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While their New England counterparts went on a pilgrimage to celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy, the students of Thomas Aquinas College, California, kept their observation closer to home. Over the weekend, a replica of Eugeniusz Kazmirowski’s painting of Christ’s Divine Mercy was displayed in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, and students and faculty alike paid special attention to their Divine Mercy Novenas.

During his homily at Sunday’s 11:30 a.m. Mass, Head Chaplain Rev. Robert Marczewski reflected on the history of Divine Mercy Sunday, inviting the congregation to receive the plenary indulgence and to live out Christ’s example of Divine Mercy. “We are called to be merciful, especially to those who challenge us,” Fr. Marczewski said. “Jesus has given us an abundance of mercy; let us do likewise to our neighbor.”

For Fr. Marczewski, who is from Poland, Divine Mercy holds a special meaning, but the devotion isn’t Polish, he said — it’s Catholic. “It is a reminder of God’s mercy, which we are always in need of, especially now. I find that very comforting,” the priest explained. “A man gets through his greatest challenges if he repeats to himself: ‘Jesus I trust in you.’ It’s all trust.”

After Mass, the chaplains led a procession across campus in veneration of Christ’s Divine Mercy. With acolytes and students in tow, the procession traveled from residence hall to residence hall, stopping at altars decorated in icons to commemorate the feast. “For me, the procession is a really special part of the liturgies we have here, because it’s so beautiful to have God so close to us,” said Joseph Albright (’26). “It’s one of the most beautiful things we do every year.”