1 • National Shrine of The Divine Mercy Dear Pilgrims, We welcome you to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. During this time of pandemic confessions, and Masses available (with limited capacity) are available. Please feel free to visit our Gift Shop and walk our beautiful grounds during your visit here. May God bless you. Sincerely in Jesus and Mary Immaculate, Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC Shrine Rector Livestream from the National Shrine (not available to the public at this time) Daily Devotions Daily Mass 9:00am Chaplet of Divine Mercy 3:00pm Rosary for Life 5:00pm Find us on: Divine Mercy (Official) Divine Mercy Videos posted on our Website daily: shrineofdivinemercy.org Daily Public Mass Schedule Weekend Masses and Devotions will be held at the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine Saturday 2:00pm* Sunday 10:30am & 2:00pm *2pm Mass does NOT fulfill Sunday obligation* Confessions Available Monday thru Friday 1:00pm - 2:00pm Saturdays and Sundays 1:00pm – 2:00pm 3:30pm – 4:15pm * All candle shrines and outdoor Stations of The Cross are available to the public Please check our website for the most up-to-date information on our Monday-Friday Mass and Devotions schedule. June 12 – Solemnity of TheMost Holy Trinity A Ministry of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary National Shrine of The Divine Mercy 2 Prospect Hill Road Stockbridge, MA 01262 (GPS: 2 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA) Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC: Rector Fr. Robert Vennetti, MIC: Vice Rector Shrine Reception: 413-298-3931 Bus Pilgrimages: 413-298-1119 Gift Shop: 888-484-1112 National Shrine: www.shrineofdivinemercy.org Divine Mercy: www.thedivinemercy.org Marians: www.marian.org
Pope Francis said on Saturday that "we must ask for the grace to cry" with Our Lady for the lives destroyed by the Ukraine war and the other miseries of our time, like "the children discarded before they are even born.” Pope Francis underlined that the war is “destroying not only Ukraine,” but it is destroying “all the nations involved in the war.” “Because war not only destroys the people who are defeated, no, it also destroys the victor … War destroys everyone,” he said in Paul VI Hall. “We have entrusted our prayer to the Immaculate Heart, and we are certain that our Mother has accepted it and intercedes for peace because she is the Queen of Peace,” the pope added. Once, after an adoration for our country, a pain pierced my soul, and I began to pray in this way: “Most merciful Jesus, I beseech You through the intercession of Your Saints, and especially the intercession of Your dearest Mother who nurtured You from childhood, bless my native land. I beg You, Jesus, look not on our sins, but on the tears of little children, on the hunger and cold they suffer. Jesus, for the sake of these innocent ones, grant me the grace that I am asking of You for my country.” At that moment, I saw the Lord Jesus, His eyes filled with tears, and He said to me, You see, My daughter, what great compassion I have for them. Know that it is they who uphold the world. From the Diary of St. Faustina passage 286 peace Excerpt from: www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251046/pope-francis-god-is-weeping-for-the-victims-of-the-ukraine-war Picture from:www.marian.org In the Words of Pope Francis pray for
Lenten Regulations From the Diary of St. Faustina 028 One day, when I was at adoration, and my spirit seemed to be dying for Him, and I could no longer hold back my tears, I saw a spirit of great beauty who spoke these words to me: “Don’t cry — says the Lord.” After a moment I asked, “Who are you?” He answered me, “I am one of the seven spirits who stand before the throne of God day and night and give Him ceaseless praise.” Yet this spirit did not soothe my yearning, but roused me to even greater longing for God. This spirit is very beautiful, and his beauty comes from close union with God. This spirit does not leave me for a single moment, but accompanies me everywhere. On the following day during Holy Mass, before the Elevation, this spirit began to sing these words: “Holy, Holy, Holy.” His voice was like that of a thousand voices; it is impossible to put it into words. Suddenly my spirit was united with God, and in that instant I saw D the grandeur and the inconceivable holiness of God and, at the same time, I realized the nothingness I am of myself. I knew, more distinctly, than ever before, the Three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. But their being, their equality and their majesty are one. My soul is in communion with these Three; but I do not know how to express this in words; yet my soul understands it well. Whoever is united to One of the Three Persons is thereby united to the whole Blessed Trinity, for this Oneness is indivisible. This vision, or rather, this knowledge filled my soul with unimaginable happiness, because God is so great. What I am describing I did not see with my eyes, as on previous occasions, but in a purely interior manner, in a purely spiritual way, independent of the senses. This continued until the end of Holy Mass. This now happens often to me, and not only in the chapel, but also at work and at times when I least expect it. I understand the spiritual espousal