Marian Helper Spring 2015

AMH D irector /P ublisher Fr. Chris Alar, MIC “Father Joseph, MIC” E xecutive E ditor David Came S r . D esigner /A ssociate E ditor Andrew Leeco A ssistant E ditor /W riter Chris Sparks W riter /P hotographer Felix Carroll AMH G eneral P romoter Br. Andrew R. M à czy ƒ ski, MIC F e a t u r e s 8 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted’ Marian General echoes Pope’s concern for persecuted. I nterview by F r . J oe R oesch , MIC 12 The ‘Francis effect’ Inspired by Pope, Marian parish shares its story of renewal. by F elix C arroll 16 Blanche storms heaven for you Prayerline volunteer lifts up your intentions to Jesus in the tabernacle. by F elix C arroll 18 Liberating souls on the Feast of Mercy How Sr. Faustina witnessed Jesus setting the captives free. E xcerpted from F austina : T he M ystic and H er M essage by E wa C zaczkowska 20 ‘All I needed to hear’ How a grieving mother’s confidence in St. Joseph was restored. by F elix C arroll 24 Dedicated to God During special year, Marians reflect on consecrated life. by C hris S parks M arian H elper ­ I n s i d e Vol. 70, No. 1 Spring 2015 D e p a r t m e n t s 4 Father Joseph Writes Director says one of his key goals is to get to know more Marian Helpers. 5 Father Joseph’s Mailbox Marian Helpers share how their involvement in HAPP R has fostered renewal in their parishes. 7 Ask a Marian Father Joe Roesch, MIC, explains the purpose of Lent. 1 0 In the News Divine Mercy Conference in Bronx, New York, set for March 21. 23 Shrine News Cardinal Dolan to be celebrant for Mercy Sunday. by C hris S parks 26 Graces Received Thanksgiving for prayers answered through Blessed George Matulaitis. 27 Remembered on Eden Hill A family turns in trust to Divine Mercy during life-changing events. by A ndrew L eeco 29 Outstanding Helpers Why Marian Helper supports ‘Mary’s seminarians.’ by E llen M iller 32 Between Us ‘Serving my parish community.’ by a M arian and a H elper N C D C THE On the cover: Pope Francis, the great pastor who puts mercy into action, is shown with a background of the people and activities of St. Mary’s Parish in Plano, Illinois. Pope Francis has inspired pastor Fr. Andy Davy, MIC, and St. Mary’s Parish to embrace his call to action. Photos by Felix Carroll. Photo of Pope Francis from Bigstock. F elix C arroll M ission S tatement M arian H elper is intended to serve members of the Association of Marian Helpers (AMH), a spiritual benefit society of the Marian Fathers o f 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. M arian H elper 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 © 2015 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] w ebsite: marian.org