Sister Faustina Kowalska was a Polish nun, visionary, and mystic. She was born in 1905 and died in 1938.
Throughout the 1930's, Sister Faustina reported seeing Christ in purgatory and having spoken to Jesus and Mary several times. She said that Jesus appeared as the "King of Divine Mercy" and encouraged her to spread his message of Divine Mercy, including painting a picture of Divine Mercy and praying a Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
In the year 2000, at the canonization of Sister Faustina, Pope John Paul II proclaimed that the second Sunday of Easter would be designated as Divine Mercy Sunday. In a homily he had prepared for Divine Mercy Sunday, that was presented posthumously, the Pope said, "To humanity, which at times seems to be lost and dominated by the power of evil, selfishness, and fear, the risen Lord offers the gift of his love that pardons, reconciles and opens the soul to hope. It is love that converts hearts and brings peace...How much the world needs to understand and accept Divine Mercy!"
As Catholics and followers of the "King of Divine Mercy," we are called to live in the spirit of mercy, sharing love and forgiveness with our family, friends, and neighbors, as well as our enemies. We share Christ's mercy through our prayers, words, and deed.
As we celebrate Christ's Divine Mercy this Sunday, pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with your family. Download the prayer here:
Download Chaplet_of_DivineMercy.pdf (85.9K)