Archive News

On October 22 this year, at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki, a youth meeting “Łagiewnicka 22” will take place. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with the miraculous image of the Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina, and will be led by the Sisters from the Kraków community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The program includes a passage from the Diary of St. Faustina with a commentary by Sr. Anna Maria Trzcińska, followed by a moment of silent prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with songs of praise to Divine Mercy.

On October 22 this year, another meeting of the “Faustinum” Association community will take place at the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia in Rome. The theme of the meeting will be trust in the school of St. Faustina. The meeting will be led by the Sisters from the Roman community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and Fr. Paolo Martinelli, the rector. The topic will be: “The Supernatural Virtue of Hope and the Attitude of Trust.” The meeting will begin with prayer at the Hour of Mercy (3:00 p.m.) and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed at 3:20 p.m. by Holy Mass. The program will also include conferences, adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and the Rosary with meditations from St. Faustina’s Diary.

It will also be possible to participate via Google Meet.

On October 20, another Monday’s meeting will be held at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki, dedicated to contemplating the Catechism of the Catholic Church and prayer at the miracle-famous Divine Mercy image and the tomb of St. Faustina for the recovery of faith in the Eucharistic presence of Jesus, and for priests. At 6.45 pm, Fr. Janusz Kościelniak will lead a short meditation based on the articles of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  The focal point of the program will be the encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with individual blessing. Those who cannot physically come to Łagiewniki, can connect to the on-line broadcast at www.saint-faustina.org .

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On October 17 at 6:00 p.m., in the convent of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Świnice Warckie, the first formation meeting will take place for the devotees of the Divine Mercy who desire to deepen their knowledge of God in the mystery of His merciful love and to draw from the school of spirituality of St. Faustina. The emerging “Faustinum” community will be led by Sr. Lilioza Gorzkiewicz, with Fr. Marek Zieliński serving as spiritual director. Formation meetings will be held on the third Friday of each month.

From October 11–15, a retreat on Divine Mercy will take place at the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jastrzębie Zdrój. Based on the Word of God and the spiritual legacy of St. Faustina recorded in her Diary, it will be led by Sr. Anna Maria Trzcińska from the sanctuary community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. The program includes, in addition to the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation celebrated by priests, conferences, prayer at the Hour of Mercy, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and the Rosary with St. Faustina.

October 16 marks the 134th anniversary of the birth of Fr. Józef Andrasz, SJ, the Krakow confessor and spiritual director of St. Faustina. On this occasion, a Holy Mass will be celebrated for his beatification in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Krakow on October 16 at 6:00 p.m.

The beatification process of the Servant of God Fr. Józef Andrasz, SJ, was officially initiated by Archbishop Marek Jędraszewski, Metropolitan of Krakow, on November 17, 2024, in the Archdiocese of Krakow. The first session of the diocesan tribunal took place on February 3, 2025, marking the symbolic opening of the diocesan phase.

On October 10–12, 2025, the Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy are organizing days of reflection for women at the Retreat House of St. Faustina in Zakopane-Krzeptówki. The retreat will be led by Fr. Dr. Paweł Gabara.

From October 8–14 this year, a pilgrimage of consecrated persons to Rome will take place on the occasion of the Jubilee Year celebrated in the Church. Delegates from almost all convents of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland and abroad will also take part. They will give thanks for the gift of vocation, life, and the entire spiritual heritage of St. Faustina, and will pray for new and generous vocations.

On October 11, at 6.30 a.m., Mass will be celebrated in the intention of all those who have become involved in the work on the Chaplet for the Dying and the Perpetual Chaplet at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki. At the grace-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina, we will implore that more people join in these works, bringing mercy to those most in need. This Holy Mass is an expression of gratitude to the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy for jointly bringing the message of God’s merciful love for man to the world. May it bring great glory to Divine Mercy in human souls.

On October 5th we celebrate the 87th anniversary of the birth into heaven of the Apostle of Divine Mercy – the day of her liturgical memorial, and in all convents of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy – a liturgical solemnity. She belongs to the circle of the great mystics of the Church, a prophet sent by Jesus to the whole world with the message of Mercy. Millions of people around the globe draw from her school of spirituality recorded in the Diary. Saint John Paul II simply said of her that “she is a gift of God for our times, a gift from the land of Poland for the whole Church.”

