Divine Mercy Weekend 2026 l USA Consecration to the Sacred Heart New outreach in London and Medjugorje MISSIONS WITH MARY Inspiration and news from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception Marian.org Summer 2026 Our Lady of Walsingham, Patroness of England Our Lady of Medjugorje, Queen of Peace
Enroll a loved one today! 1-800-462-7426 l 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 Madonna & Child Sympathy (Gold Foil) B70-MC26 Our Lady of Guadalupe Birthday (Gold Foil) B70-BC25 Mary, Undoer of Knots Prayer for You (Gold Foil) B70-PF26 Your offering supports the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Father Chris explains the benefits of enrollment.
AMH Director/Publisher: Fr. Mark Baron, MIC — “Father Joseph, MIC” Executive Editor: Dr. Joe McAleer Designer: Andrew Leeco Writers, Assistant Editors: Chris Sparks, Julia Rose AMH General Promoter: Br. Andrew R. Mączyński, MIC Vol. 83, No. 2 Summer 2026 20 GO EAST, MARIANS! 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 © 2026 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. All rights reserved. Send all correspondence to: Association of Marian Helpers, Editorial Dept., Eden Hill, Stockbridge, MA 01263. Email: [email protected] Website: Marian.org Our American Province of the Marian Congregation has expanded across the Atlantic, with two new missions in Europe: The Marian Centre for Catholic Life, outside London, England, and the Englishspeaking Chaplaincy at Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We pray for the evangelizing success of our Marian priests stationed overseas and invite the intercession and protection of the Blessed Mother in both countries (as she is portrayed on our cover): Our Lady of Walsingham and Our Lady, Queen of Peace. 3 Fr. Joseph Writes 4 Marian Helpers in Action 6 Fr. Joseph’s Picks 7 Notes from Rome 8 On Eden Hill 31 Outstanding Helpers 33 Graces Received 36 From the Vaults Departments Please join our Urgent Appeal to build a parking lot for the convenience of our disabled pilgrims. Central Park Summer at the Shrine 10 Special events are scheduled in the months ahead, the perfect time to make your pilgrimage. Sacred Heart, USA As our nation is consecrated to the Sacred Heart, Dr. Robert Stackpole praises the devotion. 11, 16 Page 18 For 30 years, the Divine Mercy Intercessory Prayerline has engaged and inspired countless callers. Uniting the World in Prayer 25 Divine Mercy Weekend 2026 It was one to remember, with perfect weather and an all-star roster of speakers and ministers. 24 Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at the Shrine. Open the Door to Your Heart 14 A new travel book for America’s 250th by Peggy Stanton reveals Catholic shrines coast-to-coast. This Land is Mary’s Land 28 20 London Calling 22 Hail, Queen of Peace
Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception The Marian Fathers are a Congregation of nearly 500 priests and brothers in 20 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 1925, 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. l Deepen your commitment of prayer and support by joining one of our three spiritually nourishing prayer clubs: Marian.org/clubs l Support a particular ministry: Marian.org/give l Arrange a special gift 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 2026 • Marian.org
Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 3 Father Joseph Writes Let me explain. In the last issue of the Marian Helper I announced the theme for this year’s Divine Mercy Sunday: “USA 250: One Nation Under God’s Mercy.” I was inspired to research the history and meaning of the phrase “under God.” My studies took me into the core of American history. I understood that the phrase “under God” was a common expression that was used all the way back during the Revolutionary War era. Its usage then was to place man’s efforts under God as the primary cause so that man would be tempered in his tendency toward prideful self-reliance. As the fragility of the Union increased, people began to have the sense that not only human instrumentality needed to be placed under God, but so did the United States as a nation. It was Abraham Lincoln who, during his Gettysburg Address, first used the phrase “under God” in relation to our nation. Towards the end of that address he wrote, “… that this nation, under God, may have a rebirth of freedom …” That statement seems so simple that it’s easy to take for granted. But within it was contained Lincoln’s deep and developing Christian faith. Lincoln had a profound understanding of God’s providence; that the United States was truly under God’s authority and thus accountable to Him for her sinful behavior. That especially included slavery. This is why Lincoln would come to understand, especially in his Second Inaugural Address, that God “allowed” the Civil War in order to punish and purify the United States for years of slavery. But Lincoln’s sense of Divine Justice was tempered by his deeper understanding of God’s goodness. In his hope for a rebirth of freedom was a sense of Divine Mercy that was using the war as a medicine to help purify and eventually heal the nation of this sin. Needless to say, I was in awe of all that I had researched on Lincoln’s faith and how that faith helped him to navigate through one of the most significant events in our 250-year history. Lincoln’s example gave me clarity to grasp what it really means to be a nation “under God’s Mercy.” This is the type of president we need in this fragile time of our country’s history. Thankfully, we were able to share these insights during Divine Mercy Weekend. They seem to resonate well with our pilgrims, especially with those who are big Abe Lincoln fans. If you missed the Mercy Conference talks, the EWTN pre-Mass show, or even the Divine Mercy Sunday Mass, check out the videos on DivineMercyPlus.org. It was a privilege for me to study the life of one of our greatest presidents. I am now pretty amazed that Abraham Lincoln grew up only an hour’s drive from my house! But we are not done with celebrating “USA 250: One Nation Under God’s Mercy.” As we move toward the Fourth of July, let’s join in prayer with our American Catholic bishops as they consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (see page 25). For to be truly “One Nation Under God’s Mercy,” we need to always be under His Merciful Heart. Amen. LINCOLN’S FAITH “Father Joseph, MIC,” is the honorary title of the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, currently Fr. Mark Baron, MIC. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet live with Fr. Mark every Friday at 3 p.m. ET on Instagram, Facebook, and DivineMercyPlus.org. I grew up in Fern Creek, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville. A mere 60 miles south of Fern Creek is Hodgensville, famous for being the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. For most of my life I have not appreciated the fact that I share the same home state as the 16th president of the United States. But that has now changed. Public domain
4 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org Neighborly Sharing By Therese Tirpak During the school year, Fridays always had a fast pace. After a full day of teaching at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, I would come home briefly, then head straight to the 3 p.m. Holy Hour. Marian Helper Therese Tirpak, who died in 2022, was a devoted member of her Glenview, Illinois, parish for 42 years. Marian Helpers in Action
Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 5 One Friday in 1995, I had just finished an hour of prayer, spiritually refreshed but physically tired. As I pulled into my driveway, I saw Carolyn Oswald across the street, watering her lawn. Her dog, Truman, was bouncing around her feet, barking at a squirrel in their big maple tree. We had been neighbors for 10 years, sharing lighthearted chats about our kids, our gardens, and the latest news in Glenview. I knew she and her husband, Frank, were Lutheran, but we had never talked much about matters of faith. The whole world Carolyn saw me, standing there by my car. I was just planning to wave and go inside. Then, as I began to close the car door, a phrase from the Divine Mercy Chaplet repeated in my heart: Have mercy on us and on the whole world. The whole world. The whole world included everyone, not just Catholics. Not just those already familiar with Divine Mercy. I glanced into my bag, where I had a videotape of the documentary Divine Mercy: No Escape. A thought surfaced: Tell Carolyn about this. I hesitated. Would she find it relevant? The devotion came to us from the Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Catholic nun in Poland in the 1930s. Would Carolyn, a Lutheran, be open to it today? Then another thought quieted my hesitation — Jesus’ revelations to St. Faustina about His merciful love are meant for everybody. Invisible fence With that, I shook off my tiredness and walked across the street, ready to tear down a fence. Not a physical fence, but an invisible one — one that had kept our conversations friendly but never deeply personal. “Hi, Carolyn!” I greeted her, stepping around Truman, who had finally settled. “I just got back from church, and I happen to have this video with me. It’s about Divine Mercy, and it’s really beautiful. I don’t know if you’d be interested in watching it, but I’d love to share it with you.” She turned to me, momentarily forgetting her dog and garden sprinkler. I smiled. “Jesus is for everybody — Lutherans and Catholics alike.” Carolyn gave a small nod, considering my words. “Yes, I would be interested. I’d like to watch it.” I handed her the video, hoping she would find the time and watch it. Three days later, as I was about to leave for an appointment, I noticed Carolyn walking toward me — the video in her hand. “Did you have a chance to watch it?” I asked. “Yes,” she said, her tone different than usual. Something had shifted. “I watched the whole thing. It is beautiful.” I smiled. “Wonderful! Good!” I wanted to talk more, but I was already running late. “Let’s talk soon.” As I drove off, I wondered — What exactly did she find beautiful? Saint Faustina’s story? The cinematography? Or was it the Divine Mercy message itself? I whispered a prayer that God would let it take root in her heart. Weeks passed, and life carried on as usual — the responsibilities of work and family filling our busy days. She’s got it! Then one afternoon, Carolyn caught me outside. “By the way,” she said, as if it were an afterthought, “did I ever mention that I’ve been praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day since you gave me the video?” Amazed, I looked directly into her eyes. Not only had she understood the gift of God’s mercy, but she had taken action — trusting Jesus’ words to St. Faustina, embracing the prayer that Jesus Himself had taught her. She’s got it! I thought. Thank you, Holy Spirit! “Yes, Carolyn.” I smiled. “The Chaplet is a powerful prayer. And it’s good to know that we’ll be praying it together — for our families and for the world.” From that moment, we weren’t just friendly neighbors. We were prayer partners. Because good neighbors don’t just share casual conversations. They share what matters most. Excerpted from Get on Board the “Mercy Train”: Journeys of a Marian Helper on the Road to Heaven by Therese Tirpak (Product code: B70-MTRN), available now on ShopMercy.org. “A thought quieted my hesitation — Jesus’ revelations to St. Faustina about His merciful love are meant for everybody.”
