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Understanding Divine Mercy
Finally, the entire Divine Mercy message and devotion is summarized in one, easy-to-read book! Explaining the teaching of Jesus Christ as given to St. Faustina, Understanding Divine Mercy by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, has it all. Written in his highly conversational and energetic style, this first book in his Explaining the Faith series will deepen your love for God and help you understand why Jesus Called Divine Mercy “mankind's last hope of salvation.”
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2021
111 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Chris Alar
7 books18 followersFather Chris Alar, MIC, entered the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, the religious community entrusted with spreading the message and devotion of Divine Mercy, as a postulant in July 2006.
Prior to that time, he received a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. After working as an engineering manager at a Fortune 500 Tier 1 automotive company in Detroit, he began his own consulting firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2000.
Answering the Lord's call, he attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio, for his philosophy studies, Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., for his theology studies, and he earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Fr. Chris wrote and produced the popular "Divine Mercy 101" DVD. He is a nationally known speaker and a regular host and guest on EWTN. He also hosts the online "Divine Mercy Matters" series at DivineMercyMatters.org. He currently serves as "Fr. Joseph, MIC" the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, and is the head of Marian Press, located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, home of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
Prior to that time, he received a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. After working as an engineering manager at a Fortune 500 Tier 1 automotive company in Detroit, he began his own consulting firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2000.
Answering the Lord's call, he attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio, for his philosophy studies, Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., for his theology studies, and he earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Fr. Chris wrote and produced the popular "Divine Mercy 101" DVD. He is a nationally known speaker and a regular host and guest on EWTN. He also hosts the online "Divine Mercy Matters" series at DivineMercyMatters.org. He currently serves as "Fr. Joseph, MIC" the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, and is the head of Marian Press, located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, home of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 10, 2024
‘Understanding Divine Mercy’ by Fr. Chris Alar MIC was an informative and theologically rich read, written in a simplistic style and organized with precision. The book clears many misconceptions Catholics have in relation to this popular Devotion which also happens to be a message and revelation which is something unique among most devotions of the present day and age.
It was a lovely journey down memory lane for me in particular as I was highly influenced by the Divine Mercy Diary (Divine Mercy In My Soul) of St. Faustina back in the year 2007 after which I confessed formally for the first time to my mother the desire to join the convent. And she stopped speaking with me for a whole year! Jesus was certainly not popular in her dictionary as an ideal husband for her only daughter! But ultimately after many years she had to concede. I thank St. Faustina for initiating me as a 17-year-old into this particular Devotion which I followed meticulously and sometimes scrupulously till I was in my mid-twenties.
For people like me who had many scruples and misconceptions about the eschatological and ecclesiastical significance of this Devotion, Fr. Chris’ book will be very useful and even invigorating. It is a must have in every devout Catholic’s library of other Divine Mercy titles that explain the relevance of the Novena, the Chaplet, the Divine Mercy Hour, the Image etc. I found Fr. Chris’ Biblical take on the topic to be novel yet concise which is much appreciated in a small spiritual volume like this, and I admire his convictions regarding this devotion. I also liked the way he explained the Liturgical theology and Covenantal Theology imbedded deeply in the very essence of this devotion.
In relation to Covenantal Biblical Theory and Literature, if you loved Professor Scott Hahn’s titles like ‘The Lamb’s Supper’, ‘The Fourth Cup’ and ‘A Father Who Keeps His Promises’ then you should not miss this title. This is because it picks up where Hahn leaves off but with the theme of Divine Mercy in the picture. Many books these days in the Catholic spiritual market are literally filled to capacity with Covenantal Theology based on the idea of Jesus being both the High Priest and Lamb of Sacrifice at the same time which is very interesting to note.
For those who are concerned about ways to gain plenary and partial indulgences, this book is for you. Those seeking to redress unforgiven sins and temporal sins of various kinds and types with their respective effects can also find this book to be extremely beneficial. It is a great spiritual and meditative tool and has been published with the sole intention to testify and spread the Devotion of Jesus’ Divine Mercy. It is a very popular devotion in the Roman Catholic Church ever since all three Pontiffs namely – St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis (Papa) extolled the virtues and efficacy of this very timely and apt devotion of our times.
