Divine Mercy Cenacles

Divine Mercy cenacles are small faith-sharing Christian communities rooted in Eucharistic Adoration and the message of Saint Faustina and Pope John Paul II.

Through a guided study program which includes prayer, the study of Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Diary of St. Faustina participants gather in local communities to learn more about God, the Holy Catholic Church and their place in the Church community.

These small groups meet to deepen their Catholic faith and to learn how to live the Divine Mercy message in their family life and the workplace. Cenacles are not just prayer groups or Bible study but a way to deepen our understanding and experience of The Divine Mercy. The cenacles are a way of life!

Why a cenacle?

Many people know about the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Feast of Divine Mercy which falls on the first Sunday following Easter Sunday. Few however have read the Diary of St. Faustina or know the devotional aspects of the Divine Mercy message or how to integrate this message into their daily lives.

As Divine Mercy cenacles we are called to be vessels of mercy.

"I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbours always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this, excuse or absolve yourself from it. I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbour: the first-by deed, the second- by word, the third- by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My Mercy" (Diary, 742).

Why join a cenacle group in your area?

There are many reasons to join or establish a cenacle group in your area not the least of which includes establishing lasting friendships through a joint fellowship of love and support of one another. As a group you will pray and grow spiritually together and nourish spiritual values by regularly dedicating time to God and your community. You will also learn more about your faith and become an example and a support to your Church and its family.

There are several cenacle groups already formed in the Ottawa area. Members usually meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and follow an approved format.
View a sample format of a Divine Mercy Cenacle group. (pdf)

The Cenacle Formation Manual outlines the theme for each of fifty weeks of meetings along with the required preparation readings, topics for discussion and the lessons to be learned.

If you want to start a Divine Mercy Cenacle in your area or wish to join one, please contact the John Paul II Centre for Divine Mercy by email at jp2centreottawa@gmail.com for more information.