Marian Helper Spring 2014

And they liked what they found. Time and again, they cited the same reasons for contacting Fr. Donald about a possible vocation to the Marian Fathers: devo- tion to Mary; a positive encounter with a Marian, either in person, through their writings, or the recom- mendations of others who knew Marians; the sense of community offered by a reli- gious order; the Marians’ staunch orthodoxy and love of the Holy Father; and the retreatants’ experiences as altar servers, which let them be close to the priest- hood and the Eucharist. The Marians, in turn, were delighted to share their home and routine with the retreatants. “It’s your house,” said Fr. Donald, welcoming the group of young men in the front foyer of the Marian House in Steubenville. “This weekend, take advantage of being out of the ordinary.” A picture of the Marians’ Founder, Blessed Stanislaus Papczynski, greets everyone who enters through the front door. Less notice- able are the two reliquaries beneath the image, one con- taining a relic of St. Maria Goretti. The other: a relic of Blessed Stanislaus himself. Father Donald talked to the retreatants about a variety of topics throughout the weekend, including the history of the order; the Steubenville area and Franciscan University of Steubenville, where Marian seminarians do their phi- losophy and, if necessary, undergraduate work; impediments to ordination; and their prayer time dur- ing the weekend retreat. Leading the retreat is only one aspect of how Fr. Donald serves as the gate- keeper for the community. “As the vocation director, it is my role to help men discern. I absolutely love fulfilling this position and hope to do it for many more years,” he said. In the role, Fr. Donald welcomes new voca- tions to the Marians and also makes sure he’s only recommending for admission men Continued on page 28 Under the watchful eye of the Marian Martyrs of Rosica, Blessed George Kaszyra and Blessed Anthony Leszczewicz, the Marians and retreatants join in prayer before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. JOIN C hris S parks Take a greater role in living and spreading the powerful message and devotion of God’s great mercy. As a member of the Friends of Mercy, you can: • Deepen your trust in God’s mercy. • Learn more ways to share the message of God’s mercy. • Grow in love of God and neighbor. Your Friends of Mercy membership includes: • An exclusive monthly newsletter. • Invitations to special events. • The spiritual benefits of the novenas, Masses, and prayers of the Marian Fathers. Join the today: Online at thedivinemercy.org/friends or call 1-800-671-2020. Back to index