Sacred Wine l Celebrate America 250 with Our Lady l Dr. St. Newman Inspiration and news from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception Marian Helper Marian.org Winter 2025-26
Wish your loved ones a blessed Christmas with our exclusive cards. They’ll be remembered in the three Masses on Dec. 25 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Enroll a loved one today! 1-800-462-7426 l Marian.org/b68/sc Your offering helps support the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. B68-SC253 Three Kings Gold Foil More than a card — it’s Three Masses on Christmas B68-SC252 Baby Jesus Gold Foil B68-SC251 Madonna & Child Gold Foil
AMH Director/PublisHer: Fr. Mark Baron, MIC — “Father Joseph, MIC” executive eDitor: Dr. Joe McAleer Designer: Andrew Leeco Writers, AssistAnt eDitors: Chris Sparks, Gam Julia Rose AMH generAl ProMoter: Br. Andrew R. Mączyński, MIC Vol. 82, No. 4 Winter 2025-26 12 Thanks be to God! Mission Statement Marian Helper is intended to serve members of the Association of Marian Helpers (AMH), a spiritual benefit society of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The magazine seeks to provide spiritual nourishment, education about the Catholic faith, and information about the mission and good works of the Marians. It also provides information about Association services and presents opportunities to support the mission and good works of the Congregation. Marian Helper is published quarterly by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. It is sent free of charge to active members of the Association. Printed in the USA with ecclesiastical approval. Copyright © 2025 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. All rights reserved. Send all correspondence to: Association of Marian Helpers, Editorial Dept., Eden Hill, Stockbridge, MA 01263. Email: [email protected] Website: Marian.org The Marian Fathers are blessed with an abundance of vocations, thanks to the grace of God and the continued prayers and support of all our Marian Helpers. It’s been a banner year of celebrations and new horizons, including the ordination of Fr. Alexander Pumphrey, MIC (assembled on our cover with fellow Marians, clerics, and the ordaining Bishop on the National Shrine steps) and a new seminary destination in California. 3 Father Joseph Writes 4 Marian Helpers in Action 6 Father Joseph’s Picks 7 Notes from Rome 8 On Eden Hill and Beyond 14 Vocations 31 Outstanding Helpers 33 Graces Received 36 From the Vaults Departments Father Donald Calloway, MIC, announces: It’s time for consecration to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Holy Family, our hope Divine Mercy Plus: Ad-free and lots to see! 11 Hate those YouTube ads? The Marian Fathers have an online alternative that’s free and easy. Centennial of five Firsts One hundred years ago, Our Lady asked for the monthly First Saturday devotion for peace. 16 Page 18 Travel to monastic vineyards with Emily Stimpson Chapman in her new book from Marian Press. Wine is sacred A Carol at Christmas 20 Both Charles Dickens and the Muppets offer seasonal life lessons, says Fr. Alex Pumphrey, MIC. Celebrate America 250 with Mary! Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle reminds us of Our Lady’s dual patronages of our great nation. 22 24 The newest Doctor Dr. Robert Stackpole presents St. John Henry Newman, proclaimed the 38th Doctor of the Church. 26 The popular children’s book series is now complete with The Gospel of John for Little Ones. Life and Light for Little Ones 28 Registration is now open for the sixth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Vilnius, Lithuania. WACOM 6 on deck 29
Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception The Marian Fathers are a Congregation of nearly 500 priests and brothers in 20 countries around the world. We support the Holy Father and embrace the official teachings of the Catholic Church in our special calling to: ● Spread devotion to Mary as the Immaculate Conception. ● Offer our lives for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, especially the victims of war and disease. ● Operate publishing apostolates and assist where the need is greatest in parishes, shrines, and missions. ● Promote the Divine Mercy message and devotion. ● Organize people of good will to work with and through us to bring Christ everywhere. Association of Marian Helpers — Join us! Established in 1925, the Association of Marian Helpers is a spiritual benefit society that prayerfully and financially supports the priests and brothers of the Congregation of Marian Fathers. Your enrollment means that, by a decree of the Holy See, you share in these graces: ● A daily Mass offered for all Marian Helpers. ● A share in the prayers, good works, and merits of the Marian priests and brothers around the world. ● A special Mass offered on feast days of our Savior and His Blessed Mother. ● A monthly Mass on each First Friday and each First Saturday. ● A Mass offered for deceased members on All Souls’ Day. ● The perpetual Novena to the Divine Mercy. l Deepen your commitment of prayer and support by joining one of our three spiritually nourishing prayer clubs: Marian.org/clubs l Support a particular ministry: Marian.org/give l Arrange a special gift of stock, a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, a grant from your donor-advised fund, a gift through your will or trust, or annuity: Giving.Marian.org Call 1-800-671-2020 to make a gift by phone or for assistance. Free online help for your will, visit Marian.org/will. A sample form of bequest to the Marians is: I give and bequeath to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. (Tax ID #20-8599030), Stockbridge, MA 01262, ____% of my adjusted gross estate (or $_______, or a specific asset) to be used for its religious and educational purposes. Marian Helpers Center Stockbridge, Massachusetts Headquarters and publishing center for the Association of Marian Helpers. 1-800-462-7426 National Shrine of The Divine Mercy (413) 298-3931 For pilgrimages: (413) 298-1119 ShrineOfDivineMercy.org Mercy Apostolates Learn about our lay ministries: Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy Dr. Bryan Thatcher TheDivineMercy.org/eadm 1-877-380-0727 Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy Marie Romagnano, MSN, RN, CCM TheDivineMercy.org/hpdm 1-866-895-3236 John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy Dr. Robert Stackpole TheDivineMercy.org/JPII 1-866-895-3236 Mother of Mercy Messengers Joan and Dave Maroney TheDivineMercy.org/momm 1-830-634-7765 Evangelization Team Invite the Marians to speak at your parish. (413) 298-1349 [email protected] Intercessory Prayerline Send us prayer intentions. 1-800-804-3823 Marian.org/prayer Who We Are Other ways to support God’s mission Sign-up is easy: Visit MICPrayers.org Visit marian.org/social Websites Marian.org TheDivineMercy.org ShopMercy.org DivineMercyPlus.org 2 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org
