Inspiration and news from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception Marian Helper Marian.org Fall 2024 DESERT TREK ‘Survivor’ for Seminarians?
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AMH Director/Publisher: Fr. Mark Baron, MIC — “Father Joseph, MIC” Executive Editor: Dr. Joe McAleer Designer: Andrew Leeco Writer, Assistant Editor: Chris Sparks AMH General Promoter: Br. Andrew R. Mączyński, MIC Vol. 81, No. 3 Fall 2024 14 Band of Brothers Mission Statement Marian Helper is intended to serve members of the Association of Marian Helpers (AMH), a spiritual benefit society of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The magazine seeks to provide spiritual nourishment, education about the Catholic faith, and information about the mission and good works of the Marians. It also provides information about Association services and presents opportunities to support the mission and good works of the Congregation. Marian Helper is published quarterly by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. It is sent free of charge to active members of the Association. Printed in the USA with ecclesiastical approval. Copyright © 2024 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. All rights reserved. Send all correspondence to: Association of Marian Helpers, Editorial Dept., Eden Hill, Stockbridge, MA 01263. Email: [email protected] Website: Marian.org On the day after Pentecost, a merry band of 12 Marian seminarians, along with their formator, Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC, set out on an 1,800-mile road trip from Steubenville, Ohio, to the Moab desert in Utah. No, it wasn’t an episode of “Survivor,” but something much more profound. 3 Father Joseph Writes 4 Marian Helpers in Action 6 Father Joseph’s Picks 7 Notes from Rome 8 On Eden Hill 31 Outstanding Helpers 33 Graces Received 36 From the Vaults Departments Dr. Robert Stackpole suggests answers to the perennial question in a crucial election year. ‘How should I vote?’ It’s HIM! 10 Marian Press author Peggy Stanton says describe the Eucharistic reality correctly: It’s Jesus! Closing the National Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Tagle urged the assembly: “Go! Go! Go!” Share the Gift! 12 Saints and Souls 18 Look to the Marian Founder, St. Stanislaus Papczyński, for reasons why we pray for the Holy Souls. Join us in Canada for NACOM III! The third North American Congress on Mercy beckons all to Vancouver Nov. 15-17. 20 Page 21 Philip Parham offers a personal reflection on the Sacrament of Baptism and its meaning. The Water of Life Do your part! 24 There’s an election in November, and it’s more than just casting your vote, says Maria Gallagher. Turn to Mother! We need Our Lady’s intercession more than ever — and the saints too, notes Kimberly Bruce. 26 28
Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception The Marian Fathers are a Congregation of nearly 500 priests and brothers in 19 countries around the world. We support the Holy Father and embrace the official teachings of the Catholic Church in our special calling to: ● Spread devotion to Mary as the Immaculate Conception. ● Offer our lives for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, especially the victims of war and disease. ● Operate publishing apostolates and assist where the need is greatest in parishes, shrines, and missions. ● Promote the Divine Mercy message and devotion. ● Organize people of good will to work with and through us to bring Christ everywhere. Association of Marian Helpers — Join us! Established in 1925, the Association of Marian Helpers is a spiritual benefit society that prayerfully and financially supports the priests and brothers of the Congregation of Marian Fathers. Your enrollment means that, by a decree of the Holy See, you share in these graces: ● A daily Mass offered for all Marian Helpers. ● A share in the prayers, good works, and merits of the Marian priests and brothers around the world. ● A special Mass offered on feast days of our Savior and His Blessed Mother. ● A monthly Mass on each First Friday and each First Saturday. ● A Mass offered for deceased members on All Souls’ Day. ● The perpetual Novena to the Divine Mercy. l Deepen your commitment of prayer and support by joining one of our three spiritually nourishing prayer clubs: Marian.org/clubs l Support a particular ministry: Marian.org/give l Create a memorial or tribute: MemorialsOnEdenHill.org l Arrange a special gift of stock, a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, a grant from your donor-advised fund, a gift through your will or trust, or annuity: Giving.Marian.org Call 1-800-671-2020 to make a gift by phone or for assistance. Free online help for your will, visit Marian.org/will. A sample form of bequest to the Marians is: I give and bequeath to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. (Tax ID #20-8599030), Stockbridge, MA 01262, ____% of my adjusted gross estate (or $_______, or a specific asset) to be used for its religious and educational purposes. Marian Helpers Center Stockbridge, Massachusetts Headquarters and publishing center for the Association of Marian Helpers. 1-800-462-7426 National Shrine of The Divine Mercy (413) 298-3931 For pilgrimages: (413) 298-1119 ShrineOfDivineMercy.org Mercy Apostolates Learn about our lay ministries: Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy Dr. Bryan Thatcher TheDivineMercy.org/eadm 1-877-380-0727 Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy Marie Romagnano, MSN, RN, CCM TheDivineMercy.org/hpdm 1-866-895-3236 John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy Dr. Robert Stackpole TheDivineMercy.org/JPII 1-866-895-3236 Mother of Mercy Messengers Joan and Dave Maroney TheDivineMercy.org/momm 1-830-634-7765 Evangelization Team Invite the Marians to speak at your parish. (413) 298-1349 [email protected] Intercessory Prayerline Send us prayer intentions. 1-800-804-3823 Marian.org/prayer Websites Marian.org TheDivineMercy.org ShopMercy.org DivineMercyPlus.org Who We Are Other ways to support God’s mission Sign-up is easy: Visit MICPrayers.org Visit marian.org/social 2 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org