Her impact on the life of the Church is expressed, among other things, in the widespread practice of devotion to Divine Mercy in the forms she transmitted. Today, there is hardly a country without an image of the Merciful Jesus; the Feast of Mercy was inscribed into the universal calendar of the Church in the year 2000, to be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter; the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed even in tribal languages, though dictated in Polish, as was the entire message of Mercy; ever greater popularity is gained by the practice of prayer at the hour of Jesus’ death on the Cross – the Hour of Mercy – as well as by spreading veneration of Mercy. The Apostolic Movement of Divine Mercy, the “congregation” that Jesus himself requested, is among the largest movements in the contemporary Church.

The influence of her life and mission of proclaiming the message of Mercy to the world is also visible in the dedications of churches. Saint Faustina is patroness of Łódź and other places, of schools, works of mercy, various associations and communities. Her name is given to girls at baptism and chosen by the young at confirmation. She was Patroness of the World Youth Days in Sydney and Krakow. She inspires scholars, theologians, people of culture, art and media, and is among the best-known and most beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Her relics are venerated in almost 130 countries worldwide, including an Orthodox church in Bucharest and the Anglican Shrine of Divine Mercy in Great Britain. Across the globe, theological symposia, diocesan, national, continental and world congresses are held, drawing their dynamism precisely from the life and mission of Saint Faustina. The radiance of this “gift of God” embraces the whole Church and the world, but it is meant to reach every person and prepare the world for the second coming of Christ.

October 5 marks the 87th anniversary of the Apostle of Divine Mercy’s death. The day was recalled by the late Sister Eufemia Traczyńska as follows: On October 5, at dinner time, there was a bell. It was known that Sr. Faustina was dying. We dropped whatever we were doing and as we were, we went to see her. The chaplain was already in the infirmary with a few of the sisters. We prayed together. We prayed for a long time: the prayers for the dying, litanies and other prayers. We prayed for so long that even the evening Mass was held a little later than usual. At some point, Sr. Faustina gave a sign for Mother Superior to lean toward her, and she said that she would not die yet, and that she would let us know when she would. The sisters left. … When I returned to my cell, I entered the chapel and prayed for the souls in purgatory, asking that they awaken me when Sr. Faustina was dying, because I really wanted to be with her at the moment of her death. I was afraid to ask Mother Superior outright, for we young novices were not allowed to go in there, in case we should be infected with tuberculosis. Sister Amelia was allowed in, because she was already sick. I went to bed at the usual time and immediately fell asleep. Suddenly, someone wakes me up: “Sister, if you want to be present at the death of Sr. Faustina, get up now.” I immediately realized that a mistake had been made… The one who came to wake Sr. Amelia, got into the wrong cell and came to me instead. As soon as I could, I woke Sr. Amelia, I put on my smock and cap, and quickly ran to the infirmary. Sister Amelia followed. It was around eleven at night. When we came there, Sr. Faustina seemed to slightly open her eyes and she smiled a little, and then bowed her head and that was it… Sister Amelia said she probably just died. I looked at Sr. Amelia, but I did not say anything. We prayed on. The candle was burning all the time.

            It was the day that Sister Faustina waited longingly for, as she awaited her full union with Jesus to dwell forever in the Father’s house, the heavenly homeland, as she used to say. She promised: I shall not forget you, O poor Earth, thought I feel I shall immediately sink completely in God, as in an ocean of bliss; but it will not prevent me from coming back to Earth and fortifying and encouraging souls to trust in Divine mercy. In fact, being submerged in God will give me unlimited scope for action (Diary, 1582). She faithfully keeps her word, interceding for many graces and earthly blessings to all who confidently turn to her for help. After all, Jesus said to her: “Do whatever you wish; distribute graces as you wish, to whomever and whenever you wish” (Diary, 31).

The liturgical feast of St. Faustina, October 5th, at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in the chapel with the miracle-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 7.00 am, 8.30 am and 7.00 pm. Prayer at the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited at 3pm, as on all days. From 9.00 pm, Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament will be led by Sisters from the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy. The evening of grace and praise will end at 10.45 pm, i.e., at the hour when St. Faustina departed to the House of the Lord. In the basilica, Holy Masses will be celebrated at: 9.00 am, 10.30 am, 12.00 pm, 13.30 pm, 3.20 pm, 6.00 pm.

Attention! The Holy Mass at 12:00 will be celebrated in the basilica.

