Saint Faustina Kowalska, commonly known as St. Faustina, lived in Poland in the early 20th century. She’s most well-known for the revelations she received from Jesus Christ, which focused on the Divine Mercy of God. These revelations aren’t merely theological musings; they’re important spiritual insights that have found a home in the hearts of many believers.
Who is St. Faustina?
St. Faustina was born in 1905 and died at the young age of 33 in 1938. She was a Polish nun and a mystic whose apparitions of Jesus Christ inspired the Roman Catholic devotion to the Divine Mercy. Her diary, “Divine Mercy in My Soul,” contains detailed accounts of her conversations with Jesus.
Understanding Divine Mercy
The core teaching of Jesus to St. Faustina revolves around the concept of Divine Mercy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes God’s mercy by saying, “The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners.” (CCC 1846). The message is clear: God’s nature is merciful and forgiving, and He’s ever willing to extend His love to us, despite our failings and sins.
The Image of Divine Mercy
One of the most vivid revelations to St. Faustina was the image of Divine Mercy. Jesus appeared to her as a vision where He was wearing a white garment, with rays of white and red light emanating from His heart. St. Faustina was instructed by Jesus to paint this image and to place the words, “Jesus, I Trust in You” below the image.
This image serves as a constant reminder that God is merciful and that His love flows like a fountain for all of humanity. It’s not just an abstract concept but a reality that invites all to take part.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Jesus gave St. Faustina specific prayers to be recited using rosary beads, now known as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. These prayers are recited for the intention of asking God for Mercy for the whole world, and they have a structure that emphasizes the Trinitarian nature of God. This Chaplet is most often recited during the 3 o’clock hour, considered the hour of Divine Mercy, commemorating the time of Christ’s death.
The Feast of Divine Mercy
Jesus told St. Faustina that He desired a feast day to be dedicated to Divine Mercy, to be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. The promise attached to the observance of this feast is the full remission of sins and punishment for those who go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on this day. The Catechism underlines the role of sacraments in obtaining God’s mercy, stating, “There are two kinds of conversions: water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance” (CCC 1429).
The Importance of Trust
One recurring theme in St. Faustina’s diary is the necessity of trust in Jesus. As the image of Divine Mercy itself says, “Jesus, I Trust in You.” Trust is not merely a psychological state but a theological virtue. Trusting in God is not something optional for a Christian; it’s a requirement. The Bible says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).
Jesus’ Desire for Souls to Come to Him
Jesus expressed to St. Faustina His great desire for souls to come to Him and receive His mercy. This is not a new revelation but a reiteration of what the Church has always believed. Jesus says in the Bible, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
The Hour of Mercy
Jesus told St. Faustina that the 3 o’clock hour is significant. It is considered the “hour of mercy” because it is the time Jesus died on the cross for humanity’s sins. Jesus requested that a prayer be said at this time to venerate His passion and invoke His mercy. The significance of this hour is not merely chronological but symbolic. It serves to remind us that the price of our redemption has been paid.
How These Revelations Fit into Catholic Doctrine
While the revelations to St. Faustina offer rich spiritual insights, they are private revelations and are not considered dogmas of the faith. In other words, Catholics are not obliged to believe in them. However, the message of Divine Mercy strongly resonates with what the Church has always taught: God is merciful, and He desires the salvation of all souls.
Conclusion
The revelations of Jesus to St. Faustina provide profound insights into the nature of Divine Mercy. These messages are not merely for individual edification but serve as a spiritual reservoir for all who seek God’s mercy. Through the devotion of the Divine Mercy, we can appreciate the depth of God’s love and the extent to which He will go to save souls. It is a message for all times, a message that fulfills Scripture and enriches our understanding of the inexhaustible mercy of God.