22 Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org Hail, Queen of Peace! T he Feb. 3, 2026, announcement was brief but extraordinary: The Marian Fathers were going to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, some 4,500 miles east of Stockbridge, Massachusetts! And not just to open a house there, but to assume the important role of running the English-language Chaplaincy, “in response to the call of the Church and the pastoral needs of the pilgrims.” Accepting the invitation and taking up their new assignments are Fr. Jason Lewis, MIC, as chaplain, and Fr. Matthew Lamoureux, MIC, as assistant chaplain. Mission of the mission For all that Medjugorje has long loomed large in the spirituality, conversions, and devotional lives of many Marian Fathers — think of Fr. Donald Calloway’s famous conversion story, recounted in the bestseller No Turning Back, or the photo section of After Suicide: There’s Hope for Them and for You, co-written by Fr. Jason and Fr. Chris Alar, MIC — this is the first institutional presence the Congregation has had at the famous pilgrimage destination since the reported apparitions began on June 24, 1981, the Feast of St. John the Baptist. The reported apparitions of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, have since attracted worldwide attention and devotion over the years, including by many Marian Helpers. “It’s always a joy when a pilgrim tells me that they are a Marian Helper,” Fr. Jason says. “We certainly need your prayers to fulfill the tasks of this mission.” “The essential role of the English chaplaincy in Medjugorje consists of oversight of all English language Masses and confessions,” Fr. Jason continues. “A brief catechetical teaching is typically offered 10 minutes prior to each Mass during the peak seasons.” Masses celebrated at St. James Church are broadcast on MaryTV: visit video.marytv.tv. Additionally, the Marian Fathers give one or two talks to By Chris Sparks Marian Missions Learn more about our new missions!
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