HISTORY

On the 25th of August 1905, in the tiny Polish village of Glogowiec, not far from Lodz, a baby girl was born to Maryann and Stanislaus Kowalska. She was the third daughter of 10 children and was Christened Helen. Being from a poor family Helen had only three years schooling because her assistance was needed at home. 

Twenty yeas later she began her postulancy in the Warsaw Convent of the sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and became known as Sister Faustina. Due to her lack of formal education she was accepted as a lay sister. Her tasks included work in the kitchen and garden as well as door keeper in various convents. She passed away on the 5th of October 1938 in Cracow at the age of 33, the age at which her redeemer had died for the salvation of mankind. 

It was at Plock in 1931 that this humble nun was favoured with the first revelation concerning the new form of devotion to the mercy of God. More than 400 passages in the bible directly glorify the mercy of God and many more do so in an indirect manner. However, Our Lord revealed to Sister Faustina that he wished to draw mankind close to his Merciful Heart. He indicated to her the principal means by which this devotion was to be fostered. viz: the veneration of the divine image, the Chaplet, the Feast of Mercy, the Novena of Mercy and the hour of Mercy. 
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The Image 
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In the first apparition Jesus appeared dressed in a white robe, His right hand raised in blessing and His left touching His breast. Two streams of light, one red the other white, shone from his partly open garment. Jesus asked that a picture be painted according to this vision, bearing the inscription "Jesus I trust in thee" . He requested that the picture be venerated throughout the world. The two rays signify the blood and water which flowed from our Lord's side. The red rays represent the blood which gives life to the soul and the white symbolise the water which purifies the soul. The first painting was blessed and hung in the church of Saint Michael in Wilno on the 4th of April 1937, the day on which low Sunday fell that year. Later another picture of the Merciful Christ was exposed in Cracow, the place in which Sister Faustina had been transferred. It is worthy to note : 
 

THESE TWO LARGE CITIES WHERE THE DIVINE IMAGE WAS VENERATED WERE SPARED DESTRUCTION DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. GOD PROTECTED THESE CITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS PROMISE THAT HE WOULD PRESERVE THE CITIES AND HOMES IN WHICH HIS DIVINE IMAGE WAS DISPLAYED AND HONOURED. 
 

In another apparition Our Lord assured the visionary that the soul who would give His Image a place of honour would not perish.

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The Chaplet
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On the 13th of September 1935 Sister Faustina saw an angel sent by God to punish the earth. Suddenly she found herself pleading for Gods mercy in words she felt inspired to use : 

"Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood soul and divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. " 

This prayer had the extraordinary power to avert the chastisement. The following day Our Lord directed her regarding the manner in which this chaplet was to be said: 

"You will recite this chaplet on the beads of the rosary in the following manner: 

First of all you will say one OUR FATHER, one HAIL MARY, and the " I BELIEVE IN GOD".

Then on the OUR FATHER BEADS you will say the following words: 

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, In atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the HAIL MARY BEADS you will say the following words: 

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

In conclusion THREE TIMES you will recite these words:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
 

Later Jesus disclosed that He wanted the whole world to be made aware of His Divine Mercy. To those would recite the chaplet he would give unimaginable graces during their lifetime and at the hour of their death. He would enfold them in His mercy. Even the most recalcitrant sinner would receive great grace from His infinite mercy if he recited the chaplet just once. He further declared that priests would recommend the Chaplet as a final means of salvation. The power of the Chaplet is particularly efficacious when said at the bedside of dying, and Our Lord has indicated He would stand between His Father and the dying person and would not be a Just Judge but a Merciful Redeemer. 
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The Feast
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In Sister's writings there are at least fourteen passages in which Our Lord is quoted as appealing for a "Feast of Mercy" to be officially established in the Church. The Feast which Our Lord requested is to be on the Sunday following Easter Sunday (normally called Low Sunday). Jesus promised that on this day He would open the floodgates through which God's blessings would flow. Those who go to confession and communion on that day are able to avail themselves of the extraordinary grace of complete remission of sin and punishment. Jesus spoke of His desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, especially sinners.

