LINCOLNSHIRE, Illinois (October 22, 2026) — Author Patrick Novecosky joined Drew Mariani on The Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio for a conversation about his new book, Icons of Mercy: The Faith, Friendship, and Legacy of John Paul II and Mother Teresa. The interview began with a powerful audio clip from John Paul II’s 1987 address to young people in Los Angeles, reminding listeners of the pope’s extraordinary ability to inspire hearts and challenge people to live their Catholic faith courageously.
Patrick shared memories of his first personal encounter with John Paul II in 1997, an experience that left a lasting impression and helped deepen his fascination with the Polish pontiff. Over the years, Patrick would meet John Paul II five times and eventually write two books about the saint whose remarkable life and leadership helped change the course of history.
The conversation also explored the profound spiritual connections among three towering figures of modern Catholicism: St. John Paul II, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Faustina Kowalska. Although their missions were distinct, all three shared an extraordinary devotion to God’s mercy. Faustina, the Polish mystic who received Christ’s message of Divine Mercy, helped inspire a worldwide movement that John Paul II would champion. Mother Teresa brought that same mercy to life through her tireless service to the poorest of the poor.
As Patrick explained, these three saints offer the world a powerful and enduring message: God’s mercy is available to everyone, and each of us is called to become an instrument of that mercy. John Paul II proclaimed it, Faustina revealed its depths through her writings, and Mother Teresa demonstrated it through her daily encounters with suffering humanity.
The feast day interview was a fitting opportunity to reflect on John Paul II’s extraordinary legacy and the continuing relevance of his message. Through Icons of Mercy, Patrick invites readers to discover how these remarkable saints changed the world—and how their example can inspire each of us to become the saints God calls us to be.
LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW HERE (24 minutes 23 seconds)
