On July 27, a novena before the feast of the Patron of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, which falls on August 5, will start. During the novena, the Chaplet of Our Lady of Mercy is sung or recited. In this prayer we ask Mary to defend us from our enemies, accept us at the hour of death and beg for the Mercy of her Son for us. In the chapel of the miracle-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina, the novena is celebrated on weekdays at 7 pm, while on Sundays at 6:30 pm. The words of the Chaplet of Our Lady of Mercy.
On August 4 of this year – after a period of initial trial of religious life – three postulants (a Pole, a Brazilian, and a Belarusian) will receive a new name and the novice’s habit, and will begin a two-year novitiate, after which they will make their first religious vows. This year, the investiture ceremony is being held exceptionally in Warsaw, in honor of the 100th anniversary of St. Faustina’s entrance into the Congregation. Traditionally, however, it will be celebrated behind the enclosure. The Holy Mass for the intention of the sisters beginning their novitiate will be celebrated in the convent chapel under the leadership of Fr. Wiesław Kulisz SJ.
On August 1st, it will be 100 years since Helena Kowalska, known throughout the world under her religious name of Sister Faustina, joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Despite explicit instructions from Jesus to go to Warsaw and enter a convent to begin monastic life, her way to start following her vocation was not easy. As she wrote in her Diary, she knocked on the doors of many convents, but she was accepted nowhere. It was only in the convent at ul. Żytnia in Warsaw that she received an approval to join, but not before she spends a year working as a maid to earn a modest dowry. Finally, on August 1st, 1925 she stepped over the threshold of the closure, and wrote in her Diary: I felt immensely happy; it seemed to me that I had stepped into the life of Paradise. A single prayer was bursting forth from my heart, one of thanksgiving (Diary, 17). She then spent 13 years in many convents of the Congregation, fulfilling simple duties, and at the same time leading a very deep spiritual life. The Lord sent St. Faustina to the world to remind people of the Biblical truth about the merciful love of God to each human being and call them to proclaim it with a new power of witness, deed, word and prayer.
On August 1, 2025, the 100th anniversary of St. Faustina’s entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy will be celebrated. On this occasion, central celebrations will take place at the Warsaw convent and the Sanctuary of St. Faustina on Żytnia Street. The solemn Eucharist will be presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw, Adrian Galbas. The program will also include a monodrama based on St. Faustina’s “Diary” entitled Secretary of Divine Mercy performed by Barbara Misiun, tours of the museum in the convent’s basement, conferences, and a night vigil in the former chapel of the Congregation, now the parish and Sanctuary of St. Faustina.
This central celebration in the Year of St. Faustina will be attended not only by sisters from many convents of the Congregation but also by members and volunteers of the “Faustinum” Association, friends, collaborators, and benefactors of the Congregation.
Mother Michaela Moraczewska, who at the time was the superior of the convent in Warsaw on Żytnia Street and who later became the Superior General, recalled the entrance of Helena Kowalska – Saint Sister Faustina – into the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
In 1924, one spring morning, when I was Superior of the house in Żytnia Street, I was told by a person working at our gate that a young girl had come to ask to be admitted to the Congregation. So I went down to the parlour and opened the door slightly, however, at first glance, the candidate, who was sitting in such a way that she did not see me, did not make a good impression on me because her appearance was a bit shabby. I thought: well, she is not for us! I closed the door quietly with the intention of sending in another sister to tell the candidate that her request had been turned down.
However, at that moment it came to me that it would be more in accordance with the love of neighbour to ask the girl a few general questions and only then to say goodbye. Therefore, I returned to the parlour and started talking with her. Then I noticed that on further acquaintance the candidate made a much better impression, that her smile and facial expression were nice, that there was a lot of simplicity and honesty about her and that what she said was very sensible. Therefore, I soon changed my mind and I started to feel like admitting her. The main difficulty was that Helenka Kowalska was poor, not to mention the lack of a dowry, from which the Holy See easily dispensed sisters. She did not have any trousseau and we did not have any fund for it either. However, I suggested that she could go to work as a housekeeper and save a few hundred zlotys for the trousseau. She was very eager to do that and we agreed that she would bring the money to the gate in order to give it in for safekeeping. It was decided that she would do that. Soon after I said goodbye to her and forgot about it.