Visit ShopMercy.org/b70 or call 1-800-462-7426. Father Joseph’s Picks As we launch from the mountaintop experience of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday into the Easter season, summer feasts, and Ordinary Time, it’s an opportunity to spend time with the love of Jesus, Mary, and the entire Communion of Saints — and celebrate our great country on its 250th birthday! By Donald H. Calloway, MIC, and Patrick O’Hearn; Illustrated by Ann Kissane Englehart Acclaimed authors Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC, and Patrick O’Hearn bring the story of Knock, Ireland, to life for young readers, with beautiful illustrations by Ann Kissane Englehart. At Knock, Heaven is reminding us to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and Our Lady wants us to keep our eyes fixed on the Holy Eucharist, the Lamb of God. $22.95. B70-KNBK THE LAMB OF GOD : THE STORY OF OUR LADY OF KNOCK Written by Sara Beth Meyer, MTh; illustrated by Allison Hsu, MD Over the centuries and across the miles, Our Lady continues to care for her children, calling all to prayer, especially for the conversion of sinners. Here, from the creators of the inspiring Gospels for Little Ones series, are the stories of 14 of Our Lady’s visits, told in rhyming verse and beautiful watercolor illustrations for all to share. $19.95. B70-OLLL OUR LADY’S LOVE FOR LITTLE ONES NEW! NEW! 6 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org By Peggy Stanton. Foreword by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. Embark with a veteran storyteller on a tour of all 50 states and discover Our Lady’s famous and not-so-famous shrines with intriguing backstories and beautiful color photographs. Learn how the “big S” saints — those raised to the altar by the Catholic Church — have traversed our land, sea to shining sea, and also the hundreds of “little s” saints of equal grace, if not equal title, who have left holy footprints all across this land. The ultimate travel book for your summer road trip! $24.95. B70-BMOA THE UNITED “SAINTS” OF AMERICA: ON PILGRIMAGE WITH OUR MOTHER MARY FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA NEW! BESTSELLER! By Fr. Chris Alar, MIC Why is the Catholic Church different from any other church? It has the seven Sacraments in their fullness — not just symbols, but God’s guaranteed grace! They are biblical, instituted by Christ and entrusted to His Church. In the Sacraments, it is Christ Who acts and communicates His grace! In this latest entry in his Explaining the Faith series, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, answers such questions as: Why do we baptize infants? Where is Confession in the Bible? Is my marriage valid? And many more! $16.95. B70-UNDB UNDERSTANDING THE SACRAMENTS: GOD’S GRACE GUARANTEED! e
Notes from Rome By the Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC My parents were Secular Franciscans and so had a special devotion to the saint. He is remembered throughout the world as a holy man because he became so much like Christ. He suffered the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. The document from the Apostolic Penitentiary (posted on SecularFranciscansUSA.org) speaks of him in this way: “Francis, ... the son of a wealthy merchant, made himself poor and humble — a true alter Christus (another Christ) on earth — providing the world with tangible examples of gospel living and a genuine image of Christian perfection.” Jesus asked Francis to rebuild His Church, to help the Church of his time to overcome many excesses and become simple and poor once again. Our world today needs the intercession of Francis as we search for peace and harmony. The Vatican offers a plenary indulgence this year, under the usual conditions, to those who visit a church dedicated to St. Francis or his memory in any way and who pray while there. The homebound, the elderly, and those who care for them can also obtain the indulgence, even if they are not able to leave their homes. I have the great privilege of living in Rome, so, in February, I went by car with four other Marians to visit Assisi, where the bones of St. Francis (above) were put on display in a glass case for the veneration of the faithful. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world visited Assisi during that month. I have to say that I was a little afraid of what the crowds would be like. It was necessary to make a reservation. Around 750 people filed past his glass casket every half hour. We filed into a large tent which was separated into three sections. One section would allow pilgrims to file past the bones, while the other two sections waited. We were given booklets with prayers to pray while we waited. Holy cards with a pilgrim prayer were available in all different languages. After going past, it was possible to go to Confession. Many Franciscan priests were on duty to help the pilgrims to deepen their conversion. We also had a chance to visit the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis while we were in Assisi. Why do we venerate the relics of the saints? They are God’s masterpieces. They were like us in many ways, but then they surrendered their lives to God and His grace. They became the people that God wanted them to become. They are our older brothers and sisters in faith. We can ask their intercession so that we can win the battle as they did. We only worship God. But the relics of the saints reminds us that they lived here on earth like us and that now they are enjoying the glory of Heaven. Saint Francis was rather short in height. He had a bone structure like all of us. In some ways, there was nothing extraordinary about looking at his bones. But we are reminded that he became an extraordinary person because he lived a holy life. It was a life of prayer, sacrifice, joy, suffering, and love. Let us ask St. Francis to intercede for us during this Holy Year! Amen! A YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS T his year marks 800 years since the death of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226. Pope Leo XIV asked the Apostolic Penitentiary to proclaim this a special year of St. Francis, lasting until Jan. 10, 2027. The Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC, is the Superior General of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He lives in Rome. Listen to his podcasts, including “Saint Faustina’s Diary in a Year,” on TheDivineMercy.org/podcasts and DivineMercyPlus.org/podcasts. EWTNNews.com/Sacred Convent of Assisi Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 7 Father Joe talks about the year of St. Francis.
