Category: Bulletins and Newsletters

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 20, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On  this 3^rd Sunday in June, our church community wishes all the men from San Antonio Happy Father’s Day. Today we honor and remember all those dads, granddads, uncles,  brothers, coaches, teachers , and priests who have “  fathered “ us as mentors and guides throughout  of our lives.  May we never forget all those fathers  who have passed on, but will  live on in our memory and continue to nurture us.  We also honor St. Joseph, Patron of Fathers, Families and the Universal Church.  The tradition for Father’s Day started in 1910 on the suggestion Sonora Smart Dodd to thank her Civil War Veteran father who was raising his family alone after the death of his wife.  Sonora took her campaign for Father’s Day  to her local government officials, organizations and churches.  In 1910 the 1^st Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington State establishing this milestone as a first in the country.  Over the next decades she challenged many Presidents to recognize the importance of the day; but it wasn’t until 1970 when Congress passed a resolution to grant the President the authority to designate the 3^rd Sunday in June as Father’s Day.  This resolution invited people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies  by urging our people to offer public and private expressions of such a day to the abiding love and gratitude which they bear for their fathers.  A Prayer for all the men in our lives:  “God our Father, Bless these men, that they might find strength as Fathers.  Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.  Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.”   

As we honor men today, please recite a prayer in memory of Dominican  Brother Bertrand Bailey (1887) who died on June 23, 1954 at the age of 67.  He built San Antonio Church, one of 25 chapels that he constructed over 12 years as he worked alongside the volunteers he recruited.  His death resulted  from a fall from a ladder while painting the priory of St. Stephen’s in Massachusetts.  Brother Bertrand wore the Dominican habit and became known as the “Little Brother of the Missions”.  He even outfitted his car with the  tools needed for building repairs.  Wednesday, June 23^rd  marks  the 67^th Anniversary of his passing.

On Saturday evening,  June 26^th we will welcome the Dektas Family as Linda (Keller) & Mike Dektas celebrate their 50^th Anniversary with a vow renewal with Fr. Bill Ferris officiating.  Linda and Mike had family members who were parishioners and volunteers at San Antonio Church that resided on White Street during those years.    Other family members of the Dektas’ are the  Bonaventure, Roberto and Walkenhorst cousins.  We all congratulate them and their family members and we hope they attend Mass with us in the future.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 13, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we honor and celebrate the feast of our Patron Saint, St. Anthony (1195-1231) Catholic priest and Friar of the Franciscan Order.  Born Fernando de Bulhoes  into a noble family in Lisbon, Portugal, he  entered the Augustine Monastery in Coimbra, Portugal at the age of 15.  With a dedication to his studies, scripture and theological writings, Fernando  joined the Canons Regular of St. Augustine for the next ten years of his life.  He knew of the Franciscan Brothers who became Missionaries and wanted to follow them in their work.  He was given permission to join the Order of Friars Minor choosing the name Anthony with orders  to Morocco as a Missionary to convert Muslims to Christians.  On his journey, Anthony became ill on arriving in Morocco and as he set sail to return home, the ship was blown off course  landing in  Sicily where he stayed until he recovered.  At the request of the Franciscans, he was called to Assisi for their General Chapter Meeting in 1221 A.D.  At that time he studied continuously and increased his wisdom about the scriptures and all the doctrines he had studied earlier. 

Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi who founded the Franciscan Order, Anthony became a powerful  gifted preacher with his sermons reaching many followers, even St. Francis.  He wrote many scholarly works between 1224 and 1230, but will always be known for his sermons that were held outdoors to accommodate the massive crowds.  Anthony would pray late into the night while speaking to the Child Jesus and reaching out to him which is now depicted in all St. Anthony Statues as he holds the Child Jesus.  In Padua, Anthony worked to preach, save souls and reform laws throughout the city.  He died in Padua on June 13, 1231 at the age of 35 and was Canonized on May 30, 1232 in Spoleto, Italy by Pope Gregory IX.  He became known for the miracles he performed through his intercession and is considered the patron saint of oppressed people, lost articles, elderly people and shipwrecks.  In 1692, Spanish Missionaries along with Franciscan Chaplain Fr. Damien Massanet  founded a mission in a small community that eventually became San Antonio, Texas.  By the year 1787, 25 Mission Stations were established.

