The Divine Mercy was her refuge
I remember walking around the ward visiting patients. At one point I stopped at her room. I still remember her quite well, reserved, calm and peaceful. Her demeanour made a great impression on me.
When I asked her if she wanted to receive Holy Communion she immediately said: Yes. Then, after sometime of silence and prayer she started talking. In my home I just live in silence and peace. My greatest hurt of my life was my husband left me for another woman. Although many years have passed however I am still missing him and waiting for him. If he comes today I am ready to welcome him again.
Her tears showed me the immense suffering she was feeling as she recounted this great dolorous story. At this point I felt to give her a card of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Then she told me: Oh Father, how much I pray this prayer at 3.00 pm with Radio Maria. This prayer has become the comfort of my heart. I know it by heart.
Time went on and our Sister Bodily Death came for her too. Two days before she died this great woman had the comfort of having Mass celebrated at her bedside together with the praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The following day in the evening she even received the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Even here we prayed again the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Thinking about this series of graced experiences immediately comes into my mind what we find in the Diary of St Faustina in number 848. In this entry St Faustina gives us an impressive description of the power of the Divine Mercy Chaplet as revealed to her by Jesus himself. She wrote: While I was saying the chaplet, I heard a voice which said, Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who say this chaplet; the very depths of My tender mercy are stirred for the sake of those who say the chaplet. Write down these words, My daughter. Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them.
Jesus must have certainly looked with immense mercy at the agonizing tears of this faithful woman whose husband simply abandoned her in their marriage. Jesus’ tender mercy comforted this suffering woman so much that she died a peaceful death surrounded by her children and family who loved her so much. Because she recognized Jesus’ unfathomable mercy she is now living joyfully with the Lord forever in the Heavenly Jerusalem.
This woman teaches you and me about the dire need of making the Divine Mercy as our refuge and hope particularly in times of trouble and distress through which we all go through.
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
