GOD'S INFINITE MERCY OVERFLOWING UPON THE WHOLE WORLD
THE POWER OF PRAYER, ABSOLUTE TRUST IN GOD, AND OBEDIENCE TO HIS DIVINE WILL
THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY, THE NINE-DAY NOVENA AND THE PROMISES OF JESUS CHRIST
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska — Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary
October 30, 2026
I. THE REVELATION OF GOD'S INFINITE MERCY
DIARY §§ 1074–1076
§ 1074 — THE FLAMES OF DIVINE MERCY
Printed pages 253–254
When I went for adoration, I heard these words:
My beloved daughter, write down these words, that today My Heart has rested in this convent [the Cracow house].
Tell the world about My mercy and My love.
The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls. Oh, what pain they cause Me when they do not want to accept them!
My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy. I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace.
Tell [all people], My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.
§ 1075 — THE PROMISE OF DIVINE PROTECTION
Printed page 254
Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire lives as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the merciful Savior. (21) At that last hour, a soul has nothing with which to defend itself except My mercy. Happy is the soul that during its lifetime immersed itself in the Fountain of Mercy, because justice will have no hold on it.
§ 1076 — THE SUFFERING CAUSED BY DISTRUST
Printed page 254
Write this: Everything that exists is enclosed in the bowels of My mercy, more deeply than an infant in its mother’s womb. How painfully distrust of My goodness wounds Me! Sins of distrust wound Me most painfully.
OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WILL: THE ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION OF DIVINE MERCY
THE PROMISES OF JESUS CHRIST MUST BE UNDERSTOOD IN THE LIGHT OF HIS DIVINE WILL
One of the most important theological teachings contained in Saint Faustina Kowalska's Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul concerns the relationship between prayer, trust, human freedom, and obedience to God's will.
The extraordinary promises associated with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy cannot be separated from this fundamental principle.
To trust in God is not merely to believe that He can grant our petitions. It is to recognize His supreme wisdom and to surrender our will to His divine will.
Saint Faustina repeatedly emphasized that spiritual perfection does not consist primarily in receiving mystical revelations, extraordinary graces, or supernatural gifts.
It consists in the union of the human will with the will of God.
This distinction is essential for understanding the meaning of the promises attributed to Jesus Christ.
I. SAINT FAUSTINA'S DEFINITION OF HOLINESS — DIARY § 1107
Source: Saint Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary, Notebook III, § 1107, printed p. 236; PDF p. 258.
In this passage, Saint Faustina explains that spiritual perfection is not measured by extraordinary mystical experiences.
She writes:
“My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God.”
This statement expresses the central principle of her spirituality.
Holiness is not a demonstration of spiritual power.
It is the transformation of the human person through voluntary cooperation with divine grace.
Faustina also explains that God respects human freedom.
The individual must freely choose whether to accept and cooperate with God's grace.
Theological Analysis
Three fundamental principles emerge from this passage.
First: God's will is superior to human desires.
Human beings possess limited knowledge of the consequences of their decisions.
According to Christian theology, divine wisdom transcends these limitations.
Second: obedience requires freedom.
Authentic obedience to God is not mechanical submission.
It is a voluntary act of faith and love.
Third: spiritual gifts do not establish moral superiority.
Extraordinary religious experiences do not replace humility, charity, responsibility, or fidelity to God's commandments.
This teaching prevents Divine Mercy devotion from being reduced to the pursuit of supernatural favors.
Its ultimate purpose is the sanctification of the human person.
II. THE EXPLICIT CONDITION ATTACHED TO THE PROMISES OF THE CHAPLET — DIARY § 1731
Source: Saint Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary, Notebook VI, § 1731, printed p. 355; PDF p. 377.
This passage is particularly important because it establishes an explicit condition concerning petitions made through the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
Saint Faustina describes a violent storm and her decision to pray that it would cause no harm.
According to her testimony, she received an instruction to recite the Chaplet.
She reports that the storm ceased while she was praying.
The passage concludes with the promise:
“Through the chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will.”
The decisive condition is compatibility with God's will.
This qualification must accompany any responsible presentation of the promises associated with the Chaplet.
Theological Analysis
The promise cannot properly be interpreted as an unconditional guarantee that every request will be granted.
The statement establishes a relationship between three elements:
- Prayer offered with faith.
- Confidence in divine mercy.
- Conformity with God's will.
