The Chaplain, Divine Mercy Devotion, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Oladunjoye has underscored the nature of God’s mercy in relation to hell and purgatory. According to the Chaplain, the fate of souls in these two realms is determined by their response to God’s mercy. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Catholic Herald, Fr. Oladunjoye noted that in hell, souls have rejected God’s mercy, resulting in their damnation. He said, this realm is characterised by the absence of redemption, and those who reside there are forever separated from God’s loving presence. In his words,, “In hell, God’s mercy is not available to damned souls.
In fact, their damnation is as a result of the rejection of God’s mercy. On the other hand, purgatory exists as a result of and testament to God’s Mercy. So, in hell, there’s no more redemption. In purgatory, there’s redemption. The destiny of the souls in purgatory is heaven. “That is why we have devotions to them. Simply put, for the souls in hell, no redemption is possible. For the souls in purgatory, no damnation is possible.” The Chaplain further enjoined Parish Priests to prepare their congregations for Divine Mercy Sunday through catechesis and sacramental confession.
Fr. Oladunjoye noted that this special day offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. He enjoined Parish Priests to deliver a homily centred on the Divine Mercy Doctrine, lead the faithful in venerating the Divine Mercy image and display the Divine Mercy image in the sanctuary as a reminder of God’s infinite mercy.