I was upset by this, not only because I loved my grandmother and didn’t want to see her die, but also because, for various reasons, I was worried about her salvation. Knowing, however, about the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the great promise that the Lord gave to St. Faustina (He promises in Diary, 1541 to “stand between the dying person and His Father, not as the just judge, but as the merciful Savior” if the Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at their bedside), I had hope. Long story short, I was able to literally be present at the bedside of my grandmother praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy when she passed from time into eternity. It was an incredibly sacred moment, and was a hopeful sign to me that my grandmother departed this world filled with the Lord’s saving grace. Moved by this experience, I carried this practice with me into my ministry as a priest. When I was first ordained, I remember visiting this one woman in the hospital who was dying from liver failure. I asked her if she wanted Confession and she said no. I invited her to pray the Chaplet, and when we finished, she was open to receiving that Sacrament. During my recent 5 1/2 years of service at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Parish in Darien, Illinois, I would incorporate the praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy when I would go and anoint someone in hospice care. Now, during my work as “Fr. Joseph, MIC,” I have maintained this practice of praying the Chaplet for the dying by leading a livestreamed Divine Mercy Chaplet for the dying at 3 p.m. EST each Friday. (You can participate in this on our Facebook or Instagram pages [Divine Mercy (official)], DivineMercyPlus.org, or by going to our Divine Mercy app). What I like about praying the Chaplet for the dying is the hope that it can bring to a dying soul. Saint Faustina recounts many stories of souls in great torment, even surrounded by demons, on their deathbed. But when she prays the Chaplet for them, the torment vanishes, and peace is given to the souls. This peace is a hopeful sign that the soul has — in their last moments — repented of their sins and turned back to the Lord and His offer of mercy. Filled with His grace, they can then die a happy death in the hope of attaining eternal life. But the Divine Mercy Chaplet isn’t just meant to bring hope to dying souls; it is also meant to bring hope to any situation where human misery needs to encounter God’s merciful help. My dear Marian Helpers, as we come to the end of another year and begin a new one, I would like to challenge you to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet every day. I know many of you do. But if you do not, I would like to encourage you to make this a part of your prayer routine. It only takes about 7 minutes of your time. But in that short time, it will be one of the most powerful ways that you can maybe help to bring salvation to a dying soul, conversion to a hardened sinner, and peace to a world that is so longing for it. And, lastly, I would love it if you could share with us the stories of the graces you receive or even have already received as a result of praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet! You can email them to [email protected], including your name, the best way to contact you, and your testimony of God’s merciful grace. Praying the Chaplet is a fruitful way to counteract the evil of our times. Let’s pray it together “in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” God bless you. I joined the Marians in the summer of 1998. As my first year — known in religious life as postulancy — was coming to an end, I got the news that my grandmother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Father Joseph Writes Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 3 CHAPLET CHALLENGE “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.
And not many couples can claim to have had their engagement ring and wedding rings blessed by the future saint, when they were wed at the church of Our Lady of Grace in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, on the Solemnity of the Assumption, Aug. 15, 1968. Padre Pio’s wedding gift to the couple was a picture of Mary and the Christ Child, which he signed on the back with a prayer that “the Virgin Mary hold you tightly in her love.” Just over a month later, the future saint was called home. A mother’s example The story begins in 1945. Ortrud Schumann was born in Germany and grew up in a poor, non-religious household with five older siblings and a divorced mother. When Ortrud was a teenager, her maternal grandmother died suddenly. “My mother realized that life can end abruptly,” Ortrud recalls. “She began to practice her Catholic faith with great fervor.” For a long time, Ortrud resisted her mother’s attempts to bring her to the practice of faith. Then, one day, Ortrud’s mother handed her a pamphlet containing passages from the Diary of Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska. The Divine Mercy devotion had not yet been approved by the Church, and Ortrud never knew where her mother got the pamphlet. “It must have touched her,” she says. But the writings of a Polish nun did not interest Ortrud. Yet, in order to have Padre Pio: Our Spiritual Father Marian Helpers in Action By Marian Friedrichs An unexpected death. A thwarted wedding. A brother’s mental illness. The prospect of a hungry night on the street. And a kindly priest named Padre Pio. Marian Helpers Ortrud and Germain Bianchi from Somers, Connecticut, have an amazing family saga to tell. “Our lives revolve around how God can bring good out of suffering,” says Ortrud. 4 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org Ortrud and Germain Bianchi on their wedding day, Aug. 15, 1968, and visiting the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy this year on their 57th anniversary.
