Those needs range from providing clean drinking water to education, including school supplies and scholarships for young people to attend college. A livelihood program offers job training. During the pandemic, when work was scarce, providing food was a priority. “These works of mercy opened the people to the spiritual dimension of life,” Fr. Darek notes. “This past year, we baptized 70 adults, some over 70 years old. We were able to reconcile 20 couples who were in irregular marriages, bringing them into the Church. We had over 200 young people in our Confirmation class. And we have many days of recollection for young people, who are very open to learning more about the faith.” Spiritual revival With a spiritual revival well under way, the Marians are now spearheading a new construction project at the heart of the village: the Mother of Mercy Chapel. “We celebrate Masses in a multipurpose building that was constructed over 10 years ago and is in poor condition, even in danger of collapse,” Fr. Darek explains. “A new chapel will give us safety and comfort. “But more than that,” he continues, “I hope to attract new churchgoers. The chapel will become the heart of the village with a permanent presence of the Blessed Sacrament in an Adoration Chapel. That alone will transform the atmosphere in the village and offer protection against many evils, including drugs and other forms of addiction.” Divine Mercy The devotion to Divine Mercy in the Philippines is strong, with the 3 o’clock Chaplet broadcast on radio and television. Divine Mercy gained a foothold in the country thanks to the Marian Fathers, who printed simple prayer cards and distributed them to American servicemen during World War II. As they passed through the Philippines, they passed on the cards — and the rest, as they say, is history. The Marian mission began in 2008, spurred by the beatification of the Founder, St. Stanislaus Papczynski. This was the sign the Marians needed to accept the invitation from Church officials to establish the Congregation in the Philippines. Today, five Marian priests serve in parishes, where they promote the message of Divine Mercy and Mary Immaculate, with particular attention to families. Mercy means learning to trust and restoring hope. “Our goal is to bring back the confidence, cheerfulness, self-esteem, and spirituality of these people who, through no fault of their own, faced a very challenging turning point of their lives,” says Fr. Darek. “Through your support, you can be an instrument sent by God to shepherd these people back to where they are supposed to be, according to the plan of God.” Anniversary gift Groundbreaking of the new chapel took place in June. Construction of the 364-seat building will be completed next year, in time for the feast of Our Lady of Mercy on Nov. 16. “I can think of no better way to mark the 15th anniversary of our mission in the Philippines in 2023 than the consecration of the new Mother of Mercy Chapel,” says Fr. Wojciech Jasinski, MIC, general treasurer of the Marian Congregation. “I hope our Marian Helpers will support his project, which will place the Eucharist and the Merciful Jesus permanently at the heart of this community, inspiring young and old.” To make a donation to the Mother of Mercy Chapel project, visit Marian.org/MercyChapel. Father Darek Drzewiecki, MIC, village administrator, poses with the First Holy Communion class. Below, Mother of Divine Mercy Village is home today tomore than 4,000 people displaced by natural disaster. Marian Helper • Winter 2022-23 • Marian.org 13
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==