The third element is indispensable.
Consequently, the believer is invited to pray with confidence while accepting that the fulfillment of a petition remains subject to divine wisdom.
True faith does not demand that God obey humanity. True faith seeks to obey God.
III. JESUS CHRIST AND THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF OBEDIENCE
The Prayer in Gethsemane
The theological foundation of obedience to God's will is found in the example of Jesus Christ Himself.
Before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Gospel according to Matthew records His acceptance of the Father's will:
Matthew 26:39 — King James Version
“O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
This prayer demonstrates that obedience to God does not necessarily eliminate suffering, fear, or human anguish.
Jesus acknowledges the suffering before Him while surrendering Himself to the Father's will.
His obedience is not presented as the absence of suffering but as fidelity despite suffering.
Matthew 6:10 — The Lord's Prayer
The same principle appears in the prayer Jesus taught His disciples:
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Thus, the surrender of human desires to divine wisdom is not an isolated teaching of Saint Faustina.
It is rooted in the Gospel itself.
IV. THE PROMISE TO THOSE WHO RECITE THE CHAPLET — DIARY § 754
Source: Saint Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary, Notebook II, § 754, printed p. 174; PDF p. 196.
Saint Faustina records a promise concerning the spiritual protection of those who recite the Chaplet.
According to the passage, divine mercy accompanies those who pray, especially at the hour of death.
The promise emphasizes the spiritual significance of perseverance in prayer.
However, this teaching must be understood within the wider Christian framework of repentance, conversion, trust, and fidelity to God.
The Chaplet is not presented as a substitute for a life of faith.
Rather, it is a means of expressing dependence upon divine mercy.
V. THE PROMISE CONCERNING THE DYING — DIARY § 811
Source: Saint Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary, Notebook II, § 811, printed p. 184; PDF p. 206.
This passage concerns the recitation of the Chaplet by a dying person or by someone praying at that person's bedside.
Saint Faustina records a promise of divine mercy associated with this practice.
The passage expresses the belief that the mercy of Christ remains accessible at the final moment of earthly life.
Its spiritual importance lies in the recognition of human vulnerability.
At the hour of death, human beings confront the limits of their physical existence.
The Christian response is not abandonment but prayer, compassion, and trust in God.
The promise should not be interpreted as eliminating the importance of repentance, spiritual preparation, or the sacraments.
It expresses confidence in God's compassion toward the dying.
VI. THE PROMISE OF JESUS CONCERNING PETITIONS — DIARY § 1541
Source: Saint Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary, Notebook V, § 1541, printed p. 317; PDF p. 339.
This passage contains one of the most significant promises associated with the Chaplet.
Saint Faustina records an instruction attributed to Jesus encouraging people to recite the prayer.
The message also addresses sinners who have lost hope because of the gravity of their wrongdoing.
Its central teaching is that despair should not prevent a person from seeking divine mercy.
The promise emphasizes peace, conversion, and confidence in God's compassion.
Nevertheless, § 1541 must be interpreted together with § 1731.
The latter explicitly establishes that petitions are subject to conformity with God's will.
Reading these passages together avoids the mistaken conclusion that the Chaplet guarantees the automatic fulfillment of every human desire.
VII. THE MISSION OF SAINT FAUSTINA — DIARY § 1142
June 4, 1937 — Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Source: Saint Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary, Notebook III, § 1142, printed p. 241; PDF p. 263.
This is the passage corresponding to the Portuguese edition previously reproduced.
During Holy Mass, Saint Faustina describes receiving a deeper understanding of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His infinite mercy.
She records a message beginning:
“Apostle of My mercy, proclaim to the whole world My unfathomable mercy.”
The continuation emphasizes perseverance in the face of suffering and the responsibility to preserve the revelations in writing.
Obedience and the Mission to Proclaim Divine Mercy
Paragraph 1142 is especially significant when examined together with paragraph 1107.
In § 1107, Saint Faustina identifies holiness with union between the human will and God's will.
In § 1142, she describes receiving a mission that requires perseverance despite serious difficulties.
Together, these passages illustrate two complementary dimensions of obedience.
Interior obedience: surrendering personal desires to God's will.
Practical obedience: faithfully carrying out a religious mission despite hardship.
For Saint Faustina, proclaiming Divine Mercy was therefore not simply an expression of personal religious enthusiasm.
She understood it as a responsibility entrusted to her by Jesus Christ.
