SHAH ALAM: The Divine Mercy Feast Day celebrations at the Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) were nothing short of electrifying – an inspiring and soul‑stirring journey that drew hearts deeply into the mystery of Easter. Grounded in the Easter theme “Missionary Disciples of the Divine Mercy,” the celebrations powerfully reminded all present that no one is ever beyond the reach of God’s boundless mercy and that everyone is called to carry this mercy into the world.
Rooted in the Lenten theme announced by Archbishop Julian Leow, “In the One, we are one,” the community journeyed from Lent into Easter with a renewed understanding that to encounter Divine Mercy is also to be sent forth as missionary disciples – witnesses to Christ’s Resurrection in word, action, and service.
Spanning from Good Friday and culminating with the Feast Day Mass on Sunday, 12 April 2026, the parish hosted a transformative “Decade of Grace” – a nine-day novena that proved mercy is a lived experience.
The celebrations began with the raising of the CDM flag and was anchored by powerful spiritual preaching that challenged the congregation to see God’s hand in every dimension of human life – from suffering and family relationship to responsibility, faith, and hope. These reflections underscored that missionary discipleship begins with interior conversion and trust in Divine Mercy.
Early reflections emphasised that suffering, when united with Christ, becomes a gift – never borne alone, as Jesus is intimately present in every trial. Couples and families were reminded that marriage itself is a gift entrusted by God, to be nurtured through prayer and mercy, especially amid modern challenges that threaten family unity. In embracing mercy within the family, parishioners were encouraged to become missionary disciples first in their own homes.
Scriptural reflections echoed Christ’s words: “No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father,” alongside God’s promise to “remove the heart of stone and give a heart of flesh.” These teachings highlighted that Divine Mercy transforms hearts, equipping believers with a new spirit to live out Easter joy and mission in daily life.
The theme deepened through the Jonah Experience – Mercy for the Reluctant, which explored humanity’s tendency to flee from responsibility. Through vivid imagery – the great fish, the shading plant, and the persistent wind – preachers illustrated that God is often more merciful to us than we are to ourselves. Parishioners were reminded that to be missionary disciples of Divine Mercy requires letting go of prejudice, trusting God’s patience, and cooperating with His desire that “none should perish.”
Each day of the “Decade of Grace” was marked by daily Masses accompanied by hymns and Eucharistic Adoration, allowing congregations to encounter Jesus in a deeply personal way. Praise and worship songs filled the church, as many opened their hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing past hurts and disappointments to be washed away – often amid tears freely shed in moments of healing and surrender.
Special Masses for the sick, elderly, and children reflected the parish’s commitment to ensuring that every member of the community encounters the Risen Christ. These moments powerfully embodied the call to missionary discipleship – bringing Divine Mercy to the most vulnerable with gratitude and praise.
Importantly, the mission extended beyond the sanctuary walls. After daily masses, the church grounds came alive with fellowship, shared meals, joyful praise and worship. Led by the Feast Day Committee, supported by the BECCOT team alongside the BECs, mercy was transformed into vibrant, heartfelt action. The much‑awaited CDM Concert became a vibrant celebration of talent and praise, uniting the community in song and missionary joy.
As the week progressed, the mystery of Christ’s Resurrection took center stage – a reminder that Jesus died and rose for us, offering mercy in our brokenness and forgiveness in our weakness. A procession around the church compound reinforced the call to trust Him and persevere in faith, knowing that we are never abandoned. The role of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, was strongly emphasised as the One who teaches, sustains, and empowers believers to live as missionary disciples of Divine Mercy.
The celebration reached its peak during the 3:30 pm Feast Day Mass on 12 April, where the church resonated with faith, joy, and gratitude. Archbishop Julian Leow delivered a stirring message, reaffirming that God’s ultimate act of mercy was the gift of His Son on the Cross – and that, in response, we are sent forth to reflect this mercy to others. Missionary discipleship, he reminded the faithful, is the natural response to encountering Divine Mercy.
The parish extends heartfelt gratitude to the visiting preachers Rev. Fr. Antony Parankimalil VC, Rev. Fr. Xavier Andrew, Rev. Fr. Paul Cheong, Rev. Fr. Nalerin Erone, Rev. Fr. Mark Michael, Rev. Fr. Johnson Vijay Kumar, Rev. Fr. Stephen Ng and Rev. Fr. Simon Labrooy – whose reflections broke open the Word throughout the week. Their teachings helped the faithful understand not only what we believe, but how to live the Resurrection daily as missionary disciples of Divine Mercy.
While the nine-day novena has drawn to a close, the “ocean of mercy” remains ever open. The Church of Divine Mercy, Shah Alam, continues to stand as a welcoming community – forming, sending, and sustaining missionary disciples who live the Easter message through faith, compassion, and service.
BECCOT, Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam