MIDLAND, Texas (October 9, 2026) — Patrick Novecosky joined Morning Joy on the Guadalupe Radio Network this morning for a wide-ranging conversation with host Nick De La Torre about his new book, Icons of Mercy: The Faith, Friendship, and Legacy of John Paul II and Mother Teresa.
Patrick shared stories from his personal encounters with St. John Paul II and Sister Nirmala Joshi, who succeeded Mother Teresa as superior general of the Missionaries of Charity. Those experiences helped inspire him to explore more deeply the extraordinary lives and spiritual legacy of John Paul II and Mother Teresa—and the profound connection between their missions.
The conversation also explored the remarkable spiritual thread linking the Polish pope, Mother Teresa, St. Faustina Kowalska, and the message of Divine Mercy. Patrick discussed how John Paul II brought St. Faustina’s message to the universal Church, canonizing her in 2000 and establishing Divine Mercy Sunday, while Mother Teresa lived that same message through her radical service to the poorest of the poor. Together, their lives offer a powerful reminder that God’s mercy is not simply something to receive, but something Christians are called to bring to others.
The lively interview also included Catholic author, speaker, and recording artist Julie Carrick, making for a broad conversation about faith, mercy, personal encounters with remarkable Catholic figures, and the enduring influence of saints whose witness continues to shape the Church and the world today.
Icons of Mercy tells the story of the friendship, faith, and legacy of John Paul II and Mother Teresa and examines how these two extraordinary saints helped bend history in the direction of Jesus Christ and the Church He founded.