Today we celebrate his feast, our church and the blessing of St. Anthony Bread in his honor.  Please be generous with your donations as all monies from the bread and the blue ribbon around the St. Anthony Statue will be presented to the Franciscan Missions.

Monday, June 14^th is Flag Day to honor the United States Flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption in 1777 by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States of America.  The National Flag Day Foundation will hold an observance today with a program including a ceremonial of the national flag, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem. It reminds us of the foundation of the nation’s freedom and our loyalty to the nation.  In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation to officially establish June 14^th as Flag Day.  National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress in 1949.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 6, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we honor The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ also known as Corpus Domini.  This day is set aside to celebrate the Real Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the elements of the Eucharist.  St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church proposed the feast to focus solely on the Holy Eucharist.  At that time he urged Pope Urban IV to create a feast to emphasize the joy of the Eucharist being the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.  In 1264, the Pontiff would establish the feast of Corpus Christi as a Solemnity and extend it throughout the whole Catholic Church.  A tradition held on Corpus Christi Sunday is to hold parish processions with singing and prayers all in the honor of the Blessed Sacrament.  During the procession, the Priest will hold the Monstrance aloft until the end of the procession when the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament takes place.

Our Mass intention on this Corpus Christi Sunday is in memory of Vicki  (Stevens ) Roark who was the daughter of the late Don and Doe Stevens.  The Stevens Family were active members of San Antonio Church for many years as well as her Aunt Mary Lou (Stevens) and her Uncle Frank Russo who still attend our 9:00 AM Mass.   Vicki married and moved to Mason where she lived for 30 years while employed by the Warren County Child Development Department until her retirement.  She  was involved in local and community issues while working part time at Costco’s until she became disabled the last 15 years of her life.  Vicki succumbed to the rare disease Proteus Syndrome at the age of 63 on April 16, 2021.      

Besides her husband Donnie, Vicki leaves children Missy and Eric, their spouses, and four Grandchildren.  She also has many cousins and friends including Mary Ann and Sharon who were with her until the end and now  mourn her passing.  Vicki donated her body to the University of Cincinnati medical Center for research and study of the very painful disease that struck her in the prime of her life.  

After our Mass today, Fr. Westerhoff will celebrate the Baptism of Angelo James Sulken, son of Michael and Karissa (Hicks) Sulken who was born on April 6, 2020.  Angelo is  the  Great Grandson of our beloved late parishioner Carol (Schare) Enderle and nephew and  cousin to many members of the Studt family.  The Godparents are the Kyle Hicks and Cassie Raabe the brother and sister-in-law of Karissa Sulken.  Baby Angelo James is the Grandson of Curt & Leigh Ann Hicks, Steve & Sheri Lay, Nikki Glacen and Mike & Cindi Sulken.  Please remember  Angelo and his parents, and family members in your prayers as he begins his journey in the Catholic Faith.  

Next week we will celebrate and honor the feast of our patron, St. Anthony with the blessing of the loaves of St. Anthony Bread.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 23, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday we honor the feast of the Pentecost, known as Whitsunday in Ireland and in the United Kingdom.  In the Roman Catholic Church, the Easter Season is now  over and the Paschal Candle will be removed from the  Sanctuary  after Mass today.  Celebrated on the 50^th day from Easter Sunday to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and followers of Jesus Christ while  in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks.  The name Pentecost comes from the Greek Pentekoste which means 50 and it also refers to the Jewish Festival, the Feast of Weeks.  As stated in the Scriptures (Acts 2:3), the color red on the Altar  symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit to remind us of the flames that appeared above the heads of the Disciples.  It is one of the great feasts of the Eastern Orthodox churches and a solemnity in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church with Christian denominations  holding special liturgies on this day. The importance of Pentecost is shown  in the 3^rd of the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and is one of the stations of the Resurrection. 

