Church of the Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina

The Church of the Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina stands in Slavkovice, a village now part of Nové Město na Moravě in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Despite its recent origins, it has become one of the region's most visited pilgrimage sites.

Why was this church built here?

Unlike most churches on the Highlands, this one has no medieval past. It was built in the 21st century in response to the growing pilgrimage movement tied to the Divine Mercy devotion and the figure of Sister Faustina Kowalska. Construction began in May 2005 under architect Ludvík Kolek, and the finished building was blessed on 30 March 2008 by the Bishop of Brno, Vojtěch Cikrle. Since then, Slavkovice has drawn organized pilgrimages from across the Czech Republic.

What does the building's design express?

The architecture is built around a single idea: mercy flowing down onto the faithful. Rainwater collected from the roof runs into a stone basin placed at the entrance, a deliberate gesture meant to evoke grace washing over anyone who enters. It is a simple but effective way of turning a structural detail into a theological statement, and it is usually the first thing visitors mention after seeing the building.

What stands out inside?

Inside, large stained-glass windows in bold colors dominate the space. They depict water and blood flowing from Christ's pierced side, along with the Holy Spirit represented as fire and wind — imagery drawn directly from the Divine Mercy devotion recorded by Sister Faustina in her diary. The light passing through the glass shifts the mood of the interior throughout the day, which was clearly part of the original design intent.

Why is Saint Faustina connected to this place?

The church is co-dedicated to the Polish nun Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938), whose writings on Divine Mercy shaped the devotion the building now serves. A reliquary inside holds relics not only of Saint Faustina herself, but also of Saint John Paul II, Padre Pio, and Saint John Vianney. This combination of relics is one of the main reasons pilgrims travel here rather than to an ordinary parish church.

When do the pilgrimages take place?

Two major pilgrimages bring crowds to Slavkovice each year. The first falls on Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter, marking the central feast of the devotion. The second is an autumn pilgrimage held on the Sunday closest to 5 October, the anniversary of Sister Faustina's death. On both occasions the village fills with visitors from across the country.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church located? In Slavkovice, a village that is administratively part of Nové Město na Moravě, in the Žďár nad Sázavou district in the Highlands region.

Who designed the building? Architect Ludvík Kolek designed it; construction started in 2005 and the church was blessed in 2008.

How is this different from the historic churches nearby? It is a purpose-built modern pilgrimage church rather than a converted historic structure, which explains its strongly symbolic architecture.

Is it worth visiting outside pilgrimage days? Yes — visitors can take in the stained glass and architecture without crowds, though the atmosphere during the two main pilgrimages offers a rare look at the devotion in full swing.