Inspiration and news from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception MarianHelper Divine Mercy Weekend 2024 ● Saint Michael & the Nine Choirs elper Marian.org Summer 2024 ‘IT IS THE LORD’ Our Source and Summit
Enroll a loved one today! 1-800-462-7426 ● Marian.org/enrollments By enrolling loved ones in the Association of Marian Helpers, they will share in the benefits of the Holy Masses, prayers, and good works of the Marian priests and brothers. GIVE A PROMISE OF PRAYER BLESSINGS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY (PREMIUM PAPER) B62-BC23 PEACOCK FEATHER (SYMPATHY ) (TEAL FOIL) B62-MC24 ST. JUDE (A PRAYER FOR YOU) (SPOT UV) B62-PF24 Your offering supports the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.
AMH Director/Publisher: Fr. Mark Baron, MIC — “Father Joseph, MIC” Executive Editor: Dr. Joe McAleer Designer: Andrew Leeco Writer, Assistant Editor: Chris Sparks AMH General Promoter: Br. Andrew R. Mączyński, MIC Vol. 81, No. 2 Summer 2024 20 Revival time Mission Statement Marian Helper 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. Marian Helper is published 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 © 2024 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. All rights reserved. Send all correspondence to: Association of Marian Helpers, Editorial Dept., P.O. Box 716, Stockbridge, MA 01262. Email: [email protected] Website: Marian.org “The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord’” (Jn 21:7). And so should we, every time we approach our Lord, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in the Holy Eucharist. The “source and summit” of our Catholic faith is undergoing a revival in the United States, the perfect opportunity to get reacquainted with the Sacrament of Mercy. 3 Father Joseph Writes 4 Marian Helpers in Action 6 Father Joseph’s Picks 7 Notes from Rome 8 Around the World 27 Answers to Questions 31 Outstanding Helpers 33 Graces Received 36 From the Vaults Nathaniel Hawthorne’s daughter was born near the National Shrine – and headed to sainthood. Departments The Saint next door The gift of forgiveness 14 Live the message of Divine Mercy, Archbishop Timothy Broglio said, and change the world. On the cover: Father Andy Davy, MIC, photographed by Giuseppe Mignano. Hands and feet were freezing, but hearts were on fire as 15,000 pilgrims visited Eden Hill. Divine Mercy Weekend 9 28 Heavenly helpers 16 Saint Michael, his Chaplet, and the nine Choirs of Angels stand ready to help you resist evil. Sprucing up the Shrine Our chapel’s 65th birthday is next year — and we need your help to make it shine even brighter. 18 Page 20 ‘Here, take My Heart’ 22 The Eucharist and Divine Mercy 24 Two champions of the Eucharist 26 Suffering with joy
Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception The Marian Fathers are a Congregation of nearly 500 priests and brothers in 19 countries around the world. We support the Holy Father and embrace the official teachings of the Catholic Church in our special calling to: ● Spread devotion to Mary as the Immaculate Conception. ● Offer our lives for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, especially the victims of war and disease. ● Operate publishing apostolates and assist where the need is greatest in parishes, shrines, and missions. ● Promote the Divine Mercy message and devotion. ● Organize people of good will to work with and through us to bring Christ everywhere. Association of Marian Helpers — Join us! Established in 1944, the Association of Marian Helpers is a spiritual benefit society that prayerfully and financially supports the priests and brothers of the Congregation of Marian Fathers. Your enrollment means that, by a decree of the Holy See, you share in these graces: ● A daily Mass offered for all Marian Helpers. ● A share in the prayers, good works, and merits of the Marian priests and brothers around the world. ● A special Mass offered on feast days of our Savior and His Blessed Mother. ● A monthly Mass on each First Friday and each First Saturday. ● A Mass offered for deceased members on All Souls’ Day. ● The perpetual Novena to the Divine Mercy. ● Deepen your commitment of prayer and support by joining one of our three spiritually nourishing prayer clubs: Marian.org/clubs ● Support a particular ministry: Marian.org/give ● Create a memorial or tribute: MemorialsOnEdenHill.org ● Arrange a special gi of stock, a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, a grant from your donor-advised fund, a gift through your will or trust, or annuity: Giving.Marian.org Call 1-800-671-2020 to make a gift by phone or for assistance. Free online help for your will, visit Marian.org/will. A sample form of bequest to the Marians is: I give and bequeath to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. (Tax ID #20-8599030), Stockbridge, MA 01262, ____% of my adjusted gross estate (or $_______, or a specific asset) to be used for its religious and educational purposes. Marian Helpers Center Stockbridge, Massachusetts Headquarters and publishing center for the Association of Marian Helpers. 1-800-462-7426 National Shrine of The Divine Mercy (413) 298-3931 For pilgrimages: (413) 298-1119 ShrineOfDivineMercy.org Mercy Apostolates Learn about our lay ministries: Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy Dr. Bryan Thatcher TheDivineMercy.org/eadm 1-877-380-0727 Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy Marie Romagnano, MSN, RN, CCM TheDivineMercy.org/hpdm 1-866-895-3236 John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy Dr. Robert Stackpole TheDivineMercy.org/JPII 1-866-895-3236 Mother of Mercy Messengers Joan and Dave Maroney TheDivineMercy.org/momm 1-830-634-7765 Evangelization Team Invite the Marians to speak at your parish. (413) 298-1349 [email protected] Intercessory Prayerline Send us prayer intentions. 1-800-804-3823 Marian.org/prayer Websites Marian.org TheDivineMercy.org ShopMercy.org DivineMercyPlus.org WHo We are otHer Ways to support GoD’s Mission Sign-up is easy: Visit MICPrayers.org Visit marian.org/social 2 Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org
FatHer JosepH Writes Let me briefly explain. Shortly after I began working in the role of Fr. Joseph, I was asked to lead a live praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on our Instagram page (@thedivinemercy). That ultimately inspired me to lead a 54-day Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena from Ash Wednesday through Divine Mercy Sunday. After that, I decided to continue the live praying of the Chaplet on Fridays. Now, beginning June 7, a First Friday as well as the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we will dedicate the Friday Chaplet to praying specifically for the dying, on Instagram as well as Facebook (@DivineMercyOfficial) and on DivineMercyPlus.org. The simple motivation in all of this is that I felt the Lord just wanting me to shepherd His people by praying with them. But as I previously mentioned, it wasn’t just in the area of ministry where prayer was given more of a focus. Rather, it has been in my personal life as well. Back in March I felt the Lord moving me to renew the quality of my own prayer. So I began to once again read The Ways of Mental Prayer by Fr. Vital Lehodey. It’s an excellent book on prayer that I discovered a few years ago when it came highly recommended by Fr. Chad Ripperger during one of his YouTube talks. Why do I share all of this with you? Well, what the Lord has been emphasizing in my life and ministry since January made even more sense to me when I was reminded recently that Pope Francis dedicated 2024 to be a “Year of Prayer,” to prepare the Church for the celebration of the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. How providential that in this time of Eucharistic revival in the United States, the Universal Church summons us all to focus on prayer! For if we consider that the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of the thrice-holy God and in communion with Him” (2565), then we can truly value how the Year of Prayer perfectly coincides with the revival. The Eucharist is central to the life of faith and prayer in the Church. It is where we can be in the presence of God in a substantial manner and have a real communion with Him, especially when we participate in the Mass. So even though we are halfway through the calendar year, let us recognize that we still have six months to take advantage of the graces the Holy Spirit is offering to us during this Year of Prayer for the upcoming Jubilee. My question to you, then, is this: Will you join me and my Marian brethren in the Year of Prayer? Will you open your hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow your whole life to become a prayer to God? Will you also renew your sense of awe and wonder in Jesus’ true presence in the Holy Eucharist? Think about the fire that God wants to set ablaze in our hearts. Please join me in this call to faith, in this call to prayer, in this call to transformation, in this call to holiness. God bless you! YEAR OF PRAYER “Father Joseph, MIC,” is the honorary title of the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, currently Fr. Mark Baron, MIC. Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org 3 Ihave to admit something. Since I took over as Fr. Joseph, MIC, in January, I have been occupied with prayer. Now, on one level, that should come as no surprise. After all, I am a religious priest and prayer is a central part of my daily life. So I should be preoccupied with it. That is true. However, it seems that since I arrived on Eden Hill, God has been emphasizing prayer to me both personally and ministerially in a different and renewing way.
‘Understanding’ the Message of Mercy Marian Helpers in Action As a seminarian assigned to St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City in 2000, Richard Rocha had attended daily Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, where the pastor prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet with his congregation after every Mass. Seventeen years later, Fr. Rocha became the pastor there, continuing what his predecessor had begun. Understanding Divine Mercy Father Rocha introduced the tradition of praying the Chaplet after Mass. While some parishioners faithfully remained in the pews to pray, not many knew much about the message Our Lord had given to St. Faustina and the wealth of graces that can be obtained through the devotion. After Fr. Chris’ visit, that began to change. During his talk on “The Four Last Things” (Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell), Fr. Chris’ Marian Press books were available for sale, including Understanding Divine Mercy. Frank and Ruth Hays were among the attendees who acquired a copy, as was their friend John Milosevich. “Those of us who bought it and read it found ourselves rereading it,” says Frank. John had already read St. Faustina’s diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, but after reading Understanding Divine Mercy, he realized he had “only scratched the surface” of learning about the message and devotion. “The Diary is not an easy read, compared to Fr. Chris’ By Marian Friedrichs Domenic Rizzi, a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Blue Springs, Missouri, was a presenter at the parish’s Lenten mission on Divine Mercy. Before Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, spoke at the parish of St. Robert Bellarmine in Blue Springs, Missouri, in June 2023, the parishioners had heard of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Their current pastor had come to them in October 2019 from Our Lady of Good Counsel, the diocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy and St. Faustina in Kansas City, Missouri. 4 Marian Helper • Summer 2024 • Marian.org
book, which is very conversational and easy to digest,” he admits. The three approached their pastor about finding a way to get the book into the hands of as many other parishioners as possible. “I was open to the fact that they wanted to do this,” says Fr. Rocha. He recommended that they speak to Deacons Robert Falke and Joseph Zagar, who suggested building a Lenten mission around it. Understanding Divine Mercy is divided into five chapters, and there are five full weeks in Lent. Five weekly sessions would help the parish prepare for the celebration of Easter, especially for the Second Sunday of Easter, the Feast of Divine Mercy. The mission team hoped that when the mission was concluded, attendees would participate in the parish traditions of praying the Divine Mercy Novena together, beginning on Good Friday, and observing the Feast of Mercy so as to gain the indulgence and special graces attached to it. Book copies To spread the word about the mission and to propagate the Divine Mercy message among those who would not attend, the mission team decided to order 500 copies of Understanding Divine Mercy. The parish women’s and men’s ministries and chapters of Knights of Columbus and the Catholic men’s group “That Man is You” agreed to provide the funds. Peter Markavage at the Marian