Tetiana Duman-Skop - Ukrania (d. 2020 of brain cancer at age thirty-nine
Most holy Face of Jesus on the cross, what a lesson You give to me! Your charity has reached even to the extent of pardoning Your executioners and praying for them. It is, above all, for those who struck You, wounded You, dealt You blows, covered You with spittle, that You said: "Forgive them, Father, they know not what they do."
When they struck You, You endured them, gently and in silence. Now, You raise Your voice to excuse and defend them, to obtain pardon for them; in offering for them Your blood, You give them the greatest proof of Your love. Teach me this Your endurance of our neighbors and this Your generosity in pardoning even our most cruel enemies. Yes, I forgive, for love of You all who have offended me. With you; I pray for the sinners who outrage You, for the wretched men who blaspheme You; I beg of You their conversion and their salvation. Let them but turn to You, oh most Holy Face, let them invoke You; it is enough! Whoever looks on You, oh blessed Face, with faith and repentance, will escape the sting of the serpent and will find life.
(Novena to the Holy Face)