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
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