A Different Kind of Love

By Elizabeth Lyulkin

Summary

The story of Sister Faustina Kowalska, a simple Polish girl who had an influence well beyond the walls of her convent, and was eventually declared a saint.

Characters

Script

TIME : from 1922 to 1938.

PLACE : Poland, which has just won its short lived independence. The play takes place in a variety of different locations including a dance hall, a convent, a confessional, a garden, a chapel. Helena's final confrontation with The Shadow takes place inside Helena's mind. Those locations should be suggested as simply as possible.

(Lights up on HELENA and IRENE. HELENA is wearing a beautiful pink dress, her hair is nicely done, she is even wearing a bit of makeup. IRENE is wearing a skirt and a blouse, there are fresh flowers in her hair. Both HELENA and IRENE are flushed and out of breath. As the girls enter we hear a joyful melody ( not necessarily a Polka) and the sound of people laughing. IRENE tries to pull HELENA back into the dance hall, but HELENA pushes her hand away.)

IRENE

What's wrong with you ? Are you sick or something ?

HELENA

No. I'm all right.

IRENE

Then why did you bolt in the middle of a dance ? Was Adam trying to...

HELENA

No, Adam's a nice guy. A real nice guy.

IRENE

Then what is your problem ?

HELENA

It's nothing really...

IRENE

You are not thinking about joining a convent again? Do I need to remind you what happened the last time you tried to tell your parents you wanted to become a nun ? You won't sit down for a week.

HELENA

I don't think my dreams are something to laugh about.

IRENE

You're right - your dreams are not funny at all They are pathetic.

HELENA

Do you know what you're saying ? You're saying religious life is something... something that should be avoided at all costs.

IRENE

(change in tone)

No, not exactly - I see nothing wrong with religious life. But I don't believe it's something girls like us should rush into without giving it a great deal of thought. Not when there is a chance to catch a good man like Adam.

HELENA

But I have. I have given it a great deal of thought. And what do you mean by " girls like us

IRENE

Poor girls, girls without a dowry - do I have to spell it out for you ? Do you want to spend your whole adult life on a farm with your father, your mother, your cows and your chickens ?

HELENA

No, of course not.

IRENE

I saw the way Adam was looking at you while you two were dancing. And if you're smart, Helenka, you won't let him get away.

HELENA

Who's gonna want me for a wife ? I haven't even finished fourth grade !

IRENE

But you can read , and you can write , and you can tell stories. Don't sell yourself short, Helenka. Just trust in yourself and trust in God and He will deliver you straight into Adam's loving arms

HELENA

But you don't understand. It's not that I don't like Adam. I do. I like him a lot. It's just that... I feel God is calling me. I want to belong to Him and no one else. I want to do His work.

IRENE

Yeah, sure, I can see you studying one of those thick theology books ! (We hear music , another joyful melody.) Come on, you don't want to keep poor Adam waiting.

IRENE runs off.

HELENA

(to the audience)

She didn't take me seriously that night. Neither did my parents when I first asked them if I could enter a convent. Papa said " no " and that was that. But deep down in my heart I knew God was calling me. I knew I wanted to be His bride. I wanted to suffer and die for His glory. But I was not always obedient to His will. Looking back now I realize that my new lifestyle - the new clothes, the dances, the young men - were but a feeble attempt on my part to block His call. And the Lord finally did lose His temper with me.

(HELENA steps into the circle of light.)

HELENA

There was a reason why I left the dance hall that night in the middle of a dance. While I was dancing with Adam, the Lord Jesus appeared to me. He said, "How long shall I put up with you and how long will you keep putting Me off?" I wanted to die of shame, but He lifted me up from the abyss of my misery. He told me to go to Warsaw. " You will enter a convent there. " It was then that I understood the deep and abiding love that He has for us. From that moment on. I knew what I had to do.

(Lights dim, the music stops. HELENA is standing in a single circle of light. )

HELENA

Lord Jesus , I want to love You as no one on earth has ever loved You before. I want to unite my will closely to Your holy will. From the moment the eyes of my soul fell on You, I have desired nothing else. Because of You, my life is like a summer garden filled with beautiful flowers. The lily is for suffering, the rose is for love of neighbor, the violet is for humility. Which flower do I pick first ?

