On 6 July falls the 144th anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa Ewa nee Sułkowska, Countess Potocka, the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland. Is it a small thing to save one soul, she wrote. This idea guided her life and work, which she established to rescue women and girls in need of deep moral renewal (“the Magdalenas”). The Congregation later gave to the Church and the world the trasure that was Sister Faustina, apostle of Divine Mercy who is now recognized as its spiritual co-founder. Mother Teresa Potocka died in the palace of Wilanów. Her mortal remains rest in the tomb of the Congregation at the Powązki cemetery in Warsaw. We do not call her a saint, because only the Church has the right to give that title, said Fr. Zygmunt Golian, her spiritual director, in the funeral speech. However, let our efforts at work, for which he was ready to give her life, prove her sanctity. More information about the life and work of Mother Teresa Potocka can be found here.
From July 4 to 6, the next gathering of members and volunteers of the Association of Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum” from Italy is taking place in Turin under the motto: “In Your mercy is hope.” The event will be attended by Sr. Emanuela Gemza, president of the “Faustinum” association at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki, and Sr. Wincenta Mąka from the Roman community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
Under this motto, a retreat for women will be held from June 27–29 at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki as part of the series “With Faustina in Everyday Life.” The theme for these spiritual exercises is a quote from the Diary of St. Faustina: “Under His loving gaze, my soul gains strength and power, becomes aware that it loves and is especially loved, and knows that the Almighty defends it” (Diary, 815). The retreat will be led by Sr. Gaudia Skass from the Kraków community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, who also serves as the spokesperson.
More information: www.faustinum.pl
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 June: For the protection of children from demoralization and for necessary graces for young people, so that they are not tempted by easy happiness, but will make life choices according to Gospel values.
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. Faustina—at least once.
In June, during the evening worship, the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is traditionally sung in churches in Poland. This is also true for the chapels of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. In the Shrine in Krakow-Łagiewniki, this takes place in the chapel of the miracle-famous Divine Mercy image and the tomb of St. Faustina. The June devotions are celebrated every day at 7:00 pm and at 6:30 pm on Sundays and other holidays.
On Saturday, June 28 of this year, the third meeting of the members and volunteers of the Association of Apostles of Divine Mercy Faustinum from the Czech Republic and Slovakia will take place at the Dominican monastery in Zvolen. The theme of the gathering is: “Mercy – is there anything more in life?” The program includes conferences, sharing experiences of God’s mercy and apostolate, the Eucharist, testimonies, and adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The meeting will conclude with the Hour of Mercy prayer and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
On June 22 of this year, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady, Protector and Queen of Families, Sr. Anna Maria and Sr. Norberta from the Sanctuary community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will share the message of Mercy and the spiritual legacy of St. Faustina, as recorded in her “Diary.”
On June 22 of this year, at the Church of Our Lady of Ostra Brama in Chrzanów, Sr. Tobiana and Sr. Maksyma from the Sanctuary community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki will share the message of Mercy and the spiritual legacy of St. Faustina, as recorded in her “Diary,” with the faithful of the parish during Sunday Holy Masses.
On June 21 this year, the last formation meeting before the summer break of the Kraków “Faustinum” community will take place at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. Program:
1:30 p.m. – Rosary prayer – “Faustinum” hall
2:10 p.m. – Conferences:
2:10 p.m. – Stage II: ABCs of spiritual life – Sr. Maria Faustyna Ciborowska ISMM – “Faustinum” hall
2:10 p.m. – Stage I: Biblical cycle – Sr. M. Emanuela Gemza ISMM – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
2:40 p.m. – Time for personal prayer and reflection – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
3:00 p.m. – Divine Mercy Hour prayer – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
3:30 p.m. – Holy Mass – Chapel of the Passion of the Lord
4:30 p.m. – Integration meeting – garden.
