The Message
Shrine Announces Mercy Sunday Weekend Plans, April 10-11
When you combine the estimates of 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims and the 500 to 600 volunteers to serve them, you get the makings of another memorable Divine Mercy Sunday Weekend at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass. This year's celebration will take place April 10-11.
For more than 30 years, the Marians of the Immaculate Conception have been welcoming the world to the Shrine to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. Today, it is has grown into one of the most well-known and largest Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations in the country.
"May Jesus, who is our life and hope, pour out His Divine Mercy upon the thousands of pilgrims who will be visiting us this Divine Mercy Weekend," says Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, Shrine rector. "We look forward to seeing them."
What to Expect
Joining in fellowship with thousands of believers from around the world, pilgrims have two full days to partake of many spiritual and educational activities. For those who can come on Friday, The Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet will be celebrated at 3 p.m. in the Shrine. At 7 p.m. in the Shrine, a Eucharistic Festival of Praise will be offered.
On Saturday and Sunday, tents will be set up for prayer, activities, and groups associated with the Marians. Look for tents for confessions, Adoration, the Divine Mercy Gift Shop, and more.
Two outdoor Masses will be celebrated: the Vigil Mass on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday’s Solemn Liturgy at 1 p.m. at the Outdoor Shrine. In addition, food will be available for purchase. There will also be first aid, restrooms, and lots of helpful volunteers to make you feel at home.
Unpredictable Weather
Mud. Rain. Snow. Sun. They are potential elements of the unpredictable spring in the beautiful Berkshires. Pilgrims are advised to dress warmly in layers. Wear comfortable shoes that have traction, and don’t forget rain gear.
Want to volunteer?
The need has never been greater. If you are one of those friendly, helpful sorts who smiles even in the rain, we would be happy to have you join us. Contact the Shrine at 413-298-3931 or e-mail volunteers@marian.org for more information. Or you may fill out the online form or print it out and mail it to us.
Staying at home?
Not to worry. As always, we encourage the faithful to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday in their own local parishes, since it is a universal feast day in the Church. You also can view the National Shrine’s celebration live on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network). If you don’t have a special Divine Mercy observance locally, consider asking your pastor to begin one. The Marians have resources that can help, including Celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday in Your Parish: A Practical Guide.
Mercy Sunday Weekend Schedule
Saturday, April 10:
• 9 to 2:45 p.m. — Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration Tent. At 2:45, there will be a procession to the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.
• 3 p.m. — Solemn Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet, Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.
• 4 p.m. — Vigil Mass, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.
Sunday, April 11:
• 9 to 12:30 p.m. — Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration Tent.
• 10 to 1 p.m. — presentations on spiritual topics, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.
• 1 p.m. — Solemn Liturgy, Holy Mass, Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine.
• 3 p.m. — Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet; Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; Blessing of religious articles and water.
On both Saturday and Sunday, confessions will be heard from 9 to 5 p.m. The food court will be serving from 9 to 6 p.m. Gift shop tents will be open from 9 to 6 p.m., the same hours for Enrollments and Masses. The votive candle tent will be open from 9 to 5 p.m. The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and Candle Shrine will be open all day.
Event parking information for Divine Mercy Sunday weekend
Saturday
There is plenty of free parking for personal vehicles all day Saturday in the parking lots on Eden Hill. Vehicles with state issued handicap designation are given preference.
Motor coach buses must register in advance for a parking permit from the pilgrimage coordinator at 413-298-1118 or pilgrims@marian.org
Sunday
Only personal vehicles with state issued handicapped designations are allowed to park on Eden Hill. All other personal vehicles must park in satellite lots along Route 102 in Lee (just off the Mass. Turnpike) or at the Monument Mountain Schools (on Route 7 south of Stockbridge). Free shuttle bus service to the National Shrine will be provided for pilgrims and volunteers from the lots between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Motor coach buses must pre-register in advance for a parking permit from the pilgrimage coordinator at 413-298-1118 or pilgrims@marian.org
For safety reasons, Buses are not allowed to stop and drop off passengers and then leave the area, either on Eden Hill, downtown Stockbridge, satellite parking lots or in the surrounding area.
For further information send email to: mercysunday@marian.org