(Lights out.)

Scene Two

(Lights up on HELENA and THE PORTRESS.)

THE PORTRESS

What do you want?

HELENA

I wish to enter the convent.

THE PORTRESS

I see. Wait here. (She starts walking away, stops, turns around) Don't touch anything.

(The Portress exits)

HELENA

(Falls to her knees) My Jesus, You have led me this far. Please, don't abandon me now!

(Enter MOTHER MICHAEL MORASZEWSKA)

MOTHER MICHAEL

Rise, child, this floor is very cold.

HELENA

Oh, I am quite used to the cold. In my village... (pause) I am sorry, sister.

MOTHER MICHAEL

I am the Mother Superior of this house. My name is Mother Michael. And you are...?

HELENA

Helena. Helena Kowalska. I am sorry, Mother, I thought you were...

MOTHER MICHAEL

Come, let's sit down. How old are you, child?

HELENA

I am eighteen.

MOTHER MICHAEL

And you wish to enter the Sisters of Mercy?

HELENA

More than anything in the world, Reverend Mother.

MOTHER MICHAEL

May I ask why?

HELENA

I don't know quite how to explain. Sometimes I don't understand it myself. It's just that... I want to serve God. I want to love Him and Him alone, I want to give Him all that I am... I know it's not very much, but I can read and write... a little, and I know all the stories from the Bible and the lives of the saints... and I am a very good cook.

MOTHER MICHAEL

Tell me, child, how many other convents have you been to so far?

HELENA

Six or seven.

MOTHER MICHAEL

And none would accept you?

HELENA

My parents are very poor, Reverend Mother. I have no dowry.

MOTHER MICHAEL

I see.

HELEN

(Getting up) I am sorry, Reverend Mother, I'm just wasting your time.

MOTHER MICHAEL

Maybe. Then again, maybe not. Go to the Lord of the house and ask whether or not He would accept you. Go now.

(Mother Michael exits. Helena crosses towards the chapel, kneels in front of the crucifix.)

HELENA

O sweet Jesus, my heart is beating so fast I think I could faint. Do You accept me?

(Lights up on Jesus, SL)

JESUS

I do accept. You are in my heart.

(Lights down on Jesus. Mother Michael enters.)

HELENA

(her voice breaking)

He said yes!

MOTHER MICHAEL

If the Lord has accepted, then I also will accept.

HELENA

Oh, Reverend Mother, you've made me the happiest....

MOTHER MICHAEL

Calm down, child. There are still a couple of things that I need to discuss with you. I am willing to forget about the dowry, but how are you going to pay for your wardrobe?

(Lights out on Mother Michael)

HELENA

(to the audience) Mother Michael suggested that I stay with the lady I was staying with in Warsaw for another year, and bring the money that I had earned as a maid to the convent for safekeeping. It took me a little more than a year to earn the necessary amount, but on August 1st, 1925, I was given the name of Sister Maria Faustina and was assigned to work in the kitchen.

(lights out)

Scene 3

(Lights up on Sisters 1 and 2.)

SISTER 1

Did you hear? Jesus appeared to Sister Maria Faustina. They say He appears to her every night before she goes to bed.

SISTER 2

Now how would you know?

SISTER 1

Sister Marie Joseph told me. And she should know - she shares a room with our little visionary.

SISTER 2

Sister Marie Joseph talks too much. Besides, even if it's true...I mean, we shouldn't be angry with her. I am sure she means no harm. She must be very lonely and very unhappy. She craves attention. If you ask me, this is just her way of getting noticed.

SISTER 1

And I am telling you the girl is seriously disturbed. I don't know what Mother Michael was thinking when she took her in. The girl doesn't belong in a convent - she belongs in a loony bin. Imagine, Lord Jesus as her personal confessor! If you ask me...

SISTER 2

Nobody's asking you.

(SISTER 2 walks away in disgust. Helena enters.)

SISTER 1

Did you sleep well, Sister?

HELENA

(on guard) Very well, thank you.

SISTER 1

Mother Jane sent me to find you. She wants to see you right away.

(Sister 1 exits, without bothering to wait for a reply. Mother Jane enters.)

MOTHER JANE

Sister, do you consider yourself a saint?

HELENA

No, Reverend Mother, of course not.

