RAYS OF MERCIFUL LOVE - images.marianweb.net

T he image of DivineMercy originated froma vision that St.

Faustina had on February 22,1931. She wrote in her Diary,“In the evening, when I was inmy cell, I saw the Lord Jesusclothed in a white garment.One hand [was] raised in thegesture of blessing; the otherwas touching the garment at the breast. From beneaththe garment … there were emanating two large rays, onered, the other pale. ... My soulwas struck with awe, but alsowith great joy. After a while,Jesus said to me, Paint animage according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust inYou. I desire that this imagebe venerated, first in yourchapel, and [then] through-out the world (Diary, 47).

In the Divine Mercy image,we see the risen Christ whosehands and feet bear the marksof the Crucifixion. Whenasked about the meaning ofthe rays coming from His piercedHeart, Jesus said, The pale ray standsfor the Water which makes soulsrighteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls(Diary, 299).

In other words, these two rays signifythe Sacraments of Mercy – Baptism,Penance, and the Eucharist. The wateris analogous to the Sacraments ofBaptism and Penance, in that throughthese Sacraments our souls are washedclean. The Eucharist is the blood ofour souls, carrying life-sustaining oxy-gen for our spiritual journey.

So, the Divine Mercy image calls usto live and lead a sacramental life. And

we are to let those same rays fromJesus’ pierced Heart radiate to us andout to others. As we gaze upon theLord, He invites us to be a vessel andicon of mercy to a hurting world. Thisis a message to be lived.

The image reminds me of what MaryMagdalene saw on Easter morning. Shesaw the risen Lord with the marks of theCrucifixion. One hand is gesturing as ifto say, “Come to My Heart, which waspierced by a lance for love of you!” and the other is raised in a gesture ofblessing, anointing us with the HolySpirit, the Giver of Life.

The fact that it was Mary Magdalene,a renowned sinner, who first announced

the Resurrection should give usall great hope.

Consider this analogy. Wecan look at a lump of coaland a diamond and see twototally different things. Yetboth are made of carbon. The coal is the image of ourfallen human nature, and thediamond is the image of ourdivinized human nature.Under the severe pressure andheat of life, through our suffering and dying to self,the lump of coal can be transformed into a beautifuldiamond. It’s like the seedthat must die to bear fruit.When we die to self, we willbear good fruit.

The image reminds us thatsuch a personal transformationis possible through the Lord’svictory over sin and death. Themerciful Savior calls us torespond with deeds of mercydone out of love for Him.

And what of the words onthe image? The Lord wantedthe words, “Jesus I trust inYou,” put at the bottom of it.

Why of all things would He ask forthose words? Think about it. They areeasy words to say but hard to live. Inwhom or in what do you place yourtrust? Money, cars, your IRA or Keogh?Maybe the government?

In these difficult times where itseems many are struggling just to getby, let us reflect on Jesus’ love for us.Let us gaze at our Lord in the imageand say with conviction, “Jesus, I trustin You!” These words should be ouranchor in life.

So when you speak to people whoare discouraged, anxious, and full offear, tell them to gaze at the Lord andsay, “Jesus I trust in You.”

RAYS OF MERCIFUL LOVEwww.thedivinemercy.org

“ Mercy

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Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy Newsletter Spring 2013

Reflecting on the imageBy Bryan Thatcher, MD

Marian A

rchives

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CEDAR PARK, TEXASBarbara Bartley wrote and told us:

Saint MargaretMary Church(SMMC) EucharisticApostles of TheDivine Mercy(EADM) in CedarPark, Texas, added aSpanish-languagecenacle and twoEnglish-languagegroups to raise thenumber of cenaclesin the parish to 10!

At the first meet-ing, the Spanish-language cenacle watched the video “I am the Voice,”which was shown to explain the message of Eucharistic Apostles of TheDivine Mercy. The new facilitator, Maritza, explained why she was willingto lead the new group. “I will never say, ‘No.’ I will do it for you and forGod,” she said.