The admission of Helena Kowalska – Saint Sister Faustina – to the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy was described in a memoir by Sr. Borgia Tichy, who later became her superior at the Vilnius house.
Fragments from the life of Sr. M. Faustina Kowalska that come back to my memory reach as far back as the moment of her entry into the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. I clearly remember the moment – it was in Warsaw at Żytnia 3/9 – in 1924, when one day, during the midday recreation, the then portress, the late Sr. Klara Himmer, entered the assembly hall and announced to the Mother General, Leokadia Cielecka, a “new vocation”. In response, the Mother General immediately delegated the late Mother Małgorzata to the gate to examine it. After a short while, Mother Małgorzata returned and reported aloud: “Nothing extraordinary.” – “Unremarkable, a bit older than usual, rather frail in build, a servant, a cook by profession, and what’s more – possessing not even the smallest dowry or trousseau.” Since Mother Cielecka was not particularly enthusiastic about vocations from that background, she wanted to refuse immediately. The superior of the Warsaw house, Mother Michaela, who was present at recreation, asked if she could personally see this vocation. She received permission gladly.
After a while, returning from the parlour, Mother Michaela stated that despite the mentioned shortcomings, the candidate made a very good impression on her, and therefore she proposed not to reject her outright but to set some conditions, and if fulfilled, she could ask for admission again, with a specific date indicated.
One year later, precisely on time, Helenka Kowalska appeared at the gate, renewing her request. This time she was not refused. She remained at Żytnia as an aspirant.
On July 31st, the liturgical calendar includes a commemoration of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus and one of the patron saints of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, which has benefited from Ignatian spirituality throughout its history. Saint Faustina mentions this Saint twice in her Diary, when she writes about his advice concerning keeping the vow of obedience, and on the occasion of her the vision in 1935: The Feast of St. Ignatius. I prayed fervently to this Saint, complaining and asking how he could watch me and not come to my assistance in such important matters, that is in fulfilling God’s will. I said to the Saint: “You, who are our Patron, you were burning with the fire of love and zeal for the greater glory of God, I humbly ask you, please help me carry out God’s plans.” It was during Mass. Then I saw St. Ignatius on the left-hand side of the altar with a big book in his hands. He said to me: “My daughter, I am not indifferent to your affairs; this rule can be applied to the Congregation as well.” With his hand he pointed to the book and vanished. I was extremely pleased that the Saints have us very much in their thoughts and that they are in close touch with us. O, divine Goodness, how beautiful the spiritual world is, if we can be in communion with the Saints already here on earth. All day long I felt that this Patron Saint, whom I hold so dear, was close by my side.
People from many countries of the world participating in the work of the Perpetual Chaplet of Divine Mercy are praying not only in their own intentions, but also asking for “mercy on us and the whole world”. Specjal intention for July: for safe holidays for those who rest and that everyone may use this time to grow spiritually in their trust in God and in the richness of mercy shown to people.
The work of Perpetual Chaplet is a response to the request of Jesus to constantly implore for mercy “for us and the whole world”. The work has been operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at: www.faustyna.pl since 2011. Anyone can participate in it by filling out a short form and declare to say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which Jesus dictated to St. Faustina—at least once.
Under this motto, on July 25–27 this year, retreats from the “Women in the Bible” series will take place at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. Participants will explore the biblical Annas—what filled their hearts over the years, what they struggled with, and what truly enabled them not to lose hope. They will seek answers to these questions in the context of personal longings and uncertainties of fate. The retreats will be led by biblical scholar Sr. Maria Faustyna Ciborowska from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
The liturgical calendar includes compulsory commemoration of St. Mary Magdalene, who is the patroness of good change, on 22 of July. Since the beginning, this Saint is the patron of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy, especially of the girls and women in need of moral regeneration, the education of whom is the main task of the sisters. Images and statues of Mary Magdalene are found in many convents of the Congregation. In the convent chapel of the miracle-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina at the Shrine in Krakow-Lagiewniki, her the statue is located in the main altar which is dedicated to the patron saint of the Congregation – Our Lady of Mercy.
