Marian Helper Fall 2015

M arian H elper • S pring 2015 • marian.org 23 A prayer for priests As a semi-contemplative Congregation, the Sisters’ most important work is done with open hearts behind the convent walls. At 5:30 a.m., they begin a vigil that they carry into the night. As part of their charism, the Sisters take part in Perpetual Adoration in their chapel. Each sister, in rotation, spends one hour in the presence of the Eucharistic Jesus and prays for the sanctification of all priests, including the pope. Each of the Sisters is assigned Marians for whom they pray. “In [Christ’s] presence, we ask him for help and [we pray for the] needs of the whole world,” Sr. Martha said. The Very Rev. Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, the Marians’ provincial superior in the United States and Argentina, has known the sisters for 35 years. He said the sisters cook for the Marians five days a week. But their most powerful contribution to the Marians’ ministry in Stockbridge, he said, is the nourishment of their spiritual presence. “The sisters’ witness to the reality of the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the reality of Christ’s love is manifested in everything they do,” Fr. Kaz said. He recalls a retreat he took with a group of the Sisters to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., when he was still a seminarian. As he sat in the backseat next to one of the Sisters, he endeavored to direct the conversa- tion toward high-minded theological truths, but was thwarted. The sister spoke instead of faith, not in schol- arly terms, but rather from her heart, infused with God’s grace and love. For the eager young disciple of Christ, the moment was eye-opening. “She talked about Jesus as someone who she so loves, who is close to her heart,” Fr. Kaz recalls. “Through this dialogue with her, I realized I was talk- ing about Jesus as living — so personal and so close, I could feel it,” The ‘Sources of grace’ When asked about the grace and love with which others associate them, the Sisters say the Source of their happiness is the Presence of Jesus, both in their hearts and in their chapel. In their chapel, the Eucharist is kept exposed in the monstrance. Visitors are welcome for Eucharistic Adoration. Just ring the doorbell. The Eucharist is also kept in the ciborium inside the tabernacle. “The Hosts in the tabernacle are hidden. No one necessarily knows about them, but nonetheless they’re Sources of grace,” Sr. Martha said. Pilgrims to Eden Hill must sense this, the Sisters say. How else to explain why so many pause in front of the convent, genuflect, and make the Sign of the Cross? Christ is alive in that tucked-away building. He’s alive in the hearts of the Sisters inside who quietly pray for God’s mercy on the whole world. Sept. 13 — National Grandparents Day Sept. 19— Polish Day Sept. 24— Healing Mass (monthly) Sept. 26— Blessing of Families Sept. 26 — St. Faustina Novena Oct. 4— Mercy for Souls Conference Oct. 5— Feast of St. Maria Faustina Oct. 13 — St. John Paul II Novena Oct. 22— Feast of St. John Paul II Oct. 29— Healing Mass (monthly) Oct. 31— Blessing of Families Nov. 1— Prayers for Poor Souls Visi t TheDivineMercy.org/shrine f or more information about these events. S hrine calendar This fall, spiritually prepare for the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy by coming on pilgrimage to th e National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Receive the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist; immerse yourself in the Divine Mercy devotions; explore the beautiful grounds, including the man y candle shrines, our life-size d Stations of the Cross, and other places of prayer; and take part in some of our special ethnic and other days. Our fall calendar includes: F elix C arroll