To all Divine Mercy Groups and Friends
in all Countries
Dear fellow Divine Mercy Apostles and Friends,
Two of our National Committee Members recently completed a Divine Mercy pilgrimage to Vilnius in Lithuania and stayed with The Congregation of The Sisters of Merciful Jesus. This Congregation was founded by Blessed Father Michael Sopocko on the instructions of Jesus in His revelations to Saint Faustina. Father Sopocko became her Spiritual Director and was responsible for the Divine Mercy Devotion being spread throughout Poland and then eventually the whole world.
The Sisters are in the process of trying to establish the first hospice in Lithuania to give palliative care to the dying. At present this service is carried out on a ‘house visit’ basis which is not very satisfactory. They have asked if groups in our countries could possibly help to raise money for this hospice.
The Sisters were donated a building by the Diocese of Vilnius, located close to their convent – the house where the first image of the Merciful Jesus was painted. The building is in much need of restoration. In a subsequent letter to us they set out all costs required for the restoration of the Bl. Fr. Michael Sopocko Hospice. (Please see link Sister's Letter).
It was obvious that without the help of funding, the project could take years to become a reality.
The project has the full support of Cardinal Backis of Lithuania, who informed us that to date he has been unable to attain any government or European funding. It is hoped that funds for the running costs will be provided once the hospice is in operation.
Here in England we are responding to the Sisters appeal by contacting all our mercy groups and asking them in their charity to help their brothers and sisters in their special need of hope and comfort at this critical stage of their lives.
It is with great humility on behalf of the Congregation, we ask you to spread the Vilnius Hospice Appeal to your fellow apostles and friends. In this way it is hoped that a network of supporters of this work of mercy may be established. The account where donations should be sent is shown on the blog. (Please see link Donations).
Yours in the Merciful Jesus,
John Carroll
World Apostolic Congresses on Mercy European Committee Member
Divine Mercy National Committee in England Member
Divine Mercy Group, Southern Vicariate, Diocese of Middlesbrough, England
