Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Krakow-Łagiewniki
In Łagiewniki, a southern district of Krakow, stands one of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations: the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. The origins of this holy place are linked to the nearby convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, where Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938) lived and was laid to rest. Through her, Jesus revealed to the Church and the entire world the powerful message of His infinite mercy. The history of the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Krakow-Łagiewniki is inseparably connected with Saint Faustina Kowalska of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, through whom Christ conveyed the great message of Divine Mercy to the Church and the world. Sister Faustina spent several years of her life in the convent at Łagiewniki and also died there. This place therefore became the home of the message of mercy that Jesus entrusted to her and that, at His command, she recorded in her Diary.
The tomb of Saint Faustina lies directly beneath the original image of the Merciful Jesus bearing the famous inscription “Jesus, I Trust in You”. Painted by Adolf Hyła, the image follows the instructions that Jesus gave to Saint Faustina. Through this image, Christ promised His boundless mercy to those who pray to Him with profound trust.
The beatification and canonisation of Sister Faustina in 2000, together with the pilgrimages of Pope John Paul II, gave lasting impetus to the spread of devotion to Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki. The growing number of pilgrims from around the world made the construction of a new basilica necessary. Pope John Paul II solemnly consecrated it on 17 August 2002, during a significant ceremony in which he entrusted the world to Divine Mercy. Pope Benedict XVI also honoured this special place with a visit during his pilgrimage in 2006.
The Feast of Divine Mercy, introduced by Pope John Paul II, is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Easter and attracts the greatest number of worshippers and pilgrims to the sanctuary.