MOTHER JANE

Perhaps a great scholar?

HELENA

No, Reverend Mother, I'm just a poor sinner in the eyes of the Lord. I am dirt under His feet.

MOTHER JANE

Do you consider yourself to be a person of an impeccable moral character?

HELENA

I don't even know what that means. Reverend Mother, are you angry with me? Have I done something wrong?

MOTHER JANE

I want you to stop telling everybody about your so-called visions.

HELENA

Reverend Mother, please, believe me - I have told no one. I don't know who is spreading these rumors or why. But I can't lie to you, my Superior. When Lord Jesus comes to me, He fills my heart with such joy...

MOTHER JANE

Does He now?

HELENA

It's like the rays of light coming down from heaven and wrapping you up. You feel like you can do anything, face anything. You feel like all the sufferings and humiliations that you have to endure for his sake are but a splinter compared to the power of his love.

MOTHER JANE

Now you listen to me, Sister. I want you to stop this nonsense right now. Who do you think you are? You poor deluded wretch, can't you get it through your head that Our Lord does not appear to souls as miserable as yours? I don't ever want to hear this kind of nonsense again. Do you hear me, Sister Maria Faustina? Never again!

(Mother Jane exits. Helena falls prostrate before the crucifix.)

HELENA

My Lord, are You real? I mean, am I just imagining You? Are You really here with me?

(Jesus enters. Helena sees him, rises to her feet.)

JESUS

My love deceives no one.

(Lights out)

(Lights up on Helena)

HELENA

(to the audience) In the evening, when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. His right hand was raised in blessing, his left hand was touching his garment at the breast. From beneath the garment came what can only be described as a fountain of light - two rays, one red, the other pale. As I gazed at my Beloved in silence, my soul was filled with awe, but also with great joy.

(Lights up on Jesus, SL)

JESUS

Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel and then throughout the world. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I myself will defend such a soul as my own glory.

(Helena crosses to Jesus)

HELENA

I spoke to my confessor this morning. I've told him you had said. He said I should paint your image in my soul.

JESUS

My daughter, my image is already in your soul. No, I desire that there be a Feast of Mercy.

HELENA

A Feast of Mercy?

JESUS

I want this image to be painted with a brush. I want it solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy. I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of mine from their pulpits. Let no sinner be afraid to come to me and ask for mercy. The greater a person's sin, the greater the right he has to my mercy.

(Lights down on Jesus)

HELENA

(kneeling before the statue of Mary) Dearest Mother, you are my only friend in the whole convent. Tell me, could this really be happening to me? So many people believe I am being deceived by the evil spirit, others believe I am deceiving myself. Is it possible that your son really wants me to paint this image? Dearest Mother, why me? Even those few who support me agree that I am no-one special. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but why not pick on someone else? Someone who's more intelligent, more experienced? (A little embarrassed) Someone who can paint? I can't even draw! I've tried, dearest Mother, I've tried to paint what I saw that night, and I can't I just haven't the talent.

(Lights up on Jesus. He is kneeling beside Helena.)

JESUS

My daughter, have fear of nothing. I am always with you. But know, my child, that Satan hates you. He hates every soul, but he burns with a particular hatred for you because you have snatched so many souls from him.

(Helena is visibly shaken.)

JESUS

Do not be afraid, my daughter. Your enemies will harm you only to the degree that I permit them to. You are my dwelling place and my constant repose. For your sake I will withhold the hand that punishes; for your sake I will bless the earth.

(Lights down on Jesus and Helena. When the lights come up again, Helena is at her desk, writing in her notebook.)

HELENA

O my God,
How sweet it is to suffer for you,
To suffer in the most secret
Recesses of the heart,
To burn like a sacrifice,
Noticed by no-one,
Pure as crystal,
With no consolation
Or compassion.

(Helena closes the notebook. Softly, to herself.)

Jesus, I trust in you.

(Lights out.)

Scene 4

(The stage is completely dark except for a single circle of light. Jesus, Mother Jane, Mother Michael, The Shadow, Father Andrasz and Sister 2 are on stage, just shadows silhouetted against the light. They will only be seen when it is their turn to speak. Helena enters, crosses toward the circle of light. She will remain there throughout the scene.)

