In these days, the Christian community in Venezuela prepares to experience a special moment of grace and encounter. The Feast of Divine Mercy, celebrated annually, draws thousands seeking comfort, peace, and spiritual renewal amid the nation's challenges. This year, from April 10 to 12, the city of Maracaibo will be the heart of this celebration, now in its 29th consecutive edition.
The beauty of this feast is that it transcends all human barriers to remind us of something fundamental: God's mercy knows no limits. As the psalmist reminds us:
"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Psalm 57:10, NIV).This truth becomes tangible when entire communities gather to worship and trust in Christ's infinite love.
The Roots of This Devotion
The devotion to Divine Mercy originates in the revelations Jesus Christ gave to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a 20th-century Polish religious sister. Through her, the Lord invited us to place our complete trust in His mercy, especially in these times when we so desperately need His healing love. In her spiritual diary, which spans over 600 pages, Saint Faustina recorded Jesus' words that still resonate powerfully today:
"Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy" (Diary of Saint Faustina, 300).
This feast is not simply another religious event on the calendar. It represents a concrete opportunity to experience the transformation that occurs when we allow divine mercy to touch our lives, our families, and our society. In a country that has faced so many difficulties, this message takes on particularly profound relevance.
A Motto That Challenges Us
The theme chosen for this edition—"Speak to the world about My great and unfathomable mercy"—invites us to become active bearers of this good news. It's not just about receiving mercy, but about becoming witnesses and messengers of that love which forgives all and renews all. As the apostle Peter exhorts us:
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).
A Schedule That Nourishes the Spirit
The organizers have prepared a carefully designed itinerary to facilitate a deep encounter with God:
- Friday, April 10: The day begins with an encounter with the image of Our Lady of Bethany at Maracaibo's Plaza de la República at 6:00 p.m. This initial moment seeks to prepare hearts for what is to come.
- Saturday, April 11: A special night of adoration will take place on the grounds of the future Sanctuary of Mercy in Grano de Oro, beginning at 6:00 p.m. It will feature the participation of Friar Luis Salazar, whose testimony and spiritual guidance have touched many people.
- Sunday, April 12: The central day of the feast will include Holy Mass, moments of communal prayer, and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. It will be a day to particularly experience the peace that only Christ can give.
The María Camino a Jesús association, together with the Bethany Spirituality Movement, have joined efforts to make this gathering possible. The Bethany Movement, founded by the Servant of God María Esperanza de Bianchini, brings its particular charism focused on reconciliation—a theme so needed in our time.
A Message for Venezuela and Every Heart
Luis Ocando, coordinator of the organizing association, shares: "In a context where hope seems fragile, Divine Mercy reminds us that God's love is stronger than any difficulty. This celebration is an invitation to look beyond our circumstances and fix our eyes on Jesus, who never abandons us."
This message resonates with special force in Venezuela, where many families face economic challenges and social tensions. The Feast of Divine Mercy becomes a space where faith becomes concrete action, where prayer translates into solidarity, and where trust in God becomes a source of resilience.
As we approach these days of celebration, we remember that mercy is not just a theological concept, but a living experience that transforms relationships and communities. In the words of Pope Francis: "Mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel." Although we mourn the passing of Pope Francis in April 2025, his teachings on mercy continue to inspire Christians worldwide. We now look to Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost), elected in May 2025, to continue guiding the Church with this same pastoral heart.
Whether you participate in person in Maracaibo or join spiritually from wherever you are, this feast invites you to open your heart to the transforming power of divine mercy. Because, as Jesus promised Saint Faustina: "The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy."
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