ADivine Mercy Cenacle is a group of people who spread the message of Divine Mercy, help others understand the beauty and sanctity of human life, and engage in corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The cenacles regularly meet for song, prayer, and discussion on Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska. In this issue, we’ll let some of our cenacle leaders share news about their cenacles. First, Kate Ryan writes about the Cenacle of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Our cenacle is very blessed to meet at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. The cenacle had its beginnings in the home of founder, Mary Nowe, in May 2006. The membership started with a few but grew as time passed and outgrew Mary’s living room. When Mary moved out of state in 2013, Laurie Forfa became the new facilitator and lovingly led our meetings until the pandemic brought our in-person inspiring gatherings to a halt. At that time, we began in home study and Laurie would send us the agenda of readings and we said our Chaplet at home. Eventually in 2022 we were able to attend Mass together at the Oratory at the National Shrine, help with prayer intentions at the Marian Helpers Center, as we previously had, and pray the Rosary in the chapel. But we still were unable to meet in a previous location on the grounds, due to new restrictions since COVID. On January 18, 2023, Laurie let us know she had a health incident that took her to the ER, but she was released and returned home. We were all shocked when on February 2, 2023, Laurie suddenly passed away. Our cenacle members were determined to keep our cenacle going, but had to find a new location for meetings. Thanks to Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, the rector of the National Shrine, we were able to resume in-person meetings in August 2023. Currently we meet the second Wednesday of the month, and we are blessed to begin our meeting day with Mass at the National Shrine, with our meeting immediately afterwards, downstairs in Memorial Hall. We were also thrilled to be able to resume a long-held annual Baby Shower in support of Pregnancy Support Services of Pittsfield. This took place in December 2023 at our “Celebration for Choosing Life” meeting. From now on it will be called the “Laurie Forfa Annual Baby Shower for Pregnancy “Mercy is love that seeks to lessen the misery of others.” — Bryan Thatcher, MD Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy Newsletter Spring 2024 M D M C Please see page 5 If you want a free packet on starting a Divine Mercy Cenacle, please call EADM at 1-877-380-0727. Visit TheDivineMercy.org/cenacle for more information. Support Services.” New member Jo-Anne Dooley stated at our recent meeting, “I’m excited to return to the cenacle this Wednesday. For me, the cenacle provides a gathering space for faith formation to enhance knowledge of our Catholic faith as it applies to our everyday lives.” Mary Anne Murray expressed her benefit as a member: “Whenever we read or discuss Scripture, the Diary of St Faustina, or the Catechism of the Catholic Church, I feel I understand or get a better idea of what is being discussed. I appreciate other’s thoughts and feelings. I go home refreshed in the Lord!” Member Susan Groshong sums up her cenacle benefits this way: “To me the Divine Mercy Cenacle group has always been a source of many blessings, known and, I am quite sure, many unknown. I was introduced to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy years earlier by a woman who was not Catholic but said, ‘I think you will like it there.’ Thus began my journey back to the Catholic Church. I have treasured St. Faustina’s Diary since first opening and reading parts of it, picking it up time and again to ponder its hidden wisdom. That is my favorite part of the cenacle meetings; to read and share the Diary together with others in the group. I sense my life is truly enriched when I am able to actively participate in the life of the Divine Mercy Cenacle, and I’m sure it then