something to say when her mother asked her opinion, she decided to read one page. Ortrud opened the pamphlet to Jesus’ invitation for every soul, no matter how sinful, to draw close to His merciful heart. Unexpectedly, the doors of Ortrud’s soul flung open. “I was instantly converted,” she said. “I never looked back.” A father’s example Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Yonkers, New York, Germain Bianchi and his family faced their own challenges. Germain’s oldest brother suffered from schizophrenia, and the doctor told his parents that they had caused the illness by forcing their children to pray the Rosary. Germain’s father told him, “If I had my life to live over again, I would become a Catholic psychiatrist!” “Well,” thought Germain, “I do have my life to live, and I will become a Catholic psychiatrist.” Germain completed the required premedicine courses, but his grades were not high enough for acceptance into any American medical school. Because of his family’s Italian heritage, Germain decided to apply to medical school in Italy. He was accepted and began his studies in Rome. Meeting Padre Pio When Ortrud and her mother made their own journey to Rome from their home in Austria, it was to attend the wedding of Ortrud’s brother. But the necessary paperwork had been lost. “Everyone was devastated,” she recalls. Ortrud’s mother suggested they redeem the trip by driving to San Giovanni Rotondo to see a priest she had heard about. His name was Padre Pio; he bore the stigmata and could read souls. The others agreed. Ortrud came away from Padre Pio’s Mass in the church of Our Lady of Grace thinking it was a shame that people crowded the feeble old priest instead of focusing on Jesus in the Eucharist. She doubted she would ever make a return visit to San Giovanni Rotondo. Two years later, however, Ortrud reluctantly agreed to accompany her mother on a second pilgrimage. This time, Padre Pio placed his hand on Ortrud’s head in blessing. Ortrud instantly felt a powerful bond form between herself and the man she would henceforth consider her spiritual father. She finally understood. The people jostling endlessly around Padre Pio were not pestering an old man while disregarding Jesus; rather, they were following a holy priest as he led them to Jesus. On a later trip to San Giovanni Rotondo, Ortrud insisted on staying behind, despite having no money for food, lodging, or travel home. After the church doors were locked, Ortrud stood alone in the darkening street, wondering where she could go. Soon she was approached by a young American man. It was Germain Bianchi. He had learned about Padre Pio from a neighbor back in Yonkers and had come to see the priest during a vacation from medical school. Upon hearing Ortrud’s plight, Germain found a place for her to stay and brought her food. When Ortrud found a ride back to Austria, she arranged for Germain to come along as far as Rome. Ortrud asked Germain to pray a Rosary with her in the car, and when it was time to part ways, Germain gave her his card and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I experienced the exact same powerful feeling as when Padre Pio put his hand on my head,” she says. Germain decided on that drive that he had found his wife — the first woman who had ever invited him to pray a Rosary with her. Later he asked Padre Pio’s advice, and the saintly priest said, “Marry her.” Pios and Pias Now married 57 years, Germain and Ortrud taught their eight children to regard Padre Pio as a spiritual father. Each has the middle name of Pio or Pia, and the couple’s very parenting was influenced by their acquaintance with the saint. Padre Pio wanted only that his spiritual children get to Heaven; he “never tried to take away crosses,” but told everyone what he or she most needed to hear, even sending pilgrims out of the confessional if they were immodestly dressed. Likewise, Ortrud and Germain prioritized their children’s souls above all. “I didn’t hope that they would be great musicians or great athletes or make a lot of money,” Ortrud says. “I just wanted them to love Jesus and His Blessed Mother.” And when struggles came, Ortrud told her children, “You can do this. Just keep going. Trust God. He’s a father seeing us through all difficulties.” Indeed, Germain and Ortrud know from experience that God’s greatest blessings often come through those very difficulties. And sometimes, through the help and friendship of a saint. ‘Marry her,’ Padre Pio told Germain. And he did. Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 5
Visit ShopMercy.org/b68 or call 1-800-462-7426. Father Joseph’s Picks As we enter into Advent and prepare for Christmas, equip your family and friends with resources to help them grow in their faith and come to a better relationship with the Holy Family, and through them, with the whole world. And these books make great Christmas presents! HAGIA SOPHIA: THE WISDOM OF GOD AS OFFERED TO THE MODERN WORLD, VOLUME II By Fr. Kenneth M. Dos Santos, MIC Father Dos Santos’ new collection of essays is, according to Bishop Robert McManus, “a timely and helpful contribution to the on-going work of the New Evangelization, to re-introduce to the People of God and to the entire world the person and message of Jesus Christ who is the Truth of God made flesh.” $10.95. B68-HAGIA By Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC Over the centuries, Catholic spirituality has always given priority and special emphasis to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and rightly so. Yet, it cannot be denied that the Heart of St. Joseph is intimately linked with the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. These three Hearts are inseparable. In this latest entry of his popular Gems series, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, urges us to reflect more deeply on the Heart of St. Joseph and ask for the intercession of St. Joseph in your daily life. $16.95. B68-CHGEM CHASTE HEART GEMS: DAILY WISDOM ON THE HEART OF ST. JOSEPH NEW! By Emily Stimpson Chapman In this beautifully illustrated hardcover book, savor the fascinating stories of 12 wineries in Italy, France, and Spain, many former or current monasteries, whose existence have been shaped by the Catholic faith. Visit the cellars where the bottles age and pray as the men and women who first grew the grapes once prayed, or still do! In each, the history first written by the Benedictines, Cistercians, Carthusians, Franciscans, and more lives on. Cheers! $34.95. B68-SWBK SACRED WINE: THE HOLY HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF CATHOLIC VINTNERS NEW! 6 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org BESTSELLER! By Fr. Chris Alar, MIC Why is the Catholic Church different from any other church? It has the seven Sacraments in their fullness — not just symbols, but God’s guaranteed grace! They are biblical, instituted by Christ and entrusted to His Church. In the Sacraments, it is Christ Who acts and communicates His grace! In this latest entry in his Explaining the Faith series, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, answers such questions as: Why do we baptize infants? Where is Confession in the Bible? Is my marriage valid? And many more! $16.95. B68-UNDB UNDERSTANDING THE SACRAMENTS: GOD’S GRACE GUARANTEED! e NEW!