Helpers Center helped the team order the large quantity of books they needed at the best possible price. He also provided them with a playlist of Fr. Chris’ videos to use at their sessions. When the books arrived, the mission team prepared them for distribution, with a flier advertising the mission tucked inside each copy. On Ash Wednesday, 450 copies were given away, and the remaining 50, on the first Sunday of Lent. The team promptly ordered 100 more copies and quickly distributed them as well. At the first session of the mission, nearly all of the participants reported having read at least the first chapter of Understanding Divine Mercy. Many had already finished the book. Over the five weekly sessions, in-person attendance averaged 130 people; the videos had more than 300 views on Facebook and YouTube as of this writing. “Not bad for a small parish like ours,” says Frank. The mission team offered social time after the final session, expecting 20-30 people to stay. Almost 100 did. “Everyone was anxious to share their thoughts, conversions, and Aha! moments,” Frank reports. Not just praying “The first word of the book title is key,” says Ruth. “Understanding, not just praying, this devotion.” After the mission, Fr. Rocha noticed more people than usual remaining in the pews to pray the Novena of Chaplets in preparation for the Feast of Mercy. Frank had hoped for this outcome, believing that “if people knew the opportunity and the graces they were walking away from, they would give those extra seven minutes.” Some mission participants shared their gratitude and insights with the team in written comments. Nathan Eckenberg wrote, “I’m blown away. I had absolutely no idea the significance and power of Divine Mercy Sunday. Unbelievable — what a gift!” Susanna Daley learned, “Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet will save more and more souls beside ourselves. I have made it my mission to pray the Chaplet daily at 3 p.m.” Lines for Confession On the Feast of Mercy, three priests heard confessions at St. Robert Bellarmine, beginning at 2 p.m. Lines of people waited for the Sacrament up to and even during the celebration that began at 3 p.m., the Hour of Mercy, and included the blessing of the Divine Mercy Image, the singing of the Chaplet, and Eucharistic Adoration. “The Holy Spirit is working in our parish right now,” says Ruth. “We feel very honored and blessed to be a part of it.” And the work has begun to extend its reach. Frank has been contacted by several nearby parishes interested in holding their own Divine Mercy mission next Lent. “I had no idea what Divine Mercy was,” wrote attendee Candy Mitchell, “and think more people should hear this word.” The Divine Mercy parish mission is posted on the parish YouTube channel: @st.robertbellarmineadultfa2409. Understanding Divine Mercy (Product code B62-EFBK) by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, is available as a book and eBook from ShopMercy.org or by calling 1-800462-7426. After the parish mission, Fr. Rocha noticed more people than usual remaining in the pews to pray the Novena of Chaplets in preparation for the Feast of Mercy. Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org 5
Visit ShopMercy.org/b62 or call 1-800-462-7426. FATHER JOSEPH’S PICKS Summer time is a great opportunity to pick up some beach reading, choose a book to have with you in the hammock, or let spiritual reading keep you company in the rocking chair on the porch as you sip lemonade and watch the kids play in the sprinklers. Here are some terri c options. BY THE ASSOCIATION OF MARIAN HELPERS Our bishops have summoned us to a Eucharistic Revival — but what does that mean? How can I make sure my Eucharistic devotion doesn’t end with the revival? In this handy booklet, we discuss our Church’s Eucharistic faith, equipping you to revive your own Eucharistic devotion as well as to share that devotion with others, and reveal the witness St. Faustina and others have given to the power and reality of Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist. Perfect for sharing with your family and fellow parishioners to help them live this special time of grace. $3.99. B62-EUTC BUILD A TEMPLE TO GOD! A RETREAT WITH THE MYSTICAL TEMPLE OF GOD BY ST. STANISLAUS PAPCZYŃSKI BY MARGE STEINHAGE FENELON Saint Michael made three promises to all who faithfully pray the Chaplet in his honor: an escort of nine angels chosen from each of the nine choirs of angels when approaching Holy Communion; his continual assistance and that of all the angels throughout life; and, a er death, deliverance from Purgatory for themselves and all their relations. As the beloved Catholic author and blogger Marge Steinhage Fenelon explains in this extraordinary exploration of the signi cance and power of the Chaplet of St. Michael, we all should be concerned about the in uence of evil, but we should never fear evil because God is always with us and assists us through His grace and His heavenly helpers, the holy angels. $16.95. B62-DUFL BY FR. PAWEL NAUMOWICZ, MIC In this extraordinary, inspiring work, Marian Fr. Pawel Naumowicz shows us that we can look to the Marian Founder, St. Stanislaus Papczyński, for spiritual guidance, particularly his work e Mystical Temple of God, written as a spiritual handbook for all members of the faithful on how to live the spirituality of the Immaculate Conception in everyday life. is 10-part retreat is about seeing God’s plan towards each of us: We were desired and loved by God before the foundation of the world; through Baptism we became His temple; and we are invited to unity with God here on earth and ultimately in eternity. $15.95. B62-TTGB THE BREAD OF LIFE: RENEWING YOUR DEVOTION TO THE SACRAMENT OF MERCY, THE HOLY EUCHARIST NEW! NEW! BY FR. DONALD CALLOWAY, MIC The Magisterium of the Catholic Church teaches that there is no contradiction or competition between the message of the Sacred Heart as revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and the Divine Mercy message and devotion as revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska. A er all, it’s the same Jesus! Father Calloway once again gathers a treasury of wisdom from blesseds, venerables, servants of God, and popes who loved the Sacred Heart. Each of the 366 days also contains an invocation from the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. $16.95. B62-SHGM SACRED HEART GEMS: DAILY WISDOM ON THE HEART OF JESUS 6 MARIAN HELPER • SUMMER 2024 • MARIAN.ORG DEFEND US IN BATTLE: THE PROMISES OF ST. MICHAEL AND THE HEAVENLY ANGELS NEW! NEW!
