Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Catholics in Central Illinois have launched a campaign to spread the devotion of Jesus' Divine Mercy through prominent signage along local highways and in community yards. The initiative, led by parishioners from Holy Family Church in Athens and St. Peter Church in Petersburg, aims to familiarize the public with the Divine Mercy image.

The movement began two years ago when Tom and Deb Walsh of Holy Family Church acquired a framed picture of Divine Mercy. This image was placed in their church and venerated during Divine Mercy Sunday, which occurs the Sunday after Easter. Inspired by this, Carol Muller and other parishioners at St. Peter Church initiated a similar project.

Kay and Ken Tasset from Holy Family Church were inspired to expand the effort after seeing a Divine Mercy sign on a road trip to Kansas City. "I had a burden on my heart and was inspired to have a large road sign in the Athens area," said Kay Tasset.

In January, discussions within their Bible Study group and Pastoral Council led to forming a Divine Mercy Committee that included members from both churches. The committee obtained permission from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Stockbridge, Mass., to use an image of Divine Mercy. They then ordered 100 yard signs for distribution between both parishes.

"We wanted to spread the word as soon as possible," said Tasset. "Then, we started talking about getting one large 4 feet by 8 feet road sign located somewhere in our area before Divine Mercy Sunday."

Father Maurice Yonta suggested placing it on Holy Family Church property, securing permission from the City of Athens for its installation.

The Divine Mercy image depicts Jesus with rays of red and white light emanating from His heart, symbolizing blood and water poured out for humanity’s sins, accompanied by the phrase “Jesus, I trust in You.” It was created under the guidance of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who had visions of Jesus.

Despite initial hesitations regarding time, cost, and legal responsibilities, advice from the Diocese of Springfield's Office for Buildings, Grounds and Cemeteries helped move the project forward. Parishioners responded positively after hearing about it during Mass.

The committee aimed for one sign on each major highway surrounding Athens/Petersburg. After receiving additional permissions from landowners, they worked with a local printer to finalize designs that included approval from Marian Fathers and parish names.

"By putting our parish names on the sign, we want to grow our church size," Tasset said.

Now visible across various locations are dozens of yard signs and eight large signs along rural highways. The committee continues seeking donations for further expansions.

"The sky is the limit for placing more signs around our area," Tasset added.

Community reactions have been positive:

“Whoever put the Jesus sign on Jackson Street, the kids loved it” (on Facebook).

“Every time I drive by the Divine Mercy sign, I take a deep breath and say to myself, ‘I can get through this’” (from a parishioner).

“When I drive by the Divine Mercy sign, it gives me peace and hope” (from another parishioner).

Even support came from outside their faith community: “If a Lutheran supports this project, everyone should,” remarked one supportive friend who allowed placement on his property.

Tasset emphasized how reading St. Faustina’s diary influenced them: “Our Lord’s words have pierced our committee’s hearts.”

Interested individuals can contact (217) 632-7118 or send donations to Holy Family or St. Peter Church at 711 South 6th Street, Petersburg, IL 62675.

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