On October 5, which is the anniversary of St. Faustina’s birth in Heaven, the site where the Apostle of Divine Mercy left the earth to go to the Heavenly Father’s house, will be opened to visitors. Usually, it is unavailable for pilgrims, because it is inside the religious cloister. Entering the Shrine, you can only see a plaque and the window of the old infirmary decorated with flowers. On October 5, however, the oratory, in which the relics of St. Faustina body are deposited, along with more than a hundred relics of other saints and blessed, will be made available to pilgrims from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.

The liturgical feast of St. Faustina at the Shrine of Divine Mercy at the Old Market Square will be preceded by a retreat triduum with sermons by Fr. Marek Tomulczak SAC, delivered during Holy Mass at 5:00 p.m.

On October 5, the Eucharist will be celebrated at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 5:00 p.m. The solemn Mass at 12:00 noon will be presided over by Bishop Szymon Stułkowski. As every day at 3:00 p.m. – prayer at the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Throughout the day, visitors may tour the museum, and after each Mass – St. Faustina’s rolls will be distributed.

From October 3–5, at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki, an International Conference will take place under the theme: “New and pioneering themes in the writings of St. Faustina and their impact on the life of the Church.” Speakers from Poland and other countries will participate. The individual topics will be presented in a way accessible to the audience (panel), and the program will also include: the Eucharist, prayer at the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet, an evening of adoration, a visit to St. Faustina’s cell, a film about the Apostle of Mercy and her influence on people’s lives, as well as a meeting with the director.

The Conference is organized by: the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków, the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, the Rectorate of the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki, and the Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum.” Proceedings will be translated simultaneously into English.
More information: www.faustinum.pl

 

Conference 2025 – Program

Day 1 – Friday, October 3, 2025

09:00 am– Registration of participants in the Auditorium of John Paul II

11:30 am – Holy Mass in the Chapel of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina

12.30– Lunch break (possibility to buy lunch on your own in the restaurant in the grounds of the Shrine)

02:00 pm – Beginning of the meeting in the Auditorium of John Paul II

03:00 pm– Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in the Chapel of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina or in the Basilica

03:45 pm

SESSION 1 in the Auditorium of John Paul II

led by Rev. Prof. Witold Ostafinski

PANEL discussion 1 

  1. “I am love and mercy itself.” God’s self-revelation in St. Faustina’s “Diary” in the context of biblical self-revelations – Rev. Prof. Henryk Witczyk
  2. “Mercy is God’s greatest attribute” – Rev. Dr. Hab. Stanisław Witkowski MS

The influence of St. Faustina on the life of the Church:
Bishop Mar Anthony Chirayath from India
Bernadette Lam from Hong Kong

– Coffee break

PANEL discussion 2

  1. “The greater the sinner, the greater his right to Divine mercy” – Rev. Prof. Jan Orzeszyna 
  2. The grace of complete remission of sins and punishment in the light of Canon Law – Fr. Robert Lezohupski, OFM Conv.
  3. The grace of complete remission of sins and punishment in the light of the Summa Theologiae of St Thomas – Fr. Dr. Michal Mrozek OP

06:30 pm – Dinner break (possibility of buying your own evening meal in the restaurant in the grounds of the Shrine)

07:45 pm – Worship of Divine Mercy in the Basilica

Day 2 – Saturday, October 4, 2025

09:00 am

SESSION 2  in the Auditorium of John Paul II

led by Rev. Prof. Andrzej Witko

PANEL discussion 1

  1. “My mercy increases as it is being dispensed” – Bishop Prof. Henryk Wejman
  2. “I am the King of Mercy.” Jesus’ self-revelation – Rev. Prof. Jan Dziedzic 

The influence of St. Faustina on the life of the Church:
Rev. Kazimierz Chwalek from the USA
Rev. Canon Jason Jones from Wales

– Coffee break

PANEL discussion 2

  1. The Charismatic Dimension of the Church in the writings of St. Faustina. The Church as the Mystical Body of Christ – Rev. Dr. Slawomir Czajka
  2. Dimensions of experiencing the Eucharist in the writings of St. Faustina – Sr. Prof. Adelajda Sielepin CHR

12:00 pm – Holy Mass in the Basilica

13.15 – Lunch break (possibility to buy lunch on your own in the restaurant in the grounds of the Shrine)

– Visit to the cell of St. Faustina by the Conference participants

03:00 pm – Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in the Chapel of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina or in the Basilica

