Fall-Winter 2013-2014

R ight now, many dioceses and religious communities are experiencing a vocations crisis because their applicants are so few. In the Marians, we also have been having a vocations crisis, but it’s because our vocations are somany! God has really blessed us. This year, we have nearly 30men in formation. That’s the most men in formation we’ve ever had in the history of our province. This is evenmore amazing, considering that we have fewer than 25Marian priests actively serving here in the United States. In short, we have more men in formation thanwe have active Marian priests! Our “crisis,” there- fore, has been trying to figure out where to house somany newmen and, especially, how to fund their seminary education. Believe me: It hasn’t been easy. Thankfully, our Marian Helpers have been incredibly generous to our seminarian appeals, and we haven’t had to turn anymen away. For this, we are truly grateful. How grateful?Well, I think Deacon Chris Alar’s gesture, which I mentioned at the beginning of this article, says it all. He and all our men in formation knowhowmuch the Marian Helpers support us, and so, fromour hearts, we thank you. Seminarians HEARING THE CALL: The Marians have nearly 30 men in formation in the United States. Marian Helpers are supporting them and have supported the education of many of our recently ordained priests, including Fr. Ron McBride, MIC; Fr. Angelo Casimiro, MIC; Fr. James Cervantes, MIC; and Fr. Jim McCormack, MIC.