2 CENACLES UPDATE Our Divine Mercy Group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Northglenn began in 2019. We started with a group of 11 and currently have 25 members. We are growing spiritually with our Lord and the messages of St. Faustina through the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The first time we got together we wanted to plan a trip to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Because of COVID we had to postpone that trip, but our group continued to get together every week for Mass, prayer, and fellowship. We eventually made it to Stockbridge in 2021 and were blessed with a spirit-filled pilgrimage. One of our main outreach efforts has been to help our priest, Fr. Isidore Orjikwe, with his charity in Nigeria. Our group helped organize fundraisers, and in January 2023 several group members flew with Father to Obiagu, Nigeria to open the Divine Mercy Hospital which serves those in need with free or reduced cost medical care. We have organized several other pilgrimages including San Luis, Colorado, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, both led by Fr. Isidore, and just recently our new pastor, Fr. Ernest Bayer, led us on a pilgrimage to South Dakota. Our group will spend 2024 in a year-long spiritual pilgrimage reading 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina and the Cenacle Formation Manual. We all look forward to being Apostles of Divine Mercy to help us grow each day in understanding of His love and mercy. Countless times God has shown our group the power of prayer and His mercy, and we look forward to continuing our faith journey together. “Jesus, we trust in You!” NORTHGLENN, Colorado Gwen Lagunas wrote and told us: TRACY, California Buena Diaz wrote and told us: Our EADM Divine Mercy Ministry at Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Tracy began with the merciful love of Jesus. During the pandemic, through the works (books and talks) of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, my heart was rekindled and set aflame with burning love for Jesus, which prompted me to ask Him, “Jesus, what can I do for you?” His answer led me to start the EADM Divine Mercy Ministry, with the help of my family, friends, and Dr. Bryan Thatcher. Our pastor, Fr. David Dutra, who is supportive and loves Divine Mercy, approved our EADM Divine Mercy ministry on June 30, 2022. We had a formal meeting with him on March 16, 2023, and our proposal for Divine Mercy Sunday was approved. Last Divine Mercy Sunday, we were able to distribute Divine Mercy Images, prayer cards, and Divine Mercy Sunday pamphlets during all Divine Mercy Sunday Masses at the church. Immediately after the Divine Mercy Sunday, our members grew from family and friends to other parishioners. Our in-person meeting is a loving, caring, and safe environment for sharing, healing, and growing in faith. We want to help heal the broken world, one soul at a time. As Jesus told St. Faustina: The greater the sinner, the greater the rights to My Mercy (Diary, 723). The flames of mercy are burning in Me – clamoring to be spent; I want to keep pouring them out upon souls; souls just don’t want to believe in My goodness (Diary, 177). We want to bring souls, both living and the deceased, to Jesus, as many as we can through the mission and devotion to Divine Mercy. We have schedules to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet 24/7 for the following intentions: praying for the Pope, bishops, and clergy; an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious and consecrated life; an end to abortion, suicide, euthanasia, killings, and war; the conversion of sinners; the sick and the dying; and all the Holy Souls in Purgatory. We also join our Knights of Columbus in the cemetery to pray for the unborn and an end of abortion every First Saturday. We pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the intentions of Pope St. John Paul II. We consecrated/reconsecrated ourselves to Jesus through Mary on Dec. 8, 2023, the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by reading and pondering 33 Days to Morning Glory. We will also study Consoling the Heart of Jesus. We will begin 33 Days to Merciful Love, and we will have our consecration/reconsecration day to Divine Mercy on April 6, 2024. Saint Bernard’s will also host its first Divine Mercy Conference on April 6. One of our guest speakers will be Dr. Bryan Thatcher. The Divine Mercy Sunday Vigil Mass will be at 5 p.m. and will be celebrated by Bishop Myron Cotta.