of a soul with God, which has no exterior manifestation. It is a purely interior act between the soul and God. This grace has drawn me into the very burning center of God’s love. I have come to understand His Trinitarian Quality and the absolute Oneness of His Being. This grace is different from all other graces. It is so extremely spiritual that my inaccurate description knows not how to express even a shade of it. At the feet of the Lord. Hidden Jesus, Eternal Love, our Source of Life, Divine Madman, in that You forget yourself and see only us. Before creating heaven and earth, You carried us in the depths of Your Heart. O Love, O depth of Your abasement, O mystery of happiness, why do so few people know You? Why is Your love not returned? O Divine Love, why do You hide Your beauty? O Infinite One beyond all understanding, the more I know You the less I comprehend You; but because I cannot comprehend You, I better comprehend Your greatness. I do not envy the Seraphim their fire, for I have a greater gift deposited in my heart. They admire You in rapture, but Your Blood mingles with mine. Love is heaven given us already here on earth. Oh, why do You hide in faith? Love tears away the veil. There is no veil before the eye of my soul, for You yourself have drawn me into the bosom of secret love forever. Praise and glory be to You, O Indivisible Trinity, One God, unto ages of ages! Diary 471, 472, 1020, 278 The Most Holy Trinity
5 From the moment of our existence we possess a God-given and changeless dignity. The Church opposes the view that human life can become a meaningless and useless burden fit only for death. SayNOtoPhysicianAssistedSuicide inMassachusetts Let yourvoice be heardNow! The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering passing into law two deeply troubling bills this session which would legalize Physician Assisted Suicide. The bills, House 2381 and Senate 1384, are identical in text and titled “An Act relative to end of life options”. “The Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts stand untied in our strong opposition to Physician Assisted Suicide. It is an affront to life and a dangerous precedent for determining end of life issues. Physicians are trained to care for the ill, not to hasten death.” Here are some troubling facts to consider before you act: 1. The bills would allow a physician to provide a deadly drug mixture to an individual diagnosed with less than 6 months to live that, when consumed, would cause death. NOTE- The diagnosis could be wrong. Countless individuals have outlived that 6-month diagnosis and enjoyed many more precious months and years with family and friends. 2. No Real Safeguards – A vulnerable individual who is physically disabled, depressed, or fears being a “burden” may be subject to undue influence by others to take the drug mixture, especially if there is a financial benefit as an incentive. 3. The primary focus of elected officials should be dedicated to legislation providing quality health care, mental health care and palliative care to the sick and dying – particularly in the underserved, poor and minority communities that suffer the most at the time of need. How can your voice be heard? Call or email you legislators, let them know you are a Massachusetts voter, and say NO to Physician Assisted Suicide! Log on to www.macatholic.org and follow the links to find contact information for: Members of the legislative Joint Committee on Health Care Finance who will be considering these bills. Your individual State Senator and Representative via address and zip code link. For individuals without internet access, please call the Massachusetts Catholic Conference at 617-746-5630 for legislative contact information. For more information please go to: www. macatholic.org/news-article/learn-more-about-pas Information from: www. macatholic.org
Formorepro-liferesourcespleasevisit: www.respectlife.org How to Be Pro-Life "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being."56 “...since 1973, more than 60 million unborn children have been aborted. Each year in this country, about 900,000 more are added to that list. Yet even if it [Roe v. Wade] were overturned, even if every state in the union ended up outlawing abortion for any reason at any time (which is doubtful), we know that abortion, somehow or another, would continue to exist in this fallen world. Though we can and should hope, pray, vote, and advocate for an end to legalized abortion, we must focus on what we can do here and now in our own communities. We need to double up our efforts on changing hearts and minds, one at a time, to understand the inherent dignity of unborn life.” excerpt from How to Be Pro-Life by Marc Massery. www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/how-be-pro-life The Marian Fathers invite the faithful to unite in prayer and continue to pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet for peace and end to war in Ukraine. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war. Donations for Ukraine: www.marian.org/ukraine/ or call 800-462-7426 How to be Pro-Life For more pro-life resources go to: www.respectlife.org Yes, I want To Help! In the wake of the Russian invasion, your support will help our Marians in Ukraine as they struggle to survive and maintain their ministry, needed now more than ever.
