The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, the sole custodian of the relics of St. Faustina, distributed 123 relics to 31 countries worldwide in 2024. In Europe, the Apostle of Divine Mercy, in the form of relics, reached 14 countries. Additionally, the relics were sent to India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the USA, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Brazil, Ecuador, Australia, Egypt, and Cameroon.
St. Faustina, in the form of relics, is now present in over 130 countries worldwide on all continents, in 5,956 churches, shrines, or chapels dedicated to honoring Divine Mercy.
The latest edition of the International Astronomical Union’s bulletin has announced that two new asteroids have been named after Jesuit Fr. Józef Andrasz, the confessor of St. Faustina Kowalska, whose beatification process began on February 1 of this year, and Francesco Maria Denza, an Italian Barnabite who was an astronomer and meteorologist.
The asteroid, officially named “(722063) Andrasz,” was discovered on May 3, 2015, by Lithuanian astronomer and asteroid researcher Dr. Kazimieras Černis and Jesuit Fr. Richard B. Boyle from the Vatican Observatory. The discovery was made using the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT), located on Mount Graham in Arizona.
Every day tens of thousands of people leave this earth due to illness, old age, wars, disasters, violence or other reasons. Hunger alone kills 11 people every minute, and every 40 seconds someone in the world commits suicide. Jesus asks through St. Faustina that we pray for the dying with the words of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
Therefore, the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki runs the Chaplet for the Dying. In 2024, people from Poland and many other countries around the world who declared their willingness to help the dying on a selected day and time zone more than 48,600 people supported with prayers whose names were sent by text message to the following phone number: +48 505 060 205 or by e-mail.
Anyone can join in this work of mercy and rush to the aid of those most in need of support, as they make their last and most important decision, which concerns eternity, at a time when they are most vulnerable and under attack from Satan. When filling out the entry form, choose the day of the week and the time of your vigil, as well as how information about the dying will be notified by text message (only in Poland) or e-mail.
Other participants in this project are donors who support this work financially, doctors, nurses, volunteers in hospitals and hospices, and all those who send text messages with the names of the dying, by which they show that they care for their salvation.
From February 7 to 9 this year, a retreat for girls and women will take place at the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Lorinčík near Košice, in southern Slovakia, under the theme: “I seek your face, Lord; do not hide your face from me” (Ps 27:8-9). It will be led by Fr. Andrej Valent, OCD, and Sr. M. Benediktína Fečová from the Košice community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
On February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the Church. On this occasion, we can learn more about the gift of God’s mercy that is the vocation to live according to the values of chastity, poverty and obedience. It is a day of thanksgiving for each call to religious service and for the many gifts with which institutions of consecrated life have been bestowed. The Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy, thanks to the gifts received from the founder, Mother Teresa Potocka and the spiritual co-founder, St. Faustina Kowalska, are participating in the life and salvific mission of Jesus Christ by proclaiming the merciful love of God towards every human being by the witness of their lives, deeds, words and prayers. Priests and the laity also participate in this spirituality and apostolic mission of the Congregation in various ways. In particular, members and volunteers of the Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy, “Faustinum”, who come from more than 90 countries worldwide, are involved in this mission.
The Patron draw is a very good idea, every draw wins, Łukasz wrote after drawing his Patron of the year at www.faustyna.pl. Until 28 January 2025, nearly 352,500 individuals have participated in the annual Patron draw. Many participated again, while others took part for the first time. Some of their testimonies are available at Faustina.pl:
Today I found the draw for Patrons. At first I did not believe that it was more than coincidence, fate, statistics, just such a spiritual lottery. At first I didn’t know what number or digit to write, but I prayed the Lord’s Prayer that I would draw not what I wanted, but what God wanted. I wanted to enter a favorite digit, but something inspired me to enter a digit I don’t really like. I drew my Patroness – Mary, Queen of Martyrs with words from the Diary: “Suffering shall be the sign for you that I am with you” (Diary, 669). And for 30 years I have suffered from a neurological disorder, humanly incurable. The intention is to pray for all persecuted Christians in the world, that they may be valiant and persevere. Amazing!
There are no losers in this draw, everybody wins. You can draw your Patron throughout the year, whenever you need some assistance from Heaven.
From the heart of the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki, that is, the chapel of the grace-famous Divine Mercy image and the tomb of Saint Faustina, the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy broadcasts 24 hours a day on-line on the website: www.faustyna.pl and its 8 language versions, on YouTube in the channel: Faustyna.pl. In 2024 alone, it was used by 4,500,000 unique users.
In addition, television stations (including TV Shalom), radio stations and the application: Faustyna.pl also use the broadcast. Morning Holy Mass Radio Doxa and Radio Droga from Vienna broadcast, and the prayer at the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy are broadcast by several radio and television stations. Thanks to these radio, television and Internet broadcasts, millions of people may cry out to God every day at the same time with one voice: “Please have mercy on us and the whole world”.