On Eden Hill WELCOME, NAVY CHAPLAIN! In an emotional ceremony in the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy on April 30, Shrine Rector Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, was formally commissioned as a chaplain in the United States Navy by Fr. David J. Hammond, USN. Father Matt’s proud parents, Nelly and Dr. Patrick, and his sister, Mary, were present. Father Matt will head to Rhode Island for training this summer before his deployment. “I will continue to be a Marian in the midst of this ministry,” he said. “I’ll continue to spread the message of Divine Mercy to those in need. I will especially be keeping in mind our Mother Mary, who is the Star of the Sea guiding us to the Lord, keeping us safe under her mantle.” 8 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE: Doctors, nurses, academics, and other healthcare professionals from 26 states gathered, both in person and online, for the 21st Annual Divine Mercy Medicine, Bioethics, and Spirituality Conference on April 29-May 1, organized by Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy, an apostolate of the Marian Fathers. A diverse array of speakers expounded upon this year’s theme, “Exploring Compassion and Mercy in Healthcare.” “This was an exceptionally deep conference on the spiritual care of the patient and the spiritual health of healthcare professionals,” said Nurse Marie Romagnano (below, second from right, joined by Fr. Kaz Chwalek, MIC, Dr. Kathleen Scoble, and Scott Nelson, RN). “I was especially excited to see new faces and the commitment to learn the most positive and sacramental ways to accompany the seriously ill and dying.”
Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 9 LIFT HIGH THE CROSS: On April 10, the Friday before Divine Mercy Sunday, the Marian Fathers gathered with friends and benefactors to pray as the cross was blessed and then placed high atop the new Monastery Chapel, currently under construction on Eden Hill. The Chapel and Monastery have been many years in the planning, realized thanks to donations from more than 13,000 Marian Helpers to the Marian Fathers’ first capital campaign, “Together for Christ and His Church.” The Marians will move in this fall. “Soon we will have the opportunity to live community life,” said the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC, superior general of the Marian Congregation, who blessed the cross. “We’re all part of this priesthood in Jesus Christ. We all want to proclaim Jesus Christ Risen, and that’s what it’s all about.” Blessed with prayers and a relic of the True Cross, the cross will signal to pilgrims and the local community the Gospel of Christ. Shrine Rector Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, said it was an historic moment in the life of the community. “May those who will come to dwell in this house and worship our Lord in this chapel be perfected in His charity, and ever form themselves as worthy dwelling places of His Holy Spirit,” he prayed. Father Chris Alar, MIC, provincial superior, had words of gratitude ahead of a weekend of special graces. “On behalf of all the Marian Fathers, we are so grateful for the grace of God, we are so grateful for the gift of His Mother, and we are most grateful for the grace of Divine Mercy and the beauty of Divine Mercy Sunday, that the Lord has entrusted to us as Marians, to be caretakers of the message and devotion of Divine Mercy,” he said, “and you, all of you, as Marian Helpers, especially those who generously donated to this project.” Look for the latest updates on the project on our website, TogetherforChrist.org.
There is a worldwide prayer effort happening here on Eden Hill at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. The phones are ringing, messages are downloading, prayer intentions are being brought to the foot of the Cross, and candles are lit for those in need from all corners of the Earth. This is all happening at The Divine Mercy Intercessory Prayerline and the Our Lady of Mercy Oratory and Candle Shrine, located adjacent to the Marian Helpers Center. Prayer works! Since its inception in 1995, countless calls, e-mails, and letters have arrived from people around the world requesting prayers and sharing how their prayers have been answered in the Name of Jesus. We hear about everyday needs or matters of lifeand-death, and get reports that cancers have been cured, comas reversed, jobs found, and marriage problems resolved. The Holy Spirit works through prayer — and sometimes in ways we neither asked nor imagined! Jesus so desires to pour out His mercy on all of us. All we need to do is ask, be merciful to others (extending love and forgiveness), and completely trust in Jesus. The more we open the door of our hearts and lives to Him with trust, the more we can receive. When we trust completely in our Lord, He pours out an abundance of mercy. Mass, Adoration, Candles Holy Mass is celebrated weekdays at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mercy Oratory. On the front of the altar are displayed the words, “O Blood and Water,” signifying God’s love and mercy for mankind. Along with the Divine Mercy Image in the Oratory, pilgrims will see the depiction of the Immaculate Conception, as well as a portrait and first class relic of St. Faustina Kowalska. Next to the Oratory is Our Lady of Mercy Candle Shrine, one of the largest in the United States with more than 2,500 candles, illuminating a warm glow signifying prayer intentions are being sent heavenward from and for people around the world. These candles are lit each week and their intentions prayed for. Pilgrims also come in person to light candles, pray in front of an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and meditate on the Corporal Works of Mercy depicted in the stained-glass windows. Prayer is powerful! Whether you reach out across the miles or visit in person, we are all connected as the Body of Christ. We look forward to praying with you. Bonita Davis is the Intercessory Prayer Supervisor at the Marian Helpers Center. The Oratory and Candle Shrine are open to the public 7 days a week (8 a.m.