Feast of Divine Mercy: A Testament of Faith and Mercy

Every year, on the Sunday after Easter, the spirit of compassion and forgiveness fills the hearts of countless faithful as they gather to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday at San Pedro Cathedral Parish, Davao City. From St. John the Baptist Parish in Lasang, Davao City, this year’s celebration was especially moving a vibrant testament to the enduring message of Jesus’ boundless love and mercy.

Among those who attended the Mass was 51-year-old Grace Mortillero, a devoted follower of the Divine Mercy whose story beautifully reflects the heart of the devotion. Grace’s journey began six years ago, inspired by her peers at their local GKK (Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban) and deeply influenced by her late mother. “I was influenced by my peers in our GKK. The reason why I devoted myself to the Divine Mercy is because of my late mother. I saw her devotion and told myself that I should take after her footsteps,” she shared.

Since embracing the devotion, Grace has led a quiet but powerful mission of mercy. She organizes prayer groups, visits the sick, and encourages the youth to grow in their faith. For her, Divine Mercy is not only about prayer but about embodying mercy daily forgiving those who wrong her, helping others without expecting anything in return, and offering comfort where it is needed most. “Because of my devotion to Divine Mercy, my fears and anger have disappeared. My life has become lighter and brighter. My heart has never been this free,” she said with a grateful smile.

This year’s Divine Mercy celebration was more than just a community gathering, it was a living testament to faith, forgiveness, and hope, woven together by the hearts of devotees like Grace, who prove that mercy, once received, must be shared with the world.

Last April 22 of this year, Grace, together with her fellow devotees from St. John the Baptist Parish, journeyed to El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, to visit the Divine Mercy Shrine. It is a tradition they uphold every year. For Grace, every pilgrimage to the shrine is a precious blessing, a reminder that when it is God’s will, the way will always be made.

This belief was reinforced through an experience she had with fellow devotee Conching Perez. Grace recalled asking Conching why she continues to visit the shrine year after year. Conching answered simply, “Because all my pleas and prayers are always answered.” This deep affirmation of faith has not only strengthened Conching’s devotion but also renewed Grace’s own.

Grace concluded with a heartfelt message to her fellow devotees and to those who are not yet part of the devotion: “To my colleagues, I hope they are not just active during the Feast of Divine Mercy. Our devotion must be shown through action every day. And to those who are not yet devotees, it’s never too late to begin. If they take a step towards Christ, they too can experience a life that is lighter, brighter, and full of meaning.” (Thea Angela V. Longino | HCDC Intern)