03:45 pm

SESSION 3 in the Auditorium of John Paul II

led by Rev. Dr. Slawomir Czajka

PANEL discussion 1 

  1. I rejoice in God within me.” Contemplation in everyday life – Rev. Prof. Jerzy Gogola OCD
  2. Mary, Mother of Incarnate Mercy in the writings of St. Faustina and the history of the devotion of the Mother of God – Dr. Faustyna Skupien

The influence of St. Faustina on the life of the Church:
Rev. Alberto Arturo Gómez López from Spain
Rev. Kamil Zylczynski from Australia 

– Coffee break

PANEL discussion 2

  1. Convergence of the message of the encyclical “Dives in misericordia” and the “Diary” of St. Faustina – Rev. Prof. Henryk Slawinski
  2. Charism of St. Faustina – Sr. M. Elzbieta Siepak ISMM

06:15 pm – Dinner break (possibility of buying your own evening meal in the restaurant in the grounds of the Shrine)

07:00 pm – Film “Faustina in the Light of Mercy” and meeting with the director in the Auditorium of John Paul II

Day 3 – Sunday, October 5, 2025

09:00 am 

SESSION 4 in the Auditorium of John Paul II

led by Rev. Prof. Jan Machniak

PANEL discussion

  1. Saint Faustina, the forerunner of the Second Vatican Council – Rev. Dr Hab. Bogdan Zbroja 
  2. The Message of Mercy in the Image: “Jesus, I trust in You” – Rev. Dr. Piotr Szweda MS
  3. Doctor of the Church – Fr. Dr Hab.Szczepan Praskiewicz OCD

– Coffee break

– Summary and conclusion of the conference

12:30 pm

– Holy Mass and Ceremony of acceptance of new members to the “Faustinum” Association in the Chapel of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina.

The celebrations in honor of St. Faustina at the Shrine of the Birth and Baptism of St. Faustina in Świnice Warckie will begin on Sunday, October 5. On that day, Holy Masses will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 4:00 p.m. The Eucharist at 12:00 noon will be preceded by a procession with the Saint’s relics, departing from Głogowiec at 10:00 a.m. The Hour of Mercy will be combined with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Rosary. We warmly invite all devotees of Divine Mercy and friends of the Mystic from Głogowiec to join this celebration.

Before the Feast of St. Faustina, from October 2–4 of this year, a triduum of Holy Masses will be held at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki, celebrated at 5:00 p.m. The theme of the homilies is: “On a pilgrimage of hope with St. Faustina on the paths of everyday life.” The triduum will be led by Fr. Sławomir Czajka, Doctor of Biblical Theology, lecturer at the Institute of Biblical Studies of KUL, and director of the St. Casimir Theological Institute in Radom.

Every day in Poland, an average of more than 1,000 people pass away. Globally, at any given moment, countless individuals require not only medical assistance but, more importantly, spiritual support. This spiritual care is crucial in the final hours as individuals transition from this world to eternity. The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy runs the Chaplet for the Dying initiative, offering swift assistance—sometimes within 20 seconds—through mobile and Internet communications. This aid is facilitated by individuals who participate through prayer or financial support.  This year, volunteers from 40 countries have pledged their support, but more are needed to urgently provide prayers for those in their final moments. To learn more about participating and to access the entry form, visit www.saint-faustina.org

The Sisters warmly invite you to this beautiful work of mercy, and they surround the participants with their prayer. The next Holy Mass for their intentions, as well as for a happy death for the dying and the joy of heaven for those who have already departed this world, will be celebrated on September 30 at 5:00 p.m. in the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki, before the miraculous image of the Merciful Jesus and at the tomb of St. Faustina.

People from many countries of the world participating in the work of the Perpetual Chaplet of Divine Mercy are praying not only in their own intentions, but also asking for “mercy on us and the whole world”. Specific intention for September: mercy and peace for the whole world, and especially for those nations that suffer persecution, lack of freedom, freedom to profess their faith and respect for their human rights.

The work of Perpetual Chaplet is a response to the request of Jesus to constantly implore for mercy “for us and the whole world”. The work has been operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at: www.faustyna.pl since 2011. Anyone can participate in it by filling out a short form and declare to say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which Jesus dictated to St. Faustinaat least once.

