The Holy Triduum

The holiest time of our liturgical year is here. I never feel as though I am ready, in fact, this year more than any before, I feel that I am less prepared spiritually than I should be. I suppose being who I am, I will never feel as though I am worthy enough to enter into this time or any other, being truly ready for Christ. I am, after all, human.

Today we will make our way to the church to venerate the cross. This service always brings me to tears. It is MY sin that has put Our Lord on that cross. MINE. Bearing that thought is too much. His love for me, for all of us, is so pure, so freely given, if only we will accept it.

Today also begins the Divine Mercy Novena. I will be posting the daily prayers here each day.

Divine Mercy Novena - First Day

HOW TO RECITE THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

Jesus asked that this Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena of Chaplets to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. Say one chaplet each day following the novena intention. In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls." (Diary 1209, 796)
"Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges me."

"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.