St. Faustina

Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska and Divine Mercy are a perfect way forward for us as we mark “America 250” in this noteworthy year during July, the month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.

We often think of St. Faustina’s spiritual director, Bl. Fr. Michael Sopoćko (feast day: Feb. 15), as merely the primary witness of her sanctity, and perhaps as the agent that God used to arrange the painting of the Image of the Divine Mercy. But he was so much more than that!

The month of November provides us with the perfect opportunity to aid the suffering souls in Purgatory whose “greatest torment … was longing for God.” November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Saint John Paul II (feast day: Oct. 22) seems superhuman from even a quick glance at his life and the enormous contributions he made to the Church, to Poland, to Divine Mercy, and to the world. The reason for that is his fervent, persistent, mystical prayer life, which truly did make him superhuman.

Twenty-five years after St. Faustina’s canonization, our world has been blessed and comforted by dear St. Faustina and the geously sharing it with others. Celebrate St. Faustina on her feast day, observed Oct. 6 this year. 

From the archives: Our report from Rome at the canonization of St. Faustina, 25 years ago today. Also, Pope St. John Paul II's big surprise for Divine Mercy apostles on that same day!

In honor of her feast day on Oct. 5, here are, in no particular order, the Top 22 Quotes of St. Faustina from the Diary, selected by Robert Stackpole, STD, Emeritus Director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy.

This is a special week for the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception: Friday, Aug. 30 is the birthday of the late, great Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC (1930-2021). Without Fr. Seraphim, there may well be no St. Faustina.