Marian Helper • Spring 2025 • Marian.org 23 A highlight of NACOM III was a video presentation by the Most Reverend Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius, Lithuania. Vilnius will host the Sixth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM 6), June 7-12, 2026. “One of the key goals of WACOM 6 is to address contemporary challenges through a merciful lens,” he said. “This means finding ways to apply the message of Divine Mercy to issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental stewardship. Our Congress hopes to create a world where Mercy is a guiding principle for individuals and communities alike.” Father Mark Baron, MIC, the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers (also known as “Father Joseph, MIC”), introduced “The Hem of His Garment Blessing,” a special way to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist. “You have the opportunity to have your own personal experience of Jesus,” said Fr. Mark. Four priests, each with the Eucharist exposed in a monstrance and wearing a humeral veil, stood ready to bless and pray over each Congress participant. Father Donald Calloway, MIC, best-selling author of Champions of the Rosary and 10 Wonders of the Rosary, challenged the Congress to be faithful in praying the Rosary, especially for poor sinners. “May all of you, and those like you, flourish because you are Apostles of Mercy.” “The spirituality of Divine Mercy is a sign for the end times,” said Sister M. Inga Kvassayová, OLM, pictured here with Br. Joshua, MIC. “This is not just one of the spiritualities — this is the spirituality.” Sister Inga is a member of St. Faustina’s order, the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Father Patrice Chocholski, former general secretary of the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy and rector of the Shrine at Ars, France, surveyed the essential Jewishness of Jesus, and how that informed Jesus’ self-understanding as well as how He exercised mercy in the world.
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