JESUS

It is to this convent that I called you and nowhere else. I have prepared many graces for you.

HELENA

Toward the end of the first year of my novitiate, darkness began to cast its shadow upon my soul. I found no consolation in prayer, I could not meditate, I did not understand what I was reading. It seemed to me that my prayers were displeasing to his ears. I felt I was rejected by God.

THE SHADOW

What's the use in trying to do good? What's the use in trying to be virtuous when all that you're doing is displeasing to God?

MOTHER MICHAEL

Know, dear Sister, that God has chosen you for great sanctity. This is a sign that God wants to have you very close to him in heaven. Have great trust in Lord Jesus.

JESUS

You will suffer much, but not for long. You will accomplish my will and my desires. When you feel like you can't go on, rest your head on my heart and draw from it strength and power for these sufferings. You will find neither help nor understanding nor consolation anywhere else. Know that you will have much to suffer, but don't let this frighten you. I am with you. I will be with you until you draw your last breath upon this earth.

THE SHADOW

Have you ever stopped to consider what I can do for you?

MOTHER JANE

You deluded, hysterical visionary. Get out of my sight, Sister!

SISTER 2

I am sure that you truly believe in what you think you saw.

THE SHADOW

And where do you think you're going? you're not going to share your delusions with yet another confessor, are you?

HELENA

Leave me alone.

THE SHADOW

And watch you make a fool of yourself once again? I don't think so. I don't understand you, child. Isn't a nun supposed to be obedient to her superiors? Didn't Mother Jane explain to you that your so-called inner life is just an illusion? Didn't she explain to you that the Lord Jesus does not commune with souls as miserable as yours? This new confessor is just going to tell you the same thing, and you know it! But by all means go, what's one more humiliation to someone like you, who's been humiliated time and again and yet persists with her childish prattle! Your fellow Sisters are already laughing behind your back, but what do you care? You're on a mission from God!

JESUS

You are in my heart, you are my soul's delight.

HELENA

(kneeling in front of Father Andrasz) Dearest Father, I don't know what to think anymore. Am I a hysterical visionary like Mother Jane says? All I want is for someone to trust to say to me: 'Be at peace, Sister, you're doing the right thing', or else 'Reject all this, it doesn't come from God'. Am I asking too much?

FATHER ANDRASZ

Sister, you distrust the Lord Jesus because he treats you like you were his own child? Well, Sister, be at peace. Jesus is your master, and your conversations with him are neither daydreaming nor hysteria nor illusion. Know that you are on the right path. Try to be faithful to the grace he showers upon you; you are not free to shun them. Pay no mind to anything else, but always be faithful to the Lord Jesus, no matter what anyone says about you. It is just the souls like yours that the Lord Jesus communes with in this intimate way. And the more you humble yourself, the more the Lord Jesus will unite himself with you.

HELENA

When I left the confessional, I was filled with such joy that I cried. I ran to a secluded spot in the garden to hide myself from the sisters. It was there, by the fountain, that I poured my heart out to God. I had such great peace in my soul that I was surprised that I could have had so many misgivings.

(Helena crosses downstage)

HELENA

My spirit burns in active love. I waste no time in dreaming. I take every moment as it comes. The past doesn't belong to me. The future is not mine. With all my soul I try to make use of the present moment.

JESUS

You are a sweet grape in a chosen cluster. I want others to partake of the juice that is flowing within you.

(Lights out)

Scene 5

(Lights up on Helena and Sister 2. They are standing in front of the finished image of the Divine Mercy, which is covered with a white sheet.)

SISTER 2

Come on, let's see what it looks like.

HELENA

Go ahead. Do it.

SISTER 2

I am not going to do it. It was your idea. You do it.

HELENA

It wasn't my idea. I am just a brush he used to paint it.

SISTER 2

Just listen to us. Two adult women - in the world we would be married already with three kids apiece. Afraid to pull a sheet off a portrait. (Pause) Let's do it together, from both ends.

(Helena and Sister 2 pull the sheet off the painting.)

SISTER 2

Wow! This painter friend of yours really did a terrific job!

HELENA

You really think so?

SISTER 2

What - you don't like it?

HELENA

It's very nice.

(Lights down on Sister 2. Jesus enters.)

