“O my Jesus, each of Your saints reflects one of Your virtues; I desire to reflect Your compas-sionate heart, full of mercy; I want to glorify it. Let Your mercy, O Jesus, be impressed upon my heart and soul like a seal, and this will be my badge in this and the future life.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1242
On Aug. 25, we mark the birthday of Helen Kowalska (1905-1938), known today as St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the great apostle of Divine Mercy. Her life and her writings bear witness that we are all born to become saints, to seek to serve God, and to draw our joy and strength through Him.
Today, the birthplace of the Apostle of Divine Mercy belongs to her Baptismal Shrine, and remains under the care of the Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy’s convent in Świnice Warckie. The place of her birth is visited by pilgrims not only from Poland, but also other countries in the world, who travel along the trail of her life. See pictures of her home and ‘home church’ from our pilgrimage to Poland.
Today, as we celebrate my Patroness Saint’s birthday, I ask each of you on the Road of Faith to consider your patron Saint. How did you find him or her? What have they taught you to help you along your Road of Faith journey? And, what has their teachings and life done to help you spiritual growth? How has your patron Saint helped you on you Road to becoming a Saint yourself? If you feel inclined – share, in comments, the name of your Patron/Patroness Saint
For me, St. Faustina came into my life at a low point. I have no doubt that Jesus Himself asked her to help me and then, personally made the introductions. The scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life” when Joseph and Clarence are taking about George. St. Faustina’s first action in my life was to place the Chaplet of Divine Mercy upon my heart. I didn’t know her not had I ever prayed this Chaplet prayer. But, that night in the ICU when I felt most alone, with her guidance I prayed the Chaplet. It was at 3:00 AM, kneeling beside my daughter’s bed that Jesus introduced this saint to me. It was at my lowest point and a time where my trust was least that she came into me life.
St. Faustina led me back to God and taught me how to trust in Jesus at a depth I could not have imagined previously. She led me to her diary and her writings have forever altered the trajectory of my life and eternity.
On September 30, 2019, while kneeling before her tomb in Krakow Poland, St. Faustina spoke to me. At that time I was praying intercessions for my daughter and family and giving praise to God for His gifts. I knew the voice was St. Faustina, she asked, “Will you accept me as your patroness and be an apostle of mercy upon earth?” It was only later that I realized she had spoken to me in her native polish – “Czy zaakceptujesz mnie jako swoją świętą patronkę i będziesz apostołem miłosierdzia na ziemi?”
I’ve never looked back!
“I have wanted to become a great saint
My Jesus, You know that from my earliest years I have wanted to become a great saint; that is to say, I have wanted to love You with a love so great that there would be no soul who has hitherto loved You so. At first these desires of mine were kept secret. Today I cannot contain them within my heart; I would like to cry out to the whole world, “Love God, because He is good and great is His mercy!”” Divine Mercy in my soul # 1372