April begins with the joyful and festive Octave of Easter. Yes, this is the time we pray the Novena of the Divine Mercy (as Our Lord requested of Saint Faustina) and this year, we prepare for the “X” Eclipse, what seems like a warning that we best pay attention to. And yet, we must always remain joyful. It is an insult to Our Blessed Lord, Whom we receive in Holy Communion, to be anything less than exceedingly happy, even in the midst of sorrows and uncertainty.

Divine Mercy Sunday (also Low or Quasimodo Sunday in the trad) is the 7th. The day after, the feast of the Annunciation, is the Great North American “X” Eclipse. One sword pierced the heart of America 7 years ago and another pierces again. Perhaps these represent the swords which pierce both the hearts of Our Lady and Our Lord, due to our sins. Together they make a cross. As we pray in the Divine Mercy Novena:

“Oh Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in Thee!”

Let us seek to console Our Two Hearts and to draw down mercy, not wrath.

The 21st is Good Shepherd Sunday in the new. The 25th is April’s Major Rogation Day in the trad, a day for prayer and penance, very similar to the Ember Days, with a different origin. The Litany of the Saints is recited on the Rogation Days.

How may we honor and celebrate the Holy Eucharist this month? The many unworthy Communions of unrepentant Catholics is probably one of the main reasons we’re getting the “X.” Offering reparation and properly instructing your loved ones, even when it’s difficult, are some ways we can console the pierced Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

Calendar of trad feasts for April: calefactory