3 CENACLES UPDATE CASA GRANDE, Arizona Judy Whitecrane wrote and told us: Our Casa Grande Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy Ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Church began on February 23, 2020 when 33 members were inducted. Twenty-four hour Eucharistic Adoration began on Friday, February 28, 2020, after the 7 a.m. Mass and lasted until the next morning (Saturday). All hours were covered by multiple Adorers, including EADM members and others. This has continued every Friday, and at 3 p.m. we also pray or sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet. There are both men and women in our EADM ministry. Jo Ruth Spellman volunteered to lead us from the beginning. She has been a faithful leader of our cenacle and is always prepared for our meetings when we gather to say the Chaplet, reflect on our lesson from St. Faustina, and share our insights and grow together. During the COVID pandemic, she led us in our zoom meetings. She founded the Crockpot Ministry as a work of mercy, and she is always available to help other ministries too. Carol Moreno shared her thoughts: “Opening our meetings with an attitude of gratitude in prayers with one another brings us a greater understanding of our blessings. Then our requests for people in need for prayer is enlightening to how important prayer is for everyone in their time of need. Being a prayer warrior for many years by receiving prayer requests from Hospice and other Christian groups, I felt we as members of EADM should all participate in this rewarding experience of bringing encouragement and love to others who feel helpless with situations out of their control. By turning it over to God it builds our trust and gives them hope to a better solution which they so appreciate in their time of need. Also, sharing our thoughts at our meetings from the lessons has created depth in my beliefs and helps me to understand and accept other opinions.” Judy Sellmeyer added, “I have made a Holy Hour each Friday at 3 p.m. for over 10 years. Yet becoming a part of EADM deepened my experience of receiving Holy Communion with our Lord each week. Reading St. Faustina made me aware of the thin veil that existed between her and Jesus. I could not keep my mind focused on my prayers for an hour, but she, by example, gives me hope for improvement. Adoration and receiving Holy Communion is as close as I can get to Jesus as a mortal human being, and reading St. Faustina’s Diary helps me understand the life that exists in Heaven that we hope to experience someday. She was in such close contact with our Lord. She truly lived for Jesus! What an example!” Our works of mercy include our Crockpot Ministry, feeding the homeless. The Family and Life Ministry cares for women and children who are in need with diapers, wipes, and clothing. The St. Vincent de Paul Ministry cares for the poor. There are EADM members who volunteer in the office, food pantry, and store. We seem to be spread throughout our church and community doing works of mercy. We all want to love as Christ loves, and give hope to this hurting world. The Divine Mercy message officially arrived on our shores in the year 1995 and was well received by the late Cardinal Pio Taofinuu who was the Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Samoa-Apia at the time. He received Dr. Bryan Thatcher, and the message of Divine Mercy spread among the Polynesian Islands. He appointed Fr. Alapati Lui Mataeliga to be the EADM spiritual director, and when Cardinal Pio died a few years later, Father was appointed to assume the position. He was instrumental in getting the World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy (WACOM) held in Samoa, but died just a few weeks before the event. A team of priests and Eucharistic Apostles of the Divine Mercy from America conducted seminars in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Mulivai. A core team was born out of these seminars with its main mission of spreading the Divine Mercy message to the whole SAMOA Tina Paia wrote and told us: of the Archdiocese of Samoa-Apia. This same team was instrumental in taking the Divine Mercy message to the Catholic Samoan diaspora in American Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, and Fiji. The Archdiocese of Samoa Apia is divided into seven vicariates, each with its own leadership team comprised of a priest as spiritual father and executive committee members. They are responsible for decision making for the spiritual growth and development of members and cenacles. They meet monthly with the leaders of each parish cenacle to discuss the corporal works of mercy carried out by each group and how they can help each other. The Cenacle Formation Manual parts 1-3 have been translated into the Samoan language for use in weekly prayer meetings. We ended the year 2023 celebrating the closing of the Eucharistic year, a heart of Thanksgiving to the Lord for preparations of the WACOM 5, and also the hard work of EADM in Samoa. Also remembered were the late Cardinal Pio Taofinuu, Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga, Lesina Levy, and all Divine Mercy devotees who died. May they rest in peace.
