One of her most treasured memories is the day Cardinal Karol Wojtyła — the future Pope St. John Paul II — visited the parish. Helen’s father, an usher, was among those who hosted him. “I’ve actually seen a saint!” she still marvels. At the time, she didn’t realize how deeply her parish was connected to the unfolding mission of Divine Mercy. The pew she knelt in and the school desk she studied at placed her in the heart of what Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, would later call the greatest grassroots movement in the history of the Catholic Church. Marian ties Only years later did Helen learn that the Felician Sisters who taught in her parish had been personally recruited by Fr. Jozef Jarzebowski, MIC — the Marian priest who brought the Divine Mercy Image and devotion to the United States. Their work helped plant the seeds of the devotion in countless hearts, including her own. Her parents also had ties to the Marian Fathers in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. They occasionally enrolled relatives and friends in the Association of Marian Helpers and received the Polish-language magazine Róże Maryi, which nourished their faith and kept them connected to the Marians’ mission. As an adult, Helen’s devotion deepened. On two trips to Poland, she visited convents where St. Faustina lived and prayed. She treasures a third-class relic — a small piece of cloth touched to St. Faustina’s habit — and an Image of the Divine Mercy that still hangs in her home. These reminders of her pilgrimages continue to inspire her daily. Following her parents’ example, Helen began supporting the Marians. Her first gift helped restore the historic church in Vilnius, where the Divine Mercy Image painted under St. Faustina’s direction was first displayed. Over the years, she has enrolled loved ones in the Association of Marian Helpers and developed a special affection for Marian seminarians, who will continue to promote the Divine Mercy message and devotion to future generations. Turning point A turning point came when she read a newspaper article explaining how individuals could make charitable gifts directly from their IRA. The idea resonated immediately. She was just old enough to qualify (at least 70 ½), so she consulted her financial advisor, who confirmed it was a wise and tax-efficient way to give. “I felt that giving now would help grow the ministry now instead of leaving funds after I pass,” she explains. “It brings me joy, and I plan to continue giving as long as I can.” In another act of generosity, Helen agreed to share her story and encourage other Marian Helpers to explore giving from their IRA or other tax-wise ways to give that will maximize their impact. To learn more or to start a conversation, please call us at 1-800-671-2020 or visit Giving.Marian.org. When Helen was a young child, her family moved to New York City and joined the parish of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, where Images of Our Lady of Częstochowa and Divine Mercy (below) hung over the altars flanking the main doors. JOYFUL WITNESS Outstanding Helpers Ellen Miller is a planned giving manager. Contact her at [email protected]; 1-800-671-2020; or Association of Marian Helpers, Stockbridge, MA 01263. Visit Giving.Marian.org to learn more. Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 31
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==