–8 p.m.). The Prayerline ministry’s staff is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET) for live calls placed to 1-800-8043823. All prayer requests left after hours or on weekends are prayed for by an intercessor and included in our daily prayers and Masses. Requests can also be made online; visit TheDivineMercy.org/prayer. Uniting the World in Prayer By Bonita Davis Since 1995, countless calls, e-mails, and letters from people around the world requesting prayers and sharing how their prayers have been answered in the Name of Jesus. 10 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org
Fine weather and Divine Mercy Weekend rarely coincide in Stockbridge, Massachusetts — but this year was truly blessed. An estimated 19,000 pilgrims from as far away as Canada and California journeyed to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy on April 11 and 12 for the annual celebration beneath sunny skies and mild temperatures. As documented on the following pages, a joyous spirit permeated Eden Hill as all ages and backgrounds gathered to experience a “second Baptism” by receiving the extraordinary graces promised by our Lord to St. Faustina. This year’s celebration had a special theme tied to this anniversary year for our country: “USA 250: One Nation Under God’s Mercy.” Under God’s Mercy “Our nation is, like all nations, under the sovereignty of God, accountable to Him for our sins, and recipients of His gracious mercy,” explained Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers who came up with this year’s patriotic theme (and designed the logo, featured on t-shirts, bags, and mugs for sale). He reminded pilgrims that Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were key public witnesses to America’s right place as “one nation under God.” Speakers at the Mercy Weekend Conference offered variations on the theme, including Fr. Mark, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, along with special guests Dr. Dan Schneider and Jason Henderson, who work in deliverance ministry. The lines for Confessions were long, and the Gift Tent was packed with shoppers. The vigil Mass was celebrated by Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, Shrine rector, with Fr. Mark offering a rousing, patrioticthemed homily. On Divine Mercy Sunday, pilgrims were treated to additional talks by Fr. Mark, Schneider and Henderson, John Yep of Catholics for Catholics, and Mother of Mercy Messengers founders Joan and Dave Maroney. Following the pre-show on EWTN, hosted by Fr. Chris and Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC, the Liturgy and Chaplet were celebrated by the Most Rev. David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Bishop Ricken holds a special place in the Catholic history of America as the first and only diocesan bishop in the United States to officially approve a Marian apparition, Our Lady of Champion. Thanks to the hard-working army of 500-plus volunteers and employees, the many vendors and public safety officers, and all the Marian priests, brothers, and seminarians, Divine Mercy Weekend 2026 was a great success, demonstrating teamwork at its very best. Watch the replay of the Divine Mercy Sunday pre-show and Mass on DivineMercyPlus.org. Divine Mercy Weekend 2026 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 11 Divine Mercy Sunday Mass EWTN pre-Mass show Mercy Conference talks
12 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org Father Mark Baron, MIC, shows off the logo for this year’s theme. Embrace appealing to God’s mercy for our country, he urged, especially by doing penance for our nation’s sins, even as we thank God for His many blessings. The procession begins for the Vigil Mass on Saturday. Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC, rector of the National Shrine, was the celebrant, and Fr. Mark Baron, MIC was the homilist. Hanging behind the altar of the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine is the Divine Mercy Prayer Banner, crafted from some of the 15,000 prayer intentions submitted by Marian Helpers. The Thomas Aquinas College New England Choir from Northfield, Massachusetts, provided beautiful music! Divine Mercy Weekend
Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 13 An estimated 6,500 pilgrims attended Saturday’s Vigil Mass at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. Visiting from Middletown, Connecticut, Marc and Laura brought their 3½-year-old twins, Genovanni and Marco, to the Shrine for the first time. The twins were especially excited to get their first Rosaries (red and green) from the Divine Mercy Gift Shop Tent! Father Donald Calloway, MIC, challenged pilgrims to be faithful to Christ and His Church, holding up St. Joseph as a model of manhood and urging consecration to the Holy Family. “Some people claim, ‘We don’t need Divine Mercy,’” said Fr. Chris Alar, MIC. “Wrong! This is your whole existence!” He offered a tour of the Mass, examining how Divine Mercy is present in every part of the Latin Liturgy. Making their sixth Divine Mercy Sunday is the Adu Donkor family from Stamford, Connecticut. “Divine Mercy means everything,” said mom Elizabeth. “It’s wonderful to know that, even in our shame, God still has mercy for us.”
