Divine Mercy in the News

EDITOR'S NOTE: As you know, from time to time we like to share Divine Mercy news stories from publications around the world. This week, let's turn to an item certainly of interest to us all. Published on Wednesday, Dec. 19, in the Fort Mill Times, in Fort Mill, S.C., is a report on online sales from the Colorado-based retailer Aquinas and More Catholic Goods. Mentioned in the report is our very own Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers and best-selling author.

As news of the spread of Divine Mercy continues, let us give thanks to the Lord for the gift of St. Faustina and the fulfillment of His desire made through her. The Lord told her: "Today I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart" (Diary of St. Faustina, 1588).

Without further ado:

'Divine Mercy' Saint Tops the Charts in Overall Online Sales
Aquinas and More Says Catholic Online Spending Habits Favor St. Faustina


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The "Largest Online Retailer of the Catholic world" Aquinas and More today announced that the "Divine Mercy" saint, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, is the top-selling saint and what Catholics are spending their money on online. They report that since 2005, St. Faustina has been a top-selling saint and the average purchase of Divine Mercy items in 2012 is $46.

They also report that the top selling items in the Advent and Christmas season are:

Christmas Prayer holy cards
Adoration of the Magi tri-fold Christmas Card
Oplatki (Christmas wafer bread from Poland)
"Kissing the Face of God" Christmas card
Nativity Christmas Card
St. Nicholas holy card
Advent candles
"He wrapped His Arms Around Him" Ornament
Christmas gift wrap



Aquinas reports that sales for Divine Mercy prayer cards increased 30 percent over prior year and more than 19,000 Divine Mercy items have been shipped in 2012, a 14 percent increase since 2011. St. Faustina devotions also lead in overall purchases among Aquinas religious items.

It was Blessed John Paul II's declaration of the saving power of God's "merciful love" to confront the ongoing evil and injustice of the world that led to the establishment of the Universal Feast of Divine Mercy in the year 2000, the beginning of a new millennium. In 2002, he proclaimed the Act of Entrustment of the world to Divine Mercy, and three years later died on a first Saturday and on the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday.

Awareness and devotion to Divine Mercy and St. Faustina has further grown among Catholics through the writings of Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, in his acclaimed books Consoling the Heart of Jesus and 33 Days to Morning Glory. Father Gaitley, director of the Association of Marian Helpers, offers Catholics prayerful "do-it-yourself" 30-day retreats whereby participants encounter the Diary of St. Faustina and prepare for Marian Consecration, respectively. In Consoling the Heart of Jesus, Fr. Gaitley cites Venerable Fr. Pio Bruno Lanteri (1759-1826) who claimed that someone could have everything he needs to become a "great saint" through Divine Mercy.

"An increased devotion to Divine Mercy and St. Faustina is understandable in times such as these. The world in which we live is crying out for Christ's mercy," said Ian Rutherford, founder and owner of Aquinas and More. "Daily we hear, see and read about the brokenness of humanity. St. Faustina and Divine Mercy give us comfort and hope of God's merciful grace." ...




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