Notes from Rome By the Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC Father Jovanete Vieira, MIC, my Vicar General, flew from Rome to join me for the visitation. You’ll read about a new development this year in the American Province on page 12. The decision was recently made to send our seminarians to a new seminary for their theological training: St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California, the seminary of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. So after we finished our visitation of our Marian Formation House in Steubenville, Ohio, Fr. Jovanete and I headed west. It’s easy to forget how large the United States is. Our flight took about five hours and there is a three-hour time difference between the East Coast and the West Coast. It took some time for our body clocks to adjust after we arrived. We received a warm welcome from our Marians, from seminary staff, and from other seminarians. Our men are blending in well. Father Jim McCormack, MIC, is the rector of the Marian Residence there where he lives with 10 of our seminarians. They are staying in a wing of St. Patrick’s, a beautiful building that’s over 100 years old and situated on 40 acres of grounds. Along with our men, St. Patrick’s is attended by diocesan seminarians from the U.S. and from other parts of the world, along with some other seminarians from religious communities. The seminary helps each man to develop and to mature as a person. An individual plan of growth is worked out that is followed through the years of their formation. Formation work is more of an art than a science. There is no one cookie-cutter formula to prepare people for priestly ministry and for perpetual vows. Saint Patrick’s has a fine reputation among Catholic seminaries in the United States. They provide a wonderful, well-rounded formation for the priesthood for the men there on many levels — spiritual, intellectual, apostolic, and human. Father Andy Davy, MIC, is the superior of the Steubenville House and our Provincial Prefect of Formation. He stays in close contact with the formation staff at St. Patrick’s. He and other Marians will come periodically to visit our men there. Along with all that they are learning there, our seminarians are also gaining valuable pastoral experience: teaching those who want to become Catholic, ministering in a jail, helping the poor, ministering in a hospital, working in parishes, and offering catechesis to children. Father Jim is also helping out in a nearby parish. And the setting in itself is a blessing. While there, we visited nearby Stanford University. In the Bay area, there are redwood forests and plenty of places to enjoy the beauty of nature and activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Although we have Marians who come from California and some Marians have visited there and studied there through the years, we have never had a residence of Marians living in the Golden State. Therefore, this is a new experience for us as a province. Many Marian Helpers from California have been hoping through the years that the Marians would someday do some sort of pastoral ministry in California. Perhaps, if it is the will of God, a door will open for us. Please keep all of our men in formation in your prayers! GO WEST, YOUNG MEN After my retreat and vacation this year, I had the opportunity to visit our Marian houses in the United States, which is something that we do every three years during a General Visitation. The Most Rev. Joe Roesch, MIC, is the Superior General of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He lives in Rome. Listen to his podcasts, including “Saint Faustina’s Diary in a Year,” on TheDivineMercy.org/podcasts and DivineMercyPlus.org/podcasts. Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 7 Father Joe and Br. Jacob talk about the Marian seminarians in California.
On Eden Hill & Beyond FAUSTINA’S FEAST: Nicholas from Everett, Massachusetts, joins “St. Faustina” on the celebration of her feast day, observed this year on Oct. 6. Sunny weather brought hundreds of pilgrims to Eden Hill for the day, which included a special talk by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC. OUR LADY ON HIGH: Father Chris Alar, MIC, gazes up at the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He led a pilgrimage in September that took in all of the sacred sites associated with the Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn. (Photo by Anna Nuzzo) 8 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org PAPAL SELFIE: Christopher Maffuccio, a spina bifida survivor, had an unforgettable experience while on pilgrimage in Rome and visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. “After Mass, I approached a bishop and asked humbly if I might greet Pope Leo,” he recalls. “To my amazement, I was led forward. Standing before His Holiness, I felt the weight of years of prayer and hope. That meeting was more than a dream fulfilled — it was a living sign of hope and proof that with God, all things are possible.”
MERCY FOR SOULS: The 15th annual Mercy for Souls Conference was held on Sept. 13 at the National Shrine. Father Dan Cambra, MIC, spiritual director of the Holy Souls Sodality, spoke on “Exalting the Cross of Christ by Our Lives and Loves.” “The Cross is our strength! The Cross is our banner! The Cross is our passport and our proof of God’s love for us all,” Fr. Dan proclaimed. PILGRIM POOCHES: On Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, presided over the annual Blessing of the Animals, including these dogs brought by their proud owners. Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 9 FATHER & SON: Brother Mark Fanders, MIC, traveled to the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, at Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin, on Sept. 13 for the perpetual vows and diaconate ordination of his son, Scott (now Deacon John Magdalene, OCD), for the Discalced Carmelite Friars, Washington Province. Deacon John Magdalene is a former seminarian for the Marian Fathers. Also making the trip from Stockbridge were Fr. Chris Alar, MIC; Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC; Fr. Tyler Mentzer, MIC; Fr. Mark Baron, MIC; and Fr. Michael Baker, MIC.