Father Joseph Writes That great Marian Father also clearly, consistently committed us to a spirit of continuous renewal and generous effort “for Christ and the Church.” On his deathbed, where he reiterated his conviction that self-sacrifice is the way most Christians carry their cross, Bl. George urged Marians: “Close up the ranks and sacrifice yourselves.” I am confident that Bl. George was there with us at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress this summer, a Congress that none of us — Marian Fathers or Marian Helpers — might have been at without Bl. George’s far-sighted decisions to establish the Marian Family in this country and to summon Bl. Michael Sopoćko, a priest of the diocese of Vilnius, home, thus putting him in the right place at the right time to become St. Faustina’s spiritual director. These choices set the stage for the work of the Marian Fathers in the U.S. as parish priests and preachers of missions, retreats, and conferences; leading promoters worldwide of the Divine Mercy message and devotion; and founders of an incredible multimedia apostolate promoting so many crucial Catholic teachings, devotions, and practices, including fervent love for and devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Yes, Bl. George was with us at the Congress, one of the most extraordinary, powerful gatherings in the history of the Catholic Church in America. The Congress was a pivotal moment in both American history and the legacy of the Catholic Church. Jesus came to Indianapolis, and met us there, you see, coming in the hearts and hands of pilgrims from four corners of the United States, crossing the country in four enormous, long Eucharistic processions that covered thousands of miles before meeting in Indianapolis for the Congress. Catholic ministries and apostolates doing incredible, fruitful work were there, including the Association of Marian Helpers, Marian Press, and the Marian Fathers’ apostolates. The Congress was an extraordinary blessing. It’s one long in the making, prompted in large part by the U.S. bishops being alerted to a grave catechetical problem by a 2019 Pew research report that indicated only about a third of U.S. Catholics believed in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Please continue to work with me and the entire Marian Family in the vineyard of the Lord, helping pray and work for the true renewal of our own faith in the Eucharist, and the faith of our brethren, especially those lapsed Catholics or those who’ve rejected the faith. As we set out now on this final year of the National Eucharistic Revival, the “Year of Mission,” a year dedicated to the New Evangelization and to the old — to reminding faithful Catholics of the incredible gift of Jesus in the Eucharist, and to sharing that Good News with the world — I and my Marian brethren need your help. This is a job for the whole Marian Family, not just for the priests and brothers in the Congregation. Will you answer the call of the Church? Will you set to work for Christ and His Church in learning and living a deeper Eucharistic spirituality, and sharing it with your neighbors? I know you will. God bless you! THANKS, BL. GEORGE! “Father Joseph, MIC ,” is the honorary title of the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, currently F.rMark Baron, MIC. Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 3 There’s one Marian Father in particular who’s the reason my religious congregation is in the United States at all. A century ago, Bl. George Matulaitis (1871-1927), the Marian Renovator, took a look at the religious liberty in the United States, compared it to the impossible conditions nearly killing the Congregation under the Russian empire of his day, and decided to send some of his brethren to the U.S. to start up apostolic works and religious houses.
A cradle Catholic, Cindy admits she “didn’t learn the Faith” while growing up in Michigan in the 1960s and 1970s. After leaving home as a young adult, she stopped practicing Catholicism and suffered an abortion. Then Cindy met Eric, who had spent some time as a Buddhist monk. “I wasn’t practicing but still considered myself Catholic,” Cindy says, and Eric agreed to join the Church before their Catholic wedding in 1983. No good answer Unfortunately, the formation Eric received was poor, so the young couple was not strong in the religious teachings they wanted to pass on to their children. They sent Heather and Ryan to catechism classes and went to Mass, but, over time, the family’s attendance became “spotty.” When Heather was a teenager, both she and Ryan challenged their parents to explain why they should have to go to Mass. “We had no good answer,” Cindy admits. Heather stopped attending Mass, and Ryan followed her example a few months later. While the faith of Cindy’s adolescent children was withering, on other branches of the family tree, a renewal was in the bud. Cindy’s father had passed away from cancer, and at the end of his life he had grown in his faith, becoming a daily communicant. After his passing, Cindy’s mother, Sylvia, began attending daily Mass, praying a daily Rosary, The Power of Perseverance Marian Helpers in Action By Marian Friedrichs Mother and son: Cindy and Ryan. “You cannot give what you don’t have,” Cindy comments as she reflects on raising her daughter, Heather, and son, Ryan, in the 1980s and 1990s. Cindy and her husband, Eric, tried to give their children what they had not received themselves: adequate formation in their Catholic faith. 4 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org
and actively seeking opportunities to deepen her knowledge of the Faith. Time of testing When Sylvia and her new husband visited Cindy and Eric at their home in Virginia, the two couples went to Sunday Mass together. Afterward, Sylvia confided to Cindy that she was uncomfortable with the church they had attended, where there were no kneelers, statues, or images of the saints. As she considered her mother’s words, Cindy realized that, without kneelers, the congregation never knelt; without images or statues, “I never thought of the Blessed Mother or St. Joseph.” At one Mass, a woman had performed a dance after the Gospel in place of the priest’s homily. And so, in 2000, Cindy and Eric chose a different church. Eric, however, did not stay long. Disillusioned by the priest sex abuse scandal, he stopped going to Mass altogether. Cindy continued to attend but hesitated to register as a parishioner. “I felt like something was happening to me,” she says. “I felt like the Lord was preparing me.” The following