Divine Mercy Sunday falls on the first Sunday after Easter. This beautiful feast originated in a small convent chapel in Krakow, Poland, when St Faustina Kowalska began receiving mystical conversations with Jesus. He gave Faustina a profound grace to share with the world: an invitation to His mercy that never wanes. That little chapel now attracts about two million pilgrims annually. 

As part of my campaign to get people to swap Poland for Disney, here are eight things I loved most at the Divine Mercy Chapel.

1. The chapel's teal and gold interior

Stunning geometric designs are rendered in gold on a bright teal field that covers the chapel ceilings. Across Europe, I have rarely (maybe never?) seen this gorgeous color used so abundantly. It’s a truly unique feast for your eyes. 

2. The intimacy

Built in 1891 for the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, the old chapel is small yet feels personal and intimate. Rich wood panels and vault ribbing remind me of an old-fashioned confessional—like the whole chapel is one glorious place to abandon sin and be immersed in perfect mercy. 

3. St Faustina's tomb

St Faustina Kowalska died here in 1938 at age 33 (#details). Her diaries and visions of Christ became the foundation of the entire Divine Mercy devotion. Her white marble tomb rests below the original Divine Mercy image. Pilgrims can kneel and pray just inches from her relics. 

4. The original Divine Mercy painting

The Divine Mercy image now hangs in Catholic homes, schools, and churches all over the world. But the original doesn’t depict the flat, smooth Jesus you may have become used to seeing. Here, Jesus looks like a real man. He wears white robes with two rays of light emanating from his heart. I find the original image so much more compelling than most reproductions. 

5. The active local Catholic community

The chapel is not merely a pilgrim destination; the sisters remain in service in multiple apostolates. A diverse, very engaged Catholic community is also present. The chapel opens daily for Mass, adoration, and community prayer, drawing locals of all ages, from all walks of life. (I got to a weekday Mass 15 minutes before it began and could find space only in a doorway.) Joining the local spiritual community is one of my favorite pilgrimage graces. 

6. The adjoining park and playground

Between the sisters’ chapel and the massive St John Paul II Center sprawls a lush green space. The grounds were intentionally designed to promote family togetherness near the Divine Mercy Sanctuary. Children run and climb, families picnic, local neighbors walk their dogs or go for a coffee stroll. To me, it feels super Theology of the Body—connecting the goodness of the body with the life of the soul. 

7. So many nuns!

I cannot get enough of all the young nuns! The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy have been in this convent complex since 1891 and currently have about 400 professed members. It’s so uplifting to see them tucked around the chapel, joyfully assisting pilgrims and participating in the liturgies.

8. Mercy, not shame

The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy were founded to minister to "fallen women,” those that society deemed as steeped in moral failure. The congregation housed these women and lived together with them in order to restore dignity and love. How incredible that Jesus chose such a place to insist that “the greater the sinner, the greater the right to my mercy.”

P.S. Poland is one of our favorite pilgrimage destinations for Catholic travelers and families. Thy Ship can help you build and book an itinerary you'll never forget. Let's talk!

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