VIII. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN DIVINE WILL AND HUMAN AUTHORITY
A further theological distinction is necessary.
Obedience to God's will must not be confused with unconditional obedience to every demand made by another human being.
Christian theology recognizes that human authorities are subject to moral obligations.
The duty to obey God does not authorize wrongdoing, abuse, deception, or violations of human dignity.
The Acts of the Apostles records the following declaration:
Acts 5:29 — King James Version
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
This principle establishes a distinction between divine authority and human commands.
It is particularly important when obedience is invoked to justify conduct contrary to conscience or fundamental moral obligations.
The Christian duty of obedience cannot legitimately be used to require participation in injustice.
Likewise, the spiritual virtue of humility does not require victims to accept abuse or abandon legitimate demands for truth, protection, and justice.
Obedience to God and resistance to wrongdoing are not inherently contradictory.
IX. DIVINE MERCY REQUIRES TRUST, CONVERSION, AND CHARITY
The theological introduction to the 2005 English edition of Saint Faustina's Diary emphasizes that the devotion rests upon trust in God and active mercy toward others.
This is essential.
The Chaplet must not be understood merely as a sequence of prayers intended to obtain personal benefits.
Its repeated invocation for the whole world expresses a responsibility toward humanity.
A person who asks God for mercy is also called to practice mercy.
This includes compassion toward the sick, assistance to the poor, concern for those who suffer, and respect for human dignity.
The connection between prayer and moral conduct prevents devotion from becoming detached from daily life.
Faith, obedience, and charity must remain united.
X. CONCLUSION — THE GREATEST PROMISE IS THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE HUMAN HEART
Saint Faustina's Diary presents Divine Mercy as an invitation to trust God completely.
The promises associated with the Chaplet offer spiritual consolation and hope.
Yet the deeper purpose of the devotion is not the satisfaction of every human desire.
It is the transformation of the human heart through faith, repentance, humility, and love.
The fundamental teaching of Saint Faustina may therefore be expressed in three principles:
TRUST IN GOD'S INFINITE MERCY.
PRAY WITH FAITH FOR YOURSELF AND FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.
SURRENDER YOUR WILL TO THE DIVINE WILL OF GOD.
The example of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane remains the supreme expression of this spiritual attitude.
Prayer does not mean commanding God.
Prayer means entering into communion with Him.
The faithful may present their needs, their suffering, their hopes, and their petitions with confidence.
But the final act of faith is the acceptance of God's will.
JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU.
THY WILL BE DONE.
FOR THE SAKE OF HIS SORROWFUL PASSION, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE WORLD.
DOCUMENTARY REFERENCES
KOWALSKA, Saint Maria Faustina. Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary. Stockbridge, Massachusetts: Marian Press, 2005. Complete English edition, 437 PDF pages.
Relevant passages:
| Diary paragraph |
Subject |
Printed page |
PDF page |
| § 754 |
Mercy for those who recite the Chaplet |
174 |
196 |
| § 811 |
Divine Mercy at the hour of death |
184 |
206 |
| § 1075 |
Protection of those who spread Divine Mercy |
232 |
254 |
| § 1107 |
Holiness and union with God's will |
236 |
258 |
| § 1142 |
Mission to proclaim Divine Mercy |
241 |
263 |
| § 1541 |
Promises associated with the Chaplet |
317 |
339 |
| § 1572 |
The Hour of Mercy |
323 |
345 |
| § 1731 |
Petitions must conform to God's will |
355 |
377 |
Complete book:
https://dn790001.ca.archive.org/0/items/St.FaustinaKowalskaDiary_201509/St.%20Faustina%20Kowalska%20-%20Diary.pdf
THE HOLY BIBLE. King James Version. Matthew 6:10; Matthew 26:39; Acts 5:29.
SUMMARY
Saint Faustina Kowalska's Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul establishes a profound relationship between prayer, trust, obedience, and the will of God.
Although the Diary records extraordinary promises attributed to Jesus Christ concerning the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, paragraph 1731 expressly conditions the granting of petitions upon their compatibility with God's will.
Paragraph 1107 further identifies spiritual perfection with the union of the human will and the divine will.
These teachings correspond to the example of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane, where He surrendered Himself to the will of the Father.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is therefore not merely a prayer for spiritual favors. It is an expression of trust, repentance, compassion, and surrender to divine wisdom.
JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU. THY WILL BE DONE.
HASHTAGS
#DivineMercy #ChapletOfDivineMercy #SaintFaustina #JesusITrustInYou #GodsWill #ObedienceToGod #ThyWillBeDone #PowerOfPrayer #SacredHeartOfJesus #ChristianFaith #DivineGrace #FaithAndTrust #DivineLove #Mercy #PrayerForTheWorld
II. THE ORIGIN OF THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY
DIARY §§ 474–476
Saint Faustina recorded the revelation of the Chaplet in September 1935.
The central instructions appear in paragraph 476.
§ 476 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
The next morning, when I entered chapel, I heard these words interiorly:
Every time you enter the chapel, immediately recite the prayer which I taught you yesterday.
When I had said the prayer, in my soul I heard these words:
This prayer will serve to appease My wrath. You will recite it for nine days, on the beads of the rosary, in the following manner: First of all, you will say one OUR FATHER and HAIL MARY and the I BELIEVE IN GOD. Then on the OUR FATHER beads you will say the following words: “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.” On the HAIL MARY beads you will say the following words: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.” In conclusion, three times you will recite these words: “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
III. THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY
THE PRAYER TO BE RECITED ON EACH DAY OF THE NOVENA
1. SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
2. OPENING 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.
3. REPEAT THREE TIMES
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!
4. OUR FATHER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Amen.
5. HAIL MARY
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
6. THE APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary;
Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
THE FIVE DECADES
FIRST DECADE
On the large bead:
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.
On each of the ten small beads:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Repeat ten times.
SECOND DECADE
On the large bead:
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.
On each of the ten small beads:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Repeat ten times.
THIRD DECADE
On the large bead:
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.
On each of the ten small beads:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Repeat ten times.
FOURTH DECADE
On the large bead:
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.
On each of the ten small beads:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Repeat ten times.
FIFTH DECADE
On the large bead:
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.
On each of the ten small beads:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Repeat ten times.
CONCLUDING PRAYER — THREE TIMES
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
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.
Amen.
JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU.
IV. THE PROMISE OF THE NINE-DAY NOVENA
DIARY § 1209 — PRINTED PAGE 272
Novena to The Divine Mercy
Which Jesus instructed me to write down and make before the Feast of Mercy. It begins on Good Friday.
I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fountain of My mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever grace they need in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death.
On each day you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls, and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father. You will do this in this life and in the next. I will deny nothing to any soul whom you will bring to the fount of My mercy. On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls.
I answered, “Jesus, I do not know how to make this novena or which souls to bring first into Your Most Compassionate heart.”
Jesus replied that He would tell me which souls to bring each day into His Heart.
V. THE COMPLETE NINE-DAY NOVENA
FIRST DAY — ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY ALL SINNERS
§ 1210 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today, bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.
§ 1211 — PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness.
Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it.
We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Oh omnipotence of Divine Mercy,
Salvation of sinful people,
You re a sea of mercy and compassion;
You aid those who entreat You with humility.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate heart of Jesus.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy forever and ever.
Amen.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
The first day begins with humanity as a whole.
This is significant because divine mercy is not restricted to those who already consider themselves righteous.
The prayer begins with sinners, acknowledging the universal human need for forgiveness.
It also establishes an essential principle of Christian spirituality: no person should be regarded as beyond the possibility of conversion.
SECOND DAY — PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS
§ 1212 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to me the souls of priests and religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me the strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My mercy flows out upon mankind.
§ 1213 — PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
The Fountain of God's love
Dwells in pure hearts,
Bathed in the Sea of Mercy,
Radiant as stars, bright as the dawn.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company [of chosen ones] in Your vineyard – upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing.
For the love of the Heart of your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end.
Amen.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
The second day emphasizes the responsibility of those entrusted with religious ministry.
Priests and religious are called to become instruments of mercy.
Their vocation requires spiritual integrity, humility, compassion, and service.
The prayer for divine assistance also recognizes that religious authority does not eliminate human weakness.
Those who guide others remain in need of grace.
THIRD DAY — ALL DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SOULS
§ 1214 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to Me all devout and faithful souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.
§ 1215 — PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all.
Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it.
We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
The miracles of mercy are impenetrable.
Neither the sinner nor just one will fathom them.
When You cast upon us an eye of pity,
You draw us all closer to Your love.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of your Son.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection.
Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify your boundless mercy for endless ages.
Amen.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
Faithfulness is not merely adherence to religious rituals.
It requires perseverance, love, humility, and practical charity.
The third day invites believers to remain faithful even during suffering and uncertainty.
FOURTH DAY — THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW JESUS CHRIST
§ 1216 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to Me the pagans and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.
§ 1217 — PRAYER
Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world.
Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not know You.
Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
May the light of Your love
Enlighten the souls in darkness;
Grant that these souls will know You
And, together with us, praise Your mercy.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate heart of Jesus.
Draw them to the light of the Gospel.
These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You.
Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages.
Amen.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
The fourth day expresses the universal scope of Christ's redemptive mission.
The prayer includes people beyond the boundaries of the Christian community.
Its theological purpose is intercession.
The language of the original Diary reflects its historical and religious context and should be distinguished from contemporary principles of religious freedom and respect for conscience.
FIFTH DAY — CHRISTIANS SEPARATED FROM THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH
§ 1218 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to Me the souls of heretics and schismatics, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart; that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal, and in this way they alleviate My Passion.
§ 1219 — PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You.
Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics.
Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to extol the generosity of Your mercy.
Even for those who have torn the garment
of Your unity,
A fount of mercy flows from Your Heart.
The omnipotence of Your mercy, Oh God,
Can lead these souls also out of error.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors.
Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages.
Amen.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
The fifth day concerns Christian unity.
The historical terminology preserved in the Diary should be understood in its original context.
The central spiritual concern is reconciliation.
Christian unity cannot be reduced to institutional conformity alone.
It also requires charity, truthfulness, respect for conscience, and the rejection of hostility among Christians.
SIXTH DAY — THE MEEK, THE HUMBLE, AND LITTLE CHILDREN
§ 1220 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who would keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is able to receive My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.
§ 1221 — PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.”
Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children.
These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites.
They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance.
These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
§ 1222 — PRAYER OF PRAISE
A truly gentle and humble soul
Already here on earth the air of paradise breathes,
And in the fragrance of her humble heart
The Creator Himself delights.
§ 1223 — PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son.
Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne.
Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them:
Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of your mercy for endless ages.
Amen.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
Humility occupies a central position in Christian spirituality.
The sixth day connects humility with openness to divine grace.
Children are presented as symbols of trust and spiritual simplicity.
Nevertheless, humility must not be confused with passivity before injustice.
Authentic humility is compatible with courage, moral responsibility, and the defense of human dignity.
SEVENTH DAY — THOSE WHO VENERATE AND GLORIFY DIVINE MERCY
§ 1224 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to me the souls who especially venerate and glorify My mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My Spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.
§ 1225 — PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy.
These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself.
In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy.
These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders.
These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord
Is especially loved by Him.
She is always close to the living fountain
And draws graces from Mercy Divine.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High!
I beg You O God:
Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You.
Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them,
I Myself will defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
The seventh day emphasizes the responsibility of those who proclaim Divine Mercy.
The prayer describes these souls as a living Gospel.
This expression is significant.
Religious devotion must be accompanied by concrete works of mercy.
A person cannot meaningfully proclaim divine compassion while remaining indifferent to the suffering of others.
EIGHTH DAY — THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
§ 1226 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to Me the souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.
§ 1227 — PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice.
May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Your mercy may be praised.
From that terrible heat of the cleansing fire
Rises a plaint to Your mercy,
And they receive comfort, refreshment, relief
In the stream of mingled Blood and Water.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny.
Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion.
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
The eighth day expresses the Catholic belief in prayer for the dead.
It emphasizes the continuing spiritual relationship between the living and those who have died.
The prayer is an expression of solidarity, remembrance, and hope in divine mercy.
NINTH DAY — LUKEWARM SOULS
§ 1228 — THE WORDS OF JESUS
Today bring to Me souls who have become lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: “Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.” For them, the last hope of salvation is to flee to My mercy.
§ 1229 — PRAYER
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself.
I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart.
In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame.
O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Fire and ice cannot be joined;
Either the fire dies, or the ice melts.
But by Your mercy, O God,
You can make up for all that is lacking.
PRAYER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross;
Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy…..
PRAY THE COMPLETE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
The ninth day addresses spiritual indifference.
Lukewarmness is presented as a condition in which faith loses its transformative power.