notes from roMe By the Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC Father Rogatien Ntsana, MIC, a Marian priest from Cameroon, is currently studying in Rome. He was ordained five years ago. Let’s get to know him in his own words. “I was born into a strongly Christian family, the son of the late Daniel Ze and Lucie Bouan, the second child in a family of seven. I come from St. Joseph de Mbegue parish in the Diocese of Doume-Abong-Mbang. “My grandfather, Antoine Ntsana, was a catechist in the Christian community, and my grandmother Sophie Minkos helped him in this service. It was in this climate of daily prayer that I grew up. My father was also a catechist. As for my mother, it was thanks to her that I discovered and came to love the beauty of liturgical chant. Today, her commitment is very limited because she became blind 13 years ago at the age of 47. “As for my Marian vocation, in 2006 I met Fr. Francis Filipiec, MIC, who founded the Marian mission in Cameroon. I was touched by the charism. I started monthly meetings in 2007 and, in 2010, I began postulancy. “On Aug. 3, 2019, at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Atok, I received the Sacrament of Holy Orders, recalling the words of Scripture, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine’ (Is 43:1). “Our mission in Cameroon comprises three communities: the parish and shrine of the Divine Mercy in Atok in the Diocese of Obala; the parish of St. John Paul II in Minkama; and the Bl. George Matulewicz House of Formation, for novices and seminarians. “In our parishes, we imbue our charism with a variety of pastoral activities, including services for the faithful and, above all, sharing our Marian spirituality with the younger generations through the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception. “As youth chaplains, we had a slogan, ‘He lives and He wants you to live.’ We took part in diocesan pilgrimages with the young people and children, composing songs in line with the theme of the pilgrimage. I also did two years of family ministry. “I then became the postulant moderator and spiritual father of the confrères still in formation at Ngoya. This was an important moment of taking the future of our Congregation to heart, and thus assuming greater responsibility. “Now I’m in Rome, a very rich experience with community life in all its diversity and the opportunity to visit the Eternal City and the historic sites that have left their mark on the Catholic faith. I’m currently studying Pastoral Theology at the Pontifical Salesian University, specializing in youth ministry. These studies will be a great help to my spiritual and human growth. In our mission in Cameroon, it will be an instrument for the New Evangelization, and for vocational pastoral care (welcoming, listening, and accompanying). I am also learning how to share the Bible with parishioners. “I never cease to express my gratitude to my superiors for this opportunity which allows me to feel the heartbeat of our Congregation and the universal Church. Clearly, this multifaceted renewal allows us to move forward for Christ and the Church.” Please pray for Fr. Rogatien and all of our student priests here in Rome! CALLED TO SERVE The Marians arrived in Cameroon, on the western coast of Africa, 25 years ago. Today, 10 priests serve in three communities: Atok, Minkama, and Ngoya. Communities of Divine Mercy seek to set people free from fear and poverty, proclaiming hope and the promise of a dignified way of life. TheMostRev. JoeRoesch,MIC,is thesuperiorgeneralof theMarianFathersof theImmaculate Conception.Helivesin Rome.Listento hispodcastsi,ncluding“SaintFaustina’s Diary in a Year,” on TheDivineMerc.oyrg/podcasts and DivineMercyPlus.oprogd/casts. Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org 7 Father Joe talks with Fr. Rogatien Ntsana, MIC
8 Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org AroUnd tHe WorlD “We are called to constantly evaluate our way of life, and be open to new ways to evangelize and bring Mary to the world. I am convinced that the key to everything is the Immaculate Conception.” So said the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC (above) during his presentation at the International Conference of the Association of Marian Helpers, held at Marian Fathers’ Retreat House in Sulejówek, Poland, April 21-26. Marians and lay co-workers gathered from all over the world to share news and best practices. Attendees heard presentations from Poland, Great Britain, Brazil, Ukraine, Latvia, Portugal, the Philippines, and Belarus. A special conference was also held at Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University marking the 25th anniversary of the Marian Fathers’ mission in Cameroon. Father Pawel Ostrovski, MIC, shar ed heartfelt stories of his service as a military chaplain on the front lines in Ukraine. God is always present, he said. “I saw a little girl talking to an o ffi cer, and called him ‘Father ,’” he recalled. “And he called her ‘my angel .’ I asked if they are related. And this o ffi cer said, ‘No. She ’s not my daughter, but I’m taking care of her .’ And he added, ‘My own chidl is serving somewhere. And I hopesomebody will take care of him as I am of this little girl .’” Father expressed his gratitude for donations and prayers. “Thank you for understanding that we are walking together along the road to victory .” Read more about Fr. Pawel on TheDivineMercy.org. Following Mass at the Shrine of St. Stanislaus Papczyński in Marianki-Góra Kalwaria, Fr. Paweł Naumowicz, MIC, rector, blessed the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC, superior general, with the relic of St. Stanislaus. “The Lord is always doing something new within us,” Fr. Roesch said. “It’s beautiful to see how our charism in every culture is flourishing and bearing fruit, even in the midst of very trying situations.”
Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org 9 Not even an April snowfall, an East Coast earthquake, or cold blustery weather could deter 15,000 faithful from making the journey to Eden Hill for the celebration of Divine Mercy Weekend, April 6-7 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. “We’re in the middle of four beautiful days!” proclaimed the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, provincial superior, during the live EWTN pre-show on April 7 with the Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC, superior general. “We had First Friday and First Saturday. Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. And tomorrow is the Solemnity of the Annunciation — and an eclipse! What a blessing!” Pilgrims arriving on Saturday were treated to the annual Mercy Weekend Conference. This year’s speakers, under the theme “Godly Fathers Strengthen Families,” were Marian vocation director and author Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, and Jim Wahlberg, producer of the new documentary Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist (in theaters June 4-6). Tent city Throughout the weekend, the 350-acre Shrine grounds were transformed into a tent city, providing opportunities for Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Rosary, and perusing the Divine Mercy Gift Shop. A dedicated team of Marian priests, brothers and seminarians, lay employees, and volunteers — 500 in total — provided a safe and serene atmosphere for pilgrims eager to obtain the extraordinary graces promised on this feast. Masses were celebrated outdoors at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. The celebrant of the Vigil Mass was Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, National Shrine rector, and on Divine Mercy Sunday, His Excellency, the Most Rev. Timothy P. Broglio, JCD, Archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A., and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Next year, Fr. Tomeny will join the archdiocese as a Navy chaplain. The Divine Mercy Sunday Liturgy was broadcast live on EWTN. The lively and informative hour-long pre-show discussed the Eucharist and Spiritual Fatherhood with five guests: Archbishop Broglio, Fr. Calloway, Wahlberg, former NFL quarterback and inspirational speaker Elvis Grbac, and NFL assistant coach Ben Steele. Warm light Despite the cold, the atmosphere atop Eden Hill was joyous (as shown on the following pages), and pilgrims departed for destinations as far away as California and Canada with renewed faith and hope in the promise of God’s loving mercy. “Through the divine fire that pours forth from the side of Christ, the rays of Divine Mercy that represent the Blood and Water by which we are washed clean of our sins and sanctified, Jesus opens every locked door and sets all captives free,” said Fr. Andy Davy, MIC, in his homily for the Vigil Mass. “As the missionaries of mercy go forth, the world becomes more warm and more filled with mercy, and you become a light. You become an extension of that bridge of the rays of Divine Mercy.” Watch the Divine Mercy Sunday pre-show and Liturgy on the Marian Fathers’ dedicated streaming site, DivineMercyPlus.org, and on YouTube (Divine Mercy). Divine MercY WeeKenD ‘The world becomes more warm’ Divine Mercy Sunday resources
The youth group from St. Anthony Church in Everett, Massachusetts, pose with “St. Faustina,” one of several life-size cardboard cutouts scattered throughout Eden Hill for selfies! 10 Marian Helper • Summer 2024 • Marian.org The procession begins for the Vigil Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday. Connecticut pilgrims take a selfie with Venerable Servant of God Casimir Wyszynski (1700-1755). Our Intercessory Prayerline (800-8043823) was open as usual, with Miriam and Barbara taking calls. Tara Davis and her husband drove from upstate New York with their nine children for Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. “Jesus and the Catholic Church are the answer to every problem the world faces,” she said. Father Donald Calloway, MIC, and Jim Wahlberg spoke on “Godly Fathers Strengthen Families” at the Divine Mercy Weekend Conference, posted now on DivineMercyPlus.org. Divine Mercy Weekend
Marian Helper • Summer 2024 • Marian.org 11 A familiar face at the National Shrine is volunteer Mark Makuc from Monterey, Massachusetts. His uncle, Fred Leuchs, created the beautiful stainedglass windows. “One of my earliest memories is coming here for Midnight Mass in Polish on Christmas,” he said. Mark’s daughter brought nine of her fellow students from Princeton University for Divine Mercy Weekend. Ben Steele, assistant coach for the NFL Arizona Cardinals, brought his wife Rachel and 5-monthold daughter Theresa to Eden Hill. “When you pray the Rosary, you really can’t fail,” Steele said at the field show, sharing how he encourages men to pray the Rosary through his handcrafted “Rosaries of Steele.” California, here they came! Representing San Francisco and Los Angeles were these Filipino pilgrims, bundled up for the cool 35-degree weather! The Taylor family from Cummington, Massachusetts, veteran volunteers, assisted disabled pilgrims. Deacon Hernst Bellevue and his wife, Yanick, from St. Martha Church in Uniondale, New York, have been coming to the National Shrine since the 1990s. “Divine Mercy is my spirit,” Deacon Hernst says. “It keeps me in touch with the Lord and helps me into a deeper relationship with Him.” Elvis Grbac, retired NFL quarterback turned Catholic motivational speaker, fired up the crowd at the field show before Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. “Bring God into every decision and welcome His grace and mercy,” he said.
