Pope Francis is the Pope of surprises! I experienced this first-hand two Sundays ago. On that day I was one of the thousands gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the midday Angelus prayer and address.
After his speech in which he described his apostolic trip to Mexico as “an experience of transfiguration” the Pope said:
“Lent is a good time to travel a path of conversion that has mercy at its centre. Because of this, I’ve decided to give to those who are here in the Piazza a ‘spiritual medicine’ called ‘Misericordina.’ We did this once before, but this one is better, it is ‘Misericordina-Plus’: a little box that has a rosary ring and a little image of the Merciful Jesus. Volunteers, including the poor, the homeless, refugees and also religious, will now distribute them. Receive this gift as a spiritual aid to spread pardon and fraternity, especially in this year of mercy.”
I was blessed and elated to receive the little box containing the Misericordina-Plus! But what is the Misericordina-Plus? It is a spiritual medicine which causes a soul to receive mercy. The Misericordina shows itself in peace of mind, inner joy, and the desire to do good. Its inherent effectiveness is assured by Jesus’ words. We are to use the Misericordina when we desire to experience Divine mercy, when we desire the conversion of sinners, when we need help with taking a difficult decision, when we run out of strength to resist temptation, when we are not able to forgive someone, when we care about someone but cannot help them, when we desire mercy for a dying person, when we desire to thank and worship God for all His blessings.
Before taking this potent spiritual medicine, it is best to find a quiet place, a room or a church. Kneel down, calm down, take out the picture of Merciful Jesus, make the sign of the cross, look attentively at the image and with faith pray: Jesus, I trust in you.
How can I use this Misericordina-Plus? As a preventative measure the usual dosage is the whole package taken once a day. In case of emergency, I can take it to my heart’s content. The dosage for both children and adults is identical.
How can I apply this spiritual medicine? I need to begin with praying: Our Father, Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed. Then, on the Our Father beads, I pray: ‘Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.’ After that, on the Hail Mary beads, I pray: ‘For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.’ Finally, I conclude with (three times): ‘Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One have mercy on us and on the whole world.’
What are the possible side effects of the Misericordina-Plus? There are no possible side effects or contra indications. It can be used simultaneously with other prayers. Receiving the Holy Sacraments favours the effectiveness of the spiritual medicine.
Lastly, concerning further information, it takes only seven minutes daily (0.49 per cent of a day) to take the Misericordina-Plus. The Chaplet is a prayer of trust in God’s will and a request for Divine Mercy which is larger than any sin or problem. That is why anyone who asks for Mercy, will receive it. The more I trust in Jesus, the more I will receive from Him. He is Almighty God and can give me anything that is good and wonderful.
The words of the Misericordina-Plus’ Jesus Christ gave to Saint Faustina are so reassuring!
“My daughter, encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given to you. It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet. When hardened sinners say it, I will fill their souls with peace, and the hour of their death will be a happy one... Write that when they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as a merciful Saviour” (Diary, 1541).
Misericordina-Plus – my powerful spiritual medicine!
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
Paola