divine-mercy-in-my-soul

If, after this period, the Congregation and the novice are satisfied, the novices makes
a profession of vows for one year, renewing them for the next five years annually. During
this time, the professed sister may leave the Congregation or be dismissed. If all turns out
positive, the professed sister is allowed to take perpetual vows (Const. Congr.).
110. In the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy the sisters take simple vows. In the
Congregation proposed by Sister Faustina, the sisters would take solemn vows.
111. Office – a liturgical prayer of the Church consisting of psalms and versicles. All
sisters have an obligation to say the Office.
112. By the enclosure, or cloister, is meant a certain section of the convent restricted
to members of the Congregation only.
113. For every religious house, the local Ordinary appointed a regular confessor to
whom every sister should go to confession. According to a provision of Canon Law, the local
Ordinary should also appoint an extraordinary confessor for every house. His duty was to
visit the house at least four times a year to hear confessions. All sisters had to see him, if not
to confess, then at least to receive a blessing.
114. The Saint had a vision of the future community‟s house. It was in Vilnius, at 12
St. Anna Street, and it was in complete ruin. Father Sopocko had the house restored with his
own money and intended eventually to place the new community in it. The war interrupted
the realization of these plans (See letter of Fr. Sopocko March 31, 1972).
115. “In the dust” – a figurative expression of the Saint for the way she responded to
her feeling of guilt.
116. Pinafore, or apron, could mean several things. For children it was a substitute
for a shirt, and Sister Faustina had this in mind.
117. Sister Faustina probably saw the house of the Congregation of the Most Merciful
Redeemer at Mysliborz.
118. Probably Father Ladislaus Wantuchowski, S.J., who looked after the
Congregation of the Most Merciful Redeemer for ten years while Father Sopocko was in
hiding.
119. A lash, whip, or similar instrument for the infliction of pain, used by religious as a
means of doing penance.
120. Probably the fasts on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
121. The church in Poland accepted the practice that in each quarter of the year,
three days – Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, called “Ember days” – were set aside for
fasting and penitence, and special prayers were said for priests and for vocations to the
priesthood and religious life.
122. At that time fasting was obligatory on the eve of the following feasts: Pentecost,
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and All Saints.
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