Wednesday, April 8th, 2026

He has Risen…He has Risen indeed.

Blessings this Easter. As I spend time with my family I wanted to share this with
you.

A reminder that we will celebrate Divine Mercy this Sunday, April 12, at 3pm in the
Church with the Chaplet and a Holy Hour. I will leave you with these two stories of
how powerful this Devotion has been for me as your Parish Priest.

A few years ago a young man named Anthony walked into my office with a very
heavy heart, and with many sins in his past. He wanted a future and thought the
Catholic Church was his answer. After a few conversations he entered RCIA (now
OCIA). A few weeks later Anthony comes into the office (very animated and
excited) asking if I knew about St. Faustina and the message of Divine Mercy. He
said: “Father, we have to spread this message. It has given me hope, peace, and a
future.” I said to him: “I love, and do spread the message of our Lord’s Mercy for
those open to receive it.” One of the promises of this message is “A Happy
Death.” Little did we know that months later Anthony was admitted to ICU and
was close to death. I was called and had the honor to Baptize, Confirm, give First
Communion (Viaticum), the Prayers for the Dying (Last Rites), and to hear his
Confession. That evening Anthony received Divine Mercy, and I believe, a Happy
Death.

My second story happened while I was in seminary. My family called and said:
“mother is dying.” I returned to her bedside with my sisters. As she was taking
her last breaths, I was given the honor to be on my knees reciting the Chaplet of
Divine Mercy, on my Rosary Beads, and finished right around her last breath,
which sounded like a gasp. To this day I believe when my mother crossed the veil,
the gasp was due to what she saw. As for the promise of the Chaplet: I believe my
mother, who has a heart for Jesus; saw Jesus standing between her and our
Heavenly Father.

“When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My
Father and the dying person, not as a just Judge but as a merciful Savior.”
(DIARY, 1541)

For Anthony and Helen Gournas: What a way to go!
Jesus, I trust in You!

Vivat Jesus,
Fr. Vic Gournas