7 Secrets of Divine Mercy, Second Edition

by Vinny Flynn

In this compelling and timely book, Flynn draws from Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and the Diary of St. Faustina to not only reveal the heart of Divine Mercy, but to offer you an invitation and a road map so that this mercy can transform your life. Best-selling author Vinny Flynn continues his popular "7 Secrets" series with 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy, Second Edition , a book that brings him back to his roots. One of the original editors of the official English edition of the actual Diary of St. Faustina, Vinny has written and edited a vast number of the Divine Mercy materials that are used today. Through his "secrets" of Divine Mercy, Vinny shows how Divine Mercy is not just another worthy "private devotion"; it is the key devotion, the umbrella devotion over everything else. Every other devotion in the Church, every ritual, every activity, every teaching is under that umbrella of Divine Mercy. It's all there to help us understand and enter into Divine Mercy. He shows us how everything in our lives can become more meaningful, more powerful, more life-changing once we really embrace the gift of Divine Mercy - the overflow of love from the Holy Trinity. If you're not yet convinced of the impact Divine Mercy can have on your life, if you've never heard of this message and devotion, or if you're curious to learn more about it, this book is perfect for you. It shows us all how to respond to the call of Pope Francis "to live lives shaped by mercy." Order copies today, for yourself, your family, and friends, and for anyone you know who can teach others about Divine priests, deacons, Eucharistic ministers, CCD and RCIA teachers, youth ministers, etc.

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity

244 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2015

About the author

Vinny Flynn is Executive Director of MercySong Ministries of Healing, and best-selling author of 7 Secrets of the Eucharist, 7 Secrets of Confession, 21 Ways to Worship: A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration, and Mercy's Gaze. He is also a gifted musician and popular speaker for parish programs, conferences, and retreats.

Known to many as “the man who sings the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN,” this father of seven has been involved in a ministry of mercy for over forty years, using his gifts to help people understand the teachings of the Church and open their hearts to the healing and transforming touch of God’s love.

To read Vinny's full bio, click here.

Reviews

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENGLISH: This book helps deepen ideas about God's mercy and its application to each of us. The reasoned description in secret 3 of the image of mercy, which was painted following the instructions of Saint Faustina Kowalska, is very interesting.

In the first secret (each of us enters into God's plan) I would add that, in fact, each of us is the idea that God has about each of us. That idea, of course, includes our freedom, to which our participation in God's plan depends. In other words, we can refuse to participate in that plan.

The Fifth Secret, based on the parable of the prodigal son, is less detailed than the book The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri Nowen, which also describes a picture.

SPANISH: Este libro ayuda a profundizar las ideas sobre la misericordia de Dios y su aplicación a cada uno de nosotros. Es muy interesante la descripción razonada en el tercer secreto de la imagen de la misericordia, que se pintó siguiendo las instrucciones de Santa Faustina Kowalska.

En el primer secreto (que cada uno de nosotros entra en el plan de Dios) yo añadiría que, de hecho, cada uno de nosotros es la idea que Dios tiene de él. Esa idea, por supuesto, incluye nuestra libertad, de la que depende nuestra participación en el plan de Dios. O sea, que podemos negarnos a participar en ese plan.

El quinto secreto, basado en la parábola del hijo pródigo, es menos detallado que el libro The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming de Henri Nowen, que también describe un cuadro.

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flynn helps us understand God the Father’s Divine Mercy and challenges us to not only receive it, but let it flow through us to others. Very easy to read with lots to chew on and then implement.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Faustina's diary and Divine Mercy are extremely popular for us Catholics. This book explains in plain language and very beautifully what Divine Mercy is and should be. I have tons of post-its all over the book. The famous Divine Mercy painting is explained better than anything I have ever read about it. The parable of the prodigal son in relation to God's mercy another excellent part of the book. Every chapter opened my eyes and moved my soul. God's mercy, God's forgiveness, God's gift to us is much more than we can ever imagine. Great book!

[Paul Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vinny Flynn does the most amazing job at boiling high theological truths into simple language without losing the meaning or the elegance of the message.
If you want to get a good summary of the beauty of the Good News, you'll want to read this book.

[Angel7]

Excellent book if you're unfamiliar with Faustina's diary and the meaning of the "Divine Mercy."

[Sarah Castagnaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flynn uses some lame puns and dated "Dad humor" to try to make complex theological concepts relatable and fun, which can be irritating and off-putting.
But overall, this truly is a great book that explains the Roman Catholic understanding of Divine Mercy in a very simple and logical way. Flynn applies his ideas to well-known passages from Scripture and to quotes from the Holy Father (Francis, and also his predecessors JP II and Benedict) while giving the reader 7 easy-to- remember bullet points to take away and to start living out. It's a quick read (even though it took me personally a few years to gather the courage to finish it). Well worth the time.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3rd Vinny Flynn book, and this was just as terrific as the other two. I have not been that comfortable with Saint Faustina and Divine Mercy, because I think I just did not understand it. This clearly written book lays it all out for you. As Pope St. JPII the Great stated, "How much the world needs to understand and accept Divine Mercy". Vinny does just that for us, as he explains beautifully the secrets of God's endless mercy for all of us. The chapter "Prodigal Doesn't Mean Bad" really touched me, and made me rethink my relationship with the Father. A beautiful, instructional book that I will read again and again.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it this book! Vinny Flynn is becoming one of my favorite authors; I will certainly be reading more of his works. I enjoyed the layout in which he presents these theological nuggets of wisdom. The entire book beckons you to read on until you have obtained all seven secrets. Although I am an avid theology reader, not many books capture and sustain my attention quite like this one. 10/10 would recommend.

