This past weekend we packed up the car and embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge MA. After consecrating myself to Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday, I had a great desire to visit the shrine. Perhaps it was the voice of mercy echoing in my thoughts, or my desire to thank St. Faustina, or the inspiring words of the Marian Fathers and Pope Francis that drew me to this spot.
There was an overwhelming sense of peace as we walked the grounds of the shrine. There was beauty everywhere. We stepped out of the car and followed the footsteps of our loving Savior as we prayed beside the life size stations of the cross. This was a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for mass.
After we entered through the Holy Doors of Mercy, we enjoyed a beautiful mass, prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and received a blessing with a the relic of Saint Faustina. We prayed along side others who were on their own spiritual journeys. We were strangers, and yet we were brothers and sisters, searching and longing for one thing- God's loving mercy.
Although the mercy of God can be felt everywhere, sometimes it is good for the soul to take a break from everyday routines, and travel on a special path focused completely on Jesus. I would like to encourage everyone during this Year of Mercy, to put aside some special time to contemplate the mercy of God and how to "be merciful as the Father is merciful."
Although the mercy of God can be felt everywhere, sometimes it is good for the soul to take a break from everyday routines, and travel on a special path focused completely on Jesus. I would like to encourage everyone during this Year of Mercy, to put aside some special time to contemplate the mercy of God and how to "be merciful as the Father is merciful."
Merciful Lord open our heats so that we may hear your voice,
Guide our steps, that we follow in your path,
Use our hands as if they were your own,
And let our thoughts be centered on you.
Please bless us with your loving mercy.
Check out this video of our trip to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy!
Guide our steps, that we follow in your path,
Use our hands as if they were your own,
And let our thoughts be centered on you.
Please bless us with your loving mercy.
Check out this video of our trip to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy!
-Susan and Theresa
