An estimated 20,000 Roman Catholic pilgrims are expected in the Berkshires this weekend to celebrate Mercy Sunday.
The Berkshire Eagle reports that Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, of the Diocese in Albany, New York, is scheduled to be the main celebrant of Sunday's 1 p.m. Mass at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge.
The celebration is hosted by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.
It is Scharfenberger's second appearance in three years.
The Feast of the Divine Mercy is celebrated by Catholics around the world the weekend after Easter. Divine mercy stems a vision of Jesus that appeared to St. Faustina Kowalska in 1938, promoting a message to the Polish nun that Jesus is merciful, and that people should trust in his mercy and lead a compassionate life.