Pentecost is still considered one of the greatest celebrations of the year in Germany and Romania.  In France, trumpets will be blown during services to recall the wind that accompanied the Descent of the Holy Spirit and in Italy, rose petals will fall from the ceilings of churches to recall the miracle of the fiery tongues on Pasqua Rosatum a tradition that started around 607 AD.  European churches built during the middle Ages were fitted with a Holy Ghost Hole, a small opening  in the roof for the entrance of the Holy Spirit to enter.  On Pentecost, a figure of a dove decorated with flowers would be lowered into the church while the narrative of the Pentecost was read.   In all denominations, Pentecost is seen as an opportunity to honor the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and a way to celebrate the church.  On this day, special services, confirmations and the welcoming of the joyous season of  Spring is celebrated.  Red banners are hung is some churches to symbolize the movement of the mighty wind and the coming of the Holy Spirit and in some congregations, red handkerchiefs are handed out to be waved during their procession.   

There are many legends regarding Pentecost.  It is said that King Arthur always gathered his Knights at the round table for a feast and quest on Pentecost.  And every year an old German proverb is repeated, “ripe strawberries at Pentecost means a good wine crop”.  There is also a short film from Ireland called Pentecost about an 11 year old Altar boy.  The 2011 film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.  It can be viewed by going to the Hamilton County Library website –  https://cincinnatilibrary.org/ .  Enter your search for the film Pentecost and follow the direction to view the film – https://cincinnatilibrary.kanopy.com/login?destination=node%2F1088007 . You can also go to Kanopy.com – https://www.kanopy.com/ and it will show you how to watch films through your library.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 16, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 7^th Sunday of Easter, we recall The Ascension of the Lord with the observance traditionally celebrated on Thursday, May 13^th.  The Roman Catholic Church does not consider the feast as a public holiday; but the Vatican has given permission to move it on the Sunday before Pentecost, encouraging  Christians to observe this important feast.  The Ascension commemorates the Christian belief of the going up to heaven forty days after his resurrection.  In Latin, Ascensio  refers to Christ being raised up by his own powers, in the Catholic Church this day  is ranked as a Solemnity and a Holy Day of Obligation.  The Ascension shows us He exists in corporal form with the Father outside time and space, thus this concluding work of redemption and the pledge of our own eventual ascension into heaven. 

The Western Church started commemorating the Ascension on the 40^th day of Easter as early as the 4^th Century.  At that time the feast was celebrated with plays, candlelit processions with a banner of a Lion (Christ) carried in front of one showing a Dragon (Devil).  It is a tradition in some churches to celebrate with the blessings of first fruits as a thanksgiving for our Lord blessing us with produce, as  processions with  banners decorating the church with the blessed fruits being  consumed after the liturgy.   May 16^th is also the Feast of St. Brendan the Navigator recalling his 9^th Century Voyage to the Isle of Blessed as he  searched  for the Garden of Eden.  Also known as one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland, St. Brendan’s achievements are displayed in a large stained glass window at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. 

A Prayer for The Ascension: “Almighty God, whose blessed Son Our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heaves, that he might fill all things:  Mercifully give us faith to perceive that according to his promise abide with his Church on earth, even unto the end of the world; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

After Mass on this Sunday we will offer blessed prayer squares to take home.  These knitted squares were donated by Donna (D’Angelo) Smith as a small way to let someone know that God cares for them.  As the knitters cast their stiches, they recited a short prayer that would be felt by the donor of the square.  As their busy hands worked with the yarn  they prayed:  “Lord keep my hands and heart focused on whoever receives this prayer square, that they know You love them and care for them and all their concerns.  Amen.”  All the parishioners from San Antonio Church appreciate this kind and thoughtful gesture from Donna, her family and friends.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 9, 2021

