- What is Divine Mercy?
Pope St John Paul II describes the solution to the misery of the human condition in the simple yet profound words of salvation, "Divine Mercy is the limit God places on evil." In spite of our misery, we are also assured of this truth in the words of Jesus himself who revealed to St. Faustina that "Divine Mercy is the greatest attribute of God." Through the intimate revelations and messages that Jesus gave to St. Faustina based on her diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, we discover how the Love of God is the flower and Mercy is the fruit.
We also learn in the Gospel that, in His mercy, God sent His Son to earth, taking the form of a slave to save us. Jesus, submitting to the will of His Father died on the cross for the salvation of souls. Thus, although we are sinners, we are redeemed. He calls to us by name. This is Mercy. Thus, turning our gaze to His Mercy we say, "Jesus, I Trust in You!" - Who is Divine Mercy?
Jesus the Son of God is the Divine Mercy, the King of Mercy. From Creation to Redemption we see His abounding merciful love and faithfulness to His people. In the course of history, people have continuously entrusted themselves, when either stricken with misfortune or when they became aware of their sins, to God's ocean of mercy. Recognizing our human weaknesses and sins, Jesus is always ready to pour out His mercy upon us, for He is Love and Mercy itself. All He wants is that we ask for His mercy and to trust Him. - Why are we building?
The mission project began in 2012 with a call by the Lord to "Build Me a Shrine!" and another event that was unfolding at the same time and served as a confirmation: the purchase of the 3.27 parcel of land in Encinitas by another individual who had acted on the same prompting. Encinitas, which means "little holm oaks" in Spanish, is a city within the County of San Diego, in Southern California. The full narrative is published in the first two editions of the Mercy in Action newsletter published by the Divine Mercy Hills Foundation of Southern California (DMHFSC). Located in the Western United States, San Diego County is ideally located for a suitable shrine to serve as the gateway to the countries and cultures of the Pacific Rim, North, Central and South America. - What is the Divine Mercy Apostolate?
The Divine Mercy Apostolate is a worldwide spiritual movement to draw souls, even the most abject of sinners, to the joyful embrace of Jesus in the Divine Mercy. Since the canonization of St. Faustina by Pope St John Paul II in 2000, the Divine Mercy message and devotion has spread throughout the world. The Divine Mercy Hills Foundation of Southern California (DMHFSC), which is dedicated to the establishment of a proposed shrine dedicated to the Divine Mercy image and message, is an offshoot of this lay apostolate that has become the largest grassroots movement in the church. - How long will it take to build the Shrine?
The project will be completed in phases over a 5-year period. Our Milestones chart shows the work that has already been done and the challenges ahead of us primarily how to raise the capital to build improvements. - What will be included?
The proposed shrine will include serene prayer gardens with grottos dedicated to our Holy Mary Mother of Mercy, St. Faustina the Apostle of Mercy and Blessed John Paul II our Mercy Pope, all suitable for private prayer, meditation and contemplation. There will be pathways for the Stations of the Cross and Mysteries of the Rosary. The centerpiece will be the small chapel for a place of worship, adoration, veneration and silent conversations with God. Family memorials will be available in various locations of the Shrine. These proposed features will be built in stages and the final designs have yet to be determined at this time as this continues to be a work in progress. - How much will it cost?
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $7 million including the cost of studies, permits and construction. - Who will benefit from the shrine and center?
The proposed shrine is intended to win souls for Christ. The shrine serves as an open door to all people who seek His unfathomable Mercy imparted by the graces promised through this Image of the Divine Mercy. This is true especially of the 37 million Californians and people of the Western United States within close proximity to the shrine. It will be a pilgrim site open to all people throughout the world who hunger and thirst for the Love and Mercy of Jesus Christ. - Does the Western Region of the USA need to be involved in the Divine Mercy Shrine project to be successful?
Yes, the Divine Mercy Apostolate belongs to all of us and everyone is invited to become more involved. We are invited to be apostles of Mercy; messengers of HIS love and mercy. Jesus offers us an image, a vessel, that leads us to say: "Jesus, I trust in You."
"Let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy."
(Diary 848)
(Diary 848)