On September 26, the novena before the liturgical feast of St. Faustina begins, during which the Sisters in all the houses of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy recite the chosen novena text and the Litany to St. Faustina. On the website: www.saint-faustina.org, four novenas to the Apostle of Divine Mercy based on the texts from her Diary, as well as the Litany, are published.

On September 28, we will be celebrating the anniversary of the beatification of Fr. Michael Sopocko. At 3 pm on squares, corners and intersections of the streets in crowded cities, as well as in other public places and at rural crossroads, people will gather to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  The participants will pray for mercy for themselves, their loved ones, their homeland, the Church and the world. Everyone can join. The event is held to remind us about the message of God’s mercy that Jesus gave to St. Faustina. Just find a place at an intersection and recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, individually or in a group. If this is impossible – you can connect spiritually. More:  www.iskra.jezuici.pl.

On the eve of the feast of St. Faustina, on September 28 this year (Sunday) at 9:30 a.m. in the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki, a French choir from the Lourdes area will pray in song in honor of the Apostle of Divine Mercy. In the Chapel of the Divine Mercy and at the tomb of St. Faustina, they will perform works by Mozart, Fauré, Rossini, Pergolesi, Ramírez, and Bepi De Marzi, accompanied by pianist Dominika Grzybacz. The message of Mercy will be shared with them and a tour of the Łagiewniki Shrine will be given by Sr. Sangwina from the Kraków community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.

From September 1st, at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, in all the chapels of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, and in some parishes, special evening devotions will begin in honor of Divine Mercy, with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. This form of devotion was introduced in 1993 (after the beatification of Sister Faustina), to follow the monthly forms of worship practiced in May, June or October. The celebrations in September will include the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, recited or sung for the intention of mercy for our homeland and the world. September is the month of the revelation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy by the Lord Jesus and the outbreak of World War II a few years afterwards. These circumstances, as well as the situation in the modern world, are especially urging us to cry for the mercy of God for us and the whole world.

On September 22 this year, at the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia in Rome, the first meeting of the “Faustinum” Association community in the new formation year will take place, devoted to the school of trust of St. Faustina. The meeting will be led by the sisters from the Roman community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and Fr. Łukasz Brus. The theme will be: “Faith as the Source of the Attitude of Trust.” The meeting will begin with prayer at the Hour of Mercy (3:00 p.m.) and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed by Holy Mass at 3:20 p.m. The program includes: conferences, prayer at the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Holy Mass at 3:20 p.m., and afterwards conferences, adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and the Rosary.

Participation is also possible via live transmission on Google Meet.

From September 18–21 this year, at the Shrine of Our Lady in Licheń Stary, the 5th Congress of Young Consecrated Persons will take place under the motto: “Behold the Man”, with the participation of the Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy. The Eucharist on these days will be presided over by Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski, Bishop Artur Ważny, and Bishop Jacek Kiciński CMF. The program also includes: the Liturgy of the Hours, adoration, conferences – among others by Fr. Amadeo Cencini, FdCC, on the theme: “Virginity: to love God with a human heart, so as to love man with a divine heart” and “Virgin sensitivity: the relational pedagogy of mystery”, as well as panel discussions and workshops.

From September 19 to 21, a retreat for women will be held in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Tashkent under the theme: “If you knew the gift of God” – based on the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:1-42). The inspiration for these spiritual exercises are the words of St. Faustina recorded in her Diary: “I cannot live without God, but I feel that God also cannot find happiness without me…” (Diary, 1120). The retreat will be led by Sr. Anastasis Omelchenko of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, Sr. Kazimiera Wanat, and Sr. Madlen Hofmann.

On September 20, at the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Families in Wambierzyce, another youth festival “Light For Life” will take place. The program includes the Eucharist, inspiring conferences on topics of interest to young people, and thematic zones led by Fr. Łukasz Plata, Marta Przybyła, Artur Skowron, and Sr. Tobiana Domiter from the Krakow community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The meeting will conclude with a final concert featuring the band TAU.

On Monday, September 15, it will be 20 years since the presence and apostolic service of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Slovakia began. On this occasion, at 10:00 a.m. in the parish church of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, a solemn Eucharist will be presided over by Bishop Stanislav Stolárik, during which new members will be admitted to the Association of Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum.” The program will also include a thanksgiving adoration and, at the conclusion of the celebration, the Hour of Mercy prayer and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. The Superior General of the Congregation, Mother Miriam Janiec, will participate in the celebration.