year, Cindy and Eric learned that Ryan, then 15 years old, had begun using drugs. They turned instantly to their Mother in Heaven. “We grabbed our Rosaries, made Ryan sit down, and started praying frantically.” To Cindy and Eric’s prayers were added those of Sylvia, who offered “tons of Rosaries for all her grandkids.” Time of learning In 2002, Cindy joined Sylvia at a “Call to Holiness” conference. “This was a major turning point for me,” Cindy says. “It was a waking up.” At a vendor’s table, a copy of the Divine Mercy Image caught Cindy’s eye. “I didn’t know anything about Divine Mercy,” she recalls, “but I was so moved by the Image that I bought it.” Cindy likens this time of learning about the Church with “living in the same house for 42 years, and someone knocked on my door and brought me to my backyard and told me to dig. And there was a great treasure and I said, ‘You mean this was in my backyard the whole time?’” After the conference, Cindy renewed her search for a permanent parish. In her spiritual reading, she kept encountering the name of St. Benedict, so when she learned about a nearby Catholic church named for that saint, she went to Mass at St. Benedict’s Church. “As I sat there, I felt completely at home, and I didn’t know anybody,” she recalls. It was Advent of 2002. In January 2003, Cindy registered as a parishioner. She began volunteering, attending daily Mass, and praying the Rosary. The following December, Cindy attended a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat to seek mercy and healing from her abortion. She became active with 40 Days for Life and joined the church choir. Meanwhile, Heather and Ryan continued to struggle. Both suffered from addictions. Heather was married to a man with mental health problems, while Ryan moved from job to job, unable to settle down. In 2013, he moved back in with his parents. In 2019, Heather died of pneumonia. God’s grace, and the trust Cindy had learned to place in His Divine Mercy, prevented the grief from becoming overwhelming. After Heather’s death, Cindy was consoled by dreams in which her daughter looked “so happy and joyful.” All the while, like a modern-day St. Monica, Cindy continually interceded for Ryan, through prayers, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary, asking the Blessed Mother, “Take my son to your Son.” During First Friday overnight Eucharistic Adoration, which Cindy coordinated at St. Benedict’s, she and other women offered midnight Rosaries for their children and grandchildren to practice the faith. Encouraged by the testimony of Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, of his own troubled youth and subsequent conversion, Cindy kept turning Ryan over to God and “praying for patience and perseverance.” Regrets into prayers Finally, last spring Ryan told his mother that he thought it would be “cathartic” for him to go to Confession. On May 2, after daily Mass, Cindy saw Ryan and Eric enter the church together and join the line outside the confessional. It had been 25 years since Ryan’s last confession. Since that day, Ryan has been attending Mass and praying the Rosary with his parents. Cindy is overjoyed, but there are twinges of sorrow when she remembers her children’s early years. “There are so many things I would do differently if I were raising my kids now,” she says. “I try to turn every regret into a prayer.” As she mourns lost opportunities, Cindy prays for parents who are raising children today, especially those who are becoming discouraged. For her son, Cindy sees every reason to hope. As he continues his journey to God through prayer and the Sacraments, Ryan has also begun to grow closer to Mary, preparing himself for Marian consecration through the traditional 33 days of prayer. “Ryan’s story is not over,” says his mother. “It’s just beginning." Like a modern-day St. Monica, Cindy prayed unceasingly for Ryan, asking the Blessed Mother, “Take my son to your Son.” Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 5
Visit ShopMercy.org/b63 or call 1-800-462-7426. Father Joseph’s Picks It’s back to school, but for Catholics of all ages, education in the faith knows no season. Here are four books to welcome eternal realities into your life and the peace that only God gives, the peace that surpasses all understanding (see Phil 4:7). By Kevin Wilson Each of us has the potential to become a saint. We’re especially reminded of this when we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, usually as a teenager, and choose a saint as our patron and inspiration. Who better than the saints and blesseds to inspire us in the battle of life? Kevin Wilson places you, the reader, in a fictional story of a holy man, woman, or child before their recognition by the Roman Catholic Church. Ever wonder what it was like to befriend Carlo Acutis or Mother Teresa? Fire up your imagination and meet a saint! $15.95. B63-MKST THE GOSPEL OF LUKE FOR LITTLE ONES Written by Sara Beth Meyer, M.Th.; Illustrated by Allison Hsu, M.D. In Luke’s Gospel, God humbles the proud and blesses the lowly. Author Sara Beth Meyer and illustrator Allison Hsu, both working mothers, perfect a format and design created in their first books, The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones and The Gospel of Mark for Little Ones. Told in delightful rhyming stanzas and depicted in beautiful watercolor illustrations, the Gospel message comes alive and remains Good News for all to enjoy. $19.95. B63-LUKB THE SAINT I KNEW! EXCITING “ENCOUNTERS” WITH HOLINESS NEW! NEW! By Helen Hoffner This beautifully-illustrated book will help you identify and understand the history of crosses seen on historic monuments, houses of worship, flags, and anywhere your travels may lead. It also addresses crucifixes, or crosses that contain an image of the Body of Jesus Christ. Stories of crosses awaken curiosity about medieval knights, crusades, and the exploration of new lands. Every cross has a story to tell. Perfect for travelers and young folks off on fresh adventures! $23.95. B63-CRUS THE CROSS: A UNIVERSAL SYMBOL By Maria V. Gallagher Maria Gallagher continues her Rosary series with a new volume, personal reflections and Scriptural meditations to enhance your appreciation of the Glorious Mysteries. It also provides some strategies for growing in the various virtues associated with each Mystery, and explores various saints who experienced a special connection with the Blessed Mother. Lovely and moving, this powerful book will be especially appreciated by those who need hope. $12.95. B63-GLMY GLORIOUS ENCOUNTERS WITH MARY A GUIDE TO LIVING THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY NEW! NEW! 6 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org
