Jesus instructed St. Faustina to petition for the establishment of a Feast of Mercy on the first Sunday after Easter, with a dire prophetic warning: "I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy... Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet." (Diary 699). He further warned: "Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they shall perish for all eternity." (Diary 965). This feast was officially established for the universal Church by Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000.