Call To Embrace 'Divine Mercy' During Sunday Observance In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A special observance tying into the year of mercy declared by Pope Francis is set for Sunday in Philadelphia's Cathedral Basilica.
The Sunday after Easter is being observed in the Catholic Church as 'Divine Mercy Sunday' - a time for Christians to open their hearts to the mercy of God and to reflect on and atone for their failings.
Father Dennis Gill, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on the Ben Franklin Parkway, says a special prayer known as the 'Divine Mercy' chaplet will be offered, along with a variety of other devotions:
"We will have exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament for an hour before Mass. And during that time, there will be several priests available to hear confessions. And, then at 6:30 (p.m.), the archbishop will celebrate the Sunday Mass for the second Sunday of Easter or the Sunday of Divine Mercy."
Gill says Pope Francis also is encouraging people to pass through a "Holy Door" -- the far left front door of the cathedral being one of them, to demonstrate resolve to humbly embrace the mercy and love of God.