Letter to the Editor from Atlanta

Published: May 11, 2006

To the Editor:

Since I am very active in the Divine Mercy Apostolate here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, I am frequently answering questions about the apostolate, particularly about the feast of Divine Mercy (the first Sunday after Easter). These frequently asked questions always relate to some or all of the following subjects: the indulgence given for observance of the feast; confession—necessary for receiving the indulgence; the novena in preparation for observing the feast.

Here are some brief answers.

The indulgence amounts to “complete forgiveness of sins and punishment” (passages 300, 699 and 1109 in St. Faustina’s diary). The confession must be made during Lent. The church, in order to make it more possible for us to receive Communion in a state of grace, declared that it need not be made on the feast (passage 699). The novena beginning on Good Friday is made by many people. It is not required for the receiving of the indulgence, but it does provide additional blessings (passage 796).

Harry Boyle, Atlanta