Story Highlights
- Historical event
- 25 August 1905
- St Faustina was born to a very poor family with 10 children. She achieved worldwide fame after she directed an artist to paint an image of Divine Mercy based on a vision of Christ she reportedly received. She claimed Jesus had appeared to her and promised that the souls of all who venerate the image will find salvation.
St Faustina, born Helena Kowalska, was born in Glogowiec in Poland on this day.
This part of Poland was then part of the Russian Empire; Russian emperor Nicholas II also bore the title King of Poland.
St Faustina was born to a very poor family with 10 children. She achieved worldwide fame after she directed an artist to paint an image of Divine Mercy based on a vision of Christ she reportedly received.
She claimed Jesus had appeared to her and promised that the souls of all who venerate the image will find salvation.
The image was completed in 1934. It depicts Jesus raising his right hand in blessing, while pointing towards his Heart with his left. Two rays of light – red and white – emanate from the Heart.
This image of Jesus has achieved extreme popularity and can be seen in many churches and private homes. Even non-believers are allowed to venerate the image if they seek Divine Mercy.
It is interesting to note that St Faustina was examined by a psychiatrist after she claimed that Jesus spoke to her, and determined she did not suffer from any mental illnesses.
St Faustina was declared a saint by Pope John Paul II on 30 April 2000. According to the Catholic Liturgical Calendar, The first Sunday after Easter (the so-called White Sunday) is a holy day devoted to the Divine Mercy.
