Name: St. Faustina Kowalska, Virgin, Religious
When: 20th Century
Feast Day: 5th October (post-1962 liturgy).
Relics: Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland
Special Designation: “Apostle of Divine Mercy”
Prayers: Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
Biography:
St. Faustina Kowalska, born Helena Kowalska on August 25, 1905, in Glogowiec, Poland, was the third of ten children in her family. From a young age, she displayed a deep piety and love for God. At the age of 18, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Warsaw, Poland, where she took the name Sister Maria Faustina of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Throughout her religious life, St. Faustina experienced mystical visions and conversations with Jesus, who revealed to her His infinite mercy and love for all humanity. Jesus instructed her to spread the message of His Divine Mercy and to encourage others to trust in His mercy and seek His forgiveness. St. Faustina diligently recorded these mystical experiences in her diary, known as “Divine Mercy in My Soul” which has become a treasured spiritual classic.
St. Faustina’s mission to spread the message of Divine Mercy was not without challenges. She faced many difficulties and misunderstandings from her fellow sisters and superiors, but she remained steadfast in her devotion to Jesus and His mercy. She tirelessly carried out her mission, promoting the message of Divine Mercy through her writings, prayers, and personal example of holiness.
In 1931, St. Faustina had a vision of Jesus in which He instructed her to have an image painted according to the vision, with the words “Jesus, I trust in You” inscribed at the bottom. This image, now known as the Image of the Divine Mercy, has become a powerful symbol of God’s mercy and is venerated by millions of people around the world.
St. Faustina’s health declined rapidly, and she passed away on October 5, 1938, at the age of 33, in Krakow, Poland. However, her legacy did not end with her death. Her writings and the message of Divine Mercy continued to spread, and her cause for canonization was eventually opened.
In 1993, St. Faustina Kowalska was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II, who himself had a deep devotion to Divine Mercy and recognized the significance of her message for the modern world. She became the first saint of the new millennium and was declared the “Apostle of Divine Mercy” by the Pope.
Today, St. Faustina Kowalska’s life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world. Her message of God’s unfathomable mercy and the importance of trust in Him resonates with those seeking forgiveness, healing, and hope. Her intercession is sought by many, and her example of holiness serves as a guiding light for those striving to live a life of faith and mercy.
In conclusion, St. Faustina Kowalska’s life was marked by her unwavering devotion to the Divine Mercy and her mission to spread this message to the world. Her writings, prayers, and personal example have left a profound impact on countless lives, and her canonization as a saint has further solidified her significance in the Catholic Church. As we honour her on her feast day and venerate her relics at the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, may we be inspired by her deep faith, trust in God’s mercy, and selfless love for humanity. Let us seek her intercession and strive to follow her example in our own lives, trusting in the infinite mercy of our loving God.
