Hello, I'm Father Joe Roche of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.

Thank you for joining us as we continue with our year-long journey,

reading the diary of St. Maria Faustina Kovalska from beginning to end.

Today we take up from where we left off,

Diary Entry Number 1487

Conversation of the Merciful with a suffering soul. Jesus. Poor soul, I see that you suffer

much and that you do not have even the strength to converse with me. So I will speak to you.

Even though your sufferings were very great, do not lose heart

or give in to despondency. But tell me, my child, who has dared to wound your heart? Tell me about

everything. Be sincere in dealing with me. Reveal all the wounds of your heart.

I will heal them, and your suffering will become a source of your sanctification.

Soul, Lord, my sufferings are so great and numerous, and have lasted so long that I become discouraged. Jesus, my child, do not be

discouraged. I know your boundless trust in me. I know you are aware of my goodness and mercy.

Let us talk in detail about everything that weighs so heavily upon your heart.

Soul, there are so many different things that I do not know what to speak about first or how to express it.

Jesus, talk to me simply as a friend to a friend.

Tell me now, my child, what hinders you from advancing in holiness?

Soul. Poor health detains me on the way to holiness. I cannot fulfill my duties. I am as useless as an

extra wheel on a wagon.

I can mortify myself.

I cannot mortify myself or fast to any extent as the saints did.

Furthermore, nobody believes I am sick so that mental pain is added to those of the body.

...