POLISH DAY: Under sunny skies, pilgrims gathered on Sept. 20 for the annual Polish Day celebration. Father Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, joyfully greeted everyone during Mass at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine, and then conducted the Way of the Cross in Polish. ROOF IS ON: Construction continues on the new Monastery and Chapel on Eden Hill, made possible by generous donors to the “Together for Christ and His Church” capital campaign. With the roofs complete, work now heads inside. Follow the progress on TogetherforChrist.org. On Eden Hill & Beyond Visit Marian.org/GivingTuesday or call 800-462-7426. December 2, 2025 Your opportunity to support the Marian Fathers and their mission!
Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 11 You’re one of 500,000 subscribers and as many as 2 million viewers of the Marian Fathers’ YouTube channel, Divine Mercy Official. You love the “Explaining the Faith” talks by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC; the daily Mass, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Rosary; our weekly EWTN program, “Living Divine Mercy”; and a wide array of premium content from the Marian Fathers. But you loathe — and often find offensive — those advertisements that start at the beginning or pop up in the middle of a video, forcing you to wait patiently until you can hit “skip.” You’re not alone. But did you know you can watch the same content, at the same time, completely ad-free? You can — it’s all on the Marian Fathers’ streaming website, DivineMercyPlus.org. About those ads First, about those YouTube ads. Did you know the Marian Fathers have no control over those ads? It’s part and parcel of being on the world’s largest video platform, and now second-largest search engine after Google. “A few years ago, YouTube instituted a policy which puts ads on videos as they see fit, which is unfortunate because now everybody gets ads,” explains Zeke Chichester, financial and marketing analyst. “And, the ad choices are based on Google and other browsing histories, so people will get randomly weird ads based on their own browsing choices. Unfortunately, we have no control over that.” But you do! By switching over from YouTube to DivineMercyPlus.org, you can have uninterrupted viewing. There’s also a DivineMercyPlus app for your cellphone or smart TV. Unlike other streaming platforms, there is no subscription fee. By creating a free account, you can view all of the content from our YouTube channel and create your own watch list and playlist. “Our goal is to have the videos freely available for anyone to watch,” Zeke says. There’s also exclusive programming which only appears on DivineMercyPlus.org, a bonus to viewers. “Gospel Picnic,” for example, hosted by Fr. Andy Davy, MIC, introduces children to the Sunday Gospel reading, with a mix of storytelling and humor. “The main reason ‘Gospel Picnic” is exclusively on DivineMercyPlus.org is to shield young viewers from those YouTube ads,” notes Stacey Box, executive producer. “Parents appreciate this, and the program is growing its audience every week.” “Mercy Moments Bible Study” with Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, is another exclusive program. With more than 100 episodes to date, these five-minute videos, arranged by themes like trust, mercy, and Mary, are ideal for Catholics looking for short-form reflections on biblical passages. “Whether you want a deep dive into theology, a documentary, or something the whole family can watch, it’s all right there, easy to find, and centered on the message of God’s mercy,” adds Stacey. As the heading on DivineMercyPlus.org states, “Discover free Catholic content, expand and enrich your faith, share with others.” Amen! Enjoy streaming! Download the DivineMercyPlus app for your phone or TV on Apple, Google, and Amazon, or visit DivineMercyPlus.org/app. Divine Mercy Plus: Ad-free and lots to see! By Julia Rose DivineMercyPlus.org allows you to watch, ad-free, “Gospel Picnic” every Wednesday and a new Advent series, premiering Dec. 4.
12 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org The first class of 10 Marian men in formation have begun their studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The local bishop is Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, long-time friend of the Marian Fathers and advocate of the Divine Mercy message and devotion. The area is home to some of the biggest names in communication, including Meta, parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. And now, it’s home to the future Marian priests pursuing their seminary studies. Why St. Patrick’s? “Various Marians involved with formation and the Provincial Council were tasked with visiting different seminaries in order to choose a school that would provide the best overall formation for our men preparing for the By Chris Sparks F or years, the Marian Fathers have been invited to open a house in California. For years, it was not the opportune moment. Now, the dream is a reality, and they’ve arrived in the Golden State. California Dreaming Please pray for our Marian seminarians as they begin their studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California: Br. Jeff Kenney, MIC; Br. Michael Thomas, MIC; Br. Paul Capps, MIC; Br. Alex Luna, MIC; Br. David Bugajski, MIC; Br. Joseph McMahon, MIC; Br. Joshua Massatt, MIC; Br. Jacob Childs, MIC; and Br. Austin Rose, MIC. Not pictured: Br. Hank Bischoff, MIC.
Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 13 priesthood,” explains Fr. Jim McCormack, MIC, rector of the Menlo Park Marian Residence. “They visited several different seminaries and, after reporting to our Provincial Superior, Fr. Chris Alar, and the Provincial Council, St. Patrick’s Seminary was chosen.” The area, Fr. Jim continues, has a thriving population and offers great promise for evangelization in the spirit of the Marian Renovator, Bl. George Matulaitis, to “go where the need is greatest.” “There are also very many ‘un-churched’ people living in the area,” he says. “It will be a good opportunity for our men to learn to speak and witness to people who may have had no exposure to Christianity in their upbringing, who do not know even the most basic stories from the Bible, and who may even be hostile to the Catholic faith.” The Marian men in formation at St. Patrick’s join more than 70 seminarians from archdioceses and dioceses in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Guam, South Korea, and Tanzania, as well as a small community of Vietnamese religious called Domus Dei and the Contemplatives of St. Joseph (COSJ). Ministry work The seminarians have regular meetings with spiritual directors, liturgical formators, psychological and counseling support staff, as well as academic advisers and music instructors. “We attend different talks and conferences designed to help us love and serve by giving ourselves more fully to the Church’s universal mission of salvation,” notes Br. David Bugajski, MIC. “And we are actively involved in various ministries that include hospice, hospital, jail, catechesis, parish, and other religious and charitable organizations. “I have met many outstanding men from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures, which has helped me to better appreciate the universal character of the Church and God’s plan of salvation that does not exclude anyone,” he adds. “We are growing our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and being prepared in spirit to share the truth everywhere.” What is Marian formation? “Formation” involves training priests and religious on how to live well the specific vocation God is calling them to. Formation for the Marian Fathers typically takes 7-9 years before ordination. “Formation begins with postulancy, which normally lasts for one year, although it can be shortened to six weeks if the men have prior experience in another formation environment, such as a previous seminary or a priestly discernment program like the one at Franciscan University,” explains Fr. Jim, who works with Fr. Andy Davy, MIC, head of house in Steubenville, Ohio, and the Provincial Prefect of Formation. After postulancy, the men enter the one-year novitiate, in which they study and deepen their appreciation of the charism and mission of the Marian Fathers, the history of consecrated life, the life of prayer and discernment, and the evangelical councils, all in preparation for making first vows at the end of that year. After first vows, those who are studying for the priesthood take classes in philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville and can earn a bachelor’s degree if they don’t already have one. Then they go on to St. Patrick’s Seminary and earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree before being ordained, God willing, to the transitional diaconate and ultimately to the priesthood. Some men do not become priests but are instead called to serve as permanent brothers. Their formation may not be as academically rigorous and can be tailored to the individual gifts and interests of the brothers. Formation for the permanent brotherhood is a minimum of three years before final vows. Thank you! “I see this as an amazing opportunity for our seminarians,” says Fr. Jim. “Never before have we had such an integrated formation program for our seminarians, covering with such depth all of the necessary dimensions of priestly formation: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. It is our hope and expectation that this new formation opportunity will help shape our men to become the greatest possible instruments for bringing Mary and Mercy to the whole world.” All this is made possible by the ongoing generosity of Marian Helpers through the support of the annual Campaign for Holy Priests. “Thank you, dear Marian Helpers, for being a part of our Marian family and for your prayers and support,” Fr. Jim concludes, “which have helped make this important step in the improvement of our formation program a reality.” Please visit Marian.org/vocation-support or call 1-800462-7426 to help grow the next generation of Marian priests and brothers. ‘We have been wanting to provide a more thorough formation for seminarians that included solid human and pastoral formation.’
14 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org TAKES THE CAKE: Upon his return to the Marian Fathers’ Divine Mercy Apostolate in London, Fr. Alex celebrated his first Mass in the chapel, offering blessings at the end. A festive celebration was held in the garden, featuring a cake topped by a likeness of Father in marzipan! Vocations WELCOME, FR. ALEX: The newest priest for the American Province of the Marian Congregation is Fr. Alexander D. Pumphrey, MIC, ordained to the priesthood on Aug. 16 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. The Most Rev. Edward B. Scharfenberger, DD, Bishop of Albany, New York, was the celebrant and conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders. In his homily, Bishop Scharfenberger noted how happy Fr. Alex has been to serve as a deacon. “You have nothing to be afraid of. You are not about to lose your diaconate,” he reassured him, for the diaconate, which means “service,” is the foundation of the priesthood. “A priest who is not a good deacon will not be a very happy priest. The same goes for bishops,” he said. “Every one of us must remember that we are called to serve our Master. And we are called to be His disciples. And the mark of discipleship is service.” Father Alex is now serving at the Marian Fathers’ Divine Mercy Apostolate in London, England. “I am excited to see where the Lord will lead me, and I hope and pray that He will keep me humble enough to always recognize that He is the one at work, not I,” he says.
Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 15 WELCOME, DEACON PATRICK: On Sept. 6, Br. Patrick Lynch, MIC, was ordained to the transitional diaconate, the last step, God willing, on his vocational journey to the priesthood. The Most Rev. William D. Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, Massachusetts, celebrated the Mass at the National Shrine and conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders. In his homily, Bishop Byrne stressed the ministry of service associated with the diaconate. “Deacon Patrick will carry out a ministry of charity in the name of the whole Church,” he said. “Like Jesus, who appeared in the midst of the disciples, your job is to do the will of God in charity from the heart.” Deacon Patrick will join Fr. Alex Pumphrey, MIC, in service at the Marian Fathers’ Divine Mercy Apostolate in London, England. “I am so grateful for all of those who have shown me by their example what it means to serve others with love.” Deacon Patrick says. “In a particular way, I want to thank our Marian Helpers, whose prayers and generosity were a constant support during my formation. May God reward you for all you do for us.” PERPETUAL VOWS: Congratulations to Br. Jeffrey Kenney, MIC, on professing his perpetual vows on Aug. 14 at the National Shrine. Now a full member of the Marian Congregation, Br. Jeff pledged to perpetually live “in conformity to the life of Christ, who was poor, chaste, and obedient,” taking vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. RENEWAL OF VOWS: On Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Marian Fathers gathered at the National Shrine to joyfully celebrate the first vows and renewal of vows of Marian seminarians. It was a day filled with grace as our members deepened their commitment to a life of prayer, service, and trust in the Lord’s Divine Mercy. Please continue to pray for our men in formation!