4 DIVINE MERCY AS A WAY OF LIFE Live the message daily through forgiveness, trust, and mercy. EV-DWLN $3.99 Spanish: EV-DWLS $3.99 LIVING THE MESSAGE OF DIVINE MERCY The role of suffering, humility, and spiritual poverty in our lives. EV-DWL2 $3.99 RACHEL, WEEP NO MORE Find healing from the aftereffects of abortion through Divine Mercy. EV-RWNM $3.99 PRAYING THE CHAPLET FOR THE SICK AND DYING How we can obtain grace for the dying souls most in need. EV-DMPBA $3.99 Spanish: EV-SDB $3.99 CENACLE FORMATION MANUALS Here are the official guides for prayer cenacles, using the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska and integrating it with Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. By Dr. Bryan and Susan Thatcher. $13 EACH CENACLE OF THE DIVINE MERCY: EWTN PROGRAM SERIES I Join the cenacle members from around the country in discussing the impact of Divine Mercy on their lives. Free Companion Guide included! 4 DVDs. EV-CGDVD $39.95 CENACLE OF THE DIVINE MERCY: EWTN PROGRAM SERIES II Join Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC, and Bryan Thatcher, MD, in further exploration of the riches of the Divine Mercy message. Free Companion Guide included! 4 DVDs. EV-CG2DVD $39.95 Additional Companion Guides for each series can be ordered for group use. Call for quantity pricing; use codes EV-CGER and EV-CGE2. PAMPHLET FOR SICK & DYING: EV-CSDEA AT THE BEDSIDE OF THE SICK AND DYING: A GUIDE FOR PARISH MINISTRY, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS Mixing Divine Mercy spirituality with practical guidance, Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy founder Bryan Thatcher, MD, and Disciples of Divine Mercy in the Holy Face of Jesus founder Kathleen Wabick inform, encourage, and inspire you to take up this great work of mercy. A handy introduction to the grace-filled apostolate of praying for (and with) the sick and dying. EV-PMBK $3.99 MANUAL 1:EV-CFM1 MANUAL 2:EV-CFM2 MANUAL 3:EV-CFM3 3-BOOK SET:EV-SCFM ($35) ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH To order: Visit ShopMercy.org/eadm or call 1-800-462-7426. THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY IN SONG This contemporary rendition of The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song seeks to bring together Christians of every denomination to implore God’s mercy for families and the world. EV-DMSCD2 $14.95 BLESSED HANNA CHRZANOWSKA, RN: A NURSE OF MERCY Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska, RN: A Nurse of Mercy was the first lay registered nurse to be beatified. This book recounts the extraordinary life of this holy, 20th-century woman. EV-HANBK $12.95 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION LAPEL PIN Measures ¾" x 1". EV-IPIN $5.00 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION POCKET-SIZE PRAYER CARD Immaculate Conception image with the Memorare prayer on the back. EV-ICBC DIVINE MERCY AND IMMACULATE CONCEPTION DOUBLE-SIDED KEY CHAIN Double-sided key chains featuring the Divine Mercy Image on one side and the Immaculate Conception image on the other. These handcrafted, high gloss epoxy images are very durable and are the perfect size for your pocket or purse. Small: 1 ½" x 1". Large: 2 ¼" x 1 5/8". Small: EV-SMKY $5.95 Large: EV-LGKY $7.95 Prayer cards: 10 FOR $1.60 100 FOR $14.00 • 1,000 FOR $100.00 DIVINE MERCY FOR AMERICA PRAYER GUIDE Use this Divine Mercy for America Prayer Guide to pray for our nation and the whole world. EV-DMAMC $1.00 DIVINE MERCY HOME ENTHRONEMENT & FAMILY CONSECRATION KIT Claim ground for Christ in a real way. This kit makes it easy to solemnly enthrone Jesus, the Divine Mercy as King of Home and Family. EV-HENT $5.95
“Patience is a virtue,” it is often said. A famous person once commented, “I am praying for patience, and I want it now!” The Rule of the Ten Evangelical Virtues instructs us on how we can possess and cultivate such patience in our own lives, and how we can endure the trials and tribulations of life for Christ and receive our reward in Heaven. We know that the Archangel Gabriel told Mary that “the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Lk 1:35). That is, Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit. And one of the fruits of the Spirit is patience, as it says in Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol; against such there is no law.” The tendency in our world today is to live a fast-paced lifestyle and seek instant gratification. The concept of working for something “down the road” is a difficult one to understand. One