Marian Helper • Summer 2025 • Marian.org 11 The Philippines made history this year on April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday, by becoming the first nation in the world to consecrate itself entirely to Jesus through the Divine Mercy. In 2016 at the Pan-African Congress on Divine Mercy Sunday in Rwanda, bishops in Africa consecrated the continent itself to Divine Mercy. However, the Philippines is the first singular nation to do so. “This is remarkable; really unprecedented. Never has this been done before in the history of the world — a country consecrating themselves to the Divine Mercy,” Fr. James Cervantes, MIC, told Catholic News Agency. “I believe the bishops are being inspired by the Holy Spirit to lead our country to holiness.” Father Brian McGrath, pastor of Catholic parishes in Lee, Otis, and Stockbridge, Massachusetts, never misses Divine Mercy Weekend on Eden Hill. “It’s one of the greatest events in the Berkshires, and it’s in my parish,” he says. “So many graces!” The Blessed Sacrament is processed from the Adoration Tent to the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine, for the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. It was the first visit to the National Shrine for Nathan and David, members of the Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua, New Hampshire. “Our church was hosting a pilgrimage here today,” Nathan said. They were joined by about 50 of their fellow parishioners. The steady rain did not deter pilgrims from visiting the National Shrine! The bold initiative began with a single spark — a heartfelt letter from Fr. Cervantes to bishops across the country calling for a nationwide consecration to Divine Mercy. Dioceses responded enthusiastically, and soon the idea spread like wildfire. The Permanent Council of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines gave its official approval, declaring that a national consecration to Divine Mercy as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations. “We are doing this because this is what Jesus wants from us,” said Fr. Cervantes. “What we are saying is that we, as a nation, entrust ourselves to You. We as a nation place ourselves into Your hands. We as a nation are at Your disposal.” God bless the Philippines — and our own Fr. Cervantes! Special thanks to catholicnewsagency.com
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