When St. Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina and declared the Octave of Easter to officially be the Feast of the Divine Mercy, I was 10 years old and was quite taken aback with it all. I thought the good Pontiff was trying to take away every Catholic believers’ devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary which was an old 17th century devotion and quite a thing in my household. But I was mistaken as I later realized after reading the Diary. If the Diary is too cumbersome a read for now, you can check out Fr. Chris’s title and clear this misconception as well. Grab your copy of this book today! At least before the next Divine Mercy Feast Day in the coming Jubilee Year 2025!
It was a lovely journey down memory lane for me in particular as I was highly influenced by the Divine Mercy Diary (Divine Mercy In My Soul) of St. Faustina back in the year 2007 after which I confessed formally for the first time to my mother the desire to join the convent. And she stopped speaking with me for a whole year! Jesus was certainly not popular in her dictionary as an ideal husband for her only daughter! But ultimately after many years she had to concede. I thank St. Faustina for initiating me as a 17-year-old into this particular Devotion which I followed meticulously and sometimes scrupulously till I was in my mid-twenties.
For people like me who had many scruples and misconceptions about the eschatological and ecclesiastical significance of this Devotion, Fr. Chris’ book will be very useful and even invigorating. It is a must have in every devout Catholic’s library of other Divine Mercy titles that explain the relevance of the Novena, the Chaplet, the Divine Mercy Hour, the Image etc. I found Fr. Chris’ Biblical take on the topic to be novel yet concise which is much appreciated in a small spiritual volume like this, and I admire his convictions regarding this devotion. I also liked the way he explained the Liturgical theology and Covenantal Theology imbedded deeply in the very essence of this devotion.
In relation to Covenantal Biblical Theory and Literature, if you loved Professor Scott Hahn’s titles like ‘The Lamb’s Supper’, ‘The Fourth Cup’ and ‘A Father Who Keeps His Promises’ then you should not miss this title. This is because it picks up where Hahn leaves off but with the theme of Divine Mercy in the picture. Many books these days in the Catholic spiritual market are literally filled to capacity with Covenantal Theology based on the idea of Jesus being both the High Priest and Lamb of Sacrifice at the same time which is very interesting to note.
For those who are concerned about ways to gain plenary and partial indulgences, this book is for you. Those seeking to redress unforgiven sins and temporal sins of various kinds and types with their respective effects can also find this book to be extremely beneficial. It is a great spiritual and meditative tool and has been published with the sole intention to testify and spread the Devotion of Jesus’ Divine Mercy. It is a very popular devotion in the Roman Catholic Church ever since all three Pontiffs namely – St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis (Papa) extolled the virtues and efficacy of this very timely and apt devotion of our times.
When St. Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina and declared the Octave of Easter to officially be the Feast of the Divine Mercy, I was 10 years old and was quite taken aback with it all. I thought the good Pontiff was trying to take away every Catholic believers’ devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary which was an old 17th century devotion and quite a thing in my household. But I was mistaken as I later realized after reading the Diary. If the Diary is too cumbersome a read for now, you can check out Fr. Chris’s title and clear this misconception as well. Grab your copy of this book today! At least before the next Divine Mercy Feast Day in the coming Jubilee Year 2025!
March 24, 2021
I was familiar with the Devine Mercy Devotion before reading Understanding Divine Mercy but I learned much and understood so much more. There were two sections of the book that were particularly revelatory and captivating. The first was how Divine Mercy relates to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For example, I had never heard of the term "Concluding Doxology" but when this was explained, I realized how true it is that this is the high point of the Mass - the prayer by which the person units him/herself to the sacrifice of Jesus. Mass this morning was deeper because I had read this portion of the book. Later today I finished the book.
The other section of the Mass that stirred me was Fr. Chris Alar's witness about the suicide of his grandmother and the counsel he received about God's Mercy as he drew back to his life of faith as a Catholic and his regrets in regard to his grandmother. Here I realized in the context of real-life how God extends his mercy - to Fr. Alar, to his grandmother and to every person. I also valued more the opportunities we all have to intercede for one another, the way we can cooperate in God's extension of mercy. I will be interview Fr. Chris Alar on The Catholic Channel, SiriusXM 129.