12 MARIAN HELPER • SUMMER 2024 • MARIAN.ORG In front of the altar was the “Cross of Gratitude,” carved in Lviv, Ukraine, which travels around the world in a call for unity under our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Fourth time’s the charm for William and Myrna Kennedy of Guasti, California. “Come and experience the miracle that happens here,” Myrna said. Added William: “Soak it all in, bring it back home, and share with everybody.” The Prayer Banner hung behind the altar in the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. Prayer intentions sent in from Marian Helpers across the United States and Canada were stitched together to form this beautiful devotional work of art. Following Divine Mercy Sunday Mass, the Chaplet was sung during the Hour of Mercy, evoking strong emotions from pilgrims. A Tale of Two Superior Generals! The cardboard cutout of St. Stanislaus Papczyński with Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC. Proud pilgrims came prepared for the chilly weather! DIVINE MERCY WEEKEND Sisters Linda Orton and Diane Finney traveled from Vermont. “Divine Mercy matters because it’s God bringing us closer to Him,” said Linda. “We’re all sinners, and we need His mercy.” Diane added, “God calls us here, It’s such a beautiful place to visit.”
Marian Helper • Summer 2024 • Marian.org 13 Father Timothy Childers, MIC (above), distributes Holy Communion. Father Michael Callea, MIC, was among the many priests on hand to hear Confessions. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio processes into the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass, accompanied by Deacon Stephen Castellano, MIC, who was ordained to the priesthood on May 18. Father Mark Baron, MIC, aka “Fr. Joseph, MIC,” was live on social media all weekend, interviewing pilgrims and volunteers. Pilgrims were treated to the magnificent voice of Ashley Nemeh, who sang at the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass. Ashley is dedicated to using her voice to honor the Blessed Mother in everything she does. An annual tradition: the Pre-Mass Show on EWTN, hosted by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC. Watch the show now on DivineMercyPlus.org. At right, Virginia Sipin from Montclair, New Jersey, volunteered in the Adoration tent. “Divine Mercy to me feels like you’ve been washed, cleansed of all your sins. Jesus is always there for you, no matter what.”
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio celebrated Mass in the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy on April 8, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, JCD, was the celebrant of the Divine Mercy Sunday Liturgy on April 7 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Archbishop Broglio oversees the Archdiocese for the Military Services, U.S.A., and is the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Here is an excerpt from his homily. Gathered in this National Shrine, we recall that Divine Mercy is without a doubt directly related to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which gives meaning to all sacrifice. Suffering has meaning inasmuch as it allows us to be in communion with the Lord who suffered for us. We begin to understand the depth of His love. Divine Mercy flows forth from the wounded side of Christ in the moment of His glorification, as St. John portrays the Passion, Death, and Resurrection as an inseparable, unique moment. Forgiveness is the first Easter gift. The power and the Photo by Katelyn Dobbs 14 Marian Helper • Summer 2024 • Marian.org
responsibility to forgive repentant sinners is clearly given to the Apostles on that Easter Sunday night. It flows from the very breath of our Divine Savior. Mercy everywhere Pope Francis is known for his desire to make certain that the effects of Divine Mercy are experienced everywhere, especially on the peripheries. Even the motto of his pontificate, Miserando atque eligendo (“By having mercy, and by choosing him”), emphasizes this imitation of Divine Mercy. He will be remembered for his impetus to bring the message of salvation to every person, and leave no stone unturned in his quest to invite all to experience the Merciful Lord. ... Saint Faustina left priests a mission to proclaim the mercy of God to all, as she says, quoting the Lord Jesus: “Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me. e ames of mercy are burning Me — clamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon [all] these souls” (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 50). … We can change The mission is to go forward from this celebration with the challenge to build up our human communities to reflect more precisely our origin and call. The incivility, anger, back-biting, and me worship that so often characterize our world need not be the rule. They can change, if we change. … Remember the mafia victim Bl. Rosario Livatino’s statement: “When I die no one will ask me how much I believed, but rather how credible I was.” We remember those four characteristics of the authentic Christian community: assiduous attention to the teaching of the Apostles (that is, we have to learn how to live as Christians); communion, the union of hearts manifested also in the sharing of goods; the Eucharist; and prayer. We are challenged to examine ourselves constantly, to see how our Catholic communities parallel the description of the ideal community in the Acts of the Apostles. The more perfect community is possible by faith, as St. John reminded us in the second reading [1 Jn 5:1-6]. So that allows us to look at St. Thomas in a different way. There is a tendency to see his doubt as something negative, a lack of faith or of trust of his fellow Apostles. However, we can also insert a pause in his remarks. “We have seen the Lord” [Jn 20:25]. It is not incredible to imagine Thomas saying, “And…?” After all, they were still locked in the Upper Room. What had changed? Eight days later, what had they done with their experience? Where had they taken the gift of the Lord’s forgiveness? They were still afraid to move outside. We must always ask that question. God’s Mercy and His presence are incredibly generous, but what are the results for us? We have prayed — “And…?” We have walked in a procession — “And…?” We have made our pilgrimage — “And…?” We have made clear our opposition to abortion — to unjust laws — to capital punishment — to the mistreatment of the poor — “And…?” Walking with Christ The Easter mystery which we celebrate for 50 days requires us to grow in His presence and to make His victory over sin and death ours. That is a constant in our walking with Christ. ... Pope Francis takes up the theme in his reflection at the conclusion of the Year of Mercy: Forgiveness is the most visible sign of the Father’s love, which Jesus sought to reveal by his entire life. Every page of the Gospel is marked by this imperative of a love that loves to the point of forgiveness. Even at the last moment of his earthly life, as he was being nailed to the cross, Jesus spoke words of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). We pray also for the grace to imitate that spirit of forgiveness and tolerance. That contribution will reduce tension, that tension that fills our world. Saint Faustina holds out a promise to us, as she relates the Lord’s words to us in her Diary: “Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior” (Diary, 1075). Dear sisters and brothers, the long “Easter Day” will conclude this evening with Vespers. Twenty-four hours are insufficient to contain the Easter joy or to revel in the Easter mystery. … We are filled with the grace of belief, but also challenged by the blessing of having life in the Name of Christ. That life requires our cooperation to make its fruit manifest. It requires the courage of the day after. Watch the Divine Mercy Sunday Liturgy on our dedicated streaming site, DivineMercyPlus.org. Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org 15 “Forgiveness is the first Easter gift. The power and the responsibility to forgive repentant sinners is clearly given to the Apostles on that Easter Sunday night.”
