10 Marian Helper • Fall 2023 • Marian.org A native of Monroe, Michigan, Fr. Chris, 54, was ordained to the priesthood in 2014. Since then, he has served as the director of the Association of Marian Helpers (“Fr. Joseph”), and in July 2022 was named interim provincial superior. Marian Helper sat down with Fr. Chris to discuss the state of the province and his plans for the future. Were you surprised to be elected provincial superior? Surprised? More like shocked! I really wasn’t expecting it. In fact, I was so sure I would not be elected, I made a lot of plans for travel, conferences, and projects that I have had to now cancel. But I am humbled by the faith my fellow Marians have in me, and hope I am up to the job. What are your principal duties as provincial superior? The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province covers the U.S. and Argentina, with nearly 80 Marian priests and brothers. As superior, I have to make sure the province stays on track, doing God’s will spiritually, but also administratively. That covers everything from maintaining the spiritual health of my fellow Marians and making assignments, to A NEW LEADER On May 15, 2023, the members of the VII Provincial Chapter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province, after hearing the results of the province-wide consultative vote, elected the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, as the provincial superior, for a six-year term. The province turns to Fr. Chris Photo by Br. Mark Fanders, MIC The new Provincial Superior, the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC (center), and his provincial council: Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC; Fr. Mark Baron, MIC; the Very Rev. Donald Calloway, MIC; and Fr. Ken Dos Santos, MIC.
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