The other section of the Mass that stirred me was Fr. Chris Alar's witness about the suicide of his grandmother and the counsel he received about God's Mercy as he drew back to his life of faith as a Catholic and his regrets in regard to his grandmother. Here I realized in the context of real-life how God extends his mercy - to Fr. Alar, to his grandmother and to every person. I also valued more the opportunities we all have to intercede for one another, the way we can cooperate in God's extension of mercy. I will be interview Fr. Chris Alar on The Catholic Channel, SiriusXM 129.
March 9, 2022
It's always interesting to read about Divine Mercy and Fr. Alar did a good job with his presentation of this topic. He defines the ABCs of Divine Mercy (Ask for God's mercy, Be merciful to each other, and Completely trust in God's mercy). He gives us an acronym for devotion to Divine Mercy (FINCH: The Feast of Divine Mercy, The Image of Divine Mercy, The Novena of Divine Mercy, The Chaplet of Divine Mercy, The Hour of Divine Mercy). The book could have been more succinct, but it has a powerful message of how important it is to understand and have a devotion to Divine Mercy. Definitely plan to up my game in this area.
April 27, 2025
The diary of St. Faustina is a fantastic book I read two years ago. It changed my personal and prayer life.
This book by Fr. Chris Alar explains the message of divine mercy to a broader audience. While the diary is fantastic, it is very thick and a bit overwhelming. Plus to be honest I read it in 3 weeks and it’s 700 pages so I forgot a lot.
This book is such a good reminder of the message of divine mercy. God is so good.
ABC
Ask for his mercy
Be merciful to others
Completely trust in Jesus
5/5 stars, I recommend this and the diary to any and all
This book by Fr. Chris Alar explains the message of divine mercy to a broader audience. While the diary is fantastic, it is very thick and a bit overwhelming. Plus to be honest I read it in 3 weeks and it’s 700 pages so I forgot a lot.
This book is such a good reminder of the message of divine mercy. God is so good.
ABC
Ask for his mercy
Be merciful to others
Completely trust in Jesus
5/5 stars, I recommend this and the diary to any and all
April 12, 2021
I am going to start off with describing what I took issue with.
1) The author subscribes to a Penal Substitution theory of atonement, and this informs much of the first section of the book regarding the nature of mercy, redemption, and atonement. Simply put, Penal Substitution is the idea that Christ saved humanity by standing in place for humanity's punishment for sin as a substitute, thus satisfying justice and opening the door to our salvation.
The problem is that that this is only ONE theory of the atonement, and one which has been controversial from the moment it was formulated. If you are like me or any other Catholic of Eastern or Slavic background, you will probably prefer the Recapitulation theory of atonement. This is the explanation that Christ's saving grace comes from the ontological reality of the union of his humanity and divinity. He died because he was a human, he resurrected because he is a God, and in doing so he opened the path to salvation for humanity and the cosmos. God became human so that humans could become divine. This is the more ancient theory, supported by Irenaeus, Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Augustine, and Maximos.
I bring this up because if you do NOT subscribe to Penal Substitution, you will not agree with much of the first part of the book.
2) This might just be me, but I sometimes perceive enthusiastic devotees as a little over-the-top in the sense that sometimes the devotions appear to be magic. For instance, in this book the author gave an example of the power of the Divine Mercy image by describing how during an attack on WW2 Warsaw, the only 4 buildings left standing in one part of town had a copy of the Divine Mercy image. They presented another example of somebody consecrating their house to the Divine Mercy during a storm, and their house was the only one left standing. This isn't a big deal, but just-so devotional miracles rub me the wrong way.
I need to bring that up first because DESPITE not agreeing with the author on everything, I actually learned a lot from this book, I enjoyed reading it, and I am glad that I read it. The author dove into mercy and salvation history, what IS mercy, and how does mercy relate to love and God? Without ever repeating themselves, the author provides many explanations of how this recent devotion reflects what has always been taught about God, and how we can connect this to the liturgy. And speaking of which, the author presents an excellent mystagogy of the Mass - I never thought much about the Concluding Doxology (Through him, and with him, and in him, O God almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours now and forever).
