As parents of 15 adopted children, John and Donna Kurtz have experienced things most people couldn't imagine. But a recent
visit to the National Shrine of
The Divine Mercy will stand as a turning point for the family from Philadelphia, PA.

"When we walked into the Shrine after our six-hour drive, we all agreed it was well worth it," John explains. "After five minutes in the Shrine, all
of the stress of the journey with all of our children just melted away.

"It's clear that this is a very holy place," he said. "Everyone here is so hospitable and shared the grace of being children of the Father."

Having that grace is key to John and Donna's ministry. They've established a full-time ministry adopting children from broken homes who are in need of healing.

"Before coming to the Shrine, we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet," says Donna, "but now mercy will be core to our family life for the healing of our children."

The Kurtz family proved to be an inspiration for Shrine Rector Fr. Dan Papineau, MIC, and his staff.

"It's so beautiful, the way the Kurtzs have sacrificed their lives for these children," Fr. Dan says. "They do it because of their faith. It's not easy, but they persevere. To see their children singing and praising God during the Mass was so inspiring for all of us."

Like the Kurtz family, many people are planning fall pilgrimages -- especially to mark the beautiful fall foliage season here in the Berkshires. Father Dan extends a warm invitation to the public to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine.

John Kurtz says he's certain to bring his family back to the Shrine in Stockbridge, MA. "If you have a Divine Mercy devotion," he says, "you owe it to yourself to come here to learn more about mercy. When you leave here, you take it with you for the rest of your life."

Fall Schedule: National Shrine of The Divine Mercy

Pilgrims are welcome to the Shrine and grounds at any time, says Shrine Rector Fr. Dan Papineau, MIC. Advance notice from bus group coordinators is greatly appreciated.

Feast of St. Faustina

A vibrant celebration will mark the feast day of the "Mercy Saint" on Oct. 5. The day will include several presentations on the life of St. Faustina (1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), Mass (7:15 a.m. & 2 p.m.), and Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Chaplet of Divine Mercy (following the 7:30 p.m. talk). The evening will conclude with our "Organ Plus" festival concert featuring bells, trumpet, voice, and congregational participation. Later this fall, more information will be available about the topics and speakers.

Novena for Life
In April, the Shrine began a monthly novena for the unborn to honor the Infant Jesus and to make reparation for sins committed against life. The novena continues through the end of the year on the following Fridays from 7 - 9 p.m.: Sept. 14, Oct. 26, Nov. 23, and Dec. 28.

Healing Masses
The Mother of Divine Mercy Prayer Group hosts a healing Mass on the last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.

Winter Concerts
On Dec. 8, the Berkshire Children's Chorus will perform at the Shrine. On Dec. 21, the Berkshire Concert Choir will hold their annual concert. Other winter concerts to be announced.

For more information about any of these events, e-mail us at shrine@marian.org, or call us at 413-298-3931.