On July 22, 2025, the traditional “Evening with Merciful Jesus” will be held at the National Shrine of St. John Paul II in Washington, USA. The event will be led by the sisters from the Washington community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The program includes the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet, adoration with praise of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and intercessory prayer, the sacrament of confession, and a conference. Sister Faustia Szaboóva will speak about the power of Jesus’ blood based on St. Faustina’s “Diary.”
“Evenings with Merciful Jesus” are organized for young people who want to follow in the footsteps of St. Faustina and St. John Paul II and discover a new quality of life in friendship with Merciful Jesus.
On July 10, the 23th “From Mercy to Mercy” Greater Poland’s Pilgrimage will depart from the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Ostrów Wielkopolski for the capital of the Divine Mercy veneration in Krakow-Łagiewniki. The pilgrims will arrive on July 21. On the way, on July 16th they will be joined by more pilgrims from the Poznan Foot Pilgrimage to Jasna Góra, who will be extending their walking route beyond Czestochowa – to Krakow-Łagiewniki. Spiritually, they will be joined by listeners of Radio Rodzina from the Diocese of Kalisz.
On July 11, the 13th International Walking Pilgrimage will set off from Hidasnemeti (Hungary) across Slovakia to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki. During the nine days, the pilgrims will make their way along a 275 km route through Kosice, Radatice, Pečowská Nová Ves, Plavnica, Piwniczna Zdrój, Gostwica, Tymbark and Brzączowice. The pilgrimage will reach Krakow on July 19. At 3 pm, prayer at the Hour of Mercy and Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited in the chapel of the convent before the miracle-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina.
July 16 is the 159th anniversary of the death of Mother Thérèse Rondeau, the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in France (Laval), and co-founder of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland. She was born on October 6, 1793 in Laval, France. She was christened Theresa Agatha. Under the influence of her confessor, Fr. J. Chanon, S.J., Theresa undertook working with penitent women, that is to say women in need of deep moral renewal and willing to change their lives. In order to prepare better for this work, in 1818 she moved to Bordeaux, where Mother Teresa de Lamourous ran a house for penitent women, which was called “Mercy”. After a two-month stay, Theresa Rondeau made private vows and returned to Laval to become the foundress of a new work, independent from Bordeaux, and in time this became the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in France. Mother Teresa Potocka, née Ewa Sułkowska, who later became the foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland, adopted the spirituality of the French Congregation and their way of conducting apostolic work. Mother Teresa Rondeau died on 16 July 1866 and was buried within the grounds of the Congregation in Laval; her tomb is in a garden belonging to the convent. Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland has named a co-founder. The spiritual co-founder of the Congregation is St. Faustina Kowalska.