Centennial of five Firsts “See, my daughter, my Heart encircled by thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude,” Our Lady said. “Tell them that I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation all those who, in order to make reparation to me, on the First Saturday of five successive months, go to By Chris Sparks One hundred years ago, a monthly Marian devotion was born, one that has brought countless graces with a renewed focus on the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Our Lady herself explained the Five First Saturdays to Ven. Sr. Lucia dos Santos, one of the Fatima visionaries, on Dec. 10, 1925. 16 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org Father Mark Baron, MIC, leads the First Saturday devotions at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
Confession, receive Holy Communion, say five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour, meditating on the … mysteries of the Rosary.” Why five? Why five First Saturdays in particular? Jesus Himself explained this later to Sr. Lucia on May 29-30, 1930: Daughter, the motive is simple: There are five kinds of offenses and blasphemies spoken against the Immaculate Heart of Mary. First: blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception Second: against her Virginity. Third: against the Divine Maternity, refusing, at the same time, to receive her as the Mother of mankind. Fourth: those who seek publicly to implant, in the hearts of children, indifference, disrespect, and even hate for this Immaculate Mother. Fifth: those who revile her directly in her sacred images. Here, dear daughter, is the motive that led the Immaculate Heart of Mary to petition Me to ask for this small act of reparation. Still relevant Why are we still talking about the First Saturday devotion 100 years later? Our Lady set it as one of two crucial conditions for the Triumph of her Immaculate Heart, the conversion of Russia, the end of the reign of the errors of Russia, and the start of an era of peace — in other words, for the end of the present times of difficulty, and the launch of a remarkably blessed time. Let’s listen to Our Lady’s own words: You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. The war [WWI] is going to end: but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the Pontificate of Pius XI [WWII]. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign given you by God that he is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father. To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she shall be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world. Holy Mother Church therefore bears witness to the fulfillment of Our Lady’s prophecy — the destruction of many nations. World War II, followed by the Cold War, followed by terrorism, the clergy abuse scandal, Putin’s wars, and more. We have not seen a conversion of Russia. It depends on us Fatima’s completion depends on Catholics responding to Our Lady’s calls. This requires us to make the five First Saturdays, as the Marian Fathers faithfully do at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, every month at 11 a.m. ET. The devotions are livestreamed on DivineMercyPlus.org and Facebook. Years ago, Fr Donald Calloway, MIC, shared a powerful story told by the late Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC. While in Japan attending an international Christian conference, Fr. Seraphim met a priest who was approached by an ambassador, who said, “War is your fault. You Catholics, all of you — we do not have peace in the world. It is your fault.” The priest said, “Ambassador, why do you blame us?” The ambassador said, “I’ve read about this. The Lady came to you at Fatima, right? She told you what to do to secure peace in the world. Well, there’s no peace in the world, so obviously you Catholics haven’t done it.” The priest had to acknowledge that the ambassador was correct, but still tried to protest, saying, “Isn’t peace everyone’s responsibility?” The ambassador was vehement. “No, she came to you Catholics. Not to Buddhists. Not to Hindus. She came to you, and it is your responsibility.” Food for thought! In this 100th anniversary, let us respond to the calls of Fatima. Let us make the First Saturdays of reparation. Let us work to make them regular practice in our homes, our parishes, and our shrines. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! ‘You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart.’ Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 17
Why is it that the family comes together at Christmas? It’s the call of moms and dads everywhere, especially our parents in Christ, to gather at Christmas. Saint Alphonsus Liguori said, “Arise, all ye nobles and peasants; Mary invites all, rich and poor, just and sinners, to enter the cave of Bethlehem, to adore and to kiss the feet of her new-born Son … Let us enter; let us not be afraid.” 18 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org The Holy Family, Our Hope By Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC
Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 19 Gather together It’s through the Holy Family that all families are gathered together at Christmas. Mary and Joseph gather their family together at Christmas, just as once they gathered all their guests into the stable. Even though the cave and stable may seem like the last place you would want to entertain your Christmas guests, St. Alphonsus adds, “now that [Jesus] is born and is lying on the straw, the cave is no longer horrible, but [has] become a paradise.” The Holy Family makes the inhospitable place into a beacon of hospitality for shepherds and kings alike and for us. They do this, however, not through rich adornments and decorations, but the warmth of their love. Saint Teresa of Calcutta offered this prayer for families at Christmas: “My prayer for you is that when Christ comes to you in Christmas, he may find in you a warm home, warm love like that of a heartful of love, like that of a simple shepherd who was the first one chosen to see Christ.” Family time Christmas spent with family may often seem like a time of contention and strife. Families can be so divided and broken. Nevertheless, despite all the odds against it, Christmas with family is often a place of healing, not hardship. This is true for individual families because it’s true for the whole human family. This is true because of the first Christmas in Bethlehem, writes Pope St. John Paul II: “A helpless Newborn Child in a lowly cave restores dignity to every life being born, and brings hope to those overcome by doubt and discouragement. He has come to heal life’s wounds and to restore meaning to death itself.” It’s to be hoped that we are reminded that the Nativity scene is not just a quaint, sentimental ornament that decorates our homes during Advent and Christmas. The Holy Family is the foundation of all homes, the new beginning of the entire human story. Time to consecrate! That’s why my new book, 33 Days to the Holy Family: Consecration to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, written with Scott L. Smith, Jr., is so important. You most likely would agree that there is a lot of confusion today regarding the family. No matter where you look, governments, organizations, and institutions are promoting new definitions of family and marriage, women and men. They can’t all be right! Shouldn’t there be a God-given blueprint for this stuff, models that we can look to in order to know what these things actually are? The answer is yes. Catholicism has the blueprints! It’s Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Holy Family. The Holy Family serves as the pattern and model for marriage and family, demonstrating what these are, as well as the correct understanding of masculinity and fatherhood, femininity and motherhood, babies and children. Now is the time to promote and defend the family and the Holy Family! Now is the time to be consecrated to the Holy Family! This is why we need another 33-day consecration book. