ANN ARBOR, Michigan (October 16, 2026) — Author Patrick Novecosky joined Dr. Marcus Peter this afternoon for two segments on Ave Maria in the Afternoon to discuss his new book, Icons of Mercy: The Faith, Friendship, and Legacy of John Paul II and Mother Teresa.
Their conversation explored the remarkable friendship between two of the most influential Catholic figures of the 20th century, their shared commitment to human dignity, and their extraordinary impact on the world.
Novecosky explained how John Paul II spent his pontificate reminding the world that every human person possesses an inherent dignity because he or she is created in God’s image. Mother Teresa lived that same truth on the streets of Calcutta, caring for the dying, abandoned, and forgotten. Although their missions took different forms, both saints proclaimed the sacredness of every human life and the transformative power of God’s mercy.
A significant portion of the conversation focused on John Paul II’s pivotal role in bringing the message of Divine Mercy to the world. As Archbishop of Kraków, Karol Wojtyła helped advance the cause of Sister Faustina Kowalska and the Church’s examination of her writings. As pope, he canonized Faustina in 2000 and established Divine Mercy Sunday for the universal Church, an event Novecosky attended as a journalist.
Near the end of the program, Novecosky explored the spiritual connection between St. Faustina and Mother Teresa. Although their lives were dramatically different, both understood Christ’s thirst for souls and His boundless mercy, especially toward those who suffer and feel abandoned.
As Novecosky emphasized, these saints offer a powerful lesson for today’s world: Every human life has infinite value, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE CONVERSATION BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW (22 minutes 00 seconds)