The “Faustinum” Association, established in 1996 by the then-Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, as an apostolic work of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, brings together priests, consecrated persons, and laypeople from nearly 90 countries who, following the example of St. Faustina, wish to participate in Jesus’ mission of spreading the message of Mercy to the world through their lives, deeds, words, and prayers. The primary mission of “Faustinum” is to form apostles of Divine Mercy, a task the sisters carry out in several languages. More information is available at: www.faustinum.en
On June 21 this year, a youth meeting “Łagiewnicka 22” will be held at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with the grace-famous image of 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 talk by Sr. Tobiana about how everything depends on us in receiving God’s love and grace, using the life of St. Faustina as an example; followed by silent prayer and worship of Divine Mercy during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and finally a shared meal (agape) with something tasty and a Q&A session.
On June 21, 2025, the traditional “Evening with the Merciful Jesus” will take place at the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II in Washington, USA. The event will be led by the sisters from the Washington community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. The program includes: the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet, adoration with praise of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and intercessory prayer, the sacrament of confession, and a conference. Sister Donata Farbaniec will speak about Divine Mercy flowing from the Heart of Jesus. The previous month’s conference is available to listen to on YouTube.
“Evenings with the Merciful Jesus” are organized for young people who want to follow in the footsteps of Saint Faustina and Saint John Paul II, and discover a new quality of life in friendship with the Merciful Jesus.
On June 19th, Thursday, the Church is celebrating the feast of Feast of Corpus Christi (Corpus Domini). Holy Mass at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki will be celebrated according to the Sunday schedule. Before noon, the procession of Corpus Christi will set out from the Wawel Hill to the Market Square in Krakow, and in the afternoon, other processions will take place in individual parishes. In the parish church in Łagiewniki, the Eucharistic procession to four altars will begin with Mass at 5:00 pm. The faithful will proceed along the street Siostry Faustyny in the direction of the Shrine of the Divine Mercy. At the basilica, the procession will conclude with a thankful Te Deum and a solemn blessing of the Holy Sacrament. Divine Mercy Mass for the intercession of St. Faustina in the intention of prayers and thanks from the faithful will be celebrated at 7 pm at the convent chapel.
Saint Faustina was a great devotee of Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament from her early years. It was before Jesus hidden in the white consecrated Host that she first experienced God’s love and internally heard the invitation to a more perfect life. As a young woman, she made a private vow of chastity before the Blessed Sacrament, and later in the convent, she spent all her free time in the chapel before the tabernacle. “I will not let myself be so absorbed in work’s whirl that I forget about God,” she confessed. “I spend all my free moments at the feet of the Master hidden in the Blessed Sacrament. He has been teaching me since my earliest years” (Diary 82).
“O Lord, I see clearly,” she sincerely admitted to Jesus in prayer, “that my life from the first moment my soul could know You has been a constant battle, growing ever more intense. Every morning during meditation I prepare for battle for the whole day, and Holy Communion is my assurance that I will win – and it happens so. I fear the day I do not have Holy Communion. This Bread of the strong gives me all the strength to carry out this work, and I have the courage to do all the Lord demands. The courage and strength that dwell in me are not mine, but His who dwells in me – this is the Eucharist” (Diary 91).
At the end of her life, she wrote: “I see myself so weak that if it were not for Holy Communion, I would fall constantly. Only one thing holds me up: Holy Communion. From it I draw strength, in it is my power. I fear life on days without Holy Communion. I am afraid of myself. Jesus hidden in the Host is everything to me. From the tabernacle I draw strength, power, courage, and light; in moments of anguish, I seek comfort there. I could not give glory to God without the Eucharist in my heart.”
Her love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was also expressed by the fact that she added “of the Blessed Sacrament” to her name and desired her yearly patron to be: Jesus-Eucharist. Read more
As part of the Samaritanka project, a retreat for women will be held on June 13–15 and June 20–22, 2025, at the diocesan retreat house Fides et Ratio in Shchuchinsk. The retreat is titled: “You are anxious and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41). The program includes meditations on the Word of God, workshops, and lectures. The retreat will be led by: Sr. Anastasis Omelchenko from the Petropavl community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, Sr. Kazimiera Wanat, Sr. Madlen Hofmann, and Fr. Hans Reiner.