The facilitators for the new English cenacles, Sally and Barbara, werealready leading other cenacles, but when 23 people signed up on MercySunday, it was decided that there would be new morning and eveningcenacles. “The word is getting around in so many places,” Sally said.

“They are so moved by Jesus’ words in the Diary and His great mercy,that their awe is palpable,” Barbara said.

All the new members have joined the SMMC EADM prayer chain. The success of the three new cenacles at St. Margaret Mary is also due

to the help of others. Father Le-Minh Pham helped to lay the ground-work. We spread the message of mercy in the church bulletin during Lentand through copies of the novena made available during Holy Week. OnDivine Mercy Sunday, EADM Cenacle members distributed chapletcards and led in reciting the prayer before all the Masses that weekend.They manned a display with Divine Mercy materials in the narthex.

In his Divine Mercy Sunday homily, Deacon Jack Murphy invitedthose interested in learning more about Divine Mercy to visit the EADMtable in the Narthex and attend the Hour of Great Mercy celebration.

PALM COAST, FLA.Hilda Rausina wrote and told us:

The Divine Mercy Cenacle prayer group in Spanish was startedunder the spiritual leadership of Fr. Andrew Mitera, at our church, St.

Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Palm Coast, Fla. Father Andrew saw the need of Divine Mercy in the Spanish com-

munity. In November, thanks to his guidance, we celebrated our fifthanniversary with a special Mass and the induction of our new mem-bers. Our group has grown from the original 15 members to the pre-sent number of 23.

As the end of the year approached, we reflected on what La DivinaMisericordia means and on how it has enriched our spiritual lives:

Lucy Gonzalez, one of the original members, said “It has helped meto learn to pray every day and it fulfills me. Our prayers to Jesus Christhave made me a better person at work and with the other prayer members, and I can see the difference.”

“You can feel the Divine Mercy spirit in this group,” NoraQuiñones said. “I pray the chaplet daily and receive a lot of requestsfor prayers from friends and relatives. We can see the results.”

“We are united and work together,” Marina Medina said. “It hashelped me in my personal life, at my job, and with my family. It hasopened me up more, and I am now more giving, more caring aboutothers. It has given me peace.”

FRANKLIN, La.Victoria Landry wrote and told us:

Our cenacle has been veryactive in the lives of the resi-dents in our local nursinghomes. Thomas Dantin andNellie Derouen, residents of Franklin HealthCare Center, are among thosewho have experienced mercyextended from our cenacle.They have participated in reciting the chaplet and experienced the gift of charity.

Dantin has developed afriendship with member Pat Scully through visits and escorting him tolocal meetings for men. As a result of this bond, Dantin is seriously con-sidering making a Cursillo this summer. Derouen and Lucy Boudreauxrecently made a Cursillo.

Dantin said he has seen the power of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Hebelieves his home was spared from a hurricane because he recited thechaplet and turned in prayer to St. Faustina.

The cenacle also has extended visits to another nursing facility inNew Iberia, La.

All members are actively involved with visiting the sick, prayingwith the dying, and extending loving attention to our retired priests.

One of three new cenacles meets at St. Margaret Mary Church inCedar Park, Texas.

The new Spanish-language cenacle meetsat St. Margaret Mary Church.

Thomas Dantin and Nellie Derouenhave enjoyed the visits to the nursing home by members of theFranklin, La., cenacle.

The Spanish Divine Mercy cenacle in Palm Coast, Fla., has grownfrom 15 to 23 members and just celebrated its fifth anniversary.

C E N A C L E S ’ U P D A T E

DALLAS, TEXASTina Jinez wrote and told us:

We have a wonderful and active cenacle at St. Cecilia Catholic Churchin Dallas, Texas. Our group gathers after 8 a.m. Mass for a Divine MercyHoly Hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Our cenacle meetson Thursdays after Mass. Many of our members bring Communion tonursing homes and visit the sick. Others have ministries within ourchurch. Our spiritual director is Fr. Salvador Rodriguez, who is a blessingto us and encourages our efforts.

