Divine Mercy Sunday and The Divine Mercy Image

On Feb 22, 1931, Sister Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, received the first of many revelations pertaining to her mission in life:  that is to be the secretary, apostle and messenger of The Divine Mercy to all mankind.  She described this revelation as: “in the evening, when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus clad in a white garment.  One hand raised in the gesture of blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast.  From beneath the garment, slightly drawn aside at the breast, there were emanating two large rays, one red, and the other pale.  In silence I kept my gaze fixed on the Lord, my soul was struck with awe, 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 (Gesu, Ufam Tobie).  I desire that this Image be venerated, first in your chapel, and throughout the world.  I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.  I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death.  I myself will defend it as My own glory….I desire that there be a Feast of Mercy.  I want this image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy.”  Jesus goes on to state to Sr. Faustina, “I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards souls of sinners.  Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me.  The flames of Mercy are burning Me-clamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon these souls.”(47-52 diary) 

And again in the fall of 1936 our Lord again appeared to Sr. Faustina explaining the full meaning and grace of venerating and celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday.  Jesus told her, “Tell the whole world about my inconceivable mercy.  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.  I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My Mercy.  The soul (person) that will go to confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.  On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened.  Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be scarlet.  My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity….the Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness.  It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.” (699 Diary)