Divine Mercy Prayer Book

source: www.discerninghearts.com

In response to the increasing devotion to Divine Mercy, the Apostolate for Family Consecration presents their new book, "Drawing Down Divine Mercy."

Designed as both a consecration prayer book and an in-depth meditation book, families can be guided in the richness of God's Mercy during these difficult times through 40 days of meditations on Pope John Paul II's encyclical, "Rich in Mercy." Pope John Paul II spoke often of the strength of Divine Mercy. He established the Feast of Mercy on the Sunday after Easter, now known as Divine Mercy Sunday in the liturgical calendar, to show the trust he placed in this devotion.

In 2001, John Paul II said in his Divine Mercy Sunday homily, "a simple act of abandonment is enough to overcome the barriers of darkness and sorrow, of doubt and desperation. The rays of Your Divine Mercy restore hope, in a special way, to those who feel overwhelmed by the burden of sin." Following the 40-day meditations, readers will benefit from excerpts from St. Faustina's writings, and spiritual classics by Cardinal Francis Arinze such as "Alone with God" and "Divine Providence", Bishop Alvaro del Portillo's work, "Light, Salt, and Leaven," along with St. Louis de Montfort's "Friends of the Cross".

All five dimensions of the Divine Mercy devotion are explained: the image, the Chaplet, the Novena, the Feast Day, and the spreading of the message. The prayer book also includes more than 250 pictures. For even deeper spiritual growth, accompanying video and audio commentaries by Fr. George Kosicki, CSB are also available through the Family Apostolate.

"Drawing Down Divine Mercy" is an excellent way to prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday. Meditations start March 11 (two week after Ash Wednesday) and will end on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19. Books will be available for shipment starting March 2, but advance orders are now being accepted. To help celebrate on the actual feast day, check out the additional resources at familyland.org.

Founded in 1975 by Jerry Coniker and late wife Gwen, the Apostolate for Family Consecration is a pontifically approved association striving to consecrate families to the Holy Family and in the truths of our faith in the spirit of Pope John Paul II. The Family Apostolate reaches families in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America through its Consecration in Truth Catechetical Series (familycatechism.com), its Internet Media Library, its 24-hour Familyland Television Network and its programs at Catholic Familyland.