Notes from Rome By the Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC “I am from Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamilnadu. I had a deep desire to become a Catholic priest from a young age since we are a very devout Catholic family. My grandma had five daughters. She wanted to have a male child, but she did not. My mother is the first daughter among those five. My grandmother had supposed that if my mother had a male child, she would offer him to God. It happened to be me, and I have also wanted to become a priest to serve God. “I realized that I had been called by God. I therefore joined the Marians in 2012 and I’m happy to be a Marian priest now! “My mother is a teacher and my father is a farmer and a hard worker. They are happy to send me to serve Christ and His Church. They cherish each moment of my presence with the Marians. “I had a sister but, sadly, she died six years ago in a tragic accident. This was a great loss for my entire family. Despite everything, my parents are convinced that God can bring good from everything in His plan. “After my ordination in 2022, I spent one year as an assistant parish priest in Palayamkottai Cathedral in the nearby diocese in Tamil Nadu. It was a great pastoral experience for me. I enjoyed being with the people, consoling them, and especially assisting the parish priest and learning from him. “Then I spent one year as the prefect of students in our minor seminary in Karumathur. I lived in our religious house and spent time with the students. I found this experience to be a bit challenging, but by God’s grace, I was able to be with our brothers and to teach the students many things about what it means to be a good Marian. “During that year, I also had a chance to fly to Sri Lanka to visit our Marian Novitiate. I was able to teach about our charism of assisting the Holy Souls in Purgatory. It was my first time in Sri Lanka and I was happy to visit our men there for a week. “Now I am in Rome to study, and I am so happy to see so many places and churches, and especially the Vatican. I am enjoying living in our Marian Community House where there are Marians from different parts of the world. “I currently go to a language school five days a week for four hours a day to study Italian grammar and conversation. In our house, we pray in Italian and speak Italian during our meals, which is a great help. “Please pray for me as I pray for you!” We certainly will, Father! And we pray for all of our student priests here in Rome, as we do all of the Marian Fathers around the world. SCHOOL’S IN SESSION! Fall means back to school, and that includes many Marian Fathers! Our newest Marian priest student in our Marian College in Rome is Fr. Inigo Iraiarasu, MIC, who hails from southeast India. His first name comes from St. Ignatius of Loyola, and his last name means “Kingdom of God” in Tamil, his native language. Let’s get to know him, in his own words. The Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC, is the Superior General of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He lives in Rome. Listen to his podcasts, including “Saint Faustina’s Diary in a Year,” on TheDivineMercy.org/podcasts and DivineMercyPlus.org/podcasts. Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 7 Father Joe talks with Fr. Inigo Iraiarasu, MIC
On Eden Hill Summer at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy is a time for our annual celebrations of different ethnic pilgrim groups, including Filipino Day on June 15, Vietnamese Day on June 29, and Encuentro Latino on Aug. 3. Next up: Polish Day on Sept. 21. (Photos by Giuseppe Mignano & Katelyn Dobbs) 8 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org
Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 9 The 19th annual Divine Mercy Medicine, Bioethics, and Spirituality Conference, held June 5-7, was a great success, in large part due to the planning efforts of Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, and Marie Romagnano, MSN, RN, CCM-R, founder of Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy. Conference speakers on the theme “Exploring Compassion and Mercy in Healthcare” included Sr. M. Salvatrice Musial, OLM, from the Pontifical Academy of Theology; Bryan Thatcher, MD, founder of Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy (EADM); and Christopher Klofft, PhD, an associate professor of theology at Assumption University. Robin Goldsmith, MD (right), president and chief medical officer of the St. Gianna Clinic in De Pere, Wisconsin, spoke at the conference on “The Need for Courage and Compassion in Catholic Primary Care.” “This talk could just as easily have been titled, ‘Jesus, I trust in You,’” she noted. “There’s no greater time than now to rejuvenate and return medicine to its roots to the vocation it once was, where God is recognized as the Divine Healer and each person is viewed as a gift from God, deserving dignity and respect." Visiting the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy was the Most Reverend Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso (center), Archbishop of Kaduna, Nigeria, who also serves as Vice-President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. In his archdiocese in the north of the country, many priests have been abducted by terrorists, and the rate of suicide has increased, as times are hard and many people have lost hope. But Archbishop Ndagoso is a courageous leader; he recently described his priests as “weightlifters”: “This is what we are called to do: to lift up the heavy burdens that our people carry and give them hope; to lift off the weight from people’s shoulders, to give them the assurance that our Master gave when He said, ‘Come to me all you who labor and are overburdened.’” Please pray for Archbishop Ndagoso and all the priests and people in his archdiocese, that they may find peace and never lose hope in the saving power of God’s mercy! Pictured with Archbishop Ndagoso are Fr. Luke Ango Namiji, a priest of his archdiocese, and the Very Rev. Chris Alar, Provincial Superior.