JESUS

What is the matter, my beloved? You look troubled.

HELENA

The picture, it's so... I don't know how to explain this. When you came to me and told me to paint the picture, the image I saw was afire with life. It was truly the fount of your mercy, a blessed fountain overflowing with love and forgiveness. When I looked at you I felt like whatever was lacking in my soul was mine for the asking. But this... this is just a portrait.

JESUS

It doesn't sing.

HELENA

No. It kind of lays there like a dead fish.

(Jesus breaks out laughing. For a moment Helena looks uncomfortable, then she joins in. When they finally stop, Jesus embrases Helena.)

JESUS

My sweet child, don't you see that the greatness of this image has got nothing to do with the beauty of the colors or the skill of the artist? The greatness of this image is in my grace.

HELENA

I am sorry, my Lord.

JESUS

Do try to understand - I demand from you deeds of mercy. You are to show mercy to your neighbours, even to those who misunderstand and persecute you. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it. Remember, beloved, deeds - not words. Whatever you do to your neighbours, you do to me.

HELENA

I do understand.

JESUS

Good, because there is something I need to ask you.

HELENA

Ask me!?

JESUS

Yes beloved, it is a request - not a demand. I want you to know that even if you refuse what I am about to ask of you, you would still be saved. And I would still come to you and confide in you, and you in me.

HELENA

What do you ask of me?

JESUS

I want you to accept great sufferings. If you say 'yes', you will become very ill. Your body will decay from within, you will experience the torments of hell with no help or consolation from God or from men. But in exchange for your sufferings I will give you souls. You will have saved thousands upon thousands of souls before you are through.

HELENA

I will do it.

JESUS

Are you sure?

HELENA

All I ever wanted was to be able to love you and to save souls. I won't have anything else or anything less.

JESUS

Thank you, my dearest one. You are truly my heart's repose.

(Lights down on Jesus. Mother Michael enters. She cross to Helena, takes her hand.)

MOTHER MICHAEL

I am sorry, my child. Doctor Bukowski called. The colds you have been having ... it is TB.

(Lights out)

Scene 6

(Lights up on Helena. She is sitting in a rocking chair, her frail body covered by a blanket. There is a glass of water on the little table next to her. Sister 2 is sitting at the opposite side of the table. She has a pen in her hand and she writes in a little notebook in front of her.)

HELENA

Read it back to me, Sister.

SISTER 2

My Jesus
Like a mountain stream
That becomes a mighty river
Before it joins - heart and soul -
With the emerald waters of the sea,
I run to you.
Like a tiny seed
That becomes part of the earth
Before it breaks through its cocoon
To become a wildflower,
I belong to you.

(Helena is seized by a violent fit of coughing. Sister 2 puts down the pen, reaches for the glass of water on the table. Helena shakes her head.)

SISTER 2

Are you sure you want to continue? (Helena nods.)

Like the coming of a new day
That promises to wipe the slate clean
Of every failure and misery
Known to mankind,
I trust in you.

HELENA

Thank you, Sister.

SISTER 2

You should rest now.

(Sister 2 exits. Helena closes her eyes. The Shadow enters, crosses to the table, picks up Helena's poem.)

THE SHADOW

My poor deluded friend. Still writing bad poetry, I see.

HELENA

(keeps her eyes closed throughout the conversation.) There is nothing you can do to me. I am dying.

THE SHADOW

I know. I've tries to warn you time and time again. You are like one of those women who marries a scoundrl and then spends the rest of her life trying to convince herself and anyone else who'll listen that he is a prince in disguise. What did he ever do for you, this prince of yours? What did you get for your life's worth of suffering and humiliation? Think, child, think. You've got nothing. Your family is still dirt poor, as poor as they had been before you entered the convent. Your mother still wears the same dress she wore five years ago. Your father can't afford the medicine he needs to keep his arthritis in check. You should see the farm now - it looks like no-mans-land. All the flowers that you planted with such care are dead and gone, there are only weeds now, weeds and bits and pieces of a broken fence. And now the worst blow yet. They are about to lose their favourite child, their little Helenka. Do you think your mother will be grateful to God for having outlived you?

HELENA

Let me ask you a question.

THE SHADOW

Ask me anything you want.

HELENA

Why are you here?

