to establish the first Marian house of the renovated Congregation. He had been invited there by Fr. Anthony Staniukynas, who wanted to join the Marians and had offered them a place to stay in Chicago, Illinois. Once in Chicago, Blessed George presented himself to the archbishop there, the Most Rev. Edward Quigley, who warmly welcomed the Marians to his archdiocese and even offered them a parish. Then, only about a month after their arrival, on Aug. 18, 1913, the first house of the new Marian Congregation was formally established in Chicago — 110 years ago. The importance of this event shouldn’t be overlooked. It was in America, with her freedom of religion, that the new Marians could finally be who they were meant to be. And who were they meant to be? According to now-Bishop George, the Marians were called to serve the Church where the need is greatest. And in his opinion, “One of the most pressing needs of our time ... is to involve larger groups of people from every segment of society in a more active apostolate for the faith and the growth and defense of the Church.” Harnessing the laity Indeed, he believed that by gathering lay people around them, the Marians could give even greater glory to God and serve the Church better. But simply gathering people wasn’t what he had in mind. Rather, he said the “special characteristic” of the Marians in their work with the laity is “to organize, unite, and direct them toward the task of spreading the faith and defending the Church.” And that’s exactly what the Marians have been doing in the U.S.A. for the last 110 years, thanks to the great gift of religious freedom found here. And this gift of freedom, allowing the Marians to be who they were meant to be, allowing the Marians to unite with the laity, our Marian Helpers, for the work of evangelization, has led to a tremendous amount of fruit for Christ and the Church. Editor’s note: Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC, vicar general of the Marian Congregation, has launched a new podcast, reading from the journal of Blessed George Matulaitis- Matulewicz. To listen, visit TheDivineMercy.org/podcasts, TheDivineMercyPlus.org, or find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, and other streaming platforms. Born: April 13, 1871, Lūginė, Marijampolė, Lithuania Ordained to the priesthood: Nov. 20, 1898 Profession of Marian vows in secret: Aug. 29, 1909 Elected Marian Superior General: July 14, 1911 Ordained bishop: Dec. 18, 1918, Kaunas, Lithuania Died: Jan. 27, 1927, Kaunas, Lithuania Beatified: June 28, 1987, by Pope St. John Paul II Feast day: Jan. 27 Blessed George Matulaitis-Matulewicz l Blessed George suffered tuberculosis of the bone as a child, and experienced chronic pain his entire life. l He founded two orders of sisters and helped 10 other orders renovate their constitutions according to Canon Law. l In his Journal, he wrote, “If I may ask, Lord, let me be but a kitchen rag in your Church, a rag used to wipe up messes . . . so that Your House would be a little cleaner and brighter. And afterwards, let me be thrown away like a dirty, worn out dish rag” (Jan 13, 1911). Talkin’ Marians STATS AND FACTS Favorite quotation: “Non in commotione Spiritus Dei” — “The Spirit of God cannot be felt in turmoil.” Blessed George Matulaitis, MIC, Rescuer of the Marian Fathers Without him, there would be no Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception at the epicenter of the promotion of the Divine Mercy message and devotion. Meet Blessed George Matulaitis, MIC. This pamphlet offers you an overview of his life, teaching, and spirituality. B57-MAIS Order now: Visit ShopMercy.org/b57 or call 1-800-462-7426.
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