Eugene Kazimierowski -- The Painter of the Divine Mercy Image

 Eugene Kazimierowski was the artist who painted the First Image of Divine Mercy which currently hangs in the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Vilnius, Lithuania. 

He was born on the 11th of November 1873. He was a Polish Realistic Painter and he loved to paint Landscapes and Life Size Portraits. 

 But, it was his Painting the first Divine Mercy Image in 1934 for which he is best known. 

He was commissioned to paint this Holy Image by Saint Faustina's Spiritual Director and Confessor Blessed Father Michael Sopocko. 

The Painting of Divine Mercy was first displayed in public during the Easter Ceremonies between April 25-28 1934. 

The First Mass with a Divine Mercy Image was celebrated by Blessed Father Michael Sopocko at the Gate of Dawn Church in Vilnius, on April 28, 1935 which has now become known as the Feast of Divine Mercy. 

Saint Faustina records in her Diary, Divine Mercy In My Soul -- that many people present on that day were very curious as to where this new image of Jesus Christ had come from but Saint Faustina could not tell them. 

Shortly, after this time the Mother Superior and Saint Faustina had Holy Cards with the Image printed on one side and distributed them in Vilnius. 

In 1936, Mr Eugene Kazimierowski moved from Vilnius to Bialystok where he worked with Tourists visiting Poland. 

He died in 1939, and although most of his paintings were destroyed by the Nazis during World War Two, His Painting of the Divine Mercy Image was never destroyed. 

This shows that Jesus Christ himself protected that painting. 

From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday --- A Spiritual Journey

 For Many, Lent conjures up Images of giving up Favourite Foods like Tasty Icecreams and Delicious Chocolates. 

It's Spiritual Significance is far more profound. 

As, We prepare Our Hearts for the joyous celebration of Christ's Ressurection on Easter Sunday - This is specially poignant for Catholic Christians who commence this Journey on Ash Wednesday. 

Lent is not only a period of self - denial but an opportunity for self-discovery and spiritual growth. 

During the Holy Season of Lent, We have a fabulous opportunity to study God's Word and grow as Mature Catholic Christians. 

Lent gives us an opportunity to strengthen Our Spirit Man and give vigour to Our Earthly Souls. 

As, We Enter Holy Week we are constantly reminded of Christ's Supreme Sacrifice on that solemn Good Friday. 

Easter helps us to rise with Christ in all possible ways and be one with him in Body, Mind, and Spirit.