Introduction

Jesus appeared to Saint Faustina many times and told her to write a Diary to make God's unfathomable mercy known to everyone.
The Virgin Mary also appeared several times to Sister Faustina and spoke to her, giving her precious advice for her spiritual life step by step. Let us see what her maternal teachings are and how to put them into practice in our lives.

Mother of Mercy

Love and devotion to Mary are defining elements of the spirituality of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. She learned them from an early age in her family and then deepened them in religious life. In numerous apparitions, visions, and encounters, Mary reveals to Faustina the mystery of Divine Mercy in her own life, teaches and strengthens her, and accompanies her in the mission entrusted to her by God.
The Madonna says to her: «I am not only the Queen of heaven but also the Mother of Mercy and your mother» (Diary 330); «I am the Queen of heaven and earth, but above all your Mother» (Diary 805).
Mary is the Mother of Mercy because she gave birth in her womb to the very Face of divine mercy, Jesus. 

The Son of God, made flesh for our salvation, gave us his Mother who, together with us, becomes a pilgrim so as never to leave us alone on the journey of our lives, especially in moments of uncertainty and pain.
The Madonna is not only our Mother, but she also wants us to be her children: «My daughter, by God's command I must be your Mother in an exclusive and special way, but I desire that you too be My daughter in a particular way. My dearest daughter, I desire that you practice three virtues that are dearest to Me and most pleasing to God. The first is humility, humility, and once again humility. The second virtue is purity. The third virtue is love of God. As My daughter, you must shine in a special way through these virtues».

Mary in Saint Faustina's Diary

As a caring Mother and Teacher of the spiritual life, Mary teaches Faustina what it means to love as God loves, obedience to God's will, how to apply it in life, and the practice of virtues that foster an attitude of trust toward God and mercy toward our neighbor. Let us allow her words to accompany us as we rediscover the beauty of encountering her Son, Jesus. 
“My daughter, I want prayer from you, prayer and once again prayer for the world and especially for your homeland. Make a reparatory Communion for nine days, unite yourself closely to the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. For these nine days you will stand before God as a victim, everywhere, continually, in every place and at every moment, day and night; whenever you wake up, pray inwardly. It is possible to pray continually inwardly” (Diary 325).

“I am your Mother through the infinite Mercy of God. The soul dearest to me is the one that faithfully fulfills the will of God” (Diary 449).
“You give Me great joy when you adore the Most Holy Trinity for the graces and privileges He has granted me” (Diary 564).
“Your life must be similar to My life: silent and hidden; be incessantly united to God, pray for humanity, and prepare the world for the second coming of God” (Diary 625).
“My daughter, strive to be meek and humble so that Jesus, who continually dwells in your heart, may rest there, adored in your heart. Do not leave your inner recollection. […] Remain continually with Him in your heart. He will be your strength. With people, maintain only those relationships that necessity and your duties require. You are a dwelling pleasing to the living God, in which He continually dwells with love and delight, and the living presence of God, which you feel more vividly and clearly, will confirm you, My daughter, in what I have told you” (Diary 785).
“Know, My daughter, that although I was raised to the dignity of Mother of God, seven sorrowful swords pierced my heart. Do nothing in your own defense; endure everything with humility. God Himself will defend you” (Diary 786).
“My daughter, I strongly urge you to faithfully fulfill all of God’s wishes, for this is what is dear in His eyes. I ardently desire that you distinguish yourself in this, that is, in this fidelity, in fulfilling God’s will. Put God’s will before all sacrifices and burnt offerings” (Diary 1244).
“The true greatness of the soul consists in loving God and humbling oneself in His presence, in completely forgetting oneself and considering oneself nothing, because the Lord is great, but He delights only in the humble, while He always resists the proud” (Diary 1711).
Throughout the history of the Church, the Virgin Mary has done nothing but invite her children to return to God, entrust themselves to Him in prayer, and knock with trusting persistence at the door of His merciful Heart. Truly, He desires nothing more than to pour out the abundance of His mercy upon the world.

How Saint Faustina addresses the Virgin

For this reason, Saint Faustina never tires of turning to Our Lady with simple prayers that set the heart ablaze. Here are some of her expressions that we can make our own.
“O Mary, my Mother and Lady, I entrust my soul and my body, my life and my death, and what will come afterward to You. I place everything in Your hands. O my Mother, cover my soul with Your virginal mantle and grant me the grace of purity of heart, soul, and body, and defend me with Your power from all enemies, especially those who hide their wickedness under the mask of virtue. O splendid Lily, You are my mirror, O my Mother” (Diary 79).
“O Mother of God, Most Holy Mary, my Mother, You are now my Mother in a very special way […]. Out of regard for the Son, You must love me. O Mary, my most beloved Mother, guide my interior life so that it may be pleasing to Your Son” (Diary 240).
“O Mary, Immaculate Virgin, take me under Your special protection and guard the purity of my soul, my heart, and my body. You are the model and star of my life” (Diary 874).

Conclusion

Saint Faustina’s filial bond with the Blessed Virgin Mary is moving, but it is also an example for us. She writes: “The humility and love of the Immaculate Virgin have penetrated my soul. The more I imitate the Mother of God, the more deeply I come to know God” (Diary 843).
In particular, during this month of October, we too can decide to follow the example of Saint Faustina, committing ourselves to imitating the virtues of the Virgin Mary. In prayer, let us ask her to turn her merciful eyes toward us and make us worthy to contemplate the face of mercy, her Son Jesus.

We look forward to hearing your reflections in the comments!
Have a good journey!