Marian Helper Summer 2019

AMH D IRECTOR /P UBLISHER Fr. Chris Alar, MIC “Father Joseph, MIC” E XECUTIVE E DITOR Felix Carroll D ESIGNER Andrew Leeco W RITERS , ASSISTANT EDITORS Chris Sparks, Melanie Williams, Marc Massery, and Terry Peloquin AMH G ENERAL P ROMOTER Br. Andrew R. Maczynski, MIC Vol. 74, No. 2 Summer 2019 N C D C THE L IFE M ATTERS 13 Page 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 of 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 pub- lished 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 © 2019 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] website: marian.org Fathers Andy Davy, MIC, and Jim McCormack, MIC, take a trip to New York City to check in on the world of hobbits, elves, and Middle Earth. Into the world of wonder 24 Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Trevor Williams tells us about the “terrifying” prayer he prays before each start and why he prays it. Faith, hope, and glove 10 What was the incorrupt heart of the patron saint of parish priests, St. John Vianney, doing at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy? A heart for the priesthood 26 Our nation’s long battle over abortion has reached a critical point. In a series of stories, we underscore our responsibilities as Marian Helpers to be advocates for the unborn. 3 Father Joseph Writes 4 Marian Helpers in Action 6 Faces of Mercy 8 Father Joseph’s Picks 9 Notes from Rome 26 At the National Shrine 28 Graces Received 31 Outstanding Helpers 36 From the Vaults D EPARTMENTS ● The first of rights —What does the Church teach about abortion and why? ● Where to begin — How do we become the best pro-lifers we can be? ● ‘A special plan’ — Here’s what happened when one young woman chose adoption. ● What God has done for me — A Marian Helper shares the tragic story of her abortion and what happened when she was introduced to the Divine Mercy message. Cover photo by Zffoto/Fotolia