The Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC: Most Holy Father, the members of the General Chapter of the Congregation of Marian Fathers express their deep and sincere gratitude for this audience and assure Your Holiness of the constant and daily prayer of the entire Congregation for you and for your intentions. Every evening, in each of our communities, we pray that you will “guide the Church securely on the road to salvation.” Today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to give thanks to God for the occasion of the Jubilee of the 350th Anniversary of the founding of our religious community. Indeed, on Dec. 11, 1670, our Founding Father, St. Stanislaus of Jesus and Mary Papczyński, performed the act of Oblatio; that is, through the formula of the religious vows that he composed, he offered himself forever to God and the Immaculate Mother of the Lord. Thus, he began the foundation of an Institute dedicated to the spreading of the mystery of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God, almost 200 years before the proclamation of the dogma. ‘Continue to respond creatively’ Photos © Vatican Media On Feb. 17, 2023, Marian priests and brothers, gathered in Rome for the General Chapter, had an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Following remarks from the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC, the newly-elected Superior General, the Holy Father discussed the “treasure” of the Congregation’s spirituality, urging them to follow in the footsteps of their founder, St. Stanislaus Papczyński. The two addresses are published here. The Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, greets Pope Francis. 14 Marian Helper • Summer 2023 • Marian.org
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