The prayer asks that divine love rekindle the human heart.
This final day brings the Novena to its essential conclusion: mercy is not merely the forgiveness of past wrongdoing but also the possibility of spiritual renewal.
VI. OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WILL — DIARY § 1107
Saint Faustina explains that spiritual perfection does not consist primarily in extraordinary revelations or mystical gifts.
Her teaching emphasizes the voluntary union of the human will with God's will.
She writes:
My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God.
She also emphasizes human freedom and the responsibility to cooperate with divine grace.
THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
This passage establishes that spiritual perfection is not measured by extraordinary experiences.
It is measured by the transformation of the human will through faith, love, and obedience.
The distinction is essential.
Divine Mercy does not eliminate human responsibility.
The person who receives mercy is called to cooperate with grace.
VII. THE CONDITION ATTACHED TO THE PROMISES — DIARY § 1731
Saint Faustina records an experience involving a violent storm.
During the storm, she began to pray.
She reports hearing the instruction:
Say the chaplet I have taught you, and the storm will cease.
She then records the following promise:
Through the chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will.
THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
This passage is decisive for understanding the promises associated with the Chaplet.
The promise is explicitly conditioned upon compatibility with God's will.
Therefore, the Chaplet must not be understood as a mechanism through which human beings can compel God to grant their requests.
Prayer is an act of faith and communion with God.
TRUE FAITH DOES NOT DEMAND THAT GOD OBEY HUMANITY. TRUE FAITH SEEKS TO OBEY GOD.
VIII. JESUS CHRIST AND THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF OBEDIENCE
MATTHEW 26:39
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
The prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane reveals the relationship between suffering, faith, and obedience.
Jesus acknowledges the suffering before Him while accepting the Father's will.
His example demonstrates that obedience does not necessarily eliminate suffering.
It means remaining faithful despite suffering.
MATTHEW 6:10
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
The surrender of the human will to divine wisdom is therefore rooted in the Gospel itself.
IX. FINAL REFLECTION — DIVINE MERCY OVERFLOWING UPON THE WHOLE WORLD
The Chaplet and the Novena of Divine Mercy express a universal appeal for compassion, conversion, reconciliation, and salvation.
Each day of the Novena brings a different group of souls before the merciful Heart of Jesus.
Together, these prayers encompass humanity in its diversity, weakness, suffering, and spiritual needs.
The promises recorded by Saint Faustina express confidence in God's goodness.
Nevertheless, the Diary repeatedly emphasizes the importance of trust, humility, perseverance, and obedience to the divine will.
The purpose of prayer is not to control God.
It is to unite the human heart with Him.
May the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ overflow upon the entire world.
May it reach every person who suffers, every family in distress, every victim of injustice, every person struggling with illness, and every soul seeking peace.
May faith overcome despair, compassion overcome indifference, and love overcome hatred.
JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU.
THY WILL BE DONE.
FOR THE SAKE OF HIS SORROWFUL PASSION, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE WORLD.
X. DOCUMENTARY SOURCE
KOWALSKA, Saint Maria Faustina. Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary. Stockbridge, Massachusetts: Marian Press, 2005.
Complete PDF:
https://dn790001.ca.archive.org/0/items/St.FaustinaKowalskaDiary_201509/St.%20Faustina%20Kowalska%20-%20Diary.pdf
PARAGRAPHS VERIFIED
- §§ 474–476 — Origin and instructions for the Chaplet.
- §§ 1074–1076 — Divine Mercy and the promises of Jesus.
- § 1107 — Obedience to God's will.
- § 1209 — Promise of the Novena.
- §§ 1210–1229 — The nine days and their prayers.
- § 1230 — Poem on eternity.
- § 1731 — The condition concerning God's will.
SUMMARY
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938), the Polish Catholic mystic known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy, dedicated her religious life to proclaiming God's infinite compassion for humanity.
Her Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul records the revelation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the promises attributed to Jesus Christ, and the nine-day Novena beginning on Good Friday.
Paragraph 1209 contains the promise associated with the Novena.
Paragraphs 1210–1229 contain the intentions and prayers for its nine days.
The Chaplet is presented in its complete devotional form, including the five decades and concluding prayers.
The spiritual foundation of these devotions is trust in Divine Mercy, perseverance in prayer, conversion, compassion, and obedience to God's will.
JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU.
THY WILL BE DONE.
HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE WORLD.
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