Page Download(s)
file size: 114KB
Second Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday
15 April 2007
Dear Friends in Christ,
No Sunday in the Church’s year has more names than this Sunday. In the modern Roman rite, it is the Second Sunday of Easter, and as the eighth day after Easter, it is called the Octave. Christmas and Easter are such joyous occasions that they are celebrated, not just that day, but for eight days, the eighth day being symbolic of the restoration of creation (made in seven days) by the Resurrection.
The Entrance Antiphon for this Mass is taken from 1 Peter 2.2, Like newborn children you should thirst for milk, on which your spirit can grow to strength, alleluia. At the Easter Vigil we received into the Catholic Church seven by baptism and confirmation, six by conditional baptism, and thirteen by profession of faith and confirmation. These neophytes have been welcomed into the Mystical Body of Christ and now continue their journey of faith within the fullness of truth. In ancient times, the newly baptized wore their white garment received at the Vigil every day during the Octave and would return to their normal clothing on this Sunday after Easter. The Entrance Antiphon is an exhortation to those new Catholics: thirst for the milk of the spiritual life which will help you to grow into the strong witnesses for Christ you were meant to be.
In Latin, the Antiphon begins with the word, Quasimodo, not after the hunchback of Notre Dame but after the first word of the Antiphon. In many countries today is known as Quasimodo Sunday.
The apparition of Jesus to Saint Faustina Kowlaska asked for a novena to be said starting on Good Friday and ending today,
focusing on His Mercy. Today in church we will have Vespers and a special celebration of the Divine Mercy at 3.30pm, so do come and join us. John Paul II declared that this Sunday may also be called Divine Mercy Sunday.
But whatever you call this great Eighth Day, spend some extra time in prayer and thank Him for His Mercy to you and to all of us!
In His Mercy,
Father Christopher Smith