Marian Helper Winter 2012-2013

Blessed John Paul II relic enshrined The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy on Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Mass., has a tangible sign of the presence of Blessed John Paul II, the Great Mercy Pope, with the first- class relic given to the Marian Fathers by Cardinal Stanislaus Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow, Poland. The relic consists of a drop of John Paul’s blood on a small piece of white linen cloth. Cardinal Dziwisz presented the relic to the Marians at the second World Congress on Divine Mercy, celebrated in Krakow in October 2011. John Paul II was beatified in Rome on May 1, 2011, by his successor, Pope Benedict XVI. The Marians enshrined the relic in a cele- bration on Aug. 12 at the National Shrine. With more than 300 pilgrims attending, the Very Rev. Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, incensed the relic, instructed the pilgrims to pray for Blessed John Paul’s intercession, and installed the cloth in a white marble encase- ment attached to a kneeler in one of the Shrine’s side chapels. The papal relic is located near the first-class relics of St. Faustina. “By coming to our Shrine, [Blessed John Paul II] came [back] to his spiritual home,” Fr. Kaz said. “Even though he never visited our Shrine in Stockbridge — we were too small at the time — he belongs here as one of the great promoters of Divine Mercy. Now, we can experience his presence and protection more fully.” Plaza offers memorials The newly enshrined relic of Blessed John Paul II is but one of several signs of the Great Mercy Pope’s presence at the National Shrine. The Shrine is home of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy, a learning center that teaches clergy and laypeople about the message of Divine Mercy. Pilgrims also are familiar with the beautiful, life-size statue of the beloved Pope located at the entrance to the offices of the National Shrine. The statue is the centerpiece of the latest improvement of the grounds of the National Shrine, centering as it does the Blessed John Paul II Plaza. The redesign of the office entrance incorporates a brick-floored plaza, with the statue in the center. The bricks offer pilgrims the opportunity to memorialize a loved one, create a tribute, or celebrate special events such as a wedding, an anniversary, a birth, or an ordination. T hose interested in a memorial brick c an visit memorialsonedenhill.or g/jpiiplaza or call 1-800-462-7426, ext. 5. Divine Mercy Sunday falls on April 7 Divine Mercy Sunday this year comes on April 7. Lois Fusco, Shrine pilgrimage direc- tor, reminds all those who are coming on busses that it’s best for their pilgrimage group to register early, preferably online. All busses must register in advance. The April date falls in early spring, and in the Berkshires, that means any kind of weather is possible, from wintry conditions to summer heat and everything in between. Pilgrims should dress accordingly and be pre- pared for any conditions, from pleasant and clear to stormy and cold. Advance registration can be done at [email protected] . If you want to v olunteer for the day , call the Shrine at 413- 298-9321 or e-mail volunteer [email protected]. 22 M ARIAN H ELPER • W INTER 2012-13 • www.marian.org In the News: National Shrine of The Divine Mercy The Very Rev. Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, leads a procession of more than 300 people during the enshrinement of a first-class relic of Blessed John Paul II on Aug. 12 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. F ELIX C ARROLL Back to Index