72 Year of The Eucharist
Shrine Bulletin Board Things to Note: Blessed Oil of St. Faustina Oil blessed in honor of St. Faustina is available at the Shrine Reception desk. A suggested donation of $5.00 which would go to help support Shrine Ministries. The Diary of St. Faustina Copies of the Diary are sold in our Gift Shop located next to the main parking lot, or online: The Gift Shop is open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm Livestream Series Saturdays at 11:00am with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC To watch please go to: www.thedivinemercy.org We are hiring! The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy is hiring for the following: Part-time Weekend Receptionist If you are interested, please call Human Resources at 413-298-3931 x140 Or send your resume to: [email protected] National Shrine of The Divine Mercy Human Resource Director PO Box 951 Stockbridge, MA 01262 Volunteers We are always looking for volunteers. If you are able to volunteer, please see our Volunteer Page or contact us for more information!
Servant of God Fr. Eugene Kulesza (1891-1941) the prefect. However, he did not complete his high school studies there because his family had to move to Russia during WWI, and he obtained his high school certificate there. After returning to his homeland, he began his studies at the Jagellon University. At first, he studied medicine, and then anthropology. Influenced by Fr. Kulwiec and his university classmate, Bronislaw Zaluski, Eugene joined the Congregation of Marians. He began his novitiate on November 1, 1915, at Bielany in Warsaw under the direction of Blessed George Matulewicz. Bishop Matulewicz ordained him to the priesthood on October 2, 1921, at the Marian church in Rasna near Wysokie Litewskie. Afterwards, Fr. Kulesza returned to Fribourg, where he pronounced his perpetual vows on November 1, 1922. When the Marian house in Fribourg closed, Fr. Kulesza found himself in a more difficult situation, although he was then a chaplain for religious sisters. He also survived tuberculosis of the lungs. After seven years of studies, on January 10, 1924, he passed his examinations and defended his doctoral thesis in the field of the internal life entitled: “La doctrine mystique de Richard de S. Victor.” He had a chance at the time to become a lecturer of philosophy at the seminary in London, but Blessed George did not agree to this because he needed educated priests to work for the Congregation. Thus, Fr. Kulesza came to Bielany. He was seriously ill, tired, and a little disheartened. In the fall of the same year, he went to Kuznice in Zakopane for treatment of his lungs. But on January 16, 1925, he asked Fr. Matulewicz for permission to go to Switzerland. Blessed George wrote at that time to his vicar in Poland, Fr. Kazimierz Bronikowski: “I am very saddened by Fr. Kulesza’s spirits and attitude […] However, since he is ill, we must provide treatment for him with all our love and sacrifice.” Having received consent and money, Fr. Kulesza left for Switzerland, and afterwards visited Italy and France. He returned in 1926 and worked at Bielany as a school secretary. In 1930, he served as a seventh-grade lecturer and educator, as well as a confessor. In 1931, he became the deputy director of the College, and two years later, a confessor and lecturer once again. He began to have doubts about the way in which he was fulfilling his vocation. Finally, he decided to transfer to the Pauline Fathers. He obtained the consent of the Congregation and was accepted. During his vacation in 1935, he went to Jasna Gora. After just a few days, he returned to Bielany, having rid himself of all his doubts forever. In the beginning of 1932, following the demand of the public education authorities, the gymnasium director, Br. Zaluski had to step down from his office. By his letter of March 2, 1936, Fr. Provincial Wladyslaw Mroczek recommended Fr. Eugene Kulesza for this post and on October 22, 1936, named him rector of the College. On August 28, 1938, the Provincial Superior named Fr. Kulesza the Superior of the Marian religious house in Druya. With all his energy and professionalism, he began to fulfill the duties of the director of the King Stefan Batory Gymnasium in Druya. After a year, the curator from Vilnius asked Fr. Kulesza to take over the office of the director at the State-owned gymnasium in Braslaw, some 30 km away from Druya, but the war broke out and all schools were taken over by the Bolshevik authorities at the end of December of 1939. Fr. Kulesza was acting in defense of priests and the Congregation of Sisters, the Handmaids of Jesus in the Eucharist, as well as their monasteries. He gave himself entirely to the pastoral work, serving not only in Druya, but also in the nearby churches as well. He spent much time hearing confessions, encouraging Fr. Eugene was born on March 8, 1891, in Warsaw, Poland. His parents were Wojciech and Franciszka nee Dworakowska. He had two sisters and two brothers, one of whom became a priest in the diocese of Warsaw (1885-1975). Fr. Eugene attended the Chrzanowski Gymnasium (later called the Zamoyski Gymnasium), where Fr. Leon Kulwiec, a Marian, was
