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, contact Father Nadolny — fngoodnews@aol.com, or call (860) 761-7428.

 

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

Seton Honorees Announced for the 16th Annual Scholarship Dinner
2026 Seton Scholarship Dinner to Honor Three Catholic Educators The Diocese of Norwich will celebrate the 16th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Lake of Isles in Stonington. Named in honor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the dinner recognizes the lasting impact of Catholic education and honors educators whose service reflects the mission of Catholic schools throughout the diocese. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first person born in the United States to be canonized, is known as a founder of the nation’s parochial school system. Bor...

Read More

Hundreds of Men to be Ordained in U.S. in 2026

Posted on April 23, 2026 in: News

425

Hundreds of Men to be Ordained in U.S. in 2026
Ordinands on average are 33 years old and are lifelong Catholics preparing for diocesan ministry, according to the 2026 survey by The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). More than 400 men will be ordained to the priesthood in the U.S. this year, and on average they are 33 years old and are lifelong Catholics, according to an annual CARA survey. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) released its 2026 national survey of seminarians who are scheduled for ordination this year. The survey was administered between Feb. 12 and March ...

Read More

An Afternoon with Father Chris Alar at Immaculate Conception Center in Putnam
PUTNAM — The Immaculate Conception Center will host a special afternoon of prayer, community, and inspiration on Sunday, May 17, 2026, welcoming Father Chris Alar, MIC, for its annual fundraiser. Titled “An Afternoon with Father Chris Alar,” the event offers an opportunity for the faithful to come together in a spirit of devotion and fellowship, while supporting the ongoing mission of the Immaculate Conception Center. The afternoon will begin at 3:00 p.m. with an outdoor Mass, open to all. Celebrated by Father Alar, a member of the Marian Fathers of ...

Read More

Men’s Morning Retreat Invites Participants to Lead with Faith and Purpose
Men across the Diocese of Norwich are invited to step into that calling at the upcoming Men’s Morning Retreat, a time of prayer, reflection, and fraternity designed to renew and strengthen faith-filled leadership in everyday life. Hosted by Brothers in Christ, the retreat will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Bridget of Kildare, Moodus. The morning will be led by Bishop Richard F. Reidy, who will guide participants in reflecting on what it means to lead as men of faith within their families, workplaces, and communities. Centere...

Read More

Remembering Pope Francis: 9 Moments That Defined His Legacy
On the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death, we remember the late pontiff and some of the most significant moments of his papacy. On April 21, 2025, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled for Pope Francis, marking the end of his life and his 12-year papacy. As the 265th successor of St. Peter, the Argentinian pontiff left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church. Here are nine significant moments that have become part of Pope Francis' legacy: 1. Election of the first Latin American pope Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the f...

Read More

Raffle Alert: A Month of Prizes, A Mission of Hope
Raffle Alert: It’s Back and Bigger Than Ever! St. Vincent de Paul Place is turning the month of May into a daily celebration with 31 incredible prizes and 31 chances to win. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community friends, one amazing prize will be raffled off every day at 2 p.m. This exciting fundraiser is more than just a chance to win. It is also a chance to make a real difference in the lives of those who need help most. Why It Matters As benefits continue to shrink, more seniors, individuals, and working families are struggling with...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

EspaƱol

 

 

 

 

Latest Articles
Monthly Pro-Life Mass to be Held May 2
Vatican Warns of Political Promotion of Abortion as an Instrument of Population Control
You're Invited to a Prayer and Paint Night!
Raffle Alert: A Month of Prizes, A Mission of Hope
A Path Back to Love- Retrouvaille Weekend, May 1-3
Hundreds of Men to be Ordained in U.S. in 2026
An Afternoon with Father Chris Alar at Immaculate Conception Center in Putnam
Seton Honorees Announced for the 16th Annual Scholarship Dinner
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Chrism Mass 2026
Click to view album: 2026 CT March for Life- Hartford, CT
Click to view album: Adventure, Faith and Fellowship with Bishop Reidy
Click to view album: Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Saint Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


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