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church community wishes the women of our parish  a very Happy Mother’s Day on this 2^nd Sunday of May.  We honor all mothers on this   “Festa della Mamma” to  celebrate motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence mothers have in our society.  In our Italian culture, parents and family are not only to be honored on their special days, but also throughout the year.  The Italian mother is considered the center of the family and the glue that holds her family together.   Before the traditional Mother’s Day the Romans celebrated from the end of April to the 1^st week in May  with lavish banquets.  This celebration  was called “Floralia” – to welcome springtime, flowers, warmer weather, and the rebirth of a new season.

The 1^st actual Mother’s Day celebrated in Italy was in 1933 with the Giornata della madre e del fanciullo “The day of the Mother and Child” to publicly reward a notable  Italian woman.  In 1957, a Parish Priest, from the town of Assisi, the Rev. Otello Migliosi  reinstated  Mother’s Day  at his church.  It became so popular from that year on that the Italian Senate made the holiday official.      

We also honor the Blessed Mother today with our traditional procession and May Crowning.  In the Roman Catholic Church, Mother’s Day is strongly associated with showing reverence to  the Virgin Mary.  During our years attending Parochial School  many of us recall the month of May being dedicated to Mary and the many May crowning’s we attended.  We would gather flowers from our home gardens to honored Mary for the  procession to the grotto  on the school grounds where the statue of Mary was located.  On this day we have another crowning at our church and  we appreciate all the children who have participated in the May Crowning this morning and we thank Tina (Roberto ) Kroeger for working with them.  The next time we honor the Blessed Mother will be on Sunday, August 15 with the “Feast of the Assumption of Mary”.  This feast honors the death, assumption into Heaven and coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; making it the most important of all the Marian feasts.

As we anticipate the feast of our Patron, St. Anthony of Padua on Sunday, June 13^th, please remember how important the Franciscans were to the survival of our humble church.  We will be donating all monies that are pinned to the blue ribbon adorning the St. Anthony statue to the Franciscan Order along with the monies  from the Saint Anthony Bread that will be blessed and  distributed on that Sunday after our 9:00 AM Mass. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 2, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 5^th Sunday of Easter, San Antonio Church  parishioners are looking forward to next Sunday; the Mother’s Day Mass our May Crowning and Breakfast.    The May Crowning  dates back to the early days of  San Antonio Italian Church when  the young daughters of our church members participated  in the procession and crowning to honor the Blessed Mother.  At that time those young ladies  were required to write an essay about the Blessed Mother that was then read and judged by our Parish priest.  Those young ladies were chosen with the  lucky girl and her court feeling very honored to be apart of this tradition.  On Mother’s Day, they entered the church at the start of Mass  attired in long taffeta dresses very proud to be the ones from their families to honor the Blessed Mother in this way.  Over the years those young ladies married and had children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren  who have also participated in this wonderful tradition.

Next week, May 9^th we will continue this day with new generations of young girls and boys from our church who will honor and remember how important Mary, the Blessed Mother is to our Catholic upbringing.  Please let Tina (Roberto) Kroeger know the names of the children as she will meet with them in the Hall before Mass.  Also we will be able to bring back our Mother’s Day Breakfast as we follow all Covid Guidelines with family groups seated together by table reservation only.  Please see David Sabatelli or Victor Minella for more information about the limited seating.    

On May 6^th, the first Thursday in May is the National Day of Prayer.  Designated by the United States Congress, this day is set aside for everyone “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”.  Every year the President of the United States signs a proclamation urging all Americans to pray for the future of our country.  Most presidents in the history of the United States attend church services and hold special events at the White House to promote respect for God.  The intention of the National Day of Prayer is that all great religions could come together to unite in prayer and bring renewed respect for God to people all over the world.  It is celebrated by Protestants, Catholics, Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus and Jews.  Many Americans will plan to assemble in prayer in front of their local courthouses, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples  with some  observances  including  musical  performances that conclude with prayers recited  for our nation.

