Marian Helper • Summer 2022 • Marian.org 11 Mary is a canvas depicting a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit descending on her, showing she is truly blessed among women. School of spirituality “The images in the painting are an endless school of spirituality that we can reflect on,” says Fr. Roesch. “Mary has humble, downcast eyes and hands folded in prayer that can teach us to pray, too. We are also reminded of the Annunciation and the gift of the Incarnation when the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary from on high.” In 1992, Fr. SeraphimMichalenko, MIC, commissioned a professionally Photoshopped photograph of the painting for use in media materials to promote awareness, such as in English and Polish language prayer books and publications. Fifteen years later, the General Chapter of Marians in Rome updated their by-laws to read, “The confrères use and cherish signs that express and enliven their Marian identity, such as … the image of Our Lady Immaculately Conceived (painted by Francis Smuglewicz in St. Vitus Church in Rome).” This renewed interest in restoring the precious artwork, and Fr. Magagnini started fundraising. All things new The restored painting is a revelation, far less yellow and more vibrant than the Photoshopped version. “The Lord wants to make all things new!” proclaims Fr. Roesch. “We are always in need of purification, restoration, and renewal. And now that this image is part of our Rule of Life, we hope that it spreads throughout the world and becomes a unifying symbol for us as Marian priests and brothers, and for all our Marian Helpers as well.” To order a copy of the restored image (Product code B54-WW10GW) or a prayer card (B54-IMMPC), visit ShopMercy.org/b54 or call 1-800-462-7426. Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, is the Patroness of the Congregation of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. But did you also know that Mary, under that title, has been the Patroness of the United States for 175 years? In 1846, a plenary council, attended by 23 of the country’s 26 bishops, declared unanimously that Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, would be the Patroness of the United States. “By the aid of her prayers,” they wrote, “we entertain the confident hope that we will be strengthened to perform the arduous duties of our ministry, and that you will be enabled to practice the sublime virtues, of which her life presents the most perfect example.” The request was sent to the Holy See, which issued its approval on July 2, 1847.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==