Under this theme, from July 10–14, a retreat will be held at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki for those who wish to perceive God’s merciful love in their lives and share it with the world. The retreat will be led by Fr. Stanisław Witkowski MS, Doctor Habilitated, biblical scholar, retreat leader, and lecturer at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków, along with sisters from the retreat community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy: Sr. M. Emanuela Gemza ISMM, president of the Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum,” and Sr. M. Diana Kuczek ISMM, responsible for the formation of communities and individuals in “Faustinum” and editor-in-chief of The Message of Mercy. The retreat is organized by the Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum.” More information: faustinum.pl
From July 10–14, a retreat for members and volunteers of the “Faustinum” Association will take place at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. The theme will be trust in God—its proper understanding and the obstacles to it. The retreat will be led by Fr. Stanisław Witkowski, MS, Doctor Habilitated, biblical scholar, retreat leader, and lecturer at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków, together with sisters from the retreat community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy: Sr. M. Emanuela Gemza, ISMM, president of the Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum,” and Sr. M. Diana Kuczek, ISMM, responsible for the formation of communities and individuals in “Faustinum” and editor-in-chief of The Message of Mercy. The retreat is organized by the Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum.” More information at: faustinum.pl
On 6 July falls the 144th anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa Ewa nee Sułkowska, Countess Potocka, the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland. Is it a small thing to save one soul, she wrote. This idea guided her life and work, which she established to rescue women and girls in need of deep moral renewal (“the Magdalenas”). The Congregation later gave to the Church and the world the trasure that was Sister Faustina, apostle of Divine Mercy who is now recognized as its spiritual co-founder. Mother Teresa Potocka died in the palace of Wilanów. Her mortal remains rest in the tomb of the Congregation at the Powązki cemetery in Warsaw. We do not call her a saint, because only the Church has the right to give that title, said Fr. Zygmunt Golian, her spiritual director, in the funeral speech. However, let our efforts at work, for which he was ready to give her life, prove her sanctity. More information about the life and work of Mother Teresa Potocka can be found here.
From July 4 to 6, the next gathering of members and volunteers of the Association of Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum” from Italy is taking place in Turin under the motto: “In Your mercy is hope.” The event will be attended by Sr. Emanuela Gemza, president of the “Faustinum” association at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki, and Sr. Wincenta Mąka from the Roman community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
Under this motto, a retreat for women will be held from June 27–29 at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki as part of the series “With Faustina in Everyday Life.” The theme for these spiritual exercises is a quote from the Diary of St. Faustina: “Under His loving gaze, my soul gains strength and power, becomes aware that it loves and is especially loved, and knows that the Almighty defends it” (Diary, 815). The retreat will be led by Sr. Gaudia Skass from the Kraków community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, who also serves as the spokesperson.
More information: www.faustinum.pl
People from many countries of the world participating in the work of the Perpetual Chaplet of Divine Mercy are praying not only in their own intentions, but also asking for “mercy on us and the whole world”. Specific intention for June: For the protection of children from demoralization and for necessary graces for young people, so that they are not tempted by easy happiness, but will make life choices according to Gospel values.
The work of Perpetual Chaplet is a response to the request of Jesus to constantly implore for mercy “for us and the whole world”. The work has been operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at: www.faustyna.pl since 2011. Anyone can participate in it by filling out a short form and declare to say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which Jesus dictated to St. Faustina—at least once.
In June, during the evening worship, the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is traditionally sung in churches in Poland. This is also true for the chapels of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. In the Shrine in Krakow-Łagiewniki, this takes place in the chapel of the miracle-famous Divine Mercy image and the tomb of St. Faustina. The June devotions are celebrated every day at 7:00 pm and at 6:30 pm on Sundays and other holidays.
On Saturday, June 28 of this year, the third meeting of the members and volunteers of the Association of Apostles of Divine Mercy Faustinum from the Czech Republic and Slovakia will take place at the Dominican monastery in Zvolen. The theme of the gathering is: “Mercy – is there anything more in life?” The program includes conferences, sharing experiences of God’s mercy and apostolate, the Eucharist, testimonies, and adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The meeting will conclude with the Hour of Mercy prayer and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
To mark the 100th anniversary of Helena Kowalska’s entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, the year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Saint Sister Faustina. As part of these celebrations, events will take place within the Congregation, culminating in a gathering of sisters from convents in Poland and abroad on August 1 in Warsaw—the location where, 100 years earlier, Helena Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy, crossed the threshold of religious life. This meeting will conclude with a night vigil, featuring prayers of adoration and thanksgiving for her gift and spiritual legacy for the Congregation and the Church. The vigil will be held at the Sanctuary of Saint Sister Faustina, the former chapel of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, where she prayed during her time in the convent on Żytnia Street.
