St Faustina’s life as a religious was marked by the stigma of suffering, but also with extraordinary mystical
graces, that of conversing with the Lord.
‘In the evening, when I was in my cell, I became aware of the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand was raised in blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From the opening in the garment there came forth two large rays, one red, and the other pale. In silence I gazed intently at the Lord; my soul was overwhelmed with fear, but also with great joy. Jesus said to me:
Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.
I desire that the first Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy. I want the image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter. 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... The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. My Heart rejoices in this feast.
Jesus recommended with particular emphasis the veneration of the hour of his death as a daily habit:
At three o'clock implore my mercy especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in my Passion, particularly in my abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy for the
whole world... In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of me in virtue of my Passion. You may obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world - mercy triumphed over justice.