Saint Faustina Kowalska: Messenger of Mercy
Encounter The Saints Series
on Goodreads (36)
What’s inside...
Growing up in war-torn Poland, Faustina felt the calling to give her life to God as a religious sister. As Jesus secretary, she carried out the important mission of teaching the world to trust in the limitless mercy of God. Jesus revealed the devotion to Divine Mercy through her, and with prayers and faith, she brought this message to the whole world! Blessed with many extraordinary gifts, including visions, prophecy, and invisible stigmata, few people knew the real depths of her spirituality.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
93 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
St. Faustina Kowalska
Father Michael Sopocko
Discussion points
Why do you think Saint Faustina felt it was important to share messages of mercy?
How can we show mercy and kindness to others in our daily lives?
What did you learn about forgiveness from Saint Faustina's story?
How do you think Saint Faustina’s messages inspire people today?
What would you do if you were in a situation where showing mercy was difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly explain the concept of mercy to set a foundational understanding for your child.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, asking them how they have shown or received mercy.
Discuss the historical and cultural context in which Saint Faustina lived to enhance understanding of her actions and messages.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of a scene where they could show mercy, discussing the emotions and outcomes involved.
Reinforce the themes by sharing family stories where mercy and forgiveness played a key role, making it relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Kindness
Explanation: Susan Helen's portrayal of Saint Faustina Kowalska highlights her empathy and acts of kindness towards others, reflecting her deep spiritual commitment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to show compassion in their daily interactions with family and friends, understanding that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others' lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The narrative shows how Saint Faustina overcame various challenges while upholding her faith and values, inspiring readers with her resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up when they face difficulties in school or in their personal endeavors, encouraging them to persist and remain dedicated to their goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Faith
Explanation: The book explores Saint Faustina's profound religious experiences and her unwavering faith, serving as a testament to the strength and guidance that faith can provide.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to explore and respect their own faith and beliefs, as well as those of others, fostering a deeper understanding and tolerance.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Saint Faustina's humble approach to her experiences and the way she shared her messages without seeking personal glory is a strong theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value humility by putting others first and celebrating collective successes rather than focusing solely on personal achievement.