Scottish Catholic Observer

Divine Mercy Sunday April 8 saw more than 220 people gather at St Mary’s Church, Paisley (top and below right) to pray with Fr Joe Burke, who led those present in a reverent Holy Hour, during which time several priests of the diocese made themselves available for Confessions.

The congregation then joined in the celebration of Mass, led by Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, along with Frs Joe Burke, Jude Okorie, and Sean Cunnie.

A beautiful musical liturgy was present during the Mass, as the Friends of Divine Mercy Scotland (FODMS) together with several members from the St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir provided the music, accompanied by organist Greg McHugh.

“The Holy Spirit was so tangible in the church as the music wafted through the rafters and we all sang as one family praising the mercy of God,” Helen Border of Divine Mercy Scotland said. “We must remember that God is love, and ‘mercy’ is a particular way in which God loves us.

“This love was so evident as we prayed and sang together as the family of God.”

Ms Border called for Scotland’s priests to follow the words of St Pope John Paul II, who instituted the feast day, and to preach about God’s mercy during their homilies on Divine Mercy Sunday.

“Please pray that all our priests preach on God’s Mercy on this most special feast day that St Pope John Paul II gave us,” she added.

Divine Mercy devotions and Mass are held on the last Tuesday of each month—as well as a weekly prayer group each Tuesday at 7pm—at St Mary’s Church in Paisley, which all are warmly welcome to attend.

Meanwhile in Motherwell Diocese, Catholics gathered at St Francis Xavier’s Church in Carfin, home to the national shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, where they joined in a Holy Hour to mark the special day.

Led by parish priest of St Francis Xavier’s, Fr Francis McGachey, it was a beautiful hour of prayer as the faithful came together, with the church featuring a Divine Mercy icon displayed for all to see (above).