16 Marian Helper • Summer 2024 • Marian.org Saint Michael and the Choirs of Angels I think many of us are like that. We’d rather not think about the devil, preferring instead to focus on more pleasant things. Granted, we should not dwell on Satan and his evil ways, because when we do that, we make him feel more powerful than he deserves. On the other hand, we should not ignore his existence, power to tempt us to disobey God’s commandments, or ability to engage us in a spiritual battle. We need to strike a balance between keeping our faces toward the divine and being aware of the influence of the evil one. Resist evil We are called by our Baptism to renounce evil and follow Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, “By his reason, man recognizes the voice of God which urges him to ‘do what is good and avoid what is evil.’ Everyone is obliged to follow this law, which makes itself heard in the conscience and is fulfilled in the love of God and of neighbor” (1706). Resisting temptation and sin isn’t just a good idea; it’s an obligation, part of our Christian mission, and gives us dignity. Saints and angels Thankfully, we’re not left to our own devices in this regard! Our Lord has given us the Sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and Eucharist, to strengthen us against temptation. He’s also given us heavenly helpers — the saints to intercede for us and the angels to protect and guide us. The saints are human beings who have gone before us and lived lives worthy of canonization and imitation. But angels are pure spirits without forms or bodies whose only purpose is to praise God and mediate between God and man. They have the power of thinking, willing, choosing, and deliberately loving. Saints communicate to us through their words and examples while angels communicate with By Marge Steinhage Fenelon Heavenly helpers I have a friend who refuses to talk about anything having to do with Satan, even in the most abstract way. When his name comes up, she either changes the subject or bows out of the conversation. Clearly, it makes her uncomfortable. Choirs of Angels (detail), Annunciation to the Virgin, by Francesco Botticini. Public domain. New from Marian Press
MARIAN HELPER • SUMMER 2024 • MARIAN.ORG 17 us by suggesting things to our imagination, which we o en call “inspiration.” In their spiritual form, we cannot see them but they can make themselves look like anything they want by manipulating our imagination or putting on a disguise — usually a human form; the images we see of angels with wings and halos are merely symbolic representations. God acts through His helpers to form a spiritual shield around us to safeguard us from temptation and the nasty tricks and snares of Satan and his demons. ey help us to resist the sins that could damage our souls and threaten our salvation. Saint Michael Among the saints and angels, St. Michael holds a prominent position in the ght against Satan and our protection against his wiles. When Lucifer, lled with pride and contempt, rebelled against God, it was St. Michael who cast him forever from the eternal gates. Saint Faustina had a special place in her heart for St. Michael. On September 29, 1936 — the Feast of St. Michael — St. Faustina was visited by St. Michael, who assured her of his special protection against evil. He told her, “ e Lord has ordered me to take special care of you” (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 706). A powerful, yet lesser-known devotion is the Chaplet of St. Michael. e chaplet was given by St. Michael himself to a Portuguese Carmelite nun, Antónia d’Astónaco, in 1751. He instructed her how to pray it, and to teach others about it, as well. He made three promises to all who faithfully pray the Chaplet in his honor: an escort of nine angels chosen from each of the nine choirs of angels when approaching Holy Communion; his continual assistance and that of all the angels throughout life; and, a er death, deliverance from Purgatory for themselves and all their relations. e rst time I prayed the Chaplet, I felt a great sense of peace and security. It was as if St. Michael had suddenly drawn very close to me and was reassuring me of his presence and protection. I began reciting the Chaplet of St. Michael as part of my morning prayer routine and since then I have rarely missed a day; it’s part of my stable of essential devotions. In practicing this devotion to St. Michael, I’ve received an additional and unexpected gi . I’ve not only grown closer to St. Michael, but also to the nine choirs, or groups, of angels traditionally recognized by the Church. e Chaplet includes nine salutations (like decades of the Rosary), each addressed to one of the choirs, and each asking for a particular grace. I pray that you discover the peace and security that I have in the Chaplet of St. Michael, and that you will introduce it to others as well. Together, we can stand strong against sin, temptation, and the in uence of evil, and grow in holiness and wisdom. May St. Michael guide and protect you always! Defend Us in Battle: e Promises of St. Michael and the Heavenly Angels by Marge Steinhage Fenelon (Marian Press, Product code B62-DUFL) is available on ShopMercy.org. ‘God acts through His helpers to form a spiritual shield around us to safeguard us.’ Fr. Chris Alar talks about the story of St. Michael.
The National Shrine of e Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts is having a big birthday next year — and we need your help now to prepare for the celebration with some long-overdue improvements. e year 2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of the groundbreaking for the National Shrine, and the 65th anniversary of its dedication and blessing. In the AprilJune 1960 edition of Marian Helpers Bulletin (the precursor of Marian Helper), Fr. Joseph shared his excitement at the opening: By Fr. Joseph, MIC A rendering of the new altar rail to be installed in the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. 18 MARIAN HELPER • SUMMER 2024 • MARIAN.ORG SPRUCING UP THE S THE HRINE HRINE Join us in efforts to make much needed improvements to the Shrine here on Eden Hill.
