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
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