Open the door of your heart By the Most Rev. David L. Ricken Editor’s note: This year, the main celebrant of Divine Mercy Sunday Mass at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy was the Most Rev. David L. Ricken, bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Here, we share some highlights from his homily. I would like to share with you a personal story. A story of someone close to me who had a conversion experience through Divine Mercy, my brother, Mark. Mark, me, and my younger sister, Carol, were all born in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1950s to our parents, Bertha and Bill Ricken. In 1974, my family moved to Colorado where, as a young man, Mark was a teacher and principal. Later he married, becoming a husband and father. Over time, he was the superintendent of public schools in Southern and then Northern Colorado for many years. When he retired, he purchased our parents’ farm in southern Colorado and settled there. 14 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org Divine Mercy Weekend
In 2006, he heard the story of St. Faustina and Divine Mercy given by his pastor in La Junta Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Pueblo, which captivated him. He had much more time to read in his retirement, and he ordered a copy of the Diary of St. Faustina and read it cover-to-cover, and started to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. “Mark, Mark” One morning, he was running errands around the farm on his four-wheeler when he heard a woman’s voice call his name, “Mark, Mark.” He turned off the four-wheeler and listened, and again heard the woman’s voice. Looking around, there was no woman on the farm that morning. After she had his full attention, the woman said, “Mark, I want you to pray for all the souls on their deathbed today, that they may accept the mercy of Jesus into their life.” Mark rushed into the house and checked in the Diary, thinking he had read something very similar in the Diary. He knew that Faustina had spoken to him and given him a mission. He lived out that mission by beginning a prayer group that met every Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. in his parish and continues to meet today. He also shared the story of St. Faustina and Divine Mercy with as many as would listen until the day he died on April 14, 2014. I share my brother’s story because I know there are thousands and thousands of stories like his. The Divine Mercy of Jesus is mightily at work. Misery to Mercy Brothers and sisters, I think it is abundantly clear today: Great suffering is being endured, wars are proliferating, hatreds are dividing. Families collapse, countries are in great travail, the misery of the poor and their plight is so obvious. Yet, the Good News is that God does not abandon us. He is right in the middle of our misery and begs us to accept Him in the midst of it all. Saint Faustina writes in her Diary (1507): “One thing alone is necessary: that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, to let in a ray of God’s Merciful grace and then God will do the rest.” For those of you who have been keeping yourselves shielded from God through fear or anger, or some other obstacle, open the door of your heart to the merciful love of Jesus, even if only a tiny bit. You will be amazed at what that little opening can accomplish. You will also be amazed at how much God loves you, misses you, and has been searching for you, waiting for your response. His merciful love will convict us with a deep sorrow for our sins, while also filling our heart with gratitude for His mercy. Because of His love, you will be helped to move “from misery to mercy” and experience the great forgiveness of Jesus, especially through the Sacrament of Confession. There is a great urgency today. Saint Faustina describes the Mercy of God as an inexhaustible source from God who is so eager for people to accept His Love. She writes in her Diary (793), “You are a bottomless sea of Mercy for us sinners; and the greater the misery, the more right we have to Your Mercy.” This seems truer today than ever. There seems to be an urgency to accept and to trust God. He only wants us to draw closer to Him, and in these days of great challenge and even darkness, the urgency seems ever more pressing: no more delaying, no more putting Him off to another day or another time in the future. … Mercy to Mission In the Gospels, the Great Commission (especially clear in Mt 28) to share the Good News is not an option but is given to everyone as a mandate. The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation confirm this mandate for each one of us. In the context of Divine Mercy, each one of us is called to share the graces of Divine Mercy. As St. Faustina wrote, “I want to tell souls of your goodness and encourage them to trust Your Mercy. That is my mission, which you Yourself have entrusted to me, O Lord, in this life and in the life to come” (Diary, 1325). This year, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country. Interceding for our nation takes on greater importance and must be our focus for the anniversary. In honor of this occasion, the bishops of our country in June are going to consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us all make this a big part of our mission to intercede deeply for our country. We need intercessory prayer more than ever. May we all make this a part of our mission, to beg the Lord for a superabundant miracle of mercy that will transform each one of us, our country, and the world. Watch EWTN coverage of Divine Mercy Sunday 2026 from the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy on DivineMercyPlus.org. “Open the door of your heart to the Merciful love of Jesus, even if only a tiny bit. You will be amazed at what that little opening can accomplish. You will also be amazed at how much God loves you, misses you, and has been searching for you, waiting for your response.” Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 15
16 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org “The mercy of the Lord brings you back to the faith and gives you hope in Christ,” said Angelo Messina, with his wife, Pat, from Mystic, Connecticut. “In this crazy time, with all the things going on in the world, Divine Mercy gives you hope.” Divine Mercy Weekend An estimated 12,500 pilgrims visited the National Shrine on Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12, under sunny skies. Once again the live pre-show on EWTN was hosted by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and Superior General, the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC. Watch the show on DivineMercyPlus.org. Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC, distributes Holy Communion. A former Navy Seal, Jason Henderson cited Jesus as the true model of manhood. “He’s not a pushover. He was the most dangerous and interesting man who ever lived,” he observed. Henderson then shared that the biggest thing that saved his own life was the confessional.
Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 17 Dave and Joan Maroney of Mother of Mercy Messengers spoke of the vital role we are all called to play as holy intercessors for our native lands, imitating St. Faustina’s fervent, regular prayer for her own homeland, Poland. And where better to make such prayer and reparation than at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, “a place of peace, healing, and God’s grace,” proclaimed Dave. Soloist Ashley Nemeh captivated the pilgrim crowd with her gift of song, including a stirring National Anthem. Father Chris greeted Ah’lias, 4, from Waterbury, Connecticut. Baptized just the day before, Ah’lias told his mom, Maria, that Jesus told him he would be a priest. Proud volunteers gathered at the Lourdes Grotto. More than 500 volunteers donated their time and talent to make Divine Mercy Weekend a great success! “We have a Queen Mother who’s a 12-star General!” said biblical scholar Dr. Dan Schneider. Never underestimate Our Lady’s coercive power over the devil and his forces, he urged, especially because of the extraordinary grace of her Immaculate Conception. Guarding the outdoor Stations of the Cross were Massachusetts teens Cruz (11th grade) and Timothy (8th grade), both youth-group volunteers. “I try to pray a lot for those who aren’t Catholic or have been exposed to it but aren’t willing to necessarily commit. Everyone needs mercy,” Timothy said. Posing with “St. Faustina” is Jeff-Herson, who journeyed from Toronto, Canada, with 50 other pilgrims. “Divine Mercy reminds me that God always welcomes us despite our flaws,” he said, “and we always need to strive to be better and never falter in the pursuit of righteousness.”
The Marian Fathers have launched an Urgent Appeal to build a new parking lot for disabled pilgrims at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. As we ask you to assist us with this important project, we also seek the intercession of a great American saint. You see, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to care for poor and immigrant children in orphanages, schools, and hospitals, and the first American citizen to be canonized, is also the patron saint of parking. Central Park Shutterstock 18 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org By Fr. Joseph, MIC The Marian Fathers’ launch an Urgent Appeal.
Parking? Why, you may ask, especially as automobiles were still rare in Mother Cabrini’s lifetime, and she may never have driven or ridden in one? Evidently it is due to her years spent serving the poor amid the hustle and bustle of New York City, where navigating the busy streets remains a challenge. Mother’s perseverance was legendary, not to mention her many journeys around the country in search of new charitable foundations, all to perform the Corporal Works of Mercy. Mother Cabrini — determined pilgrim in search of souls that she was — was a walker. In a letter from 1894 she wrote, “The other day I traveled three hours in the snow, yesterday two hours in pouring rain, and with broken shoes my feet were swimming in water — and this after I had been ill all night.” Later in the same letter, she continued, “But I enjoyed it, thinking how the saints traveled for the welfare of their institute and for the salvation of souls. This joy made it impossible to suffer and now I am well.” Amazing! Safety concerns How does Mother Cabrini (who became a U.S. citizen in 1909) fit in with our Urgent Appeal this year? I think of her struggles when I see pilgrims arrive at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy who have mobility issues. They, too, have difficulty walking, and it can be a real hardship traversing the distance from the main parking lot to the Shrine. So we’ve decided to build a new parking lot with the comfort and safety of our disabled visitors in mind. If you have visited Eden Hill, you know there are a few handicapped parking spaces located along the access road to the Shrine, and these fill up quickly. Unfortunately, we have been informed by the local fire department that these are no longer acceptable. You see, the road must be kept clear at all times for safety reasons and easy access in case of an emergency. We’ve decided to build a small parking lot next to the Shrine. This will be located in the open field next to the Holy Family Shrine, and will have 30 spaces, including 5 designated handicapped parking spaces, and a convenient drop-off area. This will accommodate our daily pilgrims who have mobility issues. It will also address safety concerns, with improved walkways to the Shrine, as well as a new sidewalk from the main parking lot up the drive to the Shrine. Complex undertaking There’s a lot involved in building even a small parking lot, from site clearance and grading to paving and access, not to mention meeting local and state building requirements. The cost is considerable: $685,000. So today, we urgently request your assistance. Please prayerfully consider a gift to our Urgent Appeal! If, by God’s grace, we exceed our goal, every dollar above and beyond our needs for this new parking lot will be put towards improvements to the other roadways and the main parking lot on Eden Hill. Comfort and convenience Pilgrims to the National Shrine increase in number every year, thanks be to God, and we try to provide every convenience to make their visit safe and comfortable, not to mention spiritually enriching. This new parking lot is long overdue, and we know it will be welcomed by our visitors with mobility issues. It will also keep our relationship with the fire department in good stead. And just to be clear: Mother Cabrini’s patronage of parking is an informal designation that has entered popular Catholic lore. Still, many frustrated drivers often invoke her intercession to find that elusive space in a crowded parking lot, saying, “Mother Cabrini, Mother Cabrini, please find a spot for my little machine-y.” You know what? It sometimes works! Thank you in advance for prayerfully considering making a gift. We believe Mother Cabrini, who was so devoted to the works of mercy, will be pleased by our efforts to help pilgrims in need! Visit ShrineofDivineMercy.org to plan your pilgrimage to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. We invite you to make a donation to our Urgent Appeal for a new parking lot at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy with designated parking for pilgrims who are disabled. Please visit Marian.org/b70. Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 19 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, patroness of parking. Public Domain
London calling Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel of the Marian Centre for Catholic Life. I don’t like traffic circles, I don’t like parallel parking, I don’t like waiting for things, and I’m a total homebody and can’t stand travelling. And so naturally, the Lord (and my superiors) sent me to the United Kingdom! But now that I’ve gotten over the initial shock of it all … I’m glad that I’m here! It’s been a bumpy beginning (bureaucratic hurdles galore, a building still undergoing renovation work, and navigating the numerous cultural and linguistic differences, to name a few challenges), but my time here has been an exciting season of adventure and anticipation. Marian Centre for Catholic Life Allow me to introduce the “Marian Centre for Catholic Life,” tucked away in West Ealing, about halfway between central London and Heathrow Airport. It will serve as a mission house; a base of operations for parish missions, retreats and conferences; different clubs; the publishing of articles and Catholic media; and a place of community, prayer and faith. Our ministry will be both online and in person, building off of the success of the ministry that we do at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, and the proud legacy of our former mission here, the Divine Mercy Apostolate, staffed by my Polish Marian brothers. Our mission here is simple, yet profound: The building up of the Kingdom of God and the salvation of souls. Rooted in the charism of the Marian Fathers, distilled into our motto of “Mercy, Mary, Souls,” we seek to live out our mission through preaching about Divine Mercy and Mary, teaching about various aspects of our Catholic faith (especially prayer and the spiritual life), promoting intercession for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and assisting the local clergy through preaching, hearing Confessions, and other 20 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org By Fr. Alex Pumphrey, MIC Marian Missions Learn more about our new missions!