As part of this series, group workshops will take place on June 13–15 at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. They will focus on the theme of self-acceptance in the context of one’s life story, emotions, physicality, and spiritual dimension. Participants will work both individually and in groups, guided by sisters from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and Monika Guzewicz, PhD in psychology, psychotherapist, former university lecturer, and co-creator of the Godfullness Jesuits project. The workshops are organized by the Association of Apostles of Divine Mercy “Faustinum”. More information is available at: www.faustinum.pl
At first blush it may seem that the Devotion to the Divine Mercy is only a form of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart and that the devotions do not differ considerably. Upon a cursory reading of Sister Faustina’s ‘Diary’, in which the Heart of Jesus is frequently mentioned, one can be confirmed in this belief. However, a theological analysis of the work clearly differentiates between the two Devotions, which are so popular in the Church. The Rev. Professor I. Różycki carried out such an analysis and, on the basis of it he showed fundamental differences between the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the one to the Divine Mercy. They differ as regards the object of veneration: who and what is worshipped, the essence of the Devotions and the privileged time – the time to which certain promises are attached.
As regards the Devotion to the Divine Mercy, the mercy of the entire Holy Trinity is the object of the veneration itself, whereas as regards the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – it is the Divine Person of the Son of God Incarnate.
As far as the Devotion to the Divine Mercy is concerned, the image of the Merciful Jesus is venerated – the one painted according to the vision that Sister Faustina had in Płock on the 22nd February, 1931, whereas as regards the other devotion – the human, ‘physical’ Heart of Jesus is worshipped.
Trust is the essence of the Devotion to the Divine Mercy, whereas reparation is the essence of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
3p.m. – every day – (the moment of Jesus’ agony on the cross) and the Feast of Mercy – on the first Sunday after Easter – this is the privileged time as far as the Devotion to the Divine Mercy is concerned, whereas as regards the Devotion to the Sacred Heart the privileged time is on first Fridays of every month and on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
The regular monthly Holy Mass for the members and volunteers of the Association of the Apostles of Divine Mercy Faustinum will be celebrated on Friday, June 13 at 3:20 PM at the Diocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy in Košice, in the KVP district. Afterwards, at 4:00 PM, a formation meeting of the local group will take place at the parish house. This year’s sixth meeting on the Mission of Mercy of Saint Faustina will be led by Sr. Mariela Lengyelová ISMM from the Košice community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
Holy Masses for the Faustinum Association have been celebrated since 2006. More information about the association can be found at faustinum.pl.
On June 11th, at 5 p.m. at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki, Holy Mass will be celebrated at the grace-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina. The special intention will be God’s blessing and needed graces for those participating in the Chaplet for the Dying, supporting this work materially and spiritually, for a serene death for the moribund recommended to prayer in this work, and the joy of heaven for the deceased.
In this work, not only Poles support the dying, but also people from many countries around the world. This year alone, people from over 30 countries have joined, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, Peru, Venezuela, South Africa, Colombia, Venezuela, the USA, Canada, Australia, the Caribbean, and many European countries such as Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg… The most foreigners who joined this work came from Italy, Spain, France, and the USA.
On June 9, 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 June 7 this year, another meeting of the “Faustinum” association community will take place at the church of Santo Spirito in Sassia in Rome. The theme will be trust in the Bible and in the “Diary” of St. Faustina. The meeting will be led by the sisters from the Roman community of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy and Fr. Łukasz Brus, and the topic will be: “The Faith of Thomas.” The meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will include: conferences, prayer at the Hour of Mercy and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Holy Mass at 3:30 p.m., followed by a procession to St. Peter’s Square for prayer with the Holy Father Leo XIV before Pentecost.
The meeting will also be available via Google Meet.
On May 30th (Friday), the Church is making a novena before the feast of the Holy Spirit. In the chapels of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, including the one with the miracle-famous image of Merciful Jesus and the tomb of St. Faustina at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, this novena is combined with the May devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can participate in it on-line and ask for the light and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit for you, the Church, our country and the world, so that the Spirit lead us to full familiarity with Jesus, reveal to us the depth of His merciful love and teach us to perceive His presence and action in our daily lives. At the end of the novena in the Łagiewniki Shrine, a prayer vigil will be held.