THE SHADOW

I don't understand.

HELENA

Yes, you do. If what you say is true and all that's from God in this world does not have a chance, if you are so great, so powerful, why are you here? If Jesus' Divine Mercy is just a delusion of a diseased mind, what do you care what I do with my life? If all of his promises are just a bunch of lies created by those in power to fool the gullible and the deluded, what do you care if I go to my grave believing those lies? Why is it so important for you to hear me say I was wrong? Why is it so important for you to hear me say my life has been a mistake? Answer me, Father of Lies!

(Jesus enters, walks over to Helena's chair, stands on the opposite side.)

JESUS

Why don't you answer the lady.

THE SHADOW

(To Jesus) Tell her what's in store for her. Tell her about the way she'll die. (To Helena) You think you've known pain? You think you've known suffering? Just wait until your body starts decomposing from the inside, until your dearly beloved Sisters can't stand to be in the same room with you because of the stench. But don't look at me, it's your beloved bridegroom, the light of your soul, who decided you should die this way. A fitting reward for the Apostle of the Divine Mercy!

HELENA

(To Jesus) Beloved, make him go away. I am very tired.

JESUS

(To The Shadow) You've heard the lady.

(Lights down on the Shadow. Jesus and Helena are alone on an empty stage.)

JESUS

It took guts to speak to him the way you did. I am proud of you, my beloved.

(Lights down on Jesus)

HELENA

(to the audience) I am not brave. I'm an abyss of fears and insecurities. But you see, I have this friend. His name is Jesus. He's a simple man, a poor man like me. This friend loves me so much he gave his life for me once by dying on the cross. His love's as real to me as each and every one of you sitting here. It's because of his love that I feel strong and capable of doing great things. It's because of his love that I feel like I could dance on air holding the sun in my hands like a tambourine. He is my lifeblood, my courage, my creativity. To me, he is Life itself.

(The Shadow enters, crosses to Helena.)

THE SHADOW

Well said. There is only one thing wrong with your little speech. You are dying. You will be dead in two years. Is this how your master repays his little handmaiden - by making her die in agony? What a peculiar kind of loyalty you have for him. The more he hurts you, the more he makes your life miserable, the more you like it. There is a medical term for your affliction, my little apostle - it's called masochism. Look it up in your dictionary. It's right after blind faith and stupidity. You know, I'm really worried about you. Have you seriously considered the state of your mental health?

HELENA

Have you seriously considered the state of your soul?

THE SHADOW

We are not here to discuss the state of my soul. We are here to talk about you.

HELENA

What do you want me to say?

THE SHADOW

Let's start with your father. Was he very strict?

HELENA

Why do you hate me so much?

THE SHADOW

I beg your pardon?

HELENA

You've been hounding me and interfering with my work every since my work began. Remember the time I was in the chapel praying and you threw a vase at me? It missed my head by what - two inches? You probably thought it was funny - I bet you got a good laugh at my expense, but I was not laughing. And now I'm dying, and you drop everything to be at my side, and I am supposed to talk to you like you're my best friend in the whole world? I don't think so. (Helena makes the sign of the cross.) Get away from me, Father of Lies!

THE SHADOW

You want to know why I hate you? All right, I'll tell you. Let it be your dying wish fulfilled, instead of your last cigarette or a blindfold. I hate you because you love the Christ creature. Yes, your beloved master who comes like a thief in the night to steal souls from me. I've hated the Christ creature since the day he was born! Even as a small child he was always talking about the goodness and mercy of his Father. The goodness of God, my eye - the images that come to mind are enough to make me puke. Tell the woman whose only son was killed in the last war about God's goodness. Tell a soldier who lost both of his legs and an eye about God's mercy. I tell you, my little apostle, you've got your work cut out for you.

HELENA

You're trying to trick me again.

THE SHADOW

No, I am trying to make you see the truth before it is too late. Come, denounce the Christ creature, and all of his lies, and all of his empty promises, and you will live. Maybe not forever, but you will live a long, happy life right here on earth. And I will make your parents and your brothers and sisters rich beyond their wildest dreams.

HELENA

Never! In the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, be gone from this place!

