# Two Simple Prayers for Divine Mercy Sunday
*2020-04-14*

> Bill Young explains how two short prayers – an Act of Contrition and a Spiritual Communion – can cleanse our sins and punishments on Divine Mercy Sunday, even when we cannot attend Mass in person.

## Why Divine Mercy Sunday Matters

Divine Mercy Sunday, celebrated the week after Easter, was popularized by St. Faustina and Pope John Paul II. The Church teaches that the graces of this day can remit all sins and punishments incurred up to that point, provided we are properly disposed. In a year when the pandemic keeps us from Mass, confession, and Holy Communion, Father Chris Alar of the Marian Shrine in Massachusetts offers a way to receive these graces virtually.

## The Two Prayers

Father Chris recommends two short prayers:

1. **Act of Contrition** – a heartfelt expression of sorrow for sin, traditionally said after confession. The text is: “O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell.”

2. **Spiritual Communion** – a prayer for union with Christ when physical communion is impossible. It can be said by anyone, Catholic or not, and asks God to give us the grace of communion in spirit.

Both prayers take only a minute or two each, but they must be offered sincerely.

## How It Works Like Spiritual Insurance

Think of these prayers as spiritual insurance. By praying them on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 19 2020), we ask God to clear our sins and any temporal punishment that would otherwise be owed. The Church teaches that while sin can be forgiven, justice still requires satisfaction (purgatory). On this day, however, the Church offers a plenary indulgence that removes both guilt and punishment for those who are properly disposed.

## Inviting Everyone

Because the Spiritual Communion does not require baptism or Catholic membership, anyone can participate—Christians of other denominations, people of other faiths, or even those who do not believe in God. The invitation is simply to pray the two prayers with a sincere heart. Bill encourages listeners to share the prayers with friends, family, and coworkers, regardless of their religious background.

## Practical Steps

Bill will post links to Father Chris’s explanation and the prayer texts on his Facebook and Twitter (PrayerAndLunch). He invites listeners to call, text, or email him with questions. He also reminds us that while the grace is offered, we should strive to avoid sin, not use the prayers as a license to sin throughout the year.

*A sincere Act of Contrition and Spiritual Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday can cleanse us of sin and punishment, opening the door to God’s mercy for everyone.*