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Optional Memorial · October 5

Saint Faustina Kowalska, Virgin

A day to honor Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun known for her deep devotion to Divine Mercy.

WhiteOptional_memorial Mon, October 5, 2026
Saint Faustina Kowalska, Virgin
What & why

Celebrating Divine Mercy

Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, is best known for her visions of Jesus and her role in promoting the message of Divine Mercy. Her diary, 'Divine Mercy in My Soul,' details her encounters with Christ and emphasizes His boundless mercy towards humanity.

The Optional Memorial of Saint Faustina invites us to reflect on the importance of mercy in our own lives and to share that mercy with others. Her life and writings inspire us to trust in God's love and to seek reconciliation with Him and one another.

History

The Life of Saint Faustina

Born on August 25, 1905, in Poland, Helena Kowalska entered the convent at the age of 20, taking the name Sister Maria Faustina. Throughout her life, she experienced profound mystical encounters with Jesus, who entrusted her with the message of Divine Mercy, urging her to spread this message to the world.

Saint Faustina died on October 5, 1938, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000. Her feast day is celebrated on the anniversary of her death, a reminder of her life dedicated to the love and mercy of God.

The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.

— Jesus to Saint Faustina

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:7
In sacred art

Symbols & iconography

  • Divine Mercy imageThis image depicts Jesus with rays of red and white light, symbolizing the blood and water that flowed from His side.
  • The Chaplet of Divine MercyA special prayer that Saint Faustina promoted, focusing on God's mercy and compassion.
Living the feast

Customs & traditions

  • Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

    Gather as a family to pray the Chaplet, asking for God's mercy for yourselves and the world.

  • Reflect on God's Mercy

    Spend time discussing how you can show mercy in your daily lives, inspired by Saint Faustina's example.

  • Share Acts of Kindness

    Encourage each family member to perform an act of kindness in honor of Saint Faustina.

Why this date

About this date

The celebration falls on the anniversary of Saint Faustina's death, marking her entrance into eternal life and her continued intercession for us.

Questions

Frequently asked

Who was Saint Faustina Kowalska?

Saint Faustina was a Polish nun known for her visions of Jesus and her message of Divine Mercy.

Why is Divine Mercy important?

Divine Mercy emphasizes God's unconditional love and forgiveness, encouraging us to be merciful to others.

How can we celebrate this day at home?

Families can pray together, reflect on mercy, and perform acts of kindness in honor of Saint Faustina.

Pray it as a household

Bring the feast into your family’s day

Solua walks your family through the day’s prayer together — a few unhurried minutes, shaped by the season.

Pray Together
Saint Faustina Kowalska, VirginOptional_memorial · Mon, October 5, 2026