Divine Mercy Sunday

Plenary Indulgence

Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated annually on the first Sunday after Easter. In 2024, this falls on April 7.

I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy (1109). The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment (699).
Jesus to St. Maria Faustyna Kowalska

Q: What is a Plenary Indulgence?

A Plenary Indulgence removes all temporal punishment due to forgiven sin (“Temporal punishment” is the “making up” for sin to which we are obliged after we are forgiven). A Plenary Indulgence can be applied to one’s self or to anyone who is deceased. A Plenary Indulgence can be gained once per day.

Pictured: Marian High School students paint a 8-foot oil painting of the Divine Mercy in 2019.

Q: How do I obtain a Plenary Indulgence this Divine Mercy Sunday?

Complete all three of the normal conditions for gaining any Plenary Indulgence:
1. Sacramental Confession within 20 days of Divine Mercy Sunday
2. Eucharistic Communion
3. Prayers for the Pope’s Intention.

Complete one of two specific works required on Divine Mercy Sunday:
In any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy

OR in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. “Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!”).”

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy With Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades

“I invite you today, Divine Mercy Sunday, to look at the wounds of Jesus, the wounds in His hands and feet, and especially the wound in His heart. These are the source from which flows the great wave of mercy that Jesus poured out on humanity. I invite you to gaze upon the image of Divine Mercy: with His right hand, Jesus is blessing us and the world. His left hand is touching the wound in His Sacred Heart, and from that Heart two rays of light come forth, one red and the other white and bluish, like the blood and water that flowed from His heart on the cross. The wound in Jesus’ heart is the great proof of God’s mercy, proof that God’s love for us is real and comes forth upon those who trust in Him.”

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, 2020

Looking for more?

Learn more about Divine Mercy Sunday from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.