The Divine Mercy Message: What Jesus Revealed to Saint Faustina

The Divine Mercy Message is one of the most powerful spiritual calls of our time. Entrusted to Saint Faustina by Jesus, the Divine Mercy Message invites the world to trust in God’s boundless love and forgiveness.

God’s loving message of Divine Mercy was entrusted to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a humble and devoted sister from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland, during the early 20th century.

Through mystical encounters with Jesus, Saint Faustina received the mission of reminding the world of God’s boundless mercy. She faithfully recorded these revelations in her spiritual diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, read and cherished all around the world.

As she wrote:
“Divine Mercy – that is the mercy which God the Father bestows on us through Jesus Christ His Son.”
(Diary 570)

Jesus’s Mission for Saint Faustina

Jesus chose Sister Faustina to be the Apostle and Secretary of His mercy, this is, a vessel through whom He would speak to the world and to prepare the world for His Second Coming.

He said to her:

“I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish mankind, but desire to heal it, pressing it to My merciful Heart.”
(Diary 1588)

And again:

“You will prepare the world for My final coming.”
(Diary 429)

Also:

“I am giving mankind the final hope of salvation; that is, recourse to My Mercy.”
(Diary 998)

These words are not meant to stir fear but to call the world back to trust, trust in Jesus, in His Mercy, and in His desire to save everyone, especially the greatest of sinners.

Our Lady’s Role in the Divine Mercy Message

Our Lady often appeared to Sister Faustina too. On one appearance, Our Lady said:

“I gave the world a Saviour. You must make known His mercy, and prepare the world for His Second Coming. He will then come, not as a merciful saviour, but as a Just Judge. Oh how terrible is that day! Determined is the day of justice. Angels tremble before it. Speak to souls of His great Mercy while there is still time. If you remain silent now, you will have to account for a great number of souls on that final day. Fear nothing. Be faithful to the end.” (Diary 635)

These messages were not intended to spark fear, as Our Lady said, but to encourage trust in Jesus and His Mercy. Saint Faustina’s mission was to remind the world of the truth of Holy Scripture, that God’s Love is Merciful for every human being.

Jesus said:

“Souls who spread the honour of My Mercy I shield through their entire life and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but their Merciful Saviour.” (Diary 1074)

Jesus also revealed that:

“The greater the sinner, the greater the mercy. Summon all those to confidence in the incomprehensible depth of My Mercy for I desire to save all. The well of mercy was opened wide with a lance on the Cross, for all souls. I do not exclude anyone.” (Diary 1182)

To know of Jesus’s Mercy is a grace in itself. We should cherish this knowledge and propagate it.

God Desires Mercy, Not Judgment

Jesus repeatedly assured Saint Faustina of His love for every soul, and the special protection He offers to those who trust in Him and proclaim His mercy.

“Souls who spread the honour of My Mercy I shield through their entire life and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but their Merciful Saviour.”
(Diary 1074)

He also told her:

“The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy. Summon all those to confidence in the incomprehensible depth of My Mercy. I desire to save all souls. The well of mercy was opened wide with a lance on the Cross, for all souls. I do not exclude anyone.”
(Diary 1182)

To know of God’s mercy is already a grace. But to respond to it, to trust in it, to live it, and to share it – this is our true calling.

How to venerate the Divine Mercy Message

But how do we venerate The Divine Mercy Message? How do we honour it? Well, there are several ways Jesus teaches us to do this.

Jesus taught Saint Faustina specific ways that we are to honour His Divine Mercy. These include:

1. Venerating the Divine Mercy Image
2. Pray the 3 o’clock Prayer in The Great Hour of Mercy
3. Praying The Divine Mercy Chaplet
4. Pray The Divine Mercy Novena
5. Celebrating The Feast of Mercy
6. Spread His Divine Mercy Message.

Through these devotions, we are invited to step deeper into the mystery of God’s unfathomable compassion.

Let’s have a closer look –

1. The Divine Mercy Image

After appearing to Sister Faustina in early 1931, Jesus asked her to:

“Paint a picture according to the vision you see, with the signature, Jesus I trust in You. I desire this picture to be venerated first in your chapel and then throughout the whole world.” (Diary 47)

Jesus wished for this image to be venerated and attached a great promise to it, saying:

“I promise that the soul that venerates this image will not perish. I further promise to that soul victory over enemies here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself shall defend that soul as My own glory…” (Diary 48)

The image seen below is an example of this very image. Jesus, dressed in a white garment with one hand raised in blessing and the other touching His chest over His heart.

Jesus explained to Sister Faustina:

“The rays represent the Blood and Water which gushed forth from the depths of My Mercy when My agonising Heart was pierced on the cross. The pale rays symbolise the water, which cleanses and purifies the soul; the red rays represent the blood, which gives new life to the soul. These rays will shield the soul before the justice of My Father. Fortunate are those who live in this shelter, for the justice of God will not reach them there.” (Diary 299)

2. The Great Hour of Mercy

What is the The Great Hour of Mercy?

The Great Hour of Mercy is 3 o’clock in the afternoon, as this was the moment in which Jesus died for us on the cross, where by Jesus’ Passion and sacrifice, the Kingdom of God was opened to us.

“As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world — mercy triumphed over justice.” (1572)

Why honour the The Great Hour of Mercy?

Jesus asked that we honor His Passion at 3:00 PM, the hour of His death, saying:

“At three o’clock implore My Mercy especially for sinners; and if only for a moment implore yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony…This is the hour of great mercy for the whole world…At this hour I will refuse nothing the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion”. (Diary 1320).

