Several thousand pilgrims are expected to gather at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge this weekend for one of the country's largest Divine Mercy celebrations.

The Feast of Divine Mercy is celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. It was instituted by Pope John Paul II at the canonization of St. (Maria) Faustina Kowalska on April 30, 2000, and then officially decreed by the Vatican.

Jesus revealed in various revelations to St. Faustina in the 1930’s that it was his desire that we celebrate this special feast. Jesus revealed to her his desire to literally flood mankind with his graces on that day.

The shrine will hold its annual Divine Mercy Weekend celebration, April 14-15. The two-day celebration includes Masses, speakers, music, confession, Holy Hours, rosaries, adoration and presentations. Cardinal Adam Maida, archbishop of Detroit, will be the guest celebrant and the homilist at the 1 p.m. Mass on Sunday.

The Marians of the Immaculate Conception administer the National Shrine in Stockbridge and play a key role in spreading the Divine Mercy message and devotion throughout the world. Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, is the shrine’s rector.