The Blue Scapular Prayer Book

22 distinguished themselves particularly in promoting “our Confraternity” established at the churches served by the Order. Let the statistics on the deanery in Marijampole, Lithuania for the year 1888, testify to the fruits brought about by the pastoral activity of these Fathers and other Marians who followed their example. The Marian Fathers had then three monasteries in Lithuania: Marijampole, Miroslavas, and Iglaukai. They also conducted pastoral ministry in neighboring churches. There were 99 active confraternities at the 15 churches of that deanery. Along with several other confraternities, each church also had the Confraternity of the Scapular of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. The confraternities existing at the Marian churches exerted a considerable influence over the religious life and Marian devotion both in their parishes and in the vicinity. They contributed to the moral renewal and encouraged charitable works. They were instrumental in the sanctification of their members by promoting frequent confession and participation in Holy Mass on the feast days of Our Lady. The Renovator and Reformer of the Marian Order, Blessed Archbishop George Matulaitis-