Faustyna Kowalska

Saint Faustina of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland, born Maria Helena Kowalska in Glogowiec (August 25, 1905 - October 5, 1938), is perhaps most famous for her inspired painting The Divine Mercy, an image of Jesus raising right hand in gesture for blessing and pointing with left hand on His chest from where are gashing forth two rais: red and pale (transparent). The picture is to have the message "Jesus, I trust in You!" shown underneath to emphasise the message shown in the painting. The rays streaming out have symbolic meaning: red for the blood of Jesus (which is the life of souls) and pale for the water (which justify souls) (from Diary - 299). The whole image is symbolic of the mercy, forgiveness and love of God.

Saint Faustina's divine revelations prompted her to spread the message of Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ. She kept a diary that ran to over 600 pages.

Her inspired painting has moved many, including the late Pope John Paul II.

In October 21 1965 bishop Julian Groblicki began Proces Informacyjny odnośnie życia i cnót siostry Faustyny. Od tej chwili siostrze Faustynie przysługiwał tytuł Sługi Bożej.

April 18, 1993 Faustyna was beatified by pope John Paul II.

In April 30, 2000 she was canonized also by John Paul II.

Her feastday is October 5.

External links

• Vatican Page on St. Faustina
• Images of 'The Divine Mercy'
• Group of laymen dedicated to St. Faustina