On this occasion, an extensive biography of the Apostle of Divine Mercy, titled “Enraptured by Mercy”, written by Sister M. Elżbieta Siepak ISMM, will be published. This work is based exclusively on source materials, both published (Diary, Letters of Saint Sister Faustina, Memories of Saint Sister Faustina) and unpublished archival records, as well as documents from the beatification process. The biographical and spiritual legacy album edition will include previously unpublished information and photographs. Comprehensive footnotes (over 650) will provide deeper insights into the context of her life within her family, during her years of service to wealthier families, and in the convents of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The publication will also feature indices of individuals and places, ensuring easy access to sought-after information, along with a bibliography of key references.
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, a major youth gathering will take place in Łagiewniki, focusing on the theme of discernment. The event is especially aimed at young people aged 18–35 who face significant life decisions. The program will include communal prayer, conferences, and a concert, all designed to inspire young people to make courageous and sound life choices aligned with God’s will, following the example set by Helena Kowalska 100 years ago when she pursued her vocation despite many challenges.
From October 3–5, 2025, the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will host an International Conference exploring new and pioneering themes in the writings of Saint Sister Faustina and her influence on the life of the Church in Poland and worldwide. Scholars and devotees of the Apostle of Divine Mercy from Poland and various countries will participate in this event.
On June 22 of this year, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady, Protector and Queen of Families, Sr. Anna Maria and Sr. Norberta from the Sanctuary community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will share the message of Mercy and the spiritual legacy of St. Faustina, as recorded in her “Diary.”
On June 22 of this year, at the Church of Our Lady of Ostra Brama in Chrzanów, Sr. Tobiana and Sr. Maksyma from the Sanctuary community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will share the message of Mercy and the spiritual legacy of St. Faustina, as recorded in her “Diary,” with the faithful of the parish during Sunday Holy Masses.
On June 21 this year, the last formation meeting before the summer break of the Kraków “Faustinum” community will take place at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. Program:
1:30 p.m. – Rosary prayer – “Faustinum” hall
2:10 p.m. – Conferences:
2:10 p.m. – Stage II: ABCs of spiritual life – Sr. Maria Faustyna Ciborowska ISMM – “Faustinum” hall
2:10 p.m. – Stage I: Biblical cycle – Sr. M. Emanuela Gemza ISMM – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
2:40 p.m. – Time for personal prayer and reflection – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
3:00 p.m. – Divine Mercy Hour prayer – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
3:30 p.m. – Holy Mass – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
4:30 p.m. – Integration meeting – garden.
The “Faustinum” Association, established in 1996 by the then-Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, as an apostolic work of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, brings together priests, consecrated persons, and laypeople from nearly 90 countries who, following the example of St. Faustina, wish to participate in Jesus’ mission of spreading the message of Mercy to the world through their lives, deeds, words, and prayers. The primary mission of “Faustinum” is to form apostles of Divine Mercy, a task the sisters carry out in several languages. More information is available at: www.faustinum.en
On June 21 this year, a youth meeting “Łagiewnicka 22” will be held at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with the grace-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina, and will be led by the sisters from the Kraków community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The program includes: a talk by Sr. Tobiana about how everything depends on us in receiving God’s love and grace, using the life of St. Faustina as an example; followed by silent prayer and worship of Divine Mercy during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and finally a shared meal (agape) with something tasty and a Q&A session.
In 2024, numerous works were carried out at the Sanctuary, including relocating the chapel to the main part of the Church and finishing the vestibule, constructing stairs in front of the Sanctuary on the side of the Old Market, laying granite paving on the courtyard and basalt paving in the tunnel. The tunnel connecting the Old Market with the Sanctuary courtyard was renovated, entrance gates and a tunnel entry gate were installed, and various systems (e.g., access control, fire protection, etc.) were installed and activated. Lighting was installed in the courtyard, doors were purchased and fitted in various parts of the Sanctuary and the new part of St. Faustina’s House, wooden and metal handrails were made and installed, the Sanctuary grounds were fenced, interior finishing works were carried out inside the Sanctuary—walls, ceilings (also in the new part of Sister Faustina’s House)—and exterior works, such as adding plinths and completing plastering. Additionally, glass doors connecting the vestibule with the chapel of the apparition were installed, and a passenger elevator for St. Faustina’s House was commissioned.
