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.”
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