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are our way out of the mess we’re in. They’re the answer! With their guidance, and by consecrating ourselves to them, we can help restore order and common sense to a straying civilization. 33 Days 33 Days to the Holy Family follows a pattern similar to all the other 33-day consecration books. It’s a book for everyone — individuals, families, parishes, prayer groups, etc. It’s not an academic book but presents an easy formula for you to follow daily. Once you pick a start date, simply follow the instructions for each day until you reach Day 33 and consecrate yourself to the Holy Family. A consecration chart offers suggestions for when to start and finish so that your consecration day occurs on a liturgical feast associated with the Holy Family. It’s that simple. As you embark on this 33-day journey, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and inspire you to always live under the watchful care of the Holy Family. Let the journey begin! We invite you to send us your intentions for the Three Christmas Masses on Dec. 25 at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Visit Marian.org/b68 to offer your intentions. To order 33 Days to the Holy Family: Consecration to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (Product code: B68-HF33D), visit ShopMercy.org or call 1-800-462-7426.
We may not live in Victorian England, but it seems to me that there are plenty of Scrooges around these days. People may not be as curmudgeonly or rude as Scrooge, but society seems determined to place money and the accumulation of it as the goal and purpose of our lives. We even see this in our interactions with one another. I have a confession to make, dear reader: I have never read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I have, however, watched The Muppets’ version of A Christmas Carol several times and, although one may find fault with my basing this article on a movie instead of a timeless piece of classical literature, I think the addition of singing puppets and corny jokes more or less balances things out. 20 Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org A Carol at Christmas By Fr. Alex Pumphrey, MIC
What’s usually the first thing you ask someone when you meet them? We ask them what they do; what their job is; how they make their money. And if someone has a job that is more prestigious (which also usually means it pays more), we are more impressed than if they had a job that paid less. Money is an important tool, don’t get me wrong, and we can do many good things with money. It’s required to feed, clothe, house, educate, and care for ourselves and our loved ones. What matters most But after reading (or watching) A Christmas Carol, we see that what really matters is not money. It’s our friends and loved ones, the community of faith and prayer that surrounds us. We see this in the closing chapters of A Christmas Carol, during Christmas dinner with Scrooge, his nephew Fred, and the Cratchits, and other guests, and we see this in the quiet peace and joy that the Holy Family shared, tucked away in the stable in Bethlehem. We rejoice in the gifts that God has given us and take time to appreciate all of the loved ones in our lives. We also recognize that so many others in this world do not have the gifts that we have. Like Scrooge, we realize that money itself is a gift to be used ... and to be given away. Christmas is about a lot of things, one of which is the realization that, as St. Paul says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Additionally, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews exhorts us: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Heb 13:16). As part of your Christmas preparations, I encourage you to give from what you have, whether that be a financial donation, giving of your time to assist a charity, or visiting those who are ill, homebound, or lonely, and, of course, giving the gift of prayer, which is the cheapest and yet most valuable gift of all! The three ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future showed Scrooge how his love of money had twisted his view on life and caused him and others pain. He sought to ease that pain by collecting and amassing more and more money . . . only to make things worse. He learned that healing and joy were found in giving, in helping, and in loving. He felt blessed when he gave, just as St. Paul said. A London Christmas Christmas is a time of joy and a time of coming together to celebrate the things that really matter: friends, family, and faith (and food, too!). Scrooge was given the chance to start over; to realize the mistakes he had made in his life, and to move forward a changed man. We have that same opportunity, too, given to us by Jesus, Whose birth we celebrate during this holy and blessed time. As Providence would have it, I live in London . . . not Victorian London, mind you, but the modern-day version. Obviously, being far from home, especially during the holidays, is difficult, but thankfully, there is a wonderful Catholic community here in London, and I’ve even met up with a few Americans, too. I will spend my first Christmas here in the UK like the characters from A Christmas Carol: united with friends and loved ones, visiting Marian Helpers and others, and doing what I can to bring some Christmas cheer and joy to everyone I meet. I’m sure I’ll be invited to a party or two, and hopefully there will be some mince pies there! I suppose I might find myself giving and receiving presents on “Boxing Day” (Dec. 26) instead of on Christmas Day (although in my family, we do it on Christmas Eve, but we’re a bunch of wacky Germans). Thankfully, the extra day might give me time to do some last-minute preparations! And so, in closing, I echo the words of Tiny Tim: “A Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, every one!” Marian Helper • Winter 2025-26 • Marian.org 21 ‘At Christmastime we rejoice in the gifts that God has given us and take time to appreciate all of the loved ones in our lives. We also recognize that so many others in this world do not have the gifts that we have. Like Scrooge, we realize that money itself is a gift to be used . . . and to be given away.’
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