<P> Pilgrims began to arrive the very next spring to celebrate the Feast of The Divine Mercy (just after Easter). By the end of World War II in 1945, pilgrims in growing numbers came to offer thanksgiving for graces received through the Divine Mercy message and devotion . They urged the Marians to build a shrine to Jesus, The Divine Mercy, as a votive of thanks . The Fathers decided to accede to the requests since there was also a need for a larger chapel to accommodate a growing community . </P> <P> The construction of the present Shrine began in 1950 and was completed and solemnly dedicated by Springfield Bishop Christopher Weldon in 1960 . In 1996, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops declared it a National Shrine in accord with Church law . The National Shrine has drawn thousands of pilgrims from around the world . </P>

National shrine of the divine mercy stockbridge massachusetts