In response to Our Lord’s request to St Faustina, St John Paul II, on Sunday April 30th 2000, asked for the second Sunday after Easter to be named « Mercy Sunday ».

« I wish that the feast of Mercy be a recourse and refuge for all souls and above all, for poor sinners. On this day the source of my Mercy is open ; I shower an ocean of graces on souls who approach the source of my mercy » (Diary § 699).

The Risen Jesus appears to the apostles and to St Thomas : « Jesus came amidst them and He said : Peace be with you ! ». After these words, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples were filled with joy at the signt of the Lord. He said again : « Peace be with you ! Like the Father sent me, I also send you » (Jn 20,19-21).

The Risen Christ showed himself to the apostles. He kept the open wounds of His Passion from which Mercy surged. The apostles are invited to contemplate on these wounds, to receive the peace and joy of Mercy and they are immediateley sent by Jesus to bear witness to this.