Second Sunday of Easter

The Second Sunday of Easter is observed by Christians worldwide as the eighth day of Eastertide, falling on the Sunday after Easter. Known by many names—including Divine Mercy Sunday and Thomas Sunday—it is a time for special church services and, in some traditions, processions and acts of mercy.

• Also called Divine Mercy Sunday, Thomas Sunday, and Quasimodo Sunday
• Falls on the Sunday after Easter each year
• Special church services and processions are held in many traditions
• In Eastern Christianity, the day recalls Thomas meeting the risen Christ
• Known for acts of mercy and reflection in Catholic communities

What it is

The Second Sunday of Easter is a significant day in the Christian calendar, marking the close of the first week of Eastertide. For many, it is a time to reflect on the resurrection and the story of Thomas, the disciple who came to believe after seeing the risen Christ. The day is known by various names, such as Divine Mercy Sunday in the Catholic tradition, Thomas Sunday in Eastern Christianity, and Quasimodo or Low Sunday in other Western traditions. It is a day that brings together themes of faith, renewal, and mercy, offering believers a moment to deepen their spiritual journey after the joy of Easter.

Where it comes from

The roots of the Second Sunday of Easter lie in the biblical account of Jesus appearing to his disciples eight days after the resurrection, with Thomas present. This scriptural event is central to the day's significance, especially in Eastern Christianity, where it is called Thomas Sunday. Over centuries, the day acquired different names and customs in various Christian traditions. In 2000, Pope John Paul II designated it as Divine Mercy Sunday in the Catholic Church, inspired by the visions of St. Faustina Kowalska. The day also connects to older traditions, such as the wearing of white robes by new Christians during 'White Week' in early Roman practice.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations on the Second Sunday of Easter vary by tradition. In Catholic communities, the day is often marked as Divine Mercy Sunday, with special services focusing on God's mercy and the opportunity for confession. Many churches hold Eucharistic processions, and in some places, such as Chile, local festivals like Cuasimodo feature processions with the Blessed Sacrament. In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, the day is called Thomas Sunday and includes unique liturgical elements, such as the reading of the Gospel account of Thomas and special hymns. Across traditions, church services are central, with prayers, singing, and moments of reflection on faith and belief.

Joining in

Visitors are welcome to attend church services on the Second Sunday of Easter in Christian communities around the world. In Catholic parishes, you may encounter special Divine Mercy devotions and the chance to participate in confession. In Eastern churches, expect a liturgy rich in music and ritual, centered on the story of Thomas. In some regions, local festivals and processions add a communal and festive atmosphere. Whether in a grand cathedral or a small parish church, the day offers a peaceful and contemplative experience for newcomers and travelers alike.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Second Sunday of Easter, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Second Sunday of Easter on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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