We send our condolences to the Wall family on the passing of Rev. John Wall who graciously celebrated Mass with us over the years.  Rev. Wall passed away on April 20 at the age of 89 years.  His funeral was held at St. Ignatius Church on April 30^th.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin April 25, 2021

by Terrie Evans

This 4^th Sunday of Easter marks the 58^th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations; a day set aside  to show appreciation for all those who choose vocations within the Church.  Also  known as Good Shepherd Sunday, it’s  to remind us as a way to full fill the Lord’s Instruction and to “Pray the Lord of harvest to send laborers into his harvest”.  We are asked to  pray  for those young men and women who have heard the call and chosen  to serve in  ordained ministries in  consecrated life in all its forms, or  in secular institutes, and to those who dedicate their lives to the missionary life.   

Sunday, April 25^th is also a National Holiday throughout Italy with the anniversary of the liberation of Italy from the Nazi-Fascists in World  War ll.  The liberation was the end result of 23 years of Fascist leadership, 5 years of war and the victory of the Resistance in Italy (Anniversario della Resistenza).  All of Northern Italy was liberated by May 1^st with Bologna (April 21), Genoa (April 23), Milan (April 25),Turin and Venice (April 28).  On this date in 1945, the National Liberation Committee of Upper Italy  officially proclaimed  the insurgency in a radio announcement and the death sentence  for all Fascist leaders including Benito Mussolini.  A decree created  April 22, 1946 making this date the liberation of the Italian territory; a National holiday.

On this Sunday in Venice, the Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist is commemorated  with  La Festa di San Marco,  a public holiday in Venice where it honors the city’s patron saint.  St. Mark was one of Jesus Christ’s disciples and is thought to be the author of the Gospel of Mark.  He died on April 25^th and his relics where moved to Venice years later which then attracted pilgrims from around Europe.  In Venice the Feast Day of St. Mark begins with Mass and then a day filled with concerts, carnivals and markets.  One of the highlights is the boat race, Regata di Traghetti, featuring competing gondoliers while transporting their passengers.  Also on St. Mark’s Day, men will present a single rosebud to the women they love.  This tradition comes from the legend of a humble troubadour, Tancredi and his devotion and love for Lady Maria Partecipazio.  So every year in St. Mark’s Square in Venice the festival of the Blooming Rose to recall the dying Tancredi sending a rose to Maria, signifying his love for her.     

Our mother’s Day May Crowning and Breakfast will be held on Sunday, May 9^th.  Due to Covid Restrictions, there will be limited seating at Mass and in the Hall.  Please contact Tina Kroger to sign up for the May Crowning and organizing family seating groups for Mass.  Also please contact Dave Sabatelli (513-405-6444) or Vic Minella (513-520-5594) for a reservation in the Hall. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin April 18, 2021

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church Community sends its sincere condolences to the Einhaus, Burns, Sabatelli and  Accurso Families on the passing on their son, husband, brother, father, nephew and uncle, David John Einhaus at the age of 43 years.  David was the son of  Earl and Rose (Sabatelli) Einhaus and the much loved brother to sister Charity, her husband Tony And their children A.J., Luken and Boden.  David along with his beloved wife Karen (Burns) were the new proud parents of sons Chris and Justin.  David grew up on the West Side attended La Salle high School and found his calling when he enrolled in an auto apprentice program where he spent his entire career in the auto industry.  He learned everything one needed to know by starting out in the service department where he scheduled appointments and worked with customers on estimates for their repairs.  David was a valued employee at Glenway  Auto Center for 20 years eventually moving from the service department to manager of the auto body shop. 

