Michal Sopocko was born in Poland in 1888. Despite Russian persecution, his family kept the Catholic faith and Michal entered the seminary, being ordained at 26. He served as a parish priest and a military chaplain, and he earned a doctorate in theology. His bishop then assigned him to a seminary where he was known for living a simple life of hard work. He became the spiritual director of Sr. Faustina Kowalska, and he urged her to keep a diary of her mystical experiences. Fr. Sopocko started propagating the message of Divine Mercy that was revealed to Sr. Faustina, and it was he who commissioned the Divine Mercy painting based on Sr. Faustina’s experiences. He died in 1975 in Poland of natural causes.
CHALLENGE
Archbishop Angelo Amato, speaking at the beatification Mass for Blessed Michal Sopocko, encouraged devotion to Divine Mercy, saying: “Everyone in the family, at work, in society, everywhere and always, can exercise mercy, forgiveness, understanding: Our society needs honest, good, generous, compassionate citizens.” Today, visit www.thedivinemercy.org and begin your devotion.
Deepen your love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus! The Sacred Heart Book of Devotions is full of prayers, litanies, meditations, and hymns that will enflame your love for the Sacred Heart!
