Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

A Beacon of Hope: Divine Mercy Signs Light Up Local Parishes

Posted on August 06, 2025 in: News

A Beacon of Hope: Divine Mercy Signs Light Up Local Parishes

Across the Diocese of Norwich, striking Divine Mercy images are quietly transforming church lawns and public spaces into visible signs of hope, trust, and healing. These 4-by-8-foot solar-lit signs, bearing the words “JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU,” are part of a growing effort to share Christ’s message of mercy, not just in word, but in powerful visual witness.

At the heart of this evangelizing initiative is Father Edmund Nadolny, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford known for his bold public expressions of faith. Through his Father Nadolny Good News Fund, he is partnering with Rich Wenzl of Chicago, who leads the broader Divine Mercy 33 mission. Together, they are inviting the faithful to step beyond the walls of homes and churches, to share God’s mercy and welcome others into the trust and love of Christ. These solar-lit, weather-resistant images often draw the attention of passersby, including strangers, prompting quiet reflection and spiritual encounter.

Mercy Made Visible

The message of Divine Mercy, entrusted by Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska, is clear: Trust in God’s mercy, share it with others, and venerate the image of the Merciful Jesus.

“By means of this image I shall be granting many graces to souls; so, let every soul have access to it.”  (Diary, 570)

Over the past five years, more than 75 Divine Mercy images have been installed throughout Connecticut. Now, the Diocese of Norwich is experiencing a visible surge in participation.

You can currently find these outdoor, solar-lit, Divine Mercy images at these parish locations:

  • St. Andrew Church – Colchester
  • St. Joseph Church – Norwich
  • St. Bridget of Kildare – Moodus
  • St. Mary of Czestochowa – Middletown
  • St. Pius X Church – Middletown
  • St. Patrick Church – East Hampton

The Gospel on Highways and Phones

Father Nadolny’s passion for spreading the Gospel isn't new. He is known across the state for his pro-life and spiritual highway billboards, some of which include his personal phone number for anyone in need of prayer. Through this outreach, he has reached millions of motorists, turning highways into places of grace.

In the digital world, he’s also become an unexpected social media evangelist. On TikTok, Father Nadolny shares spiritual encouragement, prayer, and humor with over 160,000 followers and nearly 3 million likes, offering hope to people far beyond the pews—especially the young and unchurched.

A Mission of Mercy in Motion

The broader initiative, known as Divine Mercy 33, was started by Rich Wenzl to place the image of the Merciful Jesus in public view across the nation. In the Diocese of Norwich, it is Father Nadolny’s financial support, prayerful leadership, and fearless faith that are driving this mission forward.

“I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and throughout the world.” (Diary, 47)

Now, through this grassroots movement, the image is outside, near busy streets. Or in the case of the image on the back of St. Joseph Church in Norwich, it is seen by the hundreds of patrons and volunteers at St. Vincent dePaul Place.

Want to Get Involved?

To learn more about the Divine Mercy 33 movement, request prayer cards, or inquire about placing an image at your parish, visit:
www.DivineMercy33.org

To support this effort locally, consider contributing to the Father Nadolny Good News Fund, which makes evangelization efforts like these possible across Connecticut.

The Divine Mercy Prayer

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen.


A Living Gospel

Whether shining by the roadside or scrolling across a screen, the Divine Mercy image is doing what all true communication of the Gospel must do—drawing people into the heart of Christ.

Thanks to this powerful partnership, and the dedication of Father Nadolny and Rich Wenzl, the Diocese of Norwich is proclaiming the Gospel not just with words, but with visible, enduring signs of mercy.

—FCC Newsdesk


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Gratitude for our Fishermen: Bishop Reidy Presides over Stonington's Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Calm seas and a gentle breeze helped to carry the Stonington fishing fleet out past Stonington Point on Sunday, July 27, for the Holy Cross Community’s annual Blessing of the Fleet, a tradition dating back 70 years. Aboard the lead ship Heritage, for his first Stonington blessing, was Bishop Richard F. Reidy. As the Heritage steamed out of the harbor, followed by the rest of Stonington’s commercial fishing fleet, the new bishop of the Diocese of Norwich chatted with her crew and passengers before arriving at the point, where he blessed an anchor-shaped wreath...

Read More

Congratulations and New Beginnings: A Transition in Youth and Young Adult Ministry
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Liza Roach on her new position as Family Life Minister. Her extensive work with youth and young adults will be a great foundation for her future work with families in the diocese. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins this new endeavor! —Andrea Hoisl As Liza Roach steps into her new role as Family Life Minister, we take a moment to celebrate her years of faithful service to the young people of the Diocese of Norwich. Her dedication, energy, and joyful spirit have touched countless lives—fostering voca...

Read More

Pope Leo XIV Addresses Knights at 143rd Convention
Pope Leo XIV Sends Video Greeting to Knights of Columbus at 143rd Supreme Convention WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic and heartfelt gesture, Pope Leo XIV addressed more than 2.1 million members of the Knights of Columbus with a special video message during the organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention held in the nation’s capital. As the first American pope, His Holiness called on the Knights to reflect on the “essential virtue” of hope during this Jubilee Year of Hope, urging them to be “tangible signs of hope” to the unborn, p...

Read More

Now Hiring: Make a Difference with a Career that Inspires!
  Are you ready to make a meaningful impact while living your faith? The Diocese of Norwich and its affiliated schools and ministries are seeking passionate, mission-driven individuals to join our team! Whether you're called to lead, teach, serve, or support, there’s a place for you in our vibrant Catholic community. Serve Beyond Borders Executive Director – Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Lead life-changing work! We’re looking for a dynamic individual to direct our diocesan mission in Haiti—supporting education, healthcare, and...

Read More

The Good Works of Mother Seton Live on  in Our 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner Honorees
This year will mark the 15th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner, titled respectively after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton who is known as a founder of this country’s parochial school system, established this nation’s first all-girls Catholic School in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth was born on August 28, 1774, and originally raised Episcopalian before converting to Catholicism. She was married to William Seton, and they had five children. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the founder of the Sisters of Charity in 1809 in Emmitsburg Maryland, and approximately three years later co...

Read More

Body of Blessed Frassati, Relic of Blessed Acutis Will Be in Rome for Jubilee
During the Jubilee of Youth, a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis and the coffin with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati's body will be in Rome for veneration. After their canonization ceremonies were moved to Sept. 7, it is an opportunity for young people to learn more about and be inspired by these two important saints-to-be.   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The relics of two saints-to-be -- Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis -- will be in Rome for veneration during the Jubilee of Youth July 28-Aug. 3, according to worldyouthday.com. The Churc...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

EspaƱol

 

Latest Articles
A Beacon of Hope: Divine Mercy Signs Light Up Local Parishes
Pope Leo XIV Addresses Knights at 143rd Convention
Be the Reason a Student Smiles on the First Day of School
2nd SESSION ADDED: Youth Bowling with the Bishop August 19th
In Memoriam: Reverend Monsignor James Paul Carini
Congratulations and New Beginnings: A Transition in Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Calendar of Parish Events from Around the Diocese
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294