It took a little time before pilgrims to the Congress could identify the chief ingredient that made five days in Indianapolis in July such an awesome event and, may I say, this is one of the few times that much over-used word “awesome” substantially fits the fact. Actually, it is too small. “Monumental” is more exact. Noted author, speaker, and theologian Dr. Scott Hahn, who normally has no trouble describing things, declared the National Eucharistic Congress “indescribable.” There was, he claimed, a “supernatural surrealistic” quality about it. He was amazed how “anointed” the Congress was. Amen to all of those descriptions. All about the One Why was it so different? Only One was the main Attraction. Not the Pope; not Bl. Carlo Acutis; not Bishop Robert Barron or another equally celebrated Catholic speaker. Not even the Blessed Mother. Only her Son, which is the way she likes it. They were all there; but as happily supporting players to the King. It was Him upon Whom the entire five days were focused. He who created the holy excitement. Our God, our humble Lord and Savior, the Creator of the Universe, came out of hiding, strode out of the tabernacle, mightily manifesting Himself. How blessed were the 50-60,000 pilgrims to witness Him in all His Eucharistic magnificence, encased in a brilliant, large gold monstrance, the only One visible in the center of a darkened Lucas Oil Stadium with spotlights forming radiant streams of light flowing over Him and the altar where He rested. On stone-cold floors, thousands descended to their knees and bowed before their King; even tiny children. Interspersed with the silent worship were hymns sung with reverent but lustily enthusiastic lungs. Reflections on the Eucharistic Congress By Peggy Stanton “I ’ve been to a lot of these big events,” said one National Eucharistic Congress pilgrim, “and they have been great, but this one feels different. Something is happening here.” Thousands processed the streets of downtown Indianapolis with our Lord (IG/eucharistic_revival) . Eucharistic Congress 10 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org It’s HIM!
Even without the drama, in a crowded hallway, seemingly out of nowhere, and totally unexpectedly, there He was, minus the previous night’s grandeur — merely being transported in His gold, circular carriage. It was as if the Shepherd was strolling through the flock to see how His sheep were faring, and we all spontaneously fell to our knees in the hallway of a sports arena. Urban procession Saturday afternoon, on downtown Indianapolis city streets, thousands lined the curbs, steps, bannisters, bridges, windows and railings to see the King of Kings, escorted by his court of bishops, archbishops, hundreds of priests, nuns, lay religious orders and Indianapolis police on bicycles. And as He came by, people on the street knelt. At the conclusion of the procession, the Lord was placed high on a World War Memorial overlooking a park packed with people for the ceremonial Benediction. But it wasn’t over. A few hours later, again in Lucas Oil Stadium, the festivities resumed. There was joyous music; arms in the air, praising and worshiping. There were inspiring speeches from some of the most celebrated presenters in the Catholic world, from Bishop Barron to The Chosen Jesus, Jonathan Roumie; all of whom received arena roof-raising applause. The Real Jesus Nothing, however, compared to the reception for the real Jesus. When at last He appeared, the arena went dark and the crowd became utterly silent, moving again to their knees as He was carried under rays of brilliant light to the altar, center stage. The thousands of pilgrims, who were stacked in rows, to the stadium ceiling, remained on their knees, alternately singing meditative hymns and worshiping in silence for over a half hour. I have never experienced anything quite like it. Suddenly this thought came to me; is this what Heaven — so vividly depicted by the Apostle John — is like? I looked and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne, and before the lamb, clothed, in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:9-10) During this historic Congress, Jesus’ Real Presence was also acknowledged by definition rather than demotion. However reverently intended, merely referring to the Eucharistic Lord as “the” Blessed Sacrament or “the Eucharist” conveys an image of an “it” rather than “Him.” Who wants to adore an “it”? Pagans, yes. Christians, no. We hunger to worship HIM. Dear clergy, if you wish us to recognize the Real Presence, describe the reality. It’s Him! It’s not an It! It’s Him! Happily, the bishops promoting the National Eucharistic Revival seem to be getting the point. The Eucharistic pilgrimages dramatically emphasized Our Lord’s actual Presence. Pilgrims were told they were “On the road with Jesus” or walking with the Eucharistic Lord just as the Apostles traveled with the visibly human Lord, 2,000 years ago. Father Mike Schmitz spoke some of the sentences I will most remember. He stressed the need for repentance. “There is no love, no revival, without repentance.” He said love was more needed than knowledge. “Knowledge can make you great. But only love can make you a saint.” Peggy Stanton is the author of From the White House to the White Cross: Confessions of a TV News Correspondent (B63-WHWC) and The Order of Malta Minutes with the Catechism (B63-OMTK), both from Marian Press and available on ShopMercy.org. Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 11 Bishop William Byrne of Springfield, Massachusetts, adores Christ in the Eucharist with tens of thousands in Lucas Oil Stadium. It was Him upon Whom the entire five days were focused. He who created the holy excitement. Our God, our humble Lord and Savior, the Creator of the Universe, came out of hiding, strode out of the tabernacle, mightily manifesting Himself. K. Dobbs/Diocese of Springfield
In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “For I came down from Heaven, not to do My will, but the will of the One who sent me” (Jn 6:38). Jesus has a profound consciousness of having been sent, of being on a mission. He also says in John 6:32, “My Father gives you the true Bread from Heaven.” But what is this Bread? He says in verse 35, “I am the Bread of Life.” Jesus is sent to be given by the Father to others. Sent to be a gift. He is not sent just to wander around and to enjoy Himself. He is sent to be given. The missioner is a gift. Mission is not just about work, but also about the gift of oneself. Jesus fulfills His mission by giving Himself, His flesh, His presence to others as the Father wills it. The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a gift and the fulfillment of His mission. “This is My Body for you, My Blood for you.” Always for you. For all. The Eucharist is a privileged moment to experience Jesus’ mission as a gift of Himself. … Who will accept? Jesus told His listeners in the Gospel of John, chapter 6, that to receive Him, to