The Novena for Divine Mercy is a powerful devotion inspired by Jesus' revelations to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun canonised by the Catholic Church. This novena is a nine-day period of prayer and meditation, during which we implore divine mercy for ourselves, for others and for the whole world. Centred on God's infinite love, this novena invites believers to immerse themselves in the depths of divine mercy, to abandon themselves to God's love and to pray for all souls, especially those most in need of God's mercy.

Origin of the Novena to the Divine Mercy

The Novena to the Divine Mercy was given to Saint Faustina by Jesus Christ himself. In her Little Diary, Saint Faustina recounts the words of Jesus:

"I desire that during these nine days you will bring souls to the fountain of my mercy, so that they may draw strength, consolation and all the graces they need to face the difficulties of life, and especially at the hour of death."

This novena is often begun on Good Friday, in preparation for the Feast of the Divine Mercy, celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. However, it can be prayed at any time to ask for special graces or to implore God's forgiveness.

Why pray the Divine Mercy novena?

To obtain God's forgiveness: The novena is a powerful tool for reconciliation with God, especially for those who feel estranged from him.

To ask for special graces: It is a prayer of intercession for oneself, for loved ones and for the whole world, especially for souls who are suffering or in spiritual danger.

To strengthen one's faith: The novena helps to deepen one's trust in God's infinite love and mercy.

To contribute to the redemption of souls: Through this novena, one participates in the work of divine mercy by praying for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls.

The graces promised by Jesus

Jesus has promised many graces to those who recite this novena with faith and trust:

Deep inner peace.

Reconciliation with God and others.

Spiritual strength to overcome trials.

Responses to desperate or complex situations.

Participation in the redemption of souls.

How to recite the Novena to Divine Mercy.

Each day of the novena, a particular intention is proposed by Jesus to Saint Faustina, accompanied by specific prayers and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

The intentions for each day:

Day 1: All the souls of humanity

Pray that God grant mercy to all souls, especially sinners.

Day 2: The souls of priests and religious

Call for graces for the servants of God, that they may be faithful guides.

Day 3: The pious and faithful souls

Implore strength and perseverance for believers.

Day 4: The souls of unbelievers and the indifferent

Pray for the conversion of those who do not know God or who have drifted away from him.

Day 5: The souls of heretics and schismatics

Pray for unity and a return to the faith for those who have drifted away from the Church.

Day 6: The souls of children and the innocent

Pray for the pure souls, that they may be protected and guided.

Day 7: The souls who honour Divine Mercy

Pray for those who spread devotion to Divine Mercy.

Day 8: Souls in Purgatory

Beg deliverance for souls suffering in Purgatory.

Day 9: Cold and Indifferent Souls

Implore the conversion of hardened hearts and reconciliation with God.

Example prayer for one day of the novena

O merciful Jesus,

Today I offer you (intention for the day)

And I immerse them in the ocean of your mercy.

By your infinite goodness, grant them the graces they need

To find peace, salvation and redemption.

Fill their hearts with your divine light

And guide them on the path of truth and love.

You who are the source of all mercy,

Accord to us your peace and forgiveness,

And make us witnesses to your infinite goodness.