“Most people are unaware that our Marian priests and brothers live in five different buildings on our campus,” explains the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, provincial superior. “Some of these structures are more than 100 years old and badly in need of repair.” The Shrine house, for example, was built in the 1880s and lacks efficient plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. The latter is deeply felt during the frigid Massachusetts winters. Moreover, when Marians from across the country visit, they sleep on cots in common areas, due to the lack of living space. Bathrooms are shared by many, and the dining room can only accommodate 20 at a time, with 35 Marians on campus. Accessibility for the disabled is limited in these older buildings. Religious in community “The present situation is not conducive to religious life,” Fr. Chris adds. “We are meant to live in community and pray, worship, and meet together. The new monastery and chapel will be a great blessing to our lives as Marians of the Immaculate Conception.” The growing number of vocations to the Marians is another factor. “We are blessed with many fine young men seeking to become Marian priests and brothers,” Fr. Chris notes. “When our postulants and novices come to Eden Hill for spiritual direction and events, we have no place to accommodate them. A new monastery will solve this problem — which is a very good problem to have!” Construction is expected to begin next year. The project was evaluated over a period of two years through personal interviews and focus groups, and an e-survey was conducted during a feasibility study by Ruotolo Associates. Once the new monastery is built, two of the current residential buildings will be renovated and re-purposed as retreat houses. “Many people have also asked about the prospect of building a new National Shrine with facilities to accommodate the growing numbers of pilgrims,” Fr. Chris says. “It’s certainly on the horizon for us. But first, from a budgetary standpoint, we must prioritize the very real needs of our Marian priests and brothers.” Investing in our future “We invite all of our Marian Helpers to participate in our ‘Together for Christ Campaign,’” Fr. Chris concludes. “While our home is much more than the building and rooms in which we gather, this campaign is a way to invest in the future of the Marian Fathers. It will not address all of our needs, but is another step to making our Marian Community, and its life stronger by caring for our gifts, and giving a return to God in gratitude.” By Dr. Joe McAleer A new vision atop Eden Hill The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception have launched their first-ever capital campaign, “Together for Christ and His Church,” to build a monastery and chapel on a vacant tract of land at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, atop Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. And your support is invited. Marian Helper • Summer 2023 • Marian.org 19 We invite you to participate in the “Together for Christ Campaign” to build a new monastery and chapel at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Visit TogetherForChrist.org.
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