"I
desire that there be such a Congregation" (Diary, 437).
"I saw the convent
of the new Congregation. It was a large and spacious building.
I went from room to room, observing everything. I saw that
God's Providence had provided for all that was necessary (...).
During Mass, I received
a clear and profound understanding concerning this whole work,
and not a shadow of a doubt remained in my soul. The Lord
gave me knowledge of His will under three aspects, so to speak,
but it all comes down to one.
The first is that souls
separated from the world (enclosed congregation)will burn
as an offering before God's throne and beg for mercy for the
whole world... and through their efforts they will obtain
blessings for priests, and through their prayers prepare the
world for the final coming of Jesus.
The second is prayer
together with the act of mercy. In particular, they will defend
the souls of children against the spirit of evil. Prayer and
merciful deeds are all that will be required of these souls
(..). And in this egoistic world they will try to rouse up
love - the mercy of Jesus.
The third is prayer
and deeds of mercy, without any obligation of taking vows.
But by doing this, these persons will have a share in all
the merits and privileges of the whole [congregation].
Lay people can belong
to this third group. Members of this group should perform
at least one act of mercy a day; at least one, but there can
be many, for such deeds can easily be carried out by anyone,
even the very poorest.
Jesus asks us to help
spread His mercy in three ways, the first by deed, the second
by word, the third by prayer.
Jesus said, "1 demand from you deeds of mercy, you must
not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself
from it. I give you three ways of exercising mercy, the first
by deed, the second by word, and the third by prayer"
(Diary of Saint Faustina 742 )
A deed can be giving
a contribution to those involved in works of mercy, word can
be leaving a leaflet on the message in a place where someone
will pick it up and may find Jesus through it.
Prayer can be using the chaplet for all those in need of prayer.
And when the Last Day
comes, we shall be judged from this, and on this basis we
shall receive the eternal verdict" (Diary, 1154-1158).
|