Their journey into spreading Divine Mercy led them to discover the Marian Fathers around 2006. In their effort to help others understand Divine Mercy, they began distributing Divine Mercy Message and Devotion books. Initially, they were unaware of the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, they found themselves drawn to these humble and holy men. Faith and Service The Dennises have been active members of their Texas parish, St. Ann’s, since 1996. They have found numerous ways to serve their parish. Once a month, Laurie hosts a Bible Study in their home where they watch an EWTN “Living Divine Mercy” episode and then discuss it. Each year, their parish hosts an annual Fall Carnival, which attracts around 30,000 attendees. The event is a hub of community engagement, featuring rides, games, food, crafts, live entertainment, and much more. The Dennises saw this as a perfect opportunity to spread the Divine Mercy message, so they, along with Marian Helpers Lynne and Stephen Ryan and Mark and Michelle Ifft, set up a Divine Mercy booth for the festival. But that wasn’t quite big enough… For years, Laurie had noticed religious billboards on road trips and often thought, “Why aren’t there more Catholic billboards?” This thought became even stronger when their eldest son began school in Oklahoma. On one of the many drives from the Lone Star State to the Sooner State, Laurie felt a deep conviction that the Divine Mercy Image needed to be on billboards. Wayne looked at Laurie like she had lost her mind, but after spending time in prayer and seeing an 18-wheeler with a Divine Mercy Image on the back, it became clear what they were being called to do. A billboard on a Texas interstate could reach countless people, and with that confirmation, they began conversations with our graphics team and their local billboard companies. The Dennises’ hope is that each person who sees the Divine Mercy Image and visits the website (which links to the Marian Fathers’ website, TheDivineMercy.org) will be drawn closer to God. As a deacon in their parish often says, “If we show up, God will do the rest.” Living Divine Mercy For the Dennis family, Divine Mercy is not just a message — it’s a way of life. They are a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of God’s mercy. By supporting capital projects and seminarians, they help ensure the Marian Fathers’ mission thrives for generations to come. They encourage others to join in this vital support, fostering a lasting legacy of faith. Wayne and Laurie Dennis first encountered the Divine Mercy message on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2000. However, it wasn’t until a few years later, when they read the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, that they truly began to grasp the depth of the message. Inspired by what they had learned, they felt called to share this beautiful message with others. HIGHWAY WITNESS Outstanding Helpers Jacqueline Morris is a Donor Relations Officer for the Marian Fathers. You may reach her at (413) 298-1390; [email protected]; or Association of Marian Helpers, Stockbridge, MA 01263. Visit giving.Marian.org to learn more. Marian Helper • Fall 2025 • Marian.org 31
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