Description
Saint Faustina Kowalska, apostle of Divine Mercy
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska was born Helena Kowalska in 1905 near Łódź, Poland. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925 and recorded her spiritual experiences in the work now known as the Diary. Her mission emphasized the biblical truth of God's merciful love, prayer for sinners, and trust in Christ. She died in Kraków in 1938 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Her liturgical memorial is observed on October 5.
Faustina beside the Divine Mercy image
The icon shows Faustina in her religious habit, inclining her head beside an image of the risen Christ. Jesus raises his right hand in blessing and points with the left toward his heart, from which red and pale rays extend. These rays belong to the Divine Mercy image commissioned under Faustina's direction and signify the blood and water associated with Christ's saving Passion. Three angels above the image indicate heavenly worship. The composition links the saint with her witness while keeping Christ at its theological center.
For prayer and the practice of mercy
The icon is suited to prayer with Saint Faustina, reflection on God's mercy, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the call to extend mercy to others in concrete works. It may be placed in a home prayer corner, chapel, convent, parish room, or given for a name day and confirmation. Devotion to Divine Mercy is grounded in trust, repentance, the sacraments, and works of mercy; the image does not promise an automatic result.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.