Who is St. Maria Faustina Kowalska?
Sister Faustina was a young, uneducated nun in a convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland during the 1930s. She came from a poor family that struggled during the years of World War I. She had only three years of simple education, so hers were the humblest tasks in the convent, usually in the kitchen or garden. However, she received extraordinary revelations — or messages — from our Lord Jesus. Jesus asked Sr. Faustina to record these experiences, which she compiled into notebooks. These notebooks are known today as the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, and the words contained within are God's loving message of Divine Mercy.
Though the Divine Mercy message is not new to the teachings of the Church, Sr. Faustina's Diary sparked a great movement, and a strong and significant focus on the mercy of Christ. Saint John Paul II canonized Sr. Faustina in 2000 making her the "first saint of the new millennium." Speaking of Sr. Faustina and the importance of the message contained in her Diary, the Pope called her "the great apostle of Divine Mercy in our time."
Today, we continue to rely of St. Faustina as a constant reminder of the message to trust in Jesus' endless mercy, and to live life mercifully toward others. We also turn to her in prayer and request her intercession to our merciful Savior on our behalf.
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Saint Faustina, you told us that your mission would continue after your death and that you would not forget us. Our Lord also granted you a great privilege, telling you to "distribute graces as you will, to who you will, and when you will." Relying on this, we ask your intercession for the graces we need, especially for the following intentions (mention your intention). Help us, above all, to trust in Jesus as you did and thus to glorify His mercy every moment of our lives. Amen ... See MoreSee Less
A Mother's Heart is a group for Catholic mothers with children ages 0-11 who are seeking to journey with other like-minded women of faith. Come join us for any of our October Events! ... See MoreSee Less
Who is Saint Francis of Assisi?
Let everything that lives and that breathes/ give praise to the Lord. Alleluia! (Psalm 150:6)
This biblical litany of praise is echoed in Saint Francis’ famous Canticle of the Sun. Saint Francis was a deacon, father to the poor, missionary, and religious founder, his love for creation was neither sentimental nor superficial. He understood in true humility what glory lies in being a creature of so great and loving a God. From that perspective, there is no greater joy than to give praise and thanks.
In 1208, Francis of Assisi abandoned the riches of the Italian merchant class for a laborer’s tunic and a bed under the stars, choosing to live in perfect imitation of Christ’s own poverty. Francis wanted his followers to live and preach in this same spirit; he called them simply Friars Minor, the “lesser brothers.” Francis was devoted to the Baby Jesus—he popularized the Christmas crèche—and the Eucharist, in which the “Son of God so humbles himself that for our salvation he hides himself under an ordinary piece of bread.” He had a great love for priests. Francis, the poverello, or “poor one,” died in 1226.
Here is a MEDITATION OF THE DAY from him
Following the Way of the Good Samaritan
Most high and glorious God, lighten the darkness of my heart and give me sound faith, firm hope, and perfect love.
Let me, Lord, have the right feelings and knowledge properly to carry out the task you have given me. May the burning and tender might of your love, I beseech you, O Lord, ravish my soul so that I may die for love of my love.
My Lord, I am all yours. You know I have nothing besides my tunic, cord, and underpants. And even these three things are yours. So what can I give you?
—Saint Francis of Assisi ... See MoreSee Less