of the saints once said that if we bear slight things patiently, we shall acquire courage and strength to bear great things. Mary is called “most patient.” Mary rose above the din, confusion, and disorder of her time to point us toward the path of salvation. She guides us to her Son, Jesus. Think about how she felt when she and Joseph were being turned away from the inn and she had to give birth in a stable. Imagine how she made a crib from a manger and filled it with straw. She patiently endured the persecution under Herod. She patiently searched with sorrow for her 12-year-old Son, Jesus, when He was in the temple. And she patiently endured and suffered alongside Jesus during the Crucifixion. Mary put all her hardships into perspective. She suffered and patiently resigned herself to God’s will. She is “Most Patient.” Through her example, she shows us how, through patience, we may gain a greater love for Christ and for our neighbor. 5 14510016 The 10 evangelical virtues of Our Lady © 2024 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. Most Sorrowful Most Merciful Most Poor Most Pure Most Obedient Most Humble Most Prudent Most Faithful Part 8 Most Devout Most Patient Mary is called “most patient.” Mary rose above the din, confusion, and disorder of her time to point us toward the path of salvation. She guides us to her Son, Jesus. CENACLES From page 1 overflows to others.” Our suffering soul, Fred Paulmann, who currently is treated for cancer stated, “As one who is unable to attend cenacle meetings, I am blessed to experience the love and prayerful support of such a close and powerful family where the love and mercy of God is so evident.” Nancy Prezenik, a member since 2016, added, “The formation manuals which we study at each meeting have really spoken to me and guided me. They also help me put all these blessings into action. Ours is a small but a caring enthusiastic group that looks out for each other both physically and spiritually. Our recently deceased leader, Laurie, was an inspiration to us all.” I must add, we have no doubt Laurie is in Heaven. When she looked at you it was a look of agape love, and I can’t help but see the Divine Mercy Image superimposed over her face with radiant joy.
A ‘DAY OF REFLECTION’ GET YOUR EADM LAPEL PIN with a donation of $25 or more to the ministry. EV-LPEADM Consider a Day of Reflection. Dr. Bryan Thatcher, director of Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy, gives talks that focus on Divine Mercy; St. Faustina and Praying the Chaplet for the Sick and Dying; and Mary, Mother of Mercy. If your cenacle would like to have Dr. Thatcher speak at your parish, call the EADM office at 1-877-380-0727. EADM LOGO SHIRTS POLO-SHIRT $25 EV-PSEAS EV-PSEAM EV-PSEAL EV-PSEAXL EV-PSEAXXL VILNIUS IMAGE SHIRT Wear your faith on your sleeve, or at least on your shirt, with these Ts and polos. $22 EV-DMTSS EV-DMTSM T-SHIRT $15 EV-TSEAS EV-TSEAM EV-TSEAL EV-TSEAXL EV-TSEAXXL EADM KEY CHAIN Bring this symbol of your faith with you on your daily commute. EV-DMKC $12 EADM TOTE BAG Be organized and share your faith when you use this delightful tote bag! EV-TBDM $15 Evangelize on the Go! with our exclusive line of EADM products EV-DMTSL EV-DMTSXL EV-DMTSXXL To order: Visit ShopMercy.org/eadm or call 1-800-462-7426. EADM relies on your generosity to keep the ministry running. Help us continue to bring the message of Divine Mercy to a hurting world. Please donate to EADM today. Call 1-800-462-7426, visit Marian.org/eadm, or use the enclosed envelope. WE NEED YOUR HELP! PERFECT SACRIFICE Rekindle Eucharistic amazement with this contemplative CD by Annie Karto. EV-PSCD $15 OVERSHADOW ME Songs praising God’s goodness in voice and string. By Annie Karto. EV-OMCD $16 Tune into ‘Mercy Unbound’ The Internet series called “Mercy Unbound” is going strong and has posted more than 130 wonderful interviews from a plethora of guests. You can watch the video or listen to it as a podcast at DrBryanThatcher.com Click on “Watch” at the top and you will see the variety of speakers and topics. The shows are all free. Please subscribe and share as that will help the series grow and get more exposure on YouTube. Help us spread the word about the truth and beauty of our faith! Our new address is: Dr. Bryan Thatcher, EADM,12452 Horseshoe Bend Drive, Lithia, FL 33547. WANT TO START A CENACLE? Visit TheDivineMercy.org/cenacle for details. After reviewing, please call 1-877-380-0727 for more information and materials.
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