Saint Faustina Kowalska of the Congregation of the Mother of God of Mercy is known by many titles: Apostle of Divine Mercy, Secretary of the Merciful Jesus, Prophet of our times, great mystic, and teacher of the spiritual life. She is among the most loved saints and one of the greatest mystics of the Church.

Born on 25 August 1905 in Głogowiec, Poland, she was baptised as Helena and raised in a large farming family. From an early age she felt a call to serve God. Despite limited schooling and years of work as a domestic servant, she pursued her vocation and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925.

She lived a hidden religious life for 13 years, serving in various humble tasks while suffering greatly from illness. Her physical suffering was united with deep spiritual trials and offered for the salvation of sinners. At the same time, she received extraordinary mystical graces such as visions, ecstasies, and intimate union with Christ.

Her mission was to proclaim to the world the message of Divine Mercy: that God’s love is merciful towards every person, calling all to trust in Him and practise mercy towards others. Jesus entrusted her with new forms of devotion, including the Image of Divine Mercy with the words “Jesus, I trust in You”, the Feast of Mercy, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and devotion to the Hour of Mercy.

Saint Faustina died on 5 October 1938 in Kraków at the age of 33. From her spiritual experience arose the Apostolic Movement of Divine Mercy, which continues her mission today. She was beatified in 1993 and canonised in 2000 by Saint John Paul II. Her relics are venerated in the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki.

Saint John Paul II described her message as a response to the crises of the 20th century, calling her Diary “the Gospel of Mercy written from the perspective of the 20th century”. The message of Divine Mercy remains central for our times, revealing God’s mercy as the ultimate force of love and hope in the world.