6 Look Up Gaze upwards at the ceiling, and you will see portraits of the 11 patron saints of the Marian Fathers, as well as murals featuring the Marian Founder, St. Stanislaus Papczyński (“Apostolic Approval of the Marians”) and Renovator, Bl. George Matulaitis (“Renovation of the Marian Fathers”). Across the ceiling, painted by Joseph Amato of Bridgeport, Connecticut, are graceful symbolic depictions of Mary, the Eucharist, and the miracles of Jesus, including the Rosary and a basket of loaves and fishes. Above the Sanctuary is a grand pulpit accessed by a small door. It is no longer used. 22 Marian Helper • Summer 2025 • Marian.org 3 Elevation When the chapel was completed and blessed in 1960, it was known as the Shrine of Divine Mercy. That was its title for 36 years until, in 1996, it was elevated to a National Shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, one of only 72 national shrines in the country (see page 36). Since 1990, the annual Divine Mercy Sunday Mass has been broadcast live from the National Shrine by the EWTN Global Catholic Network. 4 Faustina’s visit? Inspired by a documentary on Sr. Faustina, Bob and Maureen Digan, with their son, Bobby, came to Eden Hill in search of Fr. Seraphim, the vice postulator for the cause of canonization of Sr. Faustina. Bob wanted him to come with them to Poland, where he was convinced the family would receive a miracle (which they did! It became the miracle for Sr. Faustina’s beatification). In 1981, the evening before they left for Poland, Bob, Fr. Seraphim, and several others were praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the chapel that would one day become the National Shrine. They heard a woman praying along with them, but could see no one. After they finished the Chaplet, Bob asked Fr. Seraphim what they’d heard. Father Seraphim said it was Sr. Faustina, of course! 5 Glorious Glass There are 36 stained glass windows and two mosaics created by artist Fred Leuchs of Stockbridge, displaying images of Mary and the Apostles. Fourteen of these depict a Gospel scene that demonstrates the mercy of God. Leuchs, who also installed the windows, said this was not only his first professional commission but his most prized effort. 7 Distinctive Stations The 14 Stations of the Cross were handcrafted in Spain. Surrounding each scene are instruments of the Passion: spears, whips, the pillar, the Crown of Thorns, and a ladder.
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