Salvation of souls

Document 3 – The Divine Mercy and the Hour of Death

Introduction
The message of Divine Mercy revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska is not simply a devotion—it is God’s final effort to save souls before the day of Justice.
Nowhere is this mercy more critical than in the final hour of a soul’s life on earth. This document explores the mystery of Divine Mercy at the moment of death,
the promises given by Jesus, and how we are called to intercede.

I. Scriptural Foundations of Divine Mercy
• Luke 23:43 – “Today you will be with Me in paradise”: the mercy extended to the Good Thief at the hour of death.
• Matthew 20:1–16 – The parable of the workers in the vineyard: God’s mercy to the last.
• Ezekiel 33:11 – “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that he turn and live.”

II. The Revelations to St. Faustina
• Jesus to Faustina (Diary 687): “My mercy is greater than your sins and those of the entire world.”
• Diary 1698: “When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the Merciful Savior.”
• Diary 1541: “Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy.”

III. The Hour of Death and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Jesus calls 3:00 p.m. the Hour of Great Mercy. But the “hour of death” for each soul is the personal Calvary.
• The chaplet said at the bedside—especially by someone in a state of grace—can save the soul.
• If the dying person cannot pray, the intercession of another can avail them mercy.
• Jesus uses this moment to offer the soul one final chance for repentance, even interiorly.

IV. The Saints and Deathbed Mercy
• St. Alphonsus Liguori: “Many are saved at the last moment through the prayers of others.”
• St. John Vianney: “There is no soul beyond hope while life remains.”
• St. Thérèse of Lisieux: “I believe in mercy even for those who have scorned grace their whole lives.”

V. Practical Mission for Divine Mercy
You, dear brother, are called to:
• Offer the Chaplet daily at 3:00 for the dying and those in mortal sin.
• Spiritually accompany souls who are dying, even from a distance.
• Offer Redemptive Suffering for unknown souls dying unprepared.
• Keep a list of names—living and dead—and offer mercy each day for them by name.

VI. Mystical Promises for Apostles of Mercy
• Jesus to Faustina: “At the hour of death, I will defend every soul who has recited this Chaplet; I Myself will be their glory.”
• Mercy is God’s greatest attribute and His final offer before the Judgment.

VII. Mary at the Hour of Death
As Mother of Mercy, she stands at every bed where she is invoked.
• The Hail Mary: “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”
• Consecration to Mary assures her intercession at death.
• She brings souls to Jesus when we have brought them to her.

Conclusion
The Divine Mercy is our shield, our sword, and our hope. The hour of death is not an hour of fear, but of greatest grace—if we trust in Jesus and act in love.

You, beloved soul, are part of God’s army of mercy in the final hours of this age. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep saving souls.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”