sacramental ministry. Already, we’re receiving many requests for preaching at various events and giving parish retreats and missions, which will be one of the main ministerial focuses of this house. In fact, we’re partnering with various national organizations to see how our ministry of parish missions and retreats can fit in a new initiative by the Bishops of England and Wales for parish renewal and a powerful tool for both evangelization for the non-churched and a strengthening of the faithful. WeBelieve Festival One of the big events of the year is the WeBelieve Festival, held in Birmingham in late July. Last year was the first WeBelieve, and it was a resounding success, and hopefully will become a permanent fixture in the life of the Church here in the UK. Various Marians (including myself) will be there, and I hope to see you there too! It is a joyful occasion to celebrate being Catholic, all while being surrounded by thousands of your closest friends, kids running around all over the place and hearing any number of holy, entertaining, informative, and dynamic speakers talk about all aspects of our faith from liturgy to history, from parenting to pilgrimages, from which books to read to the importance of listening to music. WeBelieve is not to be missed (check out WeBelieveFestival.com). The United Kingdom is a beautiful country, from the coasts of Suffolk to the bustle of London, the farmland of Sussex to the hills of the North. I have enjoyed my trips around as I visit different parishes and communities, not only because of the wonderful landscapes, but more importantly because of the wonderful people. While our cultures may be different, the desire for community, the desire to grow in goodness and grace is universal. It has been an absolute joy to share my ministry (and humor) with the people of this nation. So much potential Of course, there’s still a lot of work to be done, and we have many plans for the future. In the fall, we plan to establish a purgatorial society, promoting prayers for the Holy Souls (to be named “Companions of the Holy Souls.”) Additionally, we hope to be able to livestream the Masses from our “small but powerful chapel,” as Fr. Luke Mazurek, MIC, one of the priests here, puts it. Our newest Marian priest, Fr. Patrick Lynch, MIC, will be joining us full-time to help with ministry, and various priests from the USA will be visiting for preaching tours in the months to come. It’s a busy, busy time! If it weren’t for Sylvia, our trusty (and incredibly talented) office administrator, and my times of prayer, I would have gone crazy a long time ago. Or at least, crazier than I already am. There is so much potential here in the UK. This past Lent, a record number of people joined the Church around the country, and we’re seeing more and more people, particularly young people, express an interest in faith. Even the secular news has noticed this (to our joy and their dismay). I am sure that this is because of the intercession of Our Lady of Walsingham, the patroness of England (known as “Mary’s Dowry”) and the patroness of our Marian UK mission. A large picture of her hangs in our lobby, and we have entrusted our work and our mission to her. God calls us When I wake up in the morning or have some free time in the backyard or am walking around the neighborhood, I often stop whatever it is I’m doing to grapple with the awesome fact that I’m in England, that God has called me (has called us) to be part of the conversion of this nation and to be of service to the Church here in London and around the UK. But the Marian Fathers can’t do it alone.We need your prayers and support. We are so grateful for all that you do for us, and we carry you closely in our hearts and our prayers in thanksgiving for you and the gifts that you offer and are. Please continue to pray for us and our mission here, that we will be able to touch hearts and minds through our ministry and presence. And please know of our prayers for you, too, as members of the Marian Helpers and our Marian family! Visit Marian.org/UK to support the new Marian Centre for Catholic Life. Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 21 “God has called the Marian Fathers to be part of the conversion of this nation and to be of service to the Church here in London and around the UK.” At the 2025 WeBelieve Festival, Fr. Patrick Lynch, MIC, and Fr. Alex Pumphrey, MIC, “met” Pope Leo XIV.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==