What I appreciated the most was the author detailing the history of how this came to be. St Faustina died a year before WW2 began, and in life she was a nobody - just a young nun, not even the head of a convent. It required a lot of courage and subterfuge to get information about the Divine Mercy out of Poland, because right after she died Germany and/or the Soviet Union held Poland in their grasp for half a century. Who would have thought that a Catholic devotion could involve Cold War intrigue, including smuggling copies of her diary? And it speaks to the devotion and the grace of God that this even survived at all.
1) The author subscribes to a Penal Substitution theory of atonement, and this informs much of the first section of the book regarding the nature of mercy, redemption, and atonement. Simply put, Penal Substitution is the idea that Christ saved humanity by standing in place for humanity's punishment for sin as a substitute, thus satisfying justice and opening the door to our salvation.
The problem is that that this is only ONE theory of the atonement, and one which has been controversial from the moment it was formulated. If you are like me or any other Catholic of Eastern or Slavic background, you will probably prefer the Recapitulation theory of atonement. This is the explanation that Christ's saving grace comes from the ontological reality of the union of his humanity and divinity. He died because he was a human, he resurrected because he is a God, and in doing so he opened the path to salvation for humanity and the cosmos. God became human so that humans could become divine. This is the more ancient theory, supported by Irenaeus, Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Augustine, and Maximos.
I bring this up because if you do NOT subscribe to Penal Substitution, you will not agree with much of the first part of the book.
2) This might just be me, but I sometimes perceive enthusiastic devotees as a little over-the-top in the sense that sometimes the devotions appear to be magic. For instance, in this book the author gave an example of the power of the Divine Mercy image by describing how during an attack on WW2 Warsaw, the only 4 buildings left standing in one part of town had a copy of the Divine Mercy image. They presented another example of somebody consecrating their house to the Divine Mercy during a storm, and their house was the only one left standing. This isn't a big deal, but just-so devotional miracles rub me the wrong way.
I need to bring that up first because DESPITE not agreeing with the author on everything, I actually learned a lot from this book, I enjoyed reading it, and I am glad that I read it. The author dove into mercy and salvation history, what IS mercy, and how does mercy relate to love and God? Without ever repeating themselves, the author provides many explanations of how this recent devotion reflects what has always been taught about God, and how we can connect this to the liturgy. And speaking of which, the author presents an excellent mystagogy of the Mass - I never thought much about the Concluding Doxology (Through him, and with him, and in him, O God almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours now and forever).
What I appreciated the most was the author detailing the history of how this came to be. St Faustina died a year before WW2 began, and in life she was a nobody - just a young nun, not even the head of a convent. It required a lot of courage and subterfuge to get information about the Divine Mercy out of Poland, because right after she died Germany and/or the Soviet Union held Poland in their grasp for half a century. Who would have thought that a Catholic devotion could involve Cold War intrigue, including smuggling copies of her diary? And it speaks to the devotion and the grace of God that this even survived at all.
August 7, 2024
I was introduced to Divine Mercy at a particularly sad time in my life of immense loss. Being that was 25+ years ago, the devotion and message of Divine Mercy was not as widespread as it is today. That success is due to the efforts of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, of which Fr. Chris Alar is a member.
Fr. Alar is a dynamic priest, speaker and author. He does a good job of explaining this devotion and message as well as providing historical context. The book has value for those who know nothing about Divine Mercy and those who know quite a bit.
Now is the time of Divine Mercy! Nothing we can do separates us from his mercy and forgiveness if we seek him. Jesus, I Trust in You!
Fr. Alar is a dynamic priest, speaker and author. He does a good job of explaining this devotion and message as well as providing historical context. The book has value for those who know nothing about Divine Mercy and those who know quite a bit.
Now is the time of Divine Mercy! Nothing we can do separates us from his mercy and forgiveness if we seek him. Jesus, I Trust in You!
April 13, 2021
God is outside of time!
