Fall-Winter 2013-2014

In the News: Marians in Stockbridge, Mass. “T his is the cul- mination of many years of study, prayer, and obedience in a final commitment for life. I am so unbelievably happy,” said seminar- ian Br. Chris Alar, MIC, who professed his perpetual vows in the Marian com- munity on Aug. 16 in a liturgy that was standing room only at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass. Then, he was ordained a deacon on Sept. 21, the feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, at the National Shrine, and plans call for his priestly ordination sometime in 2014. Sitting just behind the Marian seminarian as he professed his vows were his parents, Charles and Rosalie Alar of Michigan. Charles is convinced his son Chris has a special place in God’s plan. “I was almost killed in a car wreck. They thought I was dead for a while, and I did wake up, and I was laid up almost a year covered with plaster. I was really hurt bad,” he said. “Chris was born two years later, and I feel so strongly that the main reason I was allowed to wake up when I should have been dead was so that Chris could be born. I really feel strongly about that.” Father Joe Roesch, MIC, the Marians’ vicar general who served as principal celebrant of the perpetual vows Mass, also foresees great things to come for the seminarian. “God is very generous to those who give up things for Him,” said Fr. Joe in his homily, “and Chris has given up many things to come to this point in his life, to say, ‘I am here. This is what the Lord wants, and I have no choice but to say yes to the call of the Lord. I am surrendering to the Lord.’ And we know the Lord will never be out- done in generosity.” Deacon Chris said that he has definitely experienced the generosity of the Lord throughout his formation as a Marian, especially through the prayers and support of the Marian Helpers. “There are now nearly 30 men coming up through our formation program,” he pointed out. “God is calling us to the priesthood and religious life, but we can’t answer the call without the prayers and support of the Marian Helpers. They play a critically important role in every ordination and perpetual vows cer- emony of every Marian. Without the prayers and donations of the Marian Helpers, none of this would be possible. “Thank you! We owe everything to you. “Each priest, after he is ordained, offers his first Mass for a special intention. Mine will be offered for all our Marian Helpers.” To help educate other Marian seminarians like the newly ordained Deacon Chris, please go to marian.org/ seminarians or call 1-800-671-2020. F elix C arroll Referred to as the “Energizer Bunny” of the Marians — a dynamo with a heart on fire for Christ and His Church — then-Br. Chris Alar, MIC, professed his perpetual vows on Aug. 16 at the National Shrine. Marian makes final vows; is ordained a deacon M H by Chris Sparks Back to index