30 April 2000, Canonization of Sr. Mary Faustina Kowalska
Pope John Paul II
Document summary
John Paul II presents the canonization of Sister Mary Faustina Kowalska as a proclamation of Christ’s mercy for the new millennium. The blood and water from Christ’s wounded side signify the Eucharist, Baptism, and the Holy Spirit; Faustina’s vision of two rays makes this Gospel message visible amid the suffering of the twentieth century. Trust in divine mercy is offered as the path to peace, healing, and restored unity.
The Second Sunday of Easter is established for the universal Church as Divine Mercy Sunday. Those who receive mercy must practise it by answering both the spiritual and material needs of others, especially the suffering and abandoned. Faustina’s compassion, forgiveness, and solidarity become a pattern for recognising the dignity of every person and making charity concrete. The message speaks particularly to people burdened by sin, despair, or suffering, inviting them to pray, “Jesus, I trust in you.” With the Virgin Mary, the Church asks Saint Faustina’s intercession for conversion, peace, and brotherhood throughout the world.
Cite this Document
Document details
- Document name
- 30 April 2000, Canonization of Sr. Mary Faustina Kowalska
- Citation title
- Homily at Canonization of Sr. Mary Faustina Kowalska
- Author
- Pope John Paul II
- Language
- English
- Year
- 2000-04-30
- Publisher
- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
- Publisher Location
- Vatican City
- Document Category
- Homily
- Corpus classification
- Magisterial
- License
- Public domain