: frightened priests, and taught them how to defend themselves and about what to be aware. He also organized having parcels sent to people deported into Siberia and Kazakhstan. When the war broke out between the Germans and the Bolsheviks and the army and officials left Druya at the end of June, lawless chaos settled in. Stores were robbed, people assaulted, and finally the crowd brought about a hanging of a resident who was exceedingly favoring the Bolsheviks. Then wiser people decided to organize a civil committee for order and asked Fr. Kulesza to serve as its president. He first objected and wouldn’t agree, but when they kept pressing him, he agreed to it, after a prayerful consideration. Lawful regulations were established, and a volunteer fire department was organized. Peace and order reigned. But all that caused Fr. Kulesza’s destruction. On the afternoon of June 30, 1941, several Soviet soldiers crossed the Dzwina River by boat. They approached the monastery, and upon seeing Fr. Kulesza, ordered him to follow. They agreed to allow two additional priests to accompany him. But after crossing the river bank, they sent those two priests back home. The detainee was ordered to get in the car and he was driven toward Polock. When the car broke down, soldiers took Fr. Kulesza to the hut of a Communist, where a Soviet command post was located. After a short while, they led Fr. Kulesza away from the hut and took him to a rye field. There, two soldiers began to beat him on his face with their boots. He fell; when he got up again, they took him to a freshly-dug ditch and the two soldiers shot him in the head. When he fell in the ditch, a third soldier hit him twice on the head with a bayonet. The dying priest instinctively lifted his right hand and covered his eyes with it; in this position, he was covered with earth. This is how his body was discovered. The Germans entered Druya on July 5, 1941. The next day, Sisters Apolonia Pietkun, Maria Jasinska, and Janina Podolska crossed the Dzwina River and learned from people in Lupanty the details of Fr. Kulesza’s martyrdom and the place of his burial. They dug up the body from the grave, wrapped it in a sheet, and carried it by horse-driven cart to the Dzwina River; many people joined them in this procession. Since it was a Sunday afternoon, many people assembled on the other bank of the river and they met the procession carrying the body, weeping loudly. The Sisters, accompanying the body, considered it as a special honor. From the riverbank, the body of Fr. Kulesza was carried on biers. Men, carrying them, frequently took turns, because everyone wished to have this honor. Fr. Wincenty Smolinski, who came out to receive the martyr’s body, burst into loud sobbing instead of singing, and the earthly remnants, accompanied by great wailing, were taken into the church. The departed was dressed in a red chasuble as a sign of martyrdom. Throughout the following three days, great crowds visited the church and prayed for the deceased near the coffin. The funeral took place on Wednesday, July 8th, with 11 priests and a great multitude of the faithful in attendance. Fr. Kulesza was buried in a stone tomb on the left side of the church. This tomb, which the Communists razed to the ground, was found intact. The parishioners willingly visit it and decorate it with flowers. Local residents bestowed upon the murdered priest their great respect and love, and after his death — great honor. At the site of Fr. Kulesza’s martyrdom, a farmer prepared a gravesite and placed a cross there. Because this place is near the road, people often stop by and recite a “Hail Mary” and flowers are always there. Many people took with them a bit of earth soaked with the Martyr’s blood, treasuring it as a relic. It has happened many times that when people kissed those relics with devotion and prayer, they were granted favors for which they asked. The Sisters also pleaded to Fr. Kulesza for help and intercession before God when they experienced problems with religious education, and their requests were always answered. By the letter of February 9, 2021, the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints opened the process of the Servant of God Fabian and four companions – one of whom is Fr. Eugeniusz Kulesza, MIC. www.padrimariani.org Almighty and merciful God, You granted Your servant Eugene – the grace of martyrdom and called him to be true witness of Your Son’s Passion and Resurrection. May he be raised to the glory of the altars, so that we, after his example and through his intercession, may faithfully fulfill God’s calling in our own life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. We encourage you to pray for graces through the intercession of the Servant of God Fr. Eugene Kulesza. Postulatore Generale dei Chierici Mariani Casa Generalizia Via Corsica, 1 00198 Roma, Italia Tel.: 011-39-06-853-703-1 Fax: 011-39-06-853-703-22 Amen
PRAYER OF ST. ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/holy-trinity O my God, Trinity whom I adore, help me forget myself entirely so to establish myself in you, unmovable and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity. May nothing be able to trouble my peace or make me leave you, O my unchanging God, but may each minute bring me more deeply into your mystery! Grant my soul peace. Make it your heaven, your beloved dwelling and the place of your rest. May I never abandon you there, but may I be there, whole and entire, completely vigilant in my faith, entirely adoring, and wholly given over to your creative action (CCC, 260) Amen.
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