THE SHADOW

Why you ungrateful little... Who do you think you are? You think you are something because the Christ creature allowed you to touch the folds of his robe? You think he loves you because he gave you the crumbs from his table? You gave him your life, your will, your soul, for some rancid wine and three days old bread? Heed me, my little apostle, you are nothing to him. You are nothing, just a grain of sand under my feet. I could squash you like a bug...

HELENA

Then why are you trembling?

(Lights out)

Scene 7

(Lights up on the chapel. Mother Michael is kneeling at the altar. Sister 2 enters, crosses to Mother Michael. She opens her eyes.)

MOTHER MICHAEL

Sister...

SISTER 2

Reverend Mother, you really shouldn't be exerting yourself so much. Remember what Doctor Bukowski said. (Pause) Were you here all night?

MOTHER MICHAEL

I was praying for Sister Faustina. (Looks up at Sister 2.) Is it over?

SISTER 2

Yes, Reverend Mother. She died at ten thirty last night.

MOTHER MICHAEL

Did she suffer much?

SISTER 2

No, she went in her sleep. (Pause) Reverend Mother, do you think Sister Faustina will become a saint?

MOTHER MICHAEL

Why do you ask?

SISTER 2

She told me a story once, years ago. She said Saint Therese came to her in a dream and told her she will become a saint. Of course, I dismissed it as pure nonsense. But now... I just don't know what to think. I mean, I was with her until the end. She was in so much pain they wanted to give her painkillers, but she refused. I looked at her and I swear I saw Our Lord on the cross refusing that drugged wine that they gave him to numb his pain. For a moment Sister Faustina and Our Lord were one and the same! Reverend Mother, I believe now. I know it sounds crazy, but I believe every single word she said. About Jesus appearing to her, asking her to do his work. About the Divine Mercy image, about all the prayers she was trying to teach me. (Pause) Reverend Mother, do you think Our Lord would mind if we continue her work?

MOTHER MICHAEL

No, my child, I don't think Our Lord would mind. I don't think Our Lord would mind one bit.

(lights down on Mother Michael and Sister 2. Lights up on Helena. She enters carrying a bouquet of red roses.)

HELENA

(To the audience) I feel certain my mission here on earth is far from over. I feel like it is only beginning. O doubting souls, I will draw aside for you the veils of heaven to convince you of God's goodness.

Scene 8

(The lights change, indicating another location, another time. Mother Michael, Irene, Sister 2 and Father Andrasz enter, form a semi-circle around Helena.)

MOTHER MICHAEL

Sister Faustina Kowalska died on October 5, 1938, in a convent of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Cracow, Poland. And yet, in a way, her sufferings were far from over...

IRENE

In 1935, Sister Faustina wrote to her spiritual director: 'There will come a time when this work, which God is demanding very much, will come undone. And then God will act with great power, which will give evidence to its authenticity. It will be a new splendor for the Church, although it has been dormant in it from long ago.'

FATHER ANDRASZ

Sister Faustina's schooling was incomplete, to put it mildly. She was gifted, but those gifts were never given a chance to blossom. Her spelling was atrocious and she never learned the proper use of punctuation. When she wrote down what Jesus said to her, she used no quotation marks. When the Vatican theologians originally received a copy of her diary, they must have thought that all the quotations attributed to Jesus were Faustina's own words! They must have thought Sister Faustina was quite insane.

SISTER 2

On March 6, 1959, the Holy See prohibited the spreading of images and writings advocating devotion to the Divine Mercy in the form proposed by Sister Faustina. It was not until 1978 that the diary was examined more closely. Due to the new evidence that was previously unavailable, on April 15th, 1978, the Vatican completely reversed its decision.

HELENA

On April 18th, 1993, Sister Faustina Kowalska was declared Blessed. On April 30th, 2000, she was officially declared a Saint.

(Lights down on Mother Michael, Father Andrasz, Irene and Sister 2.)

HELENA

God's love is with you right here, in this room. Trust in his love, always, for it is the kind of love that endures everything. His love fears nothing. His love heals broken bodies and broken hearts. His love is stronger than death. Jesus, I trust in you.

(Lights down.)

...........................................................

© Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Lyulkin, all rights reserved.
This play may be performed free of charge provided no charge is made for admission. In return, the author would like to be told of any performance. She may be contacted at: djlaml@earthlink.net