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On Divine Mercy Sunday, the 91����, New England, Choir made a pilgrimage to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to sing for the Mass at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, livestreamed worldwide on EWTN.

The National Shrine of Divine Mercy is under the care of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, best known in the United States for its work promoting the message of Divine Mercy. The Fathers’ biggest yearly event is the second Sunday of Easter, or Divine Mercy Sunday, when thousands flock to the Shrine to attend Mass and experience the mercy of the resurrected Christ. 

On Easter Saturday morning, a small group of choir members made the two-hour journey to the Mercy Shrine. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed and offered a tour before heading to the outdoor Mother of Mercy Shrine to sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Vigil Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday. Afterward, the group enjoyed dinner and fellowship with the Marian Fathers, then rested up in preparation for the next day’s Mass.

The rest of those visiting from the College left campus early Sunday morning to join the small choir group. After sharing lunch in the rectory, all attended the main Sunday Mass officiated by the Most Rev. David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin. A congregation of over 20,000 pilgrims were present for the Mass, with thousands more tuning into EWTN’s live broadcast. The College choir’s hours of practice were well rewarded as they contributed to the solemn Mass, raising many hearts and voices to Christ.

“I loved having the opportunity to participate so deeply in the solemnity,” shared Eleanor Stoutz (NE’28), a member of the student choir. “Seeing the thousands of people from so many places gathering to pray was such a beautiful and uplifting experience.”

A few of the pieces that the choir performed were particularly significant, as they were written by alumni of the College. The responsorial psalm and alleluia were written especially for the occasion by Thomas Garrepy (NE’25), sung by the students off his original handwritten scores. The Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayed at 3 o’clock after the Mass, was put to harmony by 91����’s alumnus and New England choir director of five years, Stephen Grimm (’75). 

After Mass and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the group gathered for a final private blessing from Bishop Ricken. They then spent time praying at the Shrine and going to confession to secure the Plenary Indulgence promised to St. Faustina by Christ. 

“It was so special to be able to sing at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday,” said Sophie Schindler (NE’28), another choir member, “and getting to do so with my friends was even better!”

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