NEW YEARS DAY, 1938
( St. Faustina was in the Infirmary suffering from terrible physical pains that made it impossible for her to get out of bed. But because there was no discernible cause, many thought she was making it up.)
Night and suffering. The solemn silence of the night
made it possible for me to suffer freely.
My body was stretched on the wood of the cross.
I writhed in terrible pain until eleven o'clock.
I went in spirit to the Tabernacle and uncovered the ciborium, leaning my head on the rim of the cup,
and all my tears flowed silently toward the Heart of Him
who alone understands what pain and suffering is.
And I experienced the sweetness of this suffering,
and my soul came to desire this sweet agony,
which I would not have exchanged for all the world's treasures.
The Lord gave me strength of spirit
and love towards those through whom these sufferings came. This then was the first day of the year.
...
...After Holy Communion the Lord said to me,
"My daughter, your sufferings
of this night obtained the grace of mercy for an immense number of souls."
(1454 &1459)
From
Divine Mercy in My Soul: the Diary of St. Faustina
