Sister Faustina claimed visions of apparitions. Having mentioned these unusual occurrences to her spiritual advisors, (Rev. M. Sopocko and Fr. J. Andrasz, S.J.) Sister was instructed to keep a diary of these events. In the coming years Sr. Mary Faustina received many visitations from Heavenly Hosts. During some of these visitations Sister Faustina was instructed by Jesus about a devotional painting which today we call the "Image of Divine Mercy." Sister was also instructed with rosaries prayers known as the "Chaplet of Divine Mercy." Jesus said to Sister Faustina, "Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the unmeasurable depths of My mercy." Reference source: Diary of Sister M. Faustina Kowalska, Notebook III, 1209-1330, (57-66). The diaries of Sister Faustina were published in Polish and later published in English in 1987. To read "Divine Mercy In My Soul" is an undertaking, it totals 697 pages. However, it is one of the most moving and inspirational books ever written.

On March 10, 2000 the Vatican announced Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska would be canonized on April 30, 2000. The canonization took place at, St. Peter's in Rome. In recognition of this historical event, Pope, John Paul announced during the canonization that the first Sunday after Easter is declared "The Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday."  During the canonization Pope John Paul also told the million plus visitors that "This is the reason why I became Pope."

The Beatification of Pope John Paul II on the "Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday," May 1, 2011 could not be more perfect. John Paul is the champion of the devotion of the Divine Mercy. Without the Mercy of God there is no hope for this world. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is the hope. We all should flock to say this devotion faithfully as without it this world is destined to a burned out cinder good for no purpose.

In reflection before her death, Sister Faustina heard these words as she prayed for Poland; "I bear a special love for Poland, and if she (Poland) will be obedient to My will, I will exalt her in might and holiness. From her (Poland) will come forth the "spark" that will prepare the world for My final coming."  Notebook VI 1732.

How interesting that on the day of the canonization of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, John Paul II say's to the world,  "It was for this moment he believed he became Pope ." (*see footnote) During his pontificate John Paul accomplished more world changing events than any other Pope in history. Yet, John Paul speaks in confidence his main destiny as Pope is the devotional of "The Divine Mercy" and the Sainthood of a humble Polish nun named, Sister Maria Faustina. No less amazing is Sister Faustina's entry in her diary where Jesus told her, "I bear a special love for Poland, and if she (Poland) will be obedient to My will, I will exalt her in might and holiness. From her (Poland) will come forth the "spark" that will prepare the world for My final coming."  Notebook VI 1732. These two declarations clearly suggests the "spark" of Poland is His Holiness Pope John Paul II and the preparation for the "final coming"  is in fact "The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy."

On the evening of April 2, 2005 John Paul was near death. The next day was Divine Mercy Sunday. The usual vespers for the preparations of the "Divine Mercy" had begun when John Paul passed away at 9:37, Rome time. There is no question that one of the greatest missions of John Paul was to bring back the world saving devotional called "Divine Mercy." It is therefore fitting that he should pass away during the vespers in preparation of the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday.

I personally remain convinced that John Paul's greatest mission was to place the Mercy of God, in the hands of much needed sinners (Rosary Chaplet of Divine Mercy)before the coming of worldwide chastisements. We must prepare the world for the "final coming," now the prophecy of "the spark" from Poland has come and passed." The preparation for "The Coming" is the "Chaplet of Divine Mercy." Without this Mercy, there is no hope for this world.

The National Divine Mercy Shrine is located in Stockbridge, MA. USA.

* Footnote, John Paul II say's to the world,  "It was for this moment he believed he became Pope ." Source of information, the Most Rev. Daniel Cambra Mic Provincial Superior, May 1, 2011, at Divine Mercy Sunday and celebration of the same day Beatification of Pope John Paul ll at Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

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