accept Him, means first, to believe in Him, and secondly, to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood. The disciples who were initially eager to listen to Him started doubting. They said, “This saying is hard. It’s hard. It’s difficult. Who can accept it?” As a result of this, many of Jesus’ disciples left Him: “They returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him” (Jn 6:66). They returned to a way of life without Jesus. They chose His absence rather than His presence in their lives. Instead of accompanying Him, they walked alone. I invite you, dear brothers and sisters, to pause and ask rather painful questions about this mysterious rejection of Jesus by His disciples. Is it possible that we, His disciples, contribute also to the departure of others from Jesus? Why do some people leave Jesus when He is giving the most precious gift of eternal life? Why do some baptized turn away from the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist? Does our biblical, catechetical, and liturgical formation allow the gift of Jesus’ Person to shine forth clearly? Does our Eucharistic celebration manifest Jesus’ presence, or does Share the Gift! Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section of Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization of the Holy See, celebrated the closing Mass of the National Eucharistic Congress on July 21. Addressing a gathering of 50,000 faithful in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, he reflected on the Congress theme, “Remain in Me,” from the Gospel of John (see Jn 15:4). Here is an excerpt from his homily. Eucharistic Congress 12 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org IG/eucharistic_revival
it obscure the presence of Jesus? Do Mass-goers manifest the presence of Christ through their witness of life, charity, and mission? Do our parish communities provide an experience of Jesus’ closeness and caring? Are our families still the primary teachers and transmitters of the Faith? Do the youth feel listened to and heard about their search for Jesus? What cultural mindsets challenge the faith in Jesus’ word and gift of self? … But let us not lose heart. Jesus will not get tired of coming to us with the gift of Himself, even when He is wounded. Will you stay? You can be happy. After the departure of some disciples, Jesus asked the 12 Apostles, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that You are the Holy One of God” (Jn 6:68). Jesus is asking each one of us, “Do you also want to leave Me like the others?” I hope we can answer like Peter, “We will stay with You, Lord. We refuse to live far from Your presence.” But let these not be empty words. Like Peter, we should believe with conviction. Jesus does not impose Himself on anyone. He appeals to our interior freedom. Faith and conviction are our gifts to Jesus, who gives Himself to us. So, I ask you, dear brothers and sisters, will you stay with Jesus? Those who choose to stay with Jesus will be sent by Jesus. The gift of His presence and love for us will be our gift to people. We should not keep Jesus to ourselves. That is not discipleship. That is selfishness. The gift we have received, we should give as a gift. Have you experienced the tenderness of Jesus towards His tired disciples, offering them time to rest and to eat, as recounted in the Gospel today (Mk 6:30-34)? Go and share Jesus’ tender love to the weary, the hungry, and the suffering. Have you experienced Jesus’ compassion and guidance when you were like sheep without the shepherd? Go and share Jesus’ shepherds’ caress to the lost, confused, and weak. Have you experienced Jesus’ wounded Heart uniting those who are separated from each other, as St. Paul states in his letter to the Ephesians (Eph 2:13-18)? Go! Go! Go! Now, go and share Jesus’ gift of reconciliation and peace to those who are divided. In his letter to me, Pope Francis expressed the hope, and I quote, “That the participants of the Congress, fully aware of the universal gifts they receive from Heavenly Food, may impart them to others.” So, a Eucharistic people is a missionary and evangelizing people. Go! Go! Go! What you have heard, touched, and tasted, you must share with others. We have received the gift of Jesus. Let us go to proclaim Jesus zealously and joyfully for the life of the world! “A Eucharistic people is a missionary and evangelizing people. Let us go to proclaim Jesus zealously and joyfully for the life of the world!” Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 13
Seminarians in the wild No, this wasn’t an episode of “Survivor.” It was the start of a long-awaited week in the wilderness, a time of communal bonding and presence with God in nature. We felt like the Apostles with Jesus, and we invoked Mary and the Holy Spirit to accompany us throughout our journey. We drove in three vans as a caravan, and under Fr. Thad’s leadership, we were quick during stops for gas, restrooms, and food. We even squeezed in opportunities to greet fellow travelers, hand out Miraculous Medals, and share snippets of faith. Rock climbing in the Moab desert of Utah offered Marian seminarians lessons in teamwork and perseverance. Lessons learned in the Utah desert By Br. Josh, MIC On the day after Pentecost, a merry band of 12 Marian seminarians, along with our formator, Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC, set out on an 1,800-mile road trip from Steubenville, Ohio, to the Moab desert in Utah. Vocations 14 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org
Backpacking The first day of our wilderness backpacking journey began with Mass at 5:30 a.m. Our makeshift altar was a picnic table, but future Masses would be celebrated on rocks. I felt cheerful as I helped four brothers wash their hands using a special water bag and soap bottle that only clean hands could touch. We had been advised to each pair with a buddy who would clean our hands. “Today, I’m everybody’s buddy,” I said lightly as I cleaned their hands. Soon, we were ready for Mass. The Psalm and Epistle of James cried out for detachment. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” the antiphon for the Psalm kept repeating. The abundance of the wealthy would not follow them when they died and the ground became their “palace.” I could see that the Lord was teaching us, giving us a more tangible experience of poverty than our little penances at home. The readings were striking, given our training on packing lightly and even carrying our own human waste with us on the trail in special, NASAapproved “wag bags,” preserving the desert’s cleanliness from the thousands of visitors passing through annually. These wag bags would become quite stinky in the days ahead! After Mass, I packed my backpack with belongings I would need for the week. Once filled, each backpack weighed 40-60 pounds, a quarter of my body weight. Brother Eliott had experience camping with Boy Scouts. He said, “You’ll feel it.” And I did! Descent The weather was very favorable, cool and overcast. We descended along a rock and dirt path to the canyon floor. The descent was 1,300 feet. We made it to the river by nightfall and staggered into our campsite only to have to raise tents, cook supper, and clean up in the dark, using headlamps. Some people were so exhausted that they just wanted to fall into bed without making supper. This would have interfered with rationing and created health risks the next day because of their high calorie burn, so group leaders had to press them to make supper and eat it. The challenge for the more athletically-fit among us was, first, overcoming our impatience to go further faster, and second, taking responsibility for our brothers and doing more work than we wanted to at the end of the day. The Lord told us through a reading from the Liturgy of the Hours that we should make our varying gifts available, serving to one another. This was a key time for putting that into practice. The environment was testing us in new ways. Ascent When the backpacking section of the trip ended, we had to climb up 1,300 feet out of the canyon. We started the day while the sky was still dark, and after praying Morning Prayer and eating breakfast, we quickly broke camp and made our way to the base of the cliff. Those of us who were physically stronger carried some of the backpack contents for our brothers who weren’t as fit, as well as general community goods such as sacks of drinking water. I felt grateful that our brothers who weren’t very athletic had the humility to let others carry some of their belongings, because if they hadn’t, they could have become exhausted on the cliff, crippling our whole group’s attempt to ascend the slope. Their humility allowed us to effectively work together and make surprisingly good time. As we ascended between boulders and across red rock and dirt, the canyon walls and cliff faces spread out before our eyes, providing increasingly spectacular vistas. Sometimes, footing was loose and rocks gave way underfoot, so we warned one another about treacherous areas. We reached the top ahead of schedule. Stars and a snake We slept outdoors, under the stars, for the remaining nights of our trip. I had rarely seen so many stars during my various travels in my life, and found the spectacle glorious. We spent the next day climbing another rock face, held secure by ropes and our companions. Brother Michael impressed me, for after failing to reach the top of the rock face after a difficult climb, he tried again later, and despite being exhausted, he made it all the way to the top on his Daily Mass was celebrated outdoors by Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC, director of the Marian House of Studies in Steubenville, Ohio. Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 15 Continued on page 16
second attempt. The brothers commented, “You didn’t let it beat you!” The next day, after a long hike we rappelled over a cliff face, descending 90 feet to the ground. We also got to swim in some cold, deep water in a cave, which was very refreshing and pleasant after the baking hot sun of the desert! Some of our days in the desert reached more than 90 degrees. At one point, a snake came out to sunbathe in the middle of our path, so we had to take an alternate route. Otherwise, we mainly saw benign lizards, birds, and frogs. Challenges and blessings As we drove out of the desert at the end of the trip, I thought about all that I had experienced, both the good and the bad, the challenges and the blessings. I saw how certain moments where our group was stopped and forced to wait made me feel impatient, and how my attachment to my own preferred schedule, pace, and rhythm was sometimes excessive. I saw how our traveling together provided opportunities to grow in the gift of sharing one’s own abilities, food, and other possessions, and of bearing one another’s burdens — even physically at times. I felt inspired to keep growing in generosity. Do you think you have a vocation to the priesthood, or know someone who has? The Marian Fathers would like to hear from you! Please visit Marian.org/vocations. 16 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org
Time to adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by natural beauty. One of the seminarians on the desert trek was Br. Stephen Camara, MIC (left), who professed his perpetual vows, along with Fr. Fidele Malanga, MIC, on Aug. 12 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Before the Superior General, the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC (center), Br. Stephen and Fr. Fidele pledged to live “in conformity to the life of Christ, who was poor, chaste, and obedient.” As full members of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception both were invested with the white habit. “I can promise you, if you live these vows faithfully and persevere, you will have life eternal in Heaven,” Fr. Roesch said. “You will be a blessing to many, and bring the Kingdom of God to the world.” Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 17
The Marian Fathers, as spiritual sons of St. Stanislaus Papczyński, intercede for the Holy Souls in Purgatory not because it is a pious idea, but because of his spiritual experiences — summarized below — that brought him into contact with the Holy Souls. 18 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org Saint and Souls
Saint Stanislaus suffered from a fatal illness in August 1701. Although consumed by fever, he was coherent and lucid until his death on Sept. 17. When his suffering intensified, he repeated, “Increase, O Lord, my sufferings, that You may diminish the punishment of the souls in Purgatory.” Such a heroic petition flowed from a lifetime of heartfelt devotion to alleviating their suffering. He willingly offered all his illnesses, sufferings, labors, persecutions, fasts, mortifications, penances, good deeds, and merits for them throughout his life, and encouraged his fellow Marians to do the same. Double reward In his testament of 1692, he wrote: “I promise a double reward at God’s hands to all those who choose and support this small Congregation of the Immaculate Conception, brought into being by God to assist the dead.” He invoked Mary not only as the one immaculately conceived but as the “most merciful Protectress of the Souls in Purgatory.” When organizing the new Congregation, St. Stanislaus ordered that each confraternity of the Immaculate Conception — established at the Marian houses and chapels — intercede for the souls in Purgatory. When he talked with people, he would pray with them a Chaplet of the Immaculate Conception for the suffering souls. While visiting the Oratorian monastery in Studzianna, St. Stanislaus felt he was losing his strength. Half dead, yet in ecstasy, he experienced the mystery of the souls enduring their final purification. As he witnessed their tremendous pain, he felt that the Blessed Mother — together with the Holy Souls — asked