Added Note: His humor is also 10/10 as it appeals to the feelings and struggles in understanding Catholicism.

[Taskgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book during my time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The first 1/3 of the book was a bit slow for me, but it picked up after that. I am trying more intentionally live Divine Mercy and this quote from the book really made an impact on me and my journey. "The Divine Mercy Image is what you and I should see every time we look in the mirror. It's an examination of conscience. Am I a mirror reflection of Christ? " I would recommend this book for times of meditation in small sections so it can be savored.

[Giovanni Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Divine Mercy has changed my life over these last two years. However, too often I forget just how great God’s love and mercy is for me and everyone. Vinny Flynn does an awesome job of explaining the major principles of God’s mercy and how it’s not just a devotion or some magic trick, but truly a way of life that should be centered on God with the goal of being transformed in Christ. Overall a super easy read that helped me remember that “I am a sinner that the Lord has looked upon.”

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Trust even more!” - Father Kosicki

This was not an easy read. I had to digest the chapters in small doses over many months. There was so much information to unpack and some portions were quite academic in nature.

But what a powerful book. I learned new details about my Catholic faith, about the Passion and God’s love. Truly I felt blown away at different moments while reading this, and I look forward to additional books by this same author down the road.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that taught me so much about Divine Mercy, the image, the prayers, the meaning. Flynn is such a good writer that makes a topic like this very readable and understandable. I love all his books, and this is one of my favorites

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I’m inspired to reread St Faustina’s diary. Mercy is there for the asking. I wish everyone in the world, especially our Protestant brothers in Christ were aware of this great gift. This gift from God is second only to his sacrifice and the Eucharist.

[Elizabeth Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author and I absolutely will read him again! Delightfully amusing and filled to the brim with clear and relevant wisdom about the Divine Mercy Devotion.
Would HIGHLY recommend!!

[Ctrcynde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening book! Although I had been praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet before reading this book, Vinny Flynn provided other key information that enriched the chaplet for me. Highly recommend.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a complete understanding of the Divine Mercy chaplet and the meaning of the image of Jesus, this is the book! It is a wonderful reference, when you want to be inspired.

[casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! So easy to read and follow. I now have a little bit better understanding of The Divine Mercy and can appreciate the love that Our Lord is trying to share with us.

[Linda King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. There is so much to the story of this painting and the Love and Mercy God wants to share with us.

[Tracy L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this easy to understand explanation of the Divine Mercy. I recommend this as a MUST read for all, but especially Catholics.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Very profound book. The spiritual insights are so deep yet they are delivered conversationally and in such an accessible way. 10/10

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 surprisingly good.

[Dawnmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic, gives an in depth look at The Devine Mercy and begs you to answer the question of how much trust will you put in the Lord to receive his graces? A must read!

[Anna Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book made me feel so loved

[John Teske · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, emphasizing the many nuances of Divine Mercy, and confirming things that my Mother and I have talked over for years!

A great book!

[Minu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust me, this book is good enough to change your perspective towards the relationship with God. It not only give more knowledge on the approach towards the sacraments and prayers but also gives a spiritual reformation in one’s mind through Divine Mercy perspective.

[France · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book. Lead me back to prayerful life. Also, lead me back to reading.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book for this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy thus far is 7 Secrets of Divine Mercy by Vinny Flynn. Flynn is the author of other 7 Secrets books, (7 Secrets of the Eucharist and 7 Secrets of Confession), but I agree with him when he admits that this is the book he should have written first. It is a remarkable book that will open up your heart and your mind to the mysteries of Divine Mercy. If you think you know just about all there is about Divine Mercy, you will be astounded to learn that there is so much more to know. And, Vinny Flynn is the perfect person to tell you about it. He has contemplated the mystery of Divine Mercy for thirty-five years and has worked with Divine Mercy experts Fr. Seraphim Michalenko and Fr. George Kosciki, to train many of the current speakers on this timely topic. He edited the official English version of the Diary of St. Faustina, and for twenty years has been singing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with his family on EWTN.

Flynn is a dynamic educator who demonstrates his ability to dig into deep theological concepts and make them comprehensible to us in this astonishing account. Quoting Pope Francis, he tells us that devotion to divine mercy primarily means “putting mercy into action” and living lives that are “shaped by mercy.” In the first secret, we learn that “the Father’s plan is to introduce each of His children into the Trinity – to divinize us and unite us with Him and with each other in mutual self-giving love.” He explains the secrets of Divine Mercy with such ease, sharing personal examples and using humor that you feel as if you are simply conversing with a personal mentor. This is a fulfilling and inspiring book that will nourish you in your faith and help you put the Divine Mercy devotion into practice in your life.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book about the Divine Mercy message, image, and devotion. You don't have to have read the Diary of St. Faustina before reading this, because the appropriate passages are cited in the text, but I do recommend reading the Diary at some point. Flynn does a great job delving into this devotion and why its message is so important.

[Bill Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vinny's style is very readable. The kind of book that I will re-read many times. Many gems. Highlights on almost every page. A book you have to savor a little at a time. Its obvious that Vinny is an expert on the topic of Divine Mercy!!

READ IT!!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, simple and understandable explanation of God's mercy. Anyone, even a new or inexperienced Catholic who wants to learn and grow can benefit from this book. It is easy to understand and read--not 'heady' or overly intellectual. I highly recommend it.