When the auto body shop was closed in 2020, David moved to Schmoes Auto Body Shop in January 2021 as Manager  where he became their newest valued employee.  He was not only a good son, husband and father and family member, he also volunteered his time for the yearly events at San Antonio Church.  David along with his parents Earl and Rose worked the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Pizza Party to give our crew an extra hand.  He also was a regular at the Cincitalia  Fest where he  helped set up the space and also  worked the grill at the Spiedini Booth for the yearly fundraiser at the  United Italian Society.  David also leaves his Mother-in law, Barbara Burns, Dave & Sandy, Phil  Sabatelli  and Larry& Elaine Vickery and many Family Members to mourn his untimely passing.  Please keep them and all David’s  family and friends in your prayers.  David John Einhaus’ final resting place is at St. Joseph New Cemetery where he was buried on Monday, April 12^th. 

Within the history of San Antonio Church we have always relied on prayer, special intentions and the connections of the Franciscan Ministry to our church.  There is a weekly Novena  to St. Anthony held every Tuesday at 2:30 P.M. at the national Shrine of St. Anthony in Cincinnati leading up to the Feast of St. Anthony on June 13^th.  Held for the 9 weeks this Novena started on April 13^th as a way to pray for your specific needs for the duration with this petition.  St. Anthony of Padua is the Patron of our Church and we always need to invoke his name for all the special intentions we have for our church and our families.  To feel the power of united prayer, attend in person at the Shrine of St. Anthony or visit:  https://www.stanthony.org/PrayNovena/  to sign up for email reminders.  You will receive reminders each week with prayers and audio recordings.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin April 11, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 2^nd Sunday of Easter, we honor Divine Mercy Sunday, based on the devotion that Faustina Kowalska originated after her encounter with Jesus.  A Polish Nun, Faustina Kowalska told of visions and conversations with Jesus and the things he asked her to do in his name.  One request was for her to paint the vision of Divine Mercy with his merciful  divinity pouring from his Sacred Heart.  In her diary she wrote that Jesus told her:  “Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature “Jesus, I trust in you” (in Polish: ( “Jezu, ufam Tobie”).  “I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and then throughout the world.  I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.”  The other favor he asked of Faustina was to establish a feast of Divine Mercy to be scheduled on the Sunday after Easter for mankind to take refuge in him. “ I want the image solemnly blessed on the 1^st Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it.” 

This day is associated with special promises from Jesus and also indulgences that will be issued by the Catholic Church.  With this devotion, a person who goes to a sacramental confession, even going days prior and then receives holy communion will obtain expiation of all sins and punishment.  The Roman Catholic Church will also grant plenary indulgence after reciting some simple prayers. The 1^st Mass displaying  the image of the Divine Mercy occurred on April 28, 1935 on the 2^nd Sunday of Easter with Faustina Kowlaska in attendance. 

In July of 1937, the 1^st Holy Cards with the Divine Mercy image were printed and by 1941, the devotion had reached the United States with millions of Divine Mercy prayer cards printed and distributed throughout the world.  She lived to see the beginning of  devotion to the Divine Mercy she had started  before her death at the age of 33 on October 5, 1938 in Krakow, Poland.  Her final resting place is at the Basilica of Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland. 

In June 2002, Pope John Paul II granted indulgences to Catholics who will recite specific prayers held in honor of Divine Mercy, or pray the Our Father and the Creed in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament (If not able to attend a church or chapel, recite the prayers before an image of Jesus)  then add this short prayer  “Merciful Jesus, I trust in you.”  The other conditions to receive a plenary indulgence are:  making a sacramental Confession, going to Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Pope. 

`In 1965, then Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla (who later became Pope John Paul II)  opened the process into Faustina Kowalska’s life and virtues while interviewing witnesses.  In 1967, the official process was started for her beatification which lasted until it was official on April 18, 1993.   The Roman Catholic Church canonized Faustina Kowalska as a saint on April 30, 2000 by Pope John Paul ll.  She is venerated within the church as the “Apostle of Divine Mercy”.