How wonderful to know God’s mercy is so great! Our prayers & sacrifices can help our loved ones who have gone before us or who come after us. Gives me hope for the unbelievers & the lukewarm that my prayers may help them (& me!) recognize God & we can be together in Heaven
How wonderful to know God’s mercy is so great! Our prayers & sacrifices can help our loved ones who have gone before us or who come after us. Gives me hope for the unbelievers & the lukewarm that my prayers may help them (& me!) recognize God & we can be together in Heaven
March 8, 2022
This was just what I needed! Fr. Chris always words things in such an easily accessible way that I am not lost or confused. If you are considering this book then it's likely that you already know of St. Faustina's Diary. This book expounds on her points in the diary; it also applies them in an extremely relatable way. I loved this book! I'm certain that I'll be rereading it in the future.
May 18, 2021
A book send from Heaven
Wow, what a great book. This is one of those books that comes at the time when one is looking for simple answers to life’s challenges. For Catholics around the world this is a must-read.
Wow, what a great book. This is one of those books that comes at the time when one is looking for simple answers to life’s challenges. For Catholics around the world this is a must-read.
July 4, 2021
Wow
I loved this book so much, I have both the digital and hard copy. This book definitely is the one book you need besides St. Faustina’s diary, to understand Divine Mercy and just how living Our Father is.
I loved this book so much, I have both the digital and hard copy. This book definitely is the one book you need besides St. Faustina’s diary, to understand Divine Mercy and just how living Our Father is.
September 25, 2023
The ending of this book was very profound for me. I really appreciated Fr. Alar sharing the story of his grandmother. Some of the wording throughout this book provoked me in positive ways. I was challenged and encouraged, at times frustrated and moved to tears. Love the gift of His mercy.
December 31, 2021
I was expecting a book that appealed more to the emotions, but I was not disappointed that this book was grounded in the tenants of the Catholic Faith. It is deserving of a slow and thoughtful read.
March 10, 2022
Awesome book! Everyone needs to know the mercy of God and that He's waiting for you to turn to Him!
April 12, 2025
This is a fantastic read. Father provided history on Maria Faustina, information on Divine Mercy and its significance, and stories that demonstrate God’s power and mercy. I feel anyone struggling in their faith, and of course those practicing, should read this, and then proceed on to the Diary. It answers the many questions us Catholics get on the daily, especially the most popular: “if there’s a God, why does he allow such awful things in this world.” This book opened my eyes and has inspired me to dive deeper into my faith. I look forward to visiting the shrine on Divine Mercy Sunday.
August 13, 2022
Fr. Chris writes in an interesting and well outlined presentation of Divine Mercy. Always knew what is was, but understand it better now. He writes with clarity and understanding.
Will always remember FINCH:
Feast of Divine Mercy
Image of Divine Mercy
Novena of Divine Mercy
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Hour of Divine Mercy.
Will always remember FINCH:
Feast of Divine Mercy
Image of Divine Mercy
Novena of Divine Mercy
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Hour of Divine Mercy.
October 27, 2025
Powerful Reading You Will Not Want to Miss
I have gone through Diary: Devine Mercy In My Soul, St. Maria Faustina Kowalasa for almost four years along with the Daily Reflections on Devine Mercy. This book filled in a lot of what I needed to grow even deeper in the Lord’s Devine Mercy.
I have gone through Diary: Devine Mercy In My Soul, St. Maria Faustina Kowalasa for almost four years along with the Daily Reflections on Devine Mercy. This book filled in a lot of what I needed to grow even deeper in the Lord’s Devine Mercy.
May 7, 2023
Amazing Read! FR Alar safes the best for the last…how powerful the Diven Chaplet can save all. We just need to start praying it daily for souls. Thanks so much for your service in saving souls! Rich Bryant
May 29, 2024
Very thorough book about this important Catholic devotion for the times we are in. Some parts were a little "theological" for me but most of it was easy to read. St Faustina is clearly a saint sent for our era.
February 10, 2022
Outstanding!
June 10, 2023
An incredible read that succinctly explains the mercy and love of God.
Jesus, I trust in you!
Jesus, I trust in you!
October 28, 2024
Easy to read and understand. Truly inspirational!
Read
May 13, 20255 star message
3.5 star book
3.5 star book
June 4, 2025
what an amazing book. If you are looking for a faith based read and learn more about God's love and mercy, this is an amazing book.
October 9, 2024
Gives hope to entering the gates of Heaven.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews