Devotion to Divine Mercy

The devotion to Divine Mercy includes the teachings and petitions that Christ transmitted to Saint Faustinawho, from that moment was named Apostle of Divine Mercy. This wonderful saint wrote in her little diary her dialogues with Jesus and how we can participate, with and in Him, in the salvation of souls. The novena of Divine Mercy is one of the means to achieve this end.

Who is Saint Faustina?

This woman of Polish nationality entered the convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy on August 1, 1925. In 2000, Sister Marie-Faustine (Hélène Kowalska), later appointed Apostle of Divine Mercy, was canonized by the Pope John Paul I in the year 2000.

Santa Faustina was visited several times by Christ, who asked her to bring him as many souls as possible, so that they would know the power of his mercy. Through her little diary, Saint Faustina leaves us written the petitions that she received from Christ during her apparitions.

“Write it for the afflicted souls: When a soul sees and knows the seriousness of its sins, when in the eyes of its soul the whole abyss of misery into which it has fallen is discovered, do not despair, but throw yourself with confidence in the arms of My mercy, like a child in the arms of its beloved mother. These souls have priority in My compassionate Heart, they have preference in My mercy. Proclaim that no soul who has invoked My mercy has been disappointed or confused. I am particularly pleased with the soul that trusts in My goodness. Write: when they pray this chaplet together with the dying, I will stand between the Father and the dying soul not as the just Judge but as the merciful Savior.” (Diary, 1541).

Blessed Michel Sopocko, spiritual director and confessor of Saint Faustina, encouraged her to carry out this work and spread the devotion to Divine Mercy.

Jesus, Savior of sinful souls

Jesus, the source of mercy, came to redeem our sins before the Father.

“My children, I have written these things to you so that you do not sin. But if anyone sins, we have a defender before the Father: Jesus Christ, the Just One. He is the scapegoat for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for our sins.” those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2).

This novena, which includes all of humanity through different soul groups, is a call to trust in Christ. Jesus wants to offer himself as a refuge for all souls, especially for those of sinners, so that they know that they can find in him the promise of an ocean of graces that are lodged in the center of his mercy.

“Pray unceasingly this chaplet that I have taught you. Whoever prays it will receive great Mercy at the time of death. The priests will recommend it to sinners as the last board of salvation. Even the most hardened sinner, if he prays this chaplet only once, he will receive the grace of My infinite Mercy. I want the whole world to know My mercy; I wish to grant unimaginable graces to the souls who trust in My mercy.” (Diary, 687)

How to pray to Divine Mercy?

two principles

There are two principles related to the Divine Mercy devotion:

• The trustwhich is the basic condition to obtain the graces that Jesus promises us.

• True love and charity towards others; The Lord is merciful, but he also expects us to be merciful! In fact, Jesus asks Saint Faustina to perform acts of mercy.

Various Pillars of the Divine Mercy Devotion

Through his appearances, Jesus transmitted to Saint Faustina the concrete tools to apply and spread this devotion:

Therefore, the novena to divine mercy has its origin in these requests: nine days to pray for all souls and entrust them to the mercy of God, through his Son.