On February 1, 2025, at the Metropolitan Curia in Krakow, a solemn opening session of the beatification process of the Servant of God, Fr. Józef Andrasz SJ, will take place. Fr. Andrasz was the spiritual director and confessor of St. Faustina. This date marks the 62nd anniversary of his death.
Sister Faustina first sought his guidance during a retreat before her perpetual vows in April 1933. He became her regular spiritual director during the last years of her life, which she spent in Krakow. In total, Fr. Andrasz assisted Sister Faustina for over two and a half years, and after her death, he actively continued her mission. Under his guidance, the image of the Divine Mercy, painted by Adolf Hyła and now known for miracles at the Shrine in Krakow-Łagiewniki, was created. He also initiated solemn services honoring Divine Mercy in the chapel of the Congregation in Łagiewniki (1943) and the observance of Divine Mercy Sunday (1944). His booklet “Divine Mercy… We Trust in You,” which promoted devotion to Divine Mercy in the forms conveyed by St. Faustina, was translated into many languages and distributed worldwide in vast editions. Read more…
Under this motto, as part of the “Samaritan Woman” project, retreats for women will take place at the diocesan retreat house in Szczucinsk on January 24-26, 2025. This event aims to highlight the great strength of a woman, so greatly needed in the world; that in God’s plan, she is beautiful, free, and independent. During the retreat, the leaders will showcase—through the example of the Jewish biblical heroine Judith, a woman who saved her people, and Mary, the most beautiful and powerful of women—what it means to be a free and strong woman.
The retreats will be led by Sr. Anastasis Omelchenko from the Petropavlovsk community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, Sr. Kazimiera Wanat, Sr. Madlen Hofmann, and Fr. Hans Peter Reiner.
Under this motto, on January 26 of this year, in the Parish of St. Barbara in Pionki, in the Diocese of Radom, at the invitation of Fr. Pastor Robert Kowalski, Sr. Maria Faustyna Ciborowska from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy will share the message of Divine Mercy and the spiritual heritage of St. Faustina, as recorded in her “Diary.” In the afternoon, the first meeting will take place with individuals who wish to join the emerging community of the Association of Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum” in this parish.
From January 24-26 this year, a youth meeting will take place in the town of Helvoir, intended for young people aged 16-30. Sr. Gaudia and Sr. Agnes from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will also participate. The program includes workshops on current and inspiring topics such as the theology of the body, evangelization in the digital age, as well as contemplation and prayer; catechesis led by inspiring speakers like Sr. Gaudia Skass and Fr. Pieter Zimmermann; cozy evenings with fireworks, music, and conversations; moments of silence and enthusiasm; and on Saturday and Sunday, a jointly celebrated Eucharist.
On January 22, 2025, at the National Shrine of St. John Paul II in Washington, USA, the traditional “Evening with the Merciful Jesus” will take place. It will be led by the sisters from the Washington community of the Congregation 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 lecture by Sr. Caterina Esselen titled: “The Holy Doors of God’s Heart Are Wide Open for Us.” The evening will conclude with a fraternal agape.
“Evenings with the Merciful Jesus” are organized for young people who wish to follow in the footsteps of St. Faustina and St. John Paul II and discover a new quality of life in friendship with the Merciful Jesus.
On January 22, a meeting for young people, “Łagiewnicka 22,” will take place at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki. It will begin at 7:00 PM in the chapel with the miraculous image of Jesus the Merciful and the tomb of St. Faustina. The event will be led by the sisters of the Krakow community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The program includes: a talk by Sr. Anna Maria Trzcińska on how to be yourself, using the example of St. Faustina, silent prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with the worship of Divine Mercy, as well as fellowship over delicious treats and a Q&A session.
On Sunday, January 19, the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Płock, located at Stary Rynek, will host a formation meeting for the Faustinum Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy. The event will begin at 1:45 p.m. with a conference on the Bible. At 3:00 p.m., participants will observe the Hour of Mercy and recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed by a communal Agape. The gathering will conclude with Holy Mass at 5:00 p.m., preceded by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The meetings are led by the Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy and local priests.
On January 17-19 this year, a New Year’s retreat for women will take place at the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Lorinčík near Košice, in southern Slovakia, under the motto: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me” (Ps 40:2). The retreat will be led by Fr. Paweł Wojnowski OCD and Sr. M. Benediktína Fečová from the Košice community of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy.
On January 18th, at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki, the first formative meeting of the Krakow “Faustinum” community for the new calendar year will take place.