The first convent of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Slovakia was established in the village of Nižný Hrušov near Vranov nad Topľou. It was erected on September 15, 2005, by the Superior General of the Congregation, Mother Gracjana Szewc, and solemnly consecrated by Archbishop Alojz Tkáč of Košice. The first superior of the community was Sr. M. Faustyna Olszewska from Poland. The other members were two Slovak sisters: Sr. M. Clareta Fečová (the current superior of the convent) and Sr. M. Tymotea Čandová. The sisters also served for several years in Bratislava and currently continue their ministry in Nižný Hrušov and Košice.

On September 14 and 15, in Sacrofano, Rome, a Congress of Mercy groups will take place under the theme: “To love, to hope, to practice mercy – a path open to all.” Participating will be Sr. Tymoteusza Kmiotek and Sr. Wincenta Mąka from the Roman community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.

Program
September 14
9:30 – Opening, morning prayer
10:00 – Presentation of various mercy groups
10:30 – “Hope does not disappoint” – lecture by Fr. Luigi Maria Epicoco, theologian and writer
12:00 – “Experiencing mercy and practicing mercy” – lecture by Fr. Fabio Rosini
15:00 – Hour of Mercy and Chaplet of Divine Mercy – Sisters
15:30 – Time of testimonies from representatives of various groups, including the Sisters
18:00 – Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Cardinal Angelo de Donatis
21:00 – Eucharistic Vigil

September 15
13:30 – Holy Mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Rome, presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri
15:00 – Hour of Mercy and Chaplet of Divine Mercy
15:30 – Jubilee pilgrimage and passage through the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica
17:00 – Vigil in St. Peter’s Square on the occasion of the Jubilee with Pope Leo XIV

On 13 and 14 of September, we will be celebraring the 90th anniversary of the revelation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Jesus taught humanity two prayers: Modlitwy Pańskiej, when the Apostles asked Him for it, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which He dictated to St. Faustina in Polish, in the Vilnius convent of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1935. As she noted in her Diary: In the evening when I was in my cell, I saw an Angel, the executor of divine wrath. He was clothed in a dazing robe, his face gloriously bright, a cloud beneath his feet. From the cloud, bolts of thunder and flashes of lightning were springing into his hands; and from his hand they were going forth, and only then were they striking the earth. When I saw this sign of divine wrath which was about to strike the earth, and in particular a certain place, which for good reasons I cannot name, I began to implore the Angel to hold off for a few moments, and the world would do penance. But my plea was a mere nothing in the face of divine anger. Just then I saw the Most Holy Trinity. The greatness of Its majesty pierced me deeply and I did not dare to repeat my entrietaties. At that very moment I felt in my soul the power of Jesus’ grace which dwells in my soul. When I became conscious of this grace, I was instantly snatched up before the Throne of God. Oh, how great is our Lord and God and how incomprehensible His holiness! I will make no attempt to describe this greatness, because before long we shall all see Him as He is. I found myself pleading  with God for the world with words heard interiorly.

As I was praying in this manner, I saw the Angel’s helplessness: he could not carry out the just punishment,which was rightly due for sins. Never before had I prayed with such inner power as I did then.

The words with which I entreated God are these: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ for our sins, and those of the whole world; for the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us.

The next morning, when I enered chapel, heard these words interiorly: Every time you enter the chapel, immediately recite the prayer which I taught you yesterday. When had said the prayer, in my soul I heard these words: This prayer will will serve to appease My wrath. You will recite it for nine days, on the beads of the rosary, in the folllowing manner: First of all, you will say one OUR FATHER and HAIL MARY and the I BELIEVE IN GOD. Then on the following words: ‘Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and on the whole world.” In conclusion, three times you will recite these words: „Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and thw whole world”  (Diary, 474-476).

In consequent revelations, the Lord Jesus associated many great promises with this prayer, on the condition it is recited in the spirit of trust in Him and mercy towards one’s neighbors. The general promise states that trustful recitation of the Chaplet can help a person acquire anything which is compliant with the will of God. Moreover, He provided us with additional promises, which apply to the joyful grace and the grace of serene death, without fear and apprehension. They can be obtaied not only by thise who pray the Chaplet trustfully, but also by the dying at whose side the prayer is said in a proper manner.

Today, apart from the call Jesus, I trust in You!, it is the best known prayer to Divine Mercy, recited on all continents and languages, even in those of small tribes. More information on the Chaplet and its story can be found here.