Saint Faustina and Our Lord’s Divine Mercy

By: Rick Hernandez

It has been a long time since I first discovered and read the diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul. Saint Faustina’s diary, along with Saint Augustine’s Confessions, are two works that helped open my eyes to recognize God’s desire to be in relationship with us. These works helped provide me, and countless others, with a window into what is repentance, forgiveness, hope, charity, obedience, and perseverance. The Divine Mercy described with simple words what a personal relationship with Christ can be for those of us who strive to invite Him into our lives, minds, and hearts, living with Him in the present moment.
 
It is in this deepening of the understanding of God’s Love and Mercy toward us, that we learn to live simply and faithfully, persevering in love, and trusting in Him who is Trustworthy.
 
October 5 is the feast day of Saint Faustina Kowalska.

Saint Faustina Kowalska, is known as the “Apostle of Divine Mercy,” and was born on August 25, 1905, in Głogowiec, Poland. From a young age, Faustina exhibited a deep spiritual sense and a strong desire to serve God. At just seven years old, she experienced her first vision of Jesus, which left a lasting impression on her heart.

Faustina's journey toward religious life began when she felt a calling to enter a convent. At 20, she joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Warsaw, adopting the name Sister Maria Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament. During her time in the convent, she struggled with her health and faced numerous challenges. However, she held on strongly to her faith and commitment to serve God.

Her life changed in the 1930s when Faustina began receiving revelations about God’s mercy. In her diary, she recorded these encounters, emphasizing the theme of Divine Mercy and God’s infinite love for us. She had a vision of Jesus, asking her to promote the devotion to His Divine Mercy.

In 1931 Faustina had a vision of Jesus, appearing to her as the "King of Divine Mercy." He asked Faustina to have an image painted based on what she had seen, with the words "Jesus, I trust in You" inscribed at the bottom. This image has today spread around the world, symbolizing the message of hope and mercy that Faustina sought to spread.

Throughout her life, Faustina experienced intense spiritual trials, including periods of suffering and spiritual desolation. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to her entrusted mission, to encourage others to trust in God’s Mercy and seek reconciliation through the sacrament of confession.

Faustina’s diary serves as a profound reflection of her spiritual journey and the revelations she received. She emphasizes the importance of mercy, prayer, and the need for repentance. After many years of illness, Faustina passed on from this world on October 5, 1938, at the age of 33. 33 years old, just like Christ...

Faustina was canonized in the year 2000 by Pope John Paul II, giving us another modern Saint to call our own. Another great soul in Heaven to ask for help, but one who already knew of God’s Divine Mercy toward us while on earth and left us with great guidance and counsel.

I pray we all open our hearts and minds, that like Faustina, we get to see our Lord already beside us, walking with us. I pray we all fall to our knees in repentance for our sins, participate fully in the Eucharistic banquet, where we are restored and loved infinitely, and pray for the salvation of all the souls of the world.

​“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion. Have mercy on us and on the whole world” (Excerpt from the Divine Mercy Chaplet)

​Let us pray:

​ “Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion -- inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.” Amen. (Divine Mercy Chaplet Closing Prayer)
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Rick Hernandez

Rick Hernandez is a commonsense Catholic, Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament, and a Director for Elisheba House. He lives in Trinity, Florida, with his wife Ivonne and their children. He also writes for the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament's Daily Eucharistic Reflections and for Catholicmom.com.