The program includes:
13:30 – Rosary prayer
14:10 – Conferences:
14:10 – Stage II: The ABCs of Spiritual Life – Sr. Maria Faustyna Ciborowska ISMM
14:10 – Stage I: Biblical series – Sr. M. Terezjana Klepacka ISMM
15:00 – Prayer at the Hour of Mercy and Chaplet of Divine Mercy
15:30 – Agape and Drawing of Patrons for 2025 – “Faustinum” hall
16:20 – Community caroling
17:00 – Eucharist
17:50 – Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
More information at: www.faustinum.pl
At www.faustyna.pl and its 8 language versions, Patron Draw for 2025 is open. As of January 6, already 288,100 users have participated, including almost 189,400 people from Poland. The Spanish version was accessed by more than 44,400 persons, the Slovak one by 44,300, the Italian one by over 3,700, while others used the remaining language versions. As witnesses show, the Patrons deliver special responses to people’s lives and situations. It is worth it having such a holy company, because the Inhabitants of Heaven are willing and helpful if we ask them. Numerous testimonials attest to their effectiveness.
On January 12, a solemn introduction of the relics of St. Sister Faustina will take place at the parish of Our Lady Queen of Families in Dziekanów Leśny (Archdiocese of Warsaw). On this occasion, Sr. Livia Mikołajczyk and Sr. Simona Kras from the convent of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will share with the faithful of this parish the message of Mercy and the spiritual heritage of St. Sister Faustina, recorded in her “Diary.”
In this series, from January 10 to 12 this year, there will be a retreat under the motto: “A Source of Hope in the Desert of the World.” The theme is the words of Jesus recorded in the “Diary”: “When you feel that your strength is fading, come to the Source of Mercy and refresh your soul, and you will not falter on the way” (Diary, 1486). Participants in these spiritual exercises are invited to discover that only the merciful God is the true source of hope and strength to overcome their weakness, all difficulties, and painful experiences. The retreat will be led by Father Dr. Michał Legan, a Pauline monk, Head of the Department of Media Theology at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Pontifical University of John Paul II, Head of the Catholic Broadcast Editorial Office at Polish Television, and Sister M. Eliana Chmielewska from the Krakow community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, serving in the “Faustinum” association.
Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski, Metropolitan of Krakow, after consulting the Polish Bishops’ Conference and receiving the consent of the Holy See, issued an edict on November 12, 2024, to begin the beatification and canonization process of the Servant of God, Fr. Józef Andrasz SJ, a Krakow-based confessor and spiritual director of St. Faustina Kowalska. In this document, he calls on all who possess any documents, writings, or information about the Servant of God, whether positive or negative, to submit them to the Metropolitan Curia in Krakow by December 30, 2024.
The vice-postulator of the process is Fr. Mariusz Balcerak SJ, while the general postulator for the entire Jesuit order is Fr. Pascual Cebollada SJ, who oversees all processes of Jesuit candidates for sainthood on behalf of the General Curia in Rome.
This is the title under which the sisters of the Petropavlovsk community of the Congregation of the Mother of God of Mercy are conducting Advent preparations for Christmas on Instagram. The guide for the initiative is St. Sister Faustina. Each day, a different passage from her Diary is read in Russian, accompanied by a short commentary. The initiative has garnered significant interest and is being followed even by people who do not have an Instagram account.
In December, the young people’s meeting “Łagiewnicka 22” at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will take place a day earlier, on Saturday, the 21st of the month. It will begin at 7:00 PM in the chapel with the miraculous image of the Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina. The meeting will be led by the sisters of the Kraków community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The program includes a lecture by Sr. Tobiana Domiter on the spiritual childhood of St. Faustina, silent prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with praise of Divine Mercy, and an agape with delicious food and a Q&A session.
On Tuesday, December 17, a formation meeting for members and volunteers of the “Faustinum” association will take place in Sabinov, in eastern Slovakia. The group operates at the parish of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. The meeting will begin with communal prayer during the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. The group will commence permanent formation in the rhythm of lectio divina, combined with sharing the Word of God. The formation is led by Sr. Mariela Lengyelová from the Košice community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
This verse from the “Song of Songs” will serve as the motto for a women’s retreat in Kazakhstan, organized as part of the Samaritan project from December 13–15 at the parish of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the town of Konaev, Diocese of Almaty. The retreat will be led by Sr. Anastasis Omelchenko and Sr. Bakhita Voronava from the Pietropavlovsk community of the Congregation of the Mother of God of Mercy, as well as Sr. Kazimiera Wanat, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The program includes conferences, meditations on the Word of God, bibliodrama, and meetings with children and youth in orphanages located within the parish.
The community of sisters from the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy in Camagüey, Cuba, together with the Project Esperanza, are organizing a retreat for women titled “Woman – Clay Vessel” on Saturday, December 14. It will be led by Sr. Filipa Bąk, along with psychologist América Santoya Arévalo and psychiatrist Eduardo Barranco Masías. The meeting aims to help Cuban women discover their dignity, beauty, and richness, and most importantly, their immense value in the eyes of God. The retreat is open to all women from the diocese.
