prayers.
What Is Divine Mercy Sunday?
Divine Mercy Sunday falls on the Second Sunday of Easter (April 12, 2026). It was established by Pope John Paul II in 2000, based on the visions of St. Faustina Kowalska.
The central message is simple: God's mercy is infinite, and it is offered to all who turn to Him in trust.
The day carries special graces for those who participate in the sacraments and pray with devotion.
What To Do On Divine Mercy Sunday
1. Go to Confession
The sacrament of Reconciliation is central to Divine Mercy Sunday.
The Church allows confession within about 20 days before or after the feast to receive the full graces of this day, as long as you are in a state of grace on Divine Mercy Sunday itself.
If you haven't been to confession in a while, today is the day to return.
2. Attend Mass and Receive Holy Communion
Participating in the Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday is one of the key ways to receive the graces of this feast.
The Gospel reading for today is John 20:19-31—the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples and to Thomas, who doubted.
Listen for the words: "Peace be with you" and "Do not be unbelieving, but believe."
3. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a short, powerful prayer prayed on rosary beads.
It takes about 10 minutes and focuses on asking for God's mercy for ourselves and the whole world.
If you'd like a complete guide to praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, read our step-by-step guide here.
How To Pray The Divine Mercy Chaplet:
On the Our Father beads, pray:
"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 Hail Mary beads, pray:
"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
Conclude with (three times):
"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
If you'd like a rosary to pray the chaplet:
View Rosaries
4. Pause at 3:00 PM—The Hour of Mercy
At 3:00 PM, the hour Jesus died on the Cross, pause for a moment of prayer.
You don't need to pray anything elaborate. A simple "Jesus, I trust in You" is enough.
If you can, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet at this hour—it is especially powerful.
5. Pray the "Jesus, I Trust in You" Prayer
The central prayer of Divine Mercy is simple:
"Jesus, I trust in You."
Say it slowly throughout the day.
If you struggle to trust, pray this instead:
"Jesus, help me trust in You."
That is enough.
6. Venerate the Image of Divine Mercy (Optional)
The Divine Mercy image shows Jesus with two rays of light streaming from His heart—one red (representing His Blood, the life of souls) and one pale (representing water, which makes souls righteous).
At the bottom of the image are the words: "Jesus, I trust in You."
If your parish displays the image today, spend a moment in prayer before it.
If you'd like to pray before the image at home, you can view and save it here:
This is the original 1934 painting by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski, painted under St. Faustina's direction—the only Divine Mercy image she ever saw.
7. Perform an Act of Mercy
Divine Mercy Sunday is not just about receiving mercy—it's about extending it.
Consider one simple act of mercy today:
- Forgive someone who hurt you
- Help someone in need
- Reach out to someone who is lonely
- Donate to a charity
- Pray for someone who is suffering
Mercy received becomes mercy given.
8. Read the Gospel: John 20:19-31
This is the Gospel reading for Divine Mercy Sunday.
It tells the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples after the Resurrection, and His encounter with Thomas.
Pay attention to verse 29:
"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
The Graces of Divine Mercy Sunday
According to the revelations given to St. Faustina, Jesus promised special graces to those who:
- Go to confession (within about 20 days before or after)
- Receive Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday
- Pray with trust in God's mercy
The promise is complete forgiveness of sins and punishment—a fresh start, a clean slate.
This is not about earning mercy. It's about opening your heart to receive what God freely offers.
If You Struggled During Lent
Divine Mercy Sunday is especially for you.
If you missed days of prayer, if you gave up on your resolutions, if you felt distant from God the entire time—this day exists for you.
Mercy is not for those who got it right.
It's for those who need it.
A Simple Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a poor sinner.
Jesus, You promised St. Faustina that the soul who goes to confession and receives Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday will receive complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.
I trust in Your mercy.
Please give me this grace.
Amen.
Continue Praying After Today
Divine Mercy Sunday is not the end—it's an invitation to continue living with trust in God's mercy every day.
If you'd like to continue praying the rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, explore our guide to the four mysteries of the rosary to see which set to pray each day.
For Further Reflection
If you'd like to go deeper into the meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday, we wrote a reflection on healing and hope that you might find meaningful:
Divine Mercy Sunday: A Time of Healing, Reflection, and Hope
Final Thought
Mercy wins.
Not because we earned it. Not because we were perfect.
But because God chose it.
May you know that mercy today and every day forward.
1 comment
John Mounts
I need this.
I need this.