Therefore at 3 o’clock, beg God to forgive all those around the world who will die without knowing God’s love. For those where the Word of God fell on deaf ears and for those who never repented or made conversion. There is no greater act of mercy we can pray for someone, than this. 

How to honour the The Great Hour of Mercy?

1. Say the 3 O’Clock Prayer

At 3:00pm, we remember Christ’s supreme act of love, and in doing so, we open ourselves to receive mercy, and to intercede for others by saying the 3 o’clock prayer:

The 3 O’Clock Prayer 

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. 

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You! Jesus, I trust in You! (Repeat this line three times)

At this hour, we are encouraged to stop, even briefly, to unite ourselves to Christ’s Passion and ask for mercy for ourselves and for the world. Jesus said:

2. Honour Jesus’s Passion

“My daughter, try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, My Heart, which is full of mercy; and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant.” (1572)

There are traditionally fourteen Stations of the Cross. Each station represents a different moment in Jesus’ Passion and Death. Below is a short Way Of The Cross as used by The Franciscan Fathers on their Missions:

3. Perform acts of Mercy for others:

3.1. Perform acts of Mercy for others: The ABCs of Divine Mercy

To help live out this devotion daily, Jesus offered us a very simple but powerful guide. Think of it as the ABCs of Divine Mercy:

• A – Ask for His Mercy: God wants us to turn to Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking for His mercy for ourselves and for the whole world.
  
• B – Be merciful: Jesus said, “I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbours always and everywhere.” (Diary 742)
  
• C – Completely trust in Jesus: Jesus said, “The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is—trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive.” (Diary 1578)

This simple structure can help anyone remember how to live the message daily: Ask, Be merciful, and Completely trust.

3.2. Perform acts of Mercy for others: Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy

4. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

3. The Divine Mercy Chaplet: A staple of the Divine Mercy Message

One day, Sister Faustina had a vision of an angel about to strike the earth as punishment for its sins. She began to pray, but her prayers seemed powerless, until she saw the Holy Trinity and was given these words:

How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet

The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a simple yet powerful prayer that Jesus gave to Saint Faustina, to be said using the beads of an ordinary Rosary. It is especially powerful when prayed for sinners, the dying, and for the whole world. This is the Staple of the Divine Mercy Message.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Chaplet:

1. Make the Sign of the Cross
   
2. Say the following Opening Prayers:

St. Faustina’s Prayer for Sinners

O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy, I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equalled. Therefore, let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God’s mercy will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages.
(Diary 72)

The 3 O’Clock Prayer

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You! (Repeat this paragraph three times)

3. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed
   
4. On the large bead before each decade, pray:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

5. On the ten small beads of each decade, pray:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

6. After five decades, conclude with:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

7. Optional Closing Prayer:

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. (Diary 950)

4. Pray The Divine Mercy Novena

Another central part of the devotion is the Divine Mercy Novena, which Jesus gave to Saint Faustina to be prayed in the nine days leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday, beginning on Good Friday.

Jesus said to her:

“I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My mercy, that they may draw strength and refreshment and whatever grace they need in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death.”
(Diary 1209)

Each day of the novena is dedicated to a different group of souls, for whom Jesus desires special graces. These are:

1. All mankind, especially sinners/ those who do not know the love of God
   
2. Priests and Religious
   
3. Devout and faithful souls
   
4. Those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me
   
5. Heretics and schismatics
   
6. The meek and humble, especially children
   
7. Souls who especially venerate and glorify My mercy
   
8. Souls in purgatory
   
9. Lukewarm souls (which, Jesus revealed, cause Him the most suffering)

For each day, Jesus gave Sister Faustina a short prayer intention followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to be prayed.

He promised:

“By this Novena, I will grant every possible grace to souls.”
(Diary 796)

Though it is most traditionally prayed during the nine days before Divine Mercy Sunday, it can be said at any time of the year. It is a powerful intercession for the whole world.

5. Celebrating the Feast of Mercy: Divine Mercy Sunday

The heart of the devotion of the Divine Mercy Message is the Feast of Mercy, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.

This Feast was specifically requested by Jesus:

“I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open.”
(Diary 699)

And He made this extraordinary promise:

“The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.”
(Diary 699)

This grace is greater than a plenary indulgence. It is like a second baptism, a complete renewal of the soul.

Why Divine Mercy Sunday Matters:

Jesus Himself linked it to His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, the very heart of our redemption. Divine Mercy Sunday is not just a celebration, but a gift. A door wide open. A feast where no one is to be excluded.

We are invited to prepare by going to Confession beforehand (or soon after) and receiving Holy Communion on the day. But most importantly, we must approach with complete trust in Jesus’s mercy.

“Therefore, let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.”
(Diary 699)

And again:

“On that day, all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who will approach the fount of My mercy.”
(Diary 699)

We are also called to tell others about this day so they too may receive these graces.

6. Spread His message – the Divine Mercy Message

Jesus emphasized the importance of sharing His Divine Mercy Message with the world:

“Tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.” (Diary 965)

So evangelisation is not optional, it’s part of the devotion itself. This includes:

• Sharing Divine Mercy literature.
  
• Promoting the Image and Chaplet.
  
• Living a life of mercy.

Final Thoughts

Practising the Divine Mercy Message is not just a devotion, it is a lifeline. Jesus is calling each of us to trust in His mercy, to spread His love, and to be vessels of compassion in a hurting world.

These acts are ways of letting God’s mercy flow through us to others. As Jesus said:

“You are to show mercy to your neighbours always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse yourself from it.”
(Diary 742)

Performing one or more of these acts is a beautiful way to deepen your participation in the devotion of Divine Mercy.