Upcoming tasks include finishing and equipping the interior of the Sanctuary, sacristy, and support facilities, such as laying floors and installing benches. Outside the building, landscaping will be done. Moreover, we plan to design and implement a museum project in the Sanctuary’s underground areas and equip the newly constructed part of St. Sister Faustina’s House.
The Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Plock is being erected by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy thanks to the donations made for this purpose by devotees of Divine Mercy and people of good will. Sisters thank you for every gift of heart that makes the place of the first revelation of Merciful Jesus to St. Faustina come to life. Thanks to these gifts, the church is growing and therefore the Sisters would like to ask for further support. Holy Mass is celebrated on the 22nd day of each month and the Sisters pray daily together with the faithful at the Hour of Mercy and with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in the intention of everyone who support the construction of the Shrine spiritually and physically.
Donations for the expansion of the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Płock can be deposited into the account:
Zgromadzenie Sióstr Matki Bożej Miłosierdzia
Stary Rynek 14/18
09-404 Płock
Bank PEKAO SA
I O w Płocku
ul. Kolegialna 14a
SWIFT CODE: PKOPPLPW
PLN IBAN: 72 1240 3174 1111 0000 2890 0836
USD IBAN: 56 1240 3174 1787 0010 1057 7746
EUR IBAN: 28 1240 3174 1978 0010 1057 7818
On June 19th, Thursday, the Church is celebrating the feast of Feast of Corpus Christi (Corpus Domini). Holy Mass at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki will be celebrated according to the Sunday schedule. Before noon, the procession of Corpus Christi will set out from the Wawel Hill to the Market Square in Krakow, and in the afternoon, other processions will take place in individual parishes. In the parish church in Łagiewniki, the Eucharistic procession to four altars will begin with Mass at 5:00 pm. The faithful will proceed along the street Siostry Faustyny in the direction of the Shrine of the Divine Mercy. At the basilica, the procession will conclude with a thankful Te Deum and a solemn blessing of the Holy Sacrament. Divine Mercy Mass for the intercession of St. Faustina in the intention of prayers and thanks from the faithful will be celebrated at 7 pm at the convent chapel.
Saint Faustina was a great devotee of Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament from her early years. It was before Jesus hidden in the white consecrated Host that she first experienced God’s love and internally heard the invitation to a more perfect life. As a young woman, she made a private vow of chastity before the Blessed Sacrament, and later in the convent, she spent all her free time in the chapel before the tabernacle. “I will not let myself be so absorbed in work’s whirl that I forget about God,” she confessed. “I spend all my free moments at the feet of the Master hidden in the Blessed Sacrament. He has been teaching me since my earliest years” (Diary 82).
“O Lord, I see clearly,” she sincerely admitted to Jesus in prayer, “that my life from the first moment my soul could know You has been a constant battle, growing ever more intense. Every morning during meditation I prepare for battle for the whole day, and Holy Communion is my assurance that I will win – and it happens so. I fear the day I do not have Holy Communion. This Bread of the strong gives me all the strength to carry out this work, and I have the courage to do all the Lord demands. The courage and strength that dwell in me are not mine, but His who dwells in me – this is the Eucharist” (Diary 91).
At the end of her life, she wrote: “I see myself so weak that if it were not for Holy Communion, I would fall constantly. Only one thing holds me up: Holy Communion. From it I draw strength, in it is my power. I fear life on days without Holy Communion. I am afraid of myself. Jesus hidden in the Host is everything to me. From the tabernacle I draw strength, power, courage, and light; in moments of anguish, I seek comfort there. I could not give glory to God without the Eucharist in my heart.”
Her love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was also expressed by the fact that she added “of the Blessed Sacrament” to her name and desired her yearly patron to be: Jesus-Eucharist. Read more
