The Image of Divine Mercy is the painting of a vision of Jesus which appeared to St. Faustina on 22nd February 1931 when she was living in a convent in Plock, Poland. Jesus specifically instructed her to have the vision painted and asked that the painting would have the words, “Jesus, I Trust in You” inscribed underneath. He explained that the Image would be the Image of His Divine Mercy which He wished the world to come to, as if to a fountain of God's mercy. He also told her He wished there be a feastday celebrating God's Divine Mercy.

St. Faustina describes the apparition in her diary as follows: “That evening, when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand was raised in the gesture of blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From beneath the garment, slightly drawn aside at the breast, there were emanating two large rays, one red, the other pale. In silence I kept my gaze fixed on the Lord; my soul was struck with awe, but also with great joy. After a while, Jesus said to me, Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and then throughout the world. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory". (Diary 47-48)

Throughout the Diary of Saint Faustina, Jesus reveals to her that the Image is much more than just a painting or religious Icon. It is a“vessel of graces” to which everyone could come seeking graces and mercy. (Diary 327) Jesus also revealed that the Image would draw many souls to Him that otherwise might not have found Him. He told St. Faustina in 1937, “Already there are many souls who have been drawn to Me by this Image. My mercy acts in souls through this work”. (Diary 1379). 

It is Jesus’ wish that everyone should know that He will grant unimaginable graces to those who venerate this Holy Image of Divine Mercy. He told St. Faustina, “I am offering people a vessel to which they can keep coming for graces as to a fountain of mercy. That vessel is this Image  (Diary 327)