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The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao, Bulacan (Project Lupad via Divine Mercy Shrine, Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese)

The Philippines made history on Sunday by becoming the first nation to consecrate itself entirely to Jesus through his Divine Mercy. Source: CNA.

In 2016, at the Pan-African Congress on Divine Mercy Sunday in Rwanda, bishops in Africa consecrated the continent itself to Divine Mercy. However, the Philippines is the first nation to do so.

“This is remarkable; this is really unprecedented. Never has this been done before in the history of the world – a country consecrating themselves to the Divine Mercy,” said Fr James Cervantes of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, a congregation devoted to spreading the message of Divine Mercy. 

I believe the bishops are being inspired by the Holy Spirit to lead our country to holiness.” 

The bold initiative began with a single spark — a heartfelt letter from Fr Cervantes to bishops across the country calling for a nationwide consecration to Divine Mercy. Dioceses responded enthusiastically, and soon the idea spread like wildfire.

The Permanent Council of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) gave its official approval, declaring that a national consecration to Divine Mercy would take place during all Masses on Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 27, as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the CBCP, issued a statement calling on all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and Catholic institutions to participate in this landmark spiritual initiative.

“This nationwide consecration will be a profound expression of our trust in the Divine Mercy – a trust that remains our final refuge in these times of uncertainty and trial,” Cardinal David said.

“As Our Lord Jesus said to St. Faustina, ‘I desire that my mercy be worshipped, and I am giving mankind the last hope of salvation; that is, recourse to my mercy.’” 

FULL STORY

Philippines makes history as first nation to consecrate itself to Divine Mercy (By Valerie Joy Escalona, CNA)