him to return to life so that he would intercede for them. The Oratorians went to St. Stanislaus’ cell to find out what had happened. Upon finding him, they considered him dead. But the superior assured them that St. Stanislaus was alive. He returned to life, received the superior’s blessing, and proceeded — still emaciated by fever — to deliver a long sermon about helping the souls in Purgatory. He then returned to his Marian monastery and ordered his fellow Marians to pray the Rosary and Office of the Dead every day, encouraging them to offer all they could to free the souls from their unbearable torments. When St. Stanislaus was ill, he remembered that he had a gold coin, which he ordered to be given to the priests for celebrating a Mass for the Holy Souls. Those who knew St. Stanislaus recalled that he would often lock himself in his cell to pray and, in ecstasy, descend to Purgatory, experiencing their suffering. He would ask the Father: “O, God of infinite Mercy, give me more suffering and diminish their punishment.” Another day, when praying with the Marians in chapel, he saw a soul judged for its sins. Moved with compassion, he interrupted the silence of prayer and told his confrères: “Let us pray together for the soul that is being judged right now.” It is supposed that this soul was that of King John III Sobieski. Saint Stanislaus’ devotion to the souls was revived by serving as chaplain to the Polish army led by that King in 1675. He cared for the soldiers who died in battle and prayed at their graves. One biographer wrote that the souls of the soldiers appeared to him and asked for his intercession. Even while seated at a meal, he fell into ecstasy and watched the suffering of the Holy Souls. Upon arriving at his monastery where he fasted and prayed for several days, he simply said to his brothers: “Pray, brethren, for the souls in Purgatory, for they suffer unbearably!” Greatest charity Saint Stanislaus, as a canonized saint, practiced heroic virtue. We may not be so strengthened in grace by the Holy Spirit that we can ask to suffer more so that the Holy Souls suffer less. But we can imitate our holy Father Founder’s compassion and prompt readiness to aid them by whatever means possible. We can give stipends for Masses for the intention of the Holy Souls; we can offer our trials and good works for their sake. I invite you as well to participate in the “90 Days for the Souls in Purgatory,” which began on August 4 and extends to November 2. Each day, we pray for a different group of the souls in Purgatory, beseeching our merciful Father to hasten their entrance to Heaven. To join, visit DivineMercyPlus.org. “It is the greatest charity to pray earnestly to God for the freedom of the souls remaining in Purgatory, or to assist them by merciful alms as by various other means,” St. Stanislaus wrote. “Quite impious and foolish is he who is not moved by their torments, and does not help those who suffer when he can… we shall have in Heaven as many Patrons and helpers as many souls we have brought there, thanks to our help, from the furnace of Purgatory!” By Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC We invite you to join the Marians this November in our month-long remembrance of all the faithful departed. Visit Marian.org/b63 to join us in our November remembrance. Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org 19
In anticipation of the 2025 Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” the third North American Congress on Mercy (NACOM III) will take place Nov. 15-17 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Under the theme “Divine Mercy and Mary: Our Hope,” the Congress will be held at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver. “We are excited to bring NACOM to Canada for the first time, and we invite devotees of Divine Mercy from across North America to come to Vancouver,” says Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, NACOM III coordinator. “There are spiritually enriching presentations from inspiring, well-known speakers and powerful witnesses to God’s love and mercy; Holy Mass; Eucharistic Adoration; Confession; uplifting sacred music; book signings; and time for sharing and fellowship. Something for everyone!” Open the doors The Most Rev. J. Michael Miller, CSB, Archbishop of Vancouver, will celebrate the opening Mass on Nov. 15. “As communities, we cannot bottle up the gift of mercy we have received,” Archbishop Miller said at the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2016. “We must open our doors to see who is waiting outside, perhaps without the courage or the strength to knock, because they fear our harsh judgment or rejection. But the true Church, Pope Francis says, ‘has an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of her own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy.’ After all, we are but servants at the door of God’s mercy. And that door has a name: it is Jesus.” Mass will be followed by the first of seven talks, “Saint Faustina, Teacher of Human and Divine Mercy” by Robert Stackpole, STD, emeritus director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy. “As we move forward toward the Jubilee Year in 2025 on the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ what could be more appropriate than to turn to Our Lady, Mother of Mercy Incarnate, Jesus Christ, to prepare us for the Jubilee celebration?” says Dr. Stackpole. “NACOM III is about turning our hearts and minds to the true source of hope, in preparation for the great Jubilee.” Mercy and Mary The Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, provincial superior, will deliver the keynote address on “Mercy and Mary: Our Hope for a Troubled World.” “The last three popes have reiterated that Divine Mercy is the most important message of our times,” says Fr. Chris. “As Pope Benedict XVI said on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2006, ‘Divine Mercy is not a secondary devotion but an integral dimension of Christian faith and prayer.’” Other speakers include Bryan Thatcher, MD, director of the Eucharistic Apostles for Divine Mercy (EADM); Fr. Patrice Chocholski, STD; Sr. Inga Kvassayova, OLM; the Most Rev. Antonysamy Savarimuthu, DD, DCL, Bishop of Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India; and the Very Rev. Donald Calloway, MIC, vicar provincial. The final talk will be on “‘Pilgrims of Hope and Mercy’ — Theme of the Holy Year 2025 and in Preparation for World Apostolic Congress on Mercy VI 2026 in Vilnius” by the Most Rev. Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius, Lithuania, delivered via video. Music will be offered by Ashley Nemeh, who sang at the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy this year. Visit MercyCongress.org for more information and to register for the Congress. 20 Marian Helper • Fall 2024 • Marian.org Join us in Canada for NACOM III! Good Shepherd Church, host for NACOM III.
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