St Faustina Kowalska

The image of the Divine Mercy originates from a vision that Sister Faustina had in Poland on February 22, 1931. In that vision Christ expressed His desire to have such an image painted and that the words in the signature beneath it be: Jesus, I trust in You.

The image represents the risen Christ, whose hands and feet bear the marks of the crucifixion. From His pierced Heart, not visible in the image, two rays issue forth: red and pale. When asked about their meaning Jesus explained: The pale ray stands for the Water, which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood, which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. (299)

In other words, these two rays signify the Sacraments, and also the Holy Church born of the pierced side of Christ, as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit, of which water is a symbol in Scripture. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, said Jesus, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. (299) The image then, portrays the great mercy of God, which was fully revealed in the Paschal Mystery of Christ, and is manifested, in the Church most effectively through the Holy Sacraments. The purpose of this image is to serve as a vessel for obtaining graces, and to be a sign, which is to remind the world of the need to trust in God and to show mercy toward our neighbor. The words found in the signature beneath the image", Jesus, I trust in You", speak of an attitude of trust.

The Hour of Mercy (3 p.m.) As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. (1572) This is the hour of great mercy for the whole world. (1320) It is Jesus' desire that the moment of His Death on the Cross (3:00 p.m.) be venerated every day; the hour, which He said was the hour of grace for the whole world - mercy triumphed over justice. (1572) At this hour, He wants us to meditate upon His sorrowful Passion because it reveals most distinctly the love God has for His people. At this time Jesus wants us to worship and glorify the Mercy of God, and, by the merits of His passion, to implore the necessary graces for ourselves and the whole world, especially for sinners. Try your best, Jesus instructed Sister Faustina , to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Blessed Sacrament, My heart, which is full of mercy; and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant. (1572) This is the hour, as Jesus promised, on which you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking. (1572). I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion. (1320) The Hour of Mercy is associated explicitly with three o'clock in the afternoon. Our prayers at this time should be directed to Jesus, and our petitions should appeal to the merits of His sorrowful Passion.