The growth of the spiritual structure of Divine Mercy in America is, indeed, a marvel of God’s grace. It is a sign that its origin is Divine, for no human work could move so far by its own accord. The change and progress appear unbelievable. The Shrine, once a small side chapel, is now an imposing edifice visible for miles around, standing proudly on the heights of Eden Hill overlooking the majestic hills and valleys of the Berkshire mountains, calling all of God’s children to imbibe and refresh themselves, in the peace and tranquility of God’s Holy Love, uniting themselves with the Marian spirit on the heights with Our Lady of Eden Hill. Sixty-five years. Think of it! Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit every year, so that means at least 2 million people have experienced in person this spiritual oasis, seeking to draw closer to the Divine Mercy Himself by means of prayer and the Sacraments. That doesn’t include those who visit the Shrine daily online for Mass, the Chaplet, and the Rosary via our livestreams — numbering in the hundreds of thousands! Truly, our National Shrine — constructed in part by the Marian Fathers and brothers themselves — is the jewel of Eden Hill. But like any grand individual of advancing years, it needs sprucing up. Improvements Today, the Marian Fathers urgently request your assistance to make necessary repairs and upgrades to the chapel. With your help, in honor of the National Shrine’s 65th anniversary, we will raise $650,000. Those funds will go toward the following: • Install an altar rail. Especially during this time of National Eucharistic Revival, we are reminded of the importance of reverence when receiving Holy Communion. • Install air conditioning. If you’ve ever visited the National Shrine during the heat of a Berkshire summer, you’ll understand the need. • Remodel and expand the Welcome Center. Located next to the National Shrine, the Welcome Center will become more informative and interactive. • Refinish, repair, or replace exterior and interior doors, to keep the weather out and the temperate air in. • Repair and tune the National Shrine organ. Brother Ken’s music enhances our daily and Sunday Masses! • Replace carpeting in the National Shrine vestibule. There’s a lot of foot traffic and it takes quite a beating, especially during Berkshire winters. • Replace the ceiling in Memorial Hall, downstairs from the chapel, where meetings are held and Mass is broadcast for the visitor overflow. • Exterior improvements: repair the front steps to the National Shrine; improve the plaza out front; and enhance the landscaping around the building. If, by God’s grace, we exceed our goal, every dollar above and beyond our needs for the National Shrine will be used to make physical improvements to Eden Hill for the benefit of our pilgrims and Marian Fathers. Safe and sacred We know that many of our pilgrims come here to Eden Hill in spiritual crisis. We know that many come to pray for loved ones or simply to give thanks for the presence of God in their lives. Many graces are received here, including physical and spiritual healings. We owe it to our pilgrims — and to God Himself, who has entrusted us with this mission of spreading Divine Mercy — to provide a safe and sacred experience. The projects we have identified will go a long way toward achieving those ends, honoring the extraordinary 65-year legacy of the National Shrine. Thank you in advance, and from the bottom of my heart, for prayerfully considering making a gift. Through your prayers and support today, you join us in our efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience here on Eden Hill. Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org 19 The National Shrine under construction, 1959. We invite you to make a donation to our Urgent Appeal for improvements to the National Shrine of e Divine Mercy. Please visit Marian.org/b62.
20 Marian Helper • SuMMer 2024 • Marian.org Iremember the moment like it was yesterday: my first Mass as a Catholic priest, when I would consecrate the bread and wine into the Holy Eucharist — the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was 15 years ago, on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2009, in my home parish, St. John Neumann in Gaithersburg, Maryland (coincidentally the home parish of our newest Marian priest, Fr. Stephen Castellano, MIC). I was ordained to the priesthood the day before by Bishop Martin Holley. Now it was time to celebrate Mass by myself. The church was packed. But at the consecration, I was surrounded by a hush, like the quiet sweetness of a steady wind. I remember the power of the words I spoke, slowly. It was all suddenly made real. Of course, I was already a believer, thanks in large part to my parish, one of the first in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., to establish perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. Holding our Lord But now it was strikingly different. I felt the reality, looking in awe like a child at the Host that has become the Body and Blood of our Lord. I could see through the outward appearance of bread and wine that I was holding the Lord in my hands. It brought me back to my pre-ordination retreat at Mother Angelica’s shrine in Hanceville, Alabama, and the story of how she was inspired to build her monastery by the statue (above) of the Divino Niño — the Divine Child — in Colombia. The Infant Jesus is holding out His Sacred Heart, and there’s a cavity in His chest where His Heart should be. I felt the Lord very deeply touching my heart, as if to say, “This is a picture of what your priesthood is called to be.” And so at the consecration I am holding the Heart of God. I’m called to place my heart here with His Heart, and give His Heart to the people. In a word, wow. Yes, it was very emotional. And I can honestly say that, every day since for 15 years, whenever I celebrate Mass, the same feeling of awe and reverence and humility overcomes me. It has never, and will never, grow old. How could it possibly? Eucharistic Revival That is why it pains me, and my brother priests, to hear about the lack of reverence for the Eucharist, and the lack of understanding about the Real Presence. A feeling of sadness By Fr. Andy Davy, MIC THE WONDER OF THE EUCHARIST ‘Here, taKe My Heart’ The statue of the Divino Niño in Hanceville, Alabama.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==