Marian Helper • Spring 2026 • Marian.org 21 Planning is in full swing for the celebration of Divine Mercy Weekend, April 11-12, at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the annual event hosted by the Marian Fathers, who have promoted the Divine Mercy message and devotion since 1941. Throughout the weekend, the 350-acre Shrine grounds are transformed into a small tent city, providing opportunities for Confessions, Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Rosary, and perusing the Divine Mercy Gift Shop. On Saturday, the Mercy Weekend Conference in the St. Faustina Center features talks by Marian Fathers Chris Alar, Donald Calloway, and Mark Baron. Both the Vigil Mass at 4 p.m. on April 11, and the Sunday Liturgy at 1 p.m. on April 12, will be celebrated on Eden Hill at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. The principal celebrant for the liturgy on Divine Mercy Sunday (broadcast live on EWTN) will be the Most Rev. David L. Ricken, Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 2010, two years after becoming bishop, Bishop Ricken issued a decree on the authenticity of the 1859 appearances of Our Lady to Adele Brice, paving the way to the declaration of Our Lady of Champion as the only Church-approved Marian apparition in the United States (see page 24). Preceding Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at 12 p.m. (and broadcast live on EWTN) will be our annual pre-show, hosted by the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC, Superior General, and the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, Provincial Superior. This year’s theme is “USA 250: One Nation Under God’s Mercy.” “We hope to see you on Eden Hill,” says Fr. Chris. “But if you are unable to join us, please help your pastor and parish celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. We have a host of useful resources available online at: TheDivineMercy.org/celebrate.” The Marian Fathers extend a warm invitation to come to Eden Hill to experience this annual celebration. Admission is free. Private vehicles do not need to register, but buses and groups larger than 15 people must register in advance. Details available now on ShrineofDivineMercy.org. Admission to the Mercy Weekend Conference on Apr. 11 is by ticket only; $5 admission. Seating is limited; register now at TheDivineMercy.org/MWC. The conference will also be livestreamed on DivineMercyPlus.org. Divine Mercy Weekend, April 11-12 Bishop David L. Ricken BEAUTIFUL MUSIC: From his perch in the choir loft above the Shrine Chapel, Br. Ken Galisa, MIC, plays the organ during the daily livestreamed Mass at 9 a.m. ET. Thanks to generous contributions to the annual “Giving Tuesday” appeal, $500,000 was raised to restore the 40-year-old organ. The restoration will start in the Fall and take 4-5 months and involve much-needed and long-overdue repairs, essential to extend its life span and ensure its peak performance for decades to come. (Photo by Julia Rose)
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