The 30th of April, 2025, marks exactly 25 years since the late Pontiff John Paul II canonised Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy.
On the same day, he declared the Feast of Mercy, which is now celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.
In His Homily at the Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Square for the canonization of Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska, on Sunday, 30 April 2000, the late Pontiff said:
‘‘Sister Faustina’s canonization possesses a particular eloquence: by this act, I intend today to pass this message on to the new millennium. I pass it on to all people, so that they will learn to know the true face of God and the true face of their brethren (…)
This consoling message is directed to those burdened by severe trial or crushed by the weight of their sins, who have lost all hope in life and are tempted to despair. To them is offered the gentle countenance of Christ; the rays emanating from His Heart touch and illuminate them, warm them, guide them and fill them with hope.
How many souls have found solace in the prayer “Jesus, I trust in you”, revealed through Saint Faustina by Providence! This simple act of surrender to Jesus dispels the darkest shadows and allows a ray of light to pierce every life. Jezu, ufam tobie.”
The words of Saint John Paul II spoken 25 years ago, remain very relevant today. Therefore, let us praise God for this ‘‘special gift for our times” who is Saint Faustina. Let us draw as much as possible, for ourselves and others, from the message of Divine Mercy she conveyed.
Saint Faustina, pray for us!