Through Divine Mercy, we have seen an increase in the number ofpeople who go to church daily and join us for Holy Hour. More andmore people are coming and spending time with the Lord. Divine Mercyhas worked miracles in our church and in our lives as well as the lives ofmany others in our community.

NAMIBIATheo Shimbaya wrote and told us:

The Divine Mercy message is sweeping across all three dioceses inNamibia. We are distributing the material that we are getting to all faith-ful, especially members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movementin Namibia. Divine Mercy is a key component in the National Programof CCR, so all prayer groups are desperately requesting more informationabout Divine Mercy.

I have supported a number of groups materially and have conductedquite a few talks about Divine Mercy. The talks were very well received.

The new Aussenkehr Catholic Church was blessed by Bishop PhilipPollitzer of the Diocese of Keetmanshoop. The new church was namedthe “Divine Mercy Catholic Church.” We think it is the first CatholicChurch in Africa to be named that. The bishop said he recognizes therole our cenacle is playing in spreading the mercy of God and is supportive of our efforts.

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C E N A C L E S ’ U P D A T E

Cenacle members from St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Dallas.

Cenacle members from Nambia.

DIVINE MERCY FLOOD MY SOULFather Leszek Czelusniak, MIC, joins Annie Karto onthe Divine Mercy Chaplet and on other songs as wellas readings from St. Faustina’s Diary. Includes botha spoken and a sung version of the Divine MercyChaplet. A portion of the proceeds from the sale ofthis CD will be used to assist the Marian Fathers’mission in Kibeho, Rwanda.CD: EP3-DMFMS $14.95

THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY IN SONGThis contemporary melody of The Chaplet of DivineMercy in Song seeks to bring together Christians ofevery denomination to implore God’s mercy for|families and the world.

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Guides prayer cenacles through theDiary of St. Faustina, integratingSacred Scripture and the Catechism ofthe Catholic Church. By Dr. Bryan andSusan Thatcher. $13.00 EA.MANUAL 1: EP3-CFM1MANUAL 2: EP3-CFM2

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CENACLE OF THE DIVINE MERCY:EWTN PROGRAM SERIES IIJoin Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC, BryanThatcher, MD, and the rest of thecenacle group in further explorationof the riches of the Divine Mercy message. Free Companion Guideincluded! 4 DVDs.EP3-CG2DVD $39.95

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P rompted by theinspiration of theHoly Spirit, in

response to the Year ofFaith, and in support ofthe New Evangelization,Mother of MercyMessengers (MOMM)launched the DivineMercy for AmericaCampaign this pastOctober 5th, thebeginning of the special year to prepare for the 75th anniver-sary of St. Faustina’s passing on to her eternal reward. As co-founders of MOMM and through this initative, Dave andI are driven to radically increase awareness of and devotion toJesus, the Divine Mercy, as a sure means of providing greatbenefit to souls in our country and throughout “the wholeworld.” We believe there is no better time for this initativethan these most trying times.

A Response to the “Signs of the Times’Several times, St. Faustina recorded that Jesus requested

prayers and entreaties for her native land of Poland withwhom the Lord was greatly displeased. She also prayed forother countries, like Russia. Somberly, in Dec. 1936, sherecorded in Diary passage 818, “I understood that if it notbeen for the prayers of souls that are pleasing to God, thewhole nation [Russia] would have already been reduced tonothingness. Oh, how I suffer for that nation which has banished God from its borders.” In light of the fact that ourcountry has chosen to support an administration that is pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, and has aggressively attackedour religious freedom, how must the Lord be looking uponus? But there is hope; there is great hope!

