The Second Greatest Story Ever Told summary

The Divine Mercy and Mary's Role

In The Second Greatest Story Ever Told by Michael E. Gaitley, we embark on a journey that begins with St. John Paul II's papacy. The author introduces us to the concept of Divine Mercy, a message that Jesus imparted to a humble Polish nun, St. Faustina. This message, as we learn, is not just about the mercy of God, but it's also a call to trust in Him and to show mercy to others.

Gaitley further delves into the significance of St. John Paul II's role in spreading the message of Divine Mercy. The author paints a vivid picture of the Pope's deep connection with this devotion, as he himself was a witness to the horrors of World War II and the atrocities committed against his fellow Poles. It was in this backdrop that the young Karol Wojtyła, who would later become Pope John Paul II, first encountered the message of Divine Mercy.

The Great Mercy Pope

The narrative then shifts to the pontificate of John Paul II, whom Gaitley refers to as the 'Great Mercy Pope'. We are taken through critical milestones of his papacy, such as the beatification and canonization of St. Faustina, the establishment of Divine Mercy Sunday, and his personal devotion to the Divine Mercy image and chaplet. All these actions, according to the author, were instrumental in spreading the message of Divine Mercy throughout the world.

Moreover, Gaitley emphasizes the significance of the date of John Paul II's death, which was the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. He portrays this as a profound sign of God's mercy, indicating that the Pope's life, work, and death were intricately linked to the message of Divine Mercy.

Marian Consecration and Divine Mercy

The latter part of The Second Greatest Story Ever Told delves into the connection between Divine Mercy and Marian consecration. Gaitley introduces us to the concept of Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, a spiritual practice popularized by St. Louis de Montfort. He explains how John Paul II was deeply influenced by this devotion and how it shaped his understanding of Divine Mercy.

According to Gaitley, the essence of Total Consecration is to surrender oneself entirely to Jesus through Mary, allowing her to lead us to a deeper relationship with her Son. The author argues that John Paul II lived out this consecration, thus becoming a living example of how Divine Mercy and Marian consecration are intertwined.

Our Role in the Story

In conclusion, Gaitley urges us to embrace the message of Divine Mercy and to follow John Paul II's example of Marian consecration. He contends that in doing so, we can become instruments of God's mercy in the world, just like the 'Great Mercy Pope'. By living out the message of Divine Mercy and consecrating ourselves to Jesus through Mary, we can play our part in what Gaitley calls 'The Second Greatest Story Ever Told' - the story of God's mercy unfolding in our lives and in the world.