Divine Mercy Holy Hour at St. Celestine Church – May 3
A Divine Mercy Holy Hour takes place on the first Friday of each month at St. Celestine Church. It starts at 3 PM in the church. Included are the Divine Mercy prayers, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and time for quiet Adoration. The hour concludes with Benediction. Please join us for this opportunity to pray in the presence of the Lord. All are Welcome!
What are the Divine Mercy prayers?
The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is a devotion based on the apparitions of Jesus reported by St. Faustina Kowalska, who is called the “Apostle of Mercy.” St. Faustina, who lived from 1905 to 1938, was a sister in the convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland. She was the first saint canonized by St. John Paul II in 2000.
The Chaplet is recited using rosary beads. It usually starts with opening prayers from the Diary of Saint Faustina and ends with a closing prayer. On each small bead of the decades, this prayer is recited: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
On the “Our Father” bead which separates the decade, say the “Eternal Father” prayer: “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.” Then repeat the prayer on the small beads, and the “Eternal Father” prayer on the “Our Father” beads.
End with the “Holy God” prayer: “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
CLICK HERE for more information on The Divine Mercy Website.
What is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament?
In Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist is displayed in a monstrance, usually on the altar, with candles around it.
What is Eucharistic Adoration?
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops tells us that Eucharistic Adoration is an extension of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which occurs in every Mass: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” We are invited to pray and worship Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
What is Benediction?
The congregation is blessed with the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance (the vessel used to hold the consecrated host).