On June 7th at 9 pm a prayerful vigil before the feast of the Pentecost will begin at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki. We will gather in the chapel of the miracle-famous image of Divine Mercy and the tomb of St. Faustina, which will become the Cenacle. Together with Mary, the Mother of Mercy, we shall be asking the Holy Spirit for the Light, Power and Graces for us, the Holy Church, our Country and the entire World. The vigil will end with the Eucharist celebrated at 10 p.m. You can join in this prayer online at www.saint-faustina.org where it will be broadcast.
On June 7th, the 28th anniversary of the first pilgrimage made by Pope John Paul II to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki will be celebrated. The Pope prayed in front of the grace-famous painting of Merciful Jesus and at the tomb of (then Blessed) Sister Faustina. He also gave a short speech in which he conveyed many important matters. He said that nothing is more necessary to man than the Mercy of God. The pope added, that he took the message of Mercy from this place to the Holy See and that it shaped the image of his pontificate. He thanked for being able to fulfill the wish of Jesus concerning the introduction of the Feast of Mercy in Poland. In a special message addressed the sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy, he encouraged them in their charismatic apostolic ministry, entrusted to him by Sister Faustina.
Under this title, a retreat on the dignity of women will take place from May 30 to June 1 at the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in the town of Chkalovo, Kazakhstan. The retreat will be led by Sr. Anastasis Omelchenko from the Petropavlovsk community of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, Sr. Kazimiera Wanat, Sr. Madlen Hofmann, and Fr. Hans Reiner. The program includes reflections on the Word of God, conferences, and workshops.
In May, in a number of parishes in Poland, children participate for the first time in the sacraments of confession and Holy Communion. More and more children in special white clothes arrive with their priests, catechists and parents to the Shrine of Divine Mercy to make thanks for the great gift of God’s mercy which is the Eucharistic presence of the Lord Jesus and His indwelling in the human soul and to ask for fidelity and growth in the love of God and other people.
It is a tradition in Poland that Catholics gather in every church and even at small roadside shrines in May to celebrate “Majówki” – a special kind of devotion to the Virgin Mary, during which the Litany of Loreto is sung. At the Shrine in Krakow-Łagiewniki, the May devotions are celebrated in the chapel of the miracle-famous Divine Mercy Image and the tomb of St. Faustina every day at 7:00 pm and on Sundays and other holidays at 6:30 pm. You can also join in the prayer online, at /www.saint-faustina.org
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 May: For children and youth so that they nurture the spirit of faith, hope and love and for new vocations to God’s service in the Church.
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. Faustina—at least once.
On May 31th (Saturday), after a communal prayer in the Basilica of the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki at 7:30 am, the 18th Pilgrimage to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska will begin. The pilgrims will make the distance of 33 km on foot. They will visit the churches of Mary Queen of Poland in Krakow’s Nowy Ruczaj and in Rzozów, and the church of the Most Holy Trinity in Przytkowice as they go. The arrival to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is planned at 6:45 pm. After a Holy Mass, they will return to Krakow by buses.
May 27th is the 19h anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s pilgrimage to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Łagiewniki. The Holy Father prayed before the grace-famous painting of Merciful Jesus and at the tomb of St. Faustina, in the chapel of Perpetual Adoration, and in the Basilica he met with the sick, who – as he said – are the most eloquent witnesses of God’s Mercy and have an active part in the salvation of the world. On a general audience in Rome, he recalled this pilgrimage to the Shrine in Łagiewniki: I had the opportunity to point out that only Divine Mercy illuminates the mystery of man. … Contemplating the illuminating wounds of the risen Christ, Sister Faustina Kowalska received a message of trust to humanity, the message of God’s Mercy … This message is indeed the main message of our time: mercy as God’s power and as the boundary for the evils of the whole world.
From May 23 to 25 this year, a conference dedicated to the Divine Mercy will be held in Auckland. Sr. Teresa de la Fuente from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy will participate. During the sessions, she will give two lectures: one on living the message of Divine Mercy, and another on how this message serves as an impulse for evangelization. The day after the conference ends, Sr. Teresa will meet with students in the city.