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The Novena
. Our Lord commanded this Sister of Mercy to make a novena for the Feast Day beginning on Good Friday. Each day she was to intercede for a particular group of people and beg God's mercy for their souls. Jesus instructed her to pray:

1. On the first day for the souls of all mankind
2. On the second, the souls of priests and all religious
3. On the third day for the faithful and zealous souls
4. On the fourth, the souls of unbelievers 
5. On the fifth, the souls of heretics and schismatics 
6. On the sixth, the souls of children and those who are meek and humble 
7. On the seventh, those who have devotion to and foster the devotion of God's 
    Mercy 
8. On the eighth, the souls suffering in purgatory 
9. On the ninth, the lukewarm and indifferent souls
 

This does not mean that one is obliged to use the prayers composed by Sister Faustina. Our Lord's simple instructions were that the Feast be preceded (followed) by a Novena of Chaplets. 
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The Hour of Mercy
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Jesus also made known His specific wish that Three O'Clock be a special time of prayer in commemoration of  His Passion and Death. In his revelations Our Lord confided that at this time He would refuse nothing to the soul that implored His Mercy particularly for poor sinners. Our Lord has said that this is the hour of great mercy for he whole world. He asked that we pause even for a brief moment and mediate on His total abandonment at the hour of His agony. An aspiration given by Himself as suitable at this time is: "O Blood and water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy I trust in Thee".
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Deeds of Mercy
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This devotion revealed to Sister Faustina, differs from all others in that it includes the necessity of practising mercy towards one's neighbour. Jesus reminded her that "Faith without good works is dead" (James 2;17). Our Lord explained the three forms of showing mercy to others: the first , by one's actions, the second by one's words and the third, by prayer.

Jesus said that these three ways are an infallible proof of love for Him, because by these means a soul praises and honours His mercy. The essence of the devotion is a resolution which denotes a change of heart and a realisation that no matter what we have done in the past we can with complete confidence turn with trust to the all-forgiving wonderful Mercy of God.
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Concluding points
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Sister Faustina predicted that this devotion would fall into disrepute and this actually happened. On the 6th of March 1959 the spreading of the devotion as well as relevant writings and images were all forbidden by the Holy see. But on the 15th of April 1978 this prohibition was lifted mainly through the efforts of one man, Cardinal Karol Woytyla. Six months later this Cardinal was elevated to the position of Pope John Paul II.

On the 7th of March 1992 Sister Faustina was made Venerable and on the 18th of April 1993 Pope John Paul II had the honour of declaring this holy nun, Blessed Sister Faustina.

Our Lord expressed his desire that the world draw close to His Mercy and He would fill it with peace. He warned that after the Time of Mercy would come the time of Justice and he cautioned that mankind would not find peace until it turned with confidence to His Mercy. The difference between Divine Mercy and Divine Justice on our world rests with us. God needs his instruments. Each one of us, in one way or another, can truly be an apostle of God's Mercy. To encourage us, Our Lord has promised to shield throughout their life time, those who spread the devotion to His Divine Mercy and at the hour of death, He will not be a Just Judge but a Merciful Saviour. The complete fulfillment of Christ's requests rests upon the faithful, those of us who have heard and accepted the mercy message. Our Lord asks each of us to spread His message of Mercy. Will you answer His call? 
 
 

 PRAYERS
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Our Father

Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. AMEN 
 

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blesses are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. AMEN 
 

I Believe in God (Apostles Creed)

I believe in God , the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. AMEN 
 

FIRST DAY
Today bring to me 
ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY ALL SINNERS

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You To the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of his sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the infinite power of your mercy forever and ever. AMEN 
 

SECOND DAY
Today bring to me 
THE SOULS OF PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS

Most Merciful Jesus, from who comes all that is good; increase Your grace in women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard-upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light , that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. AMEN
 

THIRD DAY
Today bring to me
ALL DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SOULS

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this grace of you by that most wondrous love for the heavenly with which your heart burns so fiercely. 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the host of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. AMEN
 

FOURTH DAY
Today bring to me
THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN ME AND THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW ME

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Hear the souls of those who as yet do not believe in You or do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is your Most Compassionate Heart. 

Eternal Father, turn You Merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in Your Son, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the most Compassionate heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love you. Grant that they too may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. AMEN
 

FIFTH DAY
Today bring to me
THE SOULS OF THE SEPARATED BRETHREN

Most merciful Jesus, Goodness itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate the souls of Your separated brethren. Draw them by your light into the unity of the church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy. 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of our separated brethren, especially those who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which he underwent for their sake, since they too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your Great mercy for endless ages.
 

SIXTH DAY
Today bring to me 
THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN

Most merciful Jesus, You Yourself  have said, "Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favourites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon he meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. AMEN
 

SEVENTH DAY
Today bring to me 
THE SOULS WHO ESPECIALLY VENERATE AND GLORIFY THE MERCY 

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to you. O Jesus they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself will defend as His glory. AMEN 
 

EIGHTH DAY
Today bring to me
THE SOULS WHO ARE DETAINED IN PURGATORY

Most Merciful Jesus, you Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to you, and yet, who must make retribution to Your Justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of purgatory, that there, too the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. 

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to your goodness and compassion. AMEN
 

NINTH DAY
Today bring to me
SOULS WHO HAVE BECOME LUKEWARM

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of your mercy and draw then into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. 

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You buy the bitter Passion of Your Son and his three-hour agony on the cross: Let them, too glorify the abyss of Your mercy. AMEN 

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