At times, the good Lord allowed St. Faustina to see howher efforts not only appeased God’s anger but also resulted inblessings for many souls. Divine Mercy for America traces outa path for people of faith, particularly Catholics, to follow inthe path of St. Faustina by employing the same prayers,promises, and sacrifices for their country that she offered theLord for Poland. It is through trust in this message and thepromises of the Divine Mercy that we can grow in holinessand become empowered to save souls and our country.

What a great opportunity Divine Mercy devotees have inmaking a difference. MOMM’s Lenten tour is scheduled tovisit Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York.We hope that the campaign will spread to other countries aswell. We envision Divine Mercy for Canada, Divine Mercy forthe Philippines, Divine Mercy for Mexico, and so on. Themore countries participating in this campaign, the better for“the whole world.” To learn more about MOMM, visit thedivinemercy.org/MOMM, DivineMercyforAmerica.org, or callus at (830) 634-7765.

MOMM launchesmercy campaign

By Joan Maroney

Joan and Dave Maroney aredevoted to increasing awarnessof Jesus, the Divine Mercy.

5 © 2013 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. 06510053

O bedience to God requires submission to thewill of God. Mary, who is called “most obe-dient,” glorified God in all things through

her obedience to Him. She did not obey out of fearor concern about a rule, but rather, she did it out oflove. The Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtues states,“The Virgin Mary was always most obedient notonly to God, but for God’s sake, also to men.”

Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep Mycommandments” (Jn 14:15). Mary was obedientout of love, not out of fear. Because she trustedand loved God, she was able to obey Him withouthesitation, whether it was going to help her preg-nant cousin Elizabeth or fleeing into Egypt whenHerod sought the life of the Baby Jesus.

Reflect on how disobedience to God broughtsin, suffering, and death into the world. Oneexample is how Lot’s wife was turned into a pillarof salt when she looked back. Let us not look backor too far forward at what might be. Let us stay inthe moment and take one day at a time.

We must be obedient to God’s will. Obediencemeans not seeing our will as paramount but recogniz-ing and doing the will of God. Sometimes that putsus in conflict with the world. When the Sadduceesand priests told John and Peter not to speak or teachin the name of Jesus, they knew what they had to do.And Peter and John answered, “Whether it is right inthe sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, youmust judge; for we cannot but speak of what we haveseen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

Discernment through prayer regarding God’swill is essential if we are to be obedient. He values obedience more than sacrifice or offering.May we learn from the example of Mary, and thegentle whispers of the Holy Spirit, what God’s willis for us in our lives.

The Ten Evangelical Virtues of Our Lady (Part Six)

Mary, who is called “most obedient,” glorified God in all things through her obedienceto Him. She did not obey out of fear or concern about a rule, but rather, she did it outof love. The Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtues states, “The Virgin Mary was alwaysmost obedient not only to God, but for God’s sake, also to men.”

Most Obedient

Marian A

rchives

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NEED A SPEAKER?

I will be speaking on Feb 9 in San Diego,Calif., on Feb 16 at the Tampa HealthcareConference , on Feb 22-24 in Saskatchewan,Canada, on March 2 in Caseyville, Ill., onMarch 9 in Rochester, Minn. (tentative), andon March 16 in Billings, Mont.

I would love to come to your parish andspeak on Divine Mercy, the Eucharist, OurBlessed Mother, and pro-life issues, as well as current efforts to build a medicaland dental clinic in the Philippines. Formore information, call the EADM office at 1-877-380-0727.

— Dr. Bryan ThatcherEADM director

EADM relies on your generosity to keep theministry running. Many people write us andthank us for our apostolate. Help us continue to bring the message of Divine Mercy to a hurting world.Please donate to EADM today.

Call 1-800-462-7426Visit marian.org/eadm

Or use the enclosed envelope.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! WANT TOSTART ACENACLE?Call theEADM officetoll-free at 1-877-380-0727,and we’ll send you a freeinformationalpacket with a DVD on the ministryand how tostart a Divine Mercy cenacle.

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