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against her. She felt revulsion for everything that was holy. In her soul, it was as if her spiritual
agony would persist for life. She prayed to her “Spouse,” Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. She
expressed her yearning and genuine love for Him and begged His forgiveness for her sins. She
also sought His grace to do His holy will, as well as to suffer in silence like a dove, without any
heartsick protests. But Jesus remained remote and quiet.
Then one night, suddenly, the Blessed Mother appeared to her, with Baby Jesus in Her
arms. Sr. Faustina confided all of her miseries to Her. The Mother of God listened; then
responded in a most maternal way, “I know how much you suffer, but do not be afraid. I share
with you your suffering, and I shall always do so.” She smiled tenderly and left. Sr. Faustina
then felt renewed joy and courage in her soul, amidst her suffering.
(14.2) Mary Says to the Suffering Soul: “Bear Everything with Humility” 204
(Diary, # 786): On November 30, 1936, during Vespers, Sr. Faustina felt a strange pain in
her soul. She realized that the Divine Mercy task was overwhelmingly beyond her power and
that she was a mere small child before such a lofty task. It was only because of God’s distinct
directive to her that she accepted the task.
On the other hand, even the immense graces weighed her down heavily; and she felt
unable to keep up with the task. She saw her superiors’ skepticism, all forms of mistrust, and
trepidations towards her. But, even the heavenly graces seemed to cause her suffering; although
at the same time, inexplicably, “a sign of God’s action,” as well. She understood that if God
Himself did not fortify her or safeguard her soul in these trials, it would not be possible for her to
handle further the situation. Thus, “God Himself is its Shield.”
204
Ibid., Faustina, Diary, # 786.
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