Marian Helper Spring 2014

serve in the Marian community as either priests or perpetually professed brothers. (All the retreatants this weekend feel called to pur- sue the priesthood.) “Brothers, if you’re called to be a part of the Battle Breed, there are three things you absolutely must have,” he said during the first confer- ence. “If you don’t have these three things, don’t come near the Marians, let alone the priesthood. First, you must love, support, and be willing to defend every teaching of the Church. You’ve got to be so in love with the Church that you’ll never speak against her. Never. This is your Bride. Secondly, you’ve got to be a man of the Eucharist. This is the Source and Summit of everything. And third- ly, Mary. You have got to give your life entire- ly to the Blessed Virgin Mary [through total consecration to Jesus through Mary]. A priest who doesn’t have Mary in his life doesn’t have head-crushing power,” a share in the ability of Jesus and Mary to crush the head of the devil (see Gen 3:15; Rev 12). “[As a priest,] you’ve got to have the Woman in your life. “A priest is a warrior, a knight, and a sol- dier,” said Fr. Donald. “This is the wisdom of the God-Man. ‘Take up your cross and follow Me’ (Mt 16:24). That’s your weapon. There are two sides of the Cross — one for Jesus, and the other for you. You’re a victim for souls [as a priest]. All men are called to defend their bride. “Jesus and Mary are up to something right now. That’s what you are here to discern. Are you called? Are Jesus and Mary calling you?” he asked. No matter whether he discerns a vocation with the Marians or not, said Jim, one of the retreatants, he’s received some- thing important from the weekend. “With this group [the Marians] — and this isn’t to ingratiate myself — I can feel confident that there’s a group of men who are oriented correctly, and they’re going about God’s work,” said Jim. “It’s satisfy- ing to know that it exists.” If you’re interested in exploring a religious vocation as either a priest or brother with the Marians, please call 1-877-261-8806 or e-mail Fr. Donald at [email protected]. To support our nearly 30 men in formation, please visit marian.org/mh/b21. MH R etreat Continued from page 25 April 5, 2014 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Cardinal Spellman High School – Bronx, N.Y. FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: www.thedivinemercy.org/bronx • 1-800-462-7426 Sponsored by the Marian Fathers (MIC) and Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) Timothy Cardinal Dolan Main Celebrant for Holy Mass Dr. Scott Hahn Fr. Frank Pavone, MEV George Weigel Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR Msgr. James Lisante FEATURED SPEAKERS 9th Annual DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE “ Jesus and Mary are up to something right now. That’s what you are here to discern. Are you called? Are Jesus and Mary calling you?” Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, asked. Back to index How retreatants are discerning their vocation. s