Wednesday 8 June 2016

Divine Mercy Explained - Father Michael E. Gaitley


Divine Mercy Explained:
Keys to the Message and Devotion
Michael E. Gaitley
Marian Press
ASIN B00H59NEAW


My introduction to Father Michael Gaitley's writing was his piece in the collection Beautiful Mercy, and since then I have read a few of his books starting with this one. I must admit when I first took a look at the eBook I was a little disappointed that the main part of the book was only 17 pages long, but after reading the book and the extensive appendixes it made a lot more sense. And I was very grateful for the teaching and instruction provided via this volume.

The chapters in the book are as follows:
Introduction
The Message of Divine Mercy
Tapping Into the Graces
Conclusion
Appendix One: Divine Mercy Prayers

  • Chaplet of Divine Mercy
  • Novena to Divine Mercy
  • St. Faustina's Litany of Divine Mercy
Appendix Two: Divine Mercy Wisdom from the Popes
  • Top Ten 'Mercy Quotes' from Pope John Paul II
  • Top Ten 'Mercy Quotes' from Pope Benedict XVI
  • Pope John Paul II's Definitions of Mercy
Endnotes
Divine Mercy Resources

Father Gaitley does an excellent job of distilling the message and history of Divine Mercy in a way that easily attainable way. He provides a lot of practical examples of how to incorporate the spiritual practice in your personal and family life. The prayers broken down separately at the end make a great teaching tool, and in eBook format you can easily have them with you on your phone or tablet all the time.

The second appendix drawing from the teachings of Saint Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI from their writings help us to go deeper into this mystery. At my parish there is a very large painting of Divine Mercy, which was done by a friend of the former pastor. I have been fascinated by it since we started attending there a few years ago, as it is the parish associated my with children's school. I wish I had read this book earlier. Because I love spending time praying in church before the tabernacle, a statue or Mary and the painting.

If you are looking for a quick easy to understand introduction to the teachings surrounding Divine Mercy this is the book for you, and likely it will serve as a jumping off pint into further studies. It is a good book that I can highly recommend!


Other books about Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina:

Books by Michael E. Gaitley:
33 Days to Morning Glory
33 Days to Merciful Love
40 Days to Mercy
Consoling the Heart of Jesus
Divine Mercy Explained
The Divine Mercy Image Explained
The One Thing Is Three
The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It To Me
Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy Missionary Handbook
Nine Days to Joseph: A Novena in Preparation for Consecration to St. Joseph

DVD Series by Father Michael E. Gaitley:
Divine Mercy In The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
You Did It to Me: Putting Mercy Into Action
33 Days to Morning Glory - Group Retreat
Consoling The Heart Of Jesus - Group Retreat
Wisdom And Works Of Mercy - Group Study Dvd

Contributed to:
Beautiful Mercy
Divine Mercy for Moms

(Note: this books is part of a series: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

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