FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Friday, July 29, 2022 - The Most Reverend Andrzej Pakuła, MIC, Superior General of the worldwide Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, has announced a change in leadership of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province in the United States, which is headquartered at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge.
Effective today, the resignation of the Very Rev. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, as Provincial Superior has been approved by the General Council. Father Kaz has expressed a desire to be dispensed from the administrative burdens of the position and return to pastoral ministry.
Effective today, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, will succeed Fr. Kaz as the new Provincial Superior. Father Chris will also continue in his role as "Father Joseph," the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers, based in Stockbridge.
Father Kaz conveyed his gratitude to the Lord for the grace and privilege of serving the Marian community as its Provincial Superior since 2011, witnessing during his time in office a true explosion of its apostolic outreach in various forms.
Leaving the office, Fr. Kaz will focus on working with the laity, especially by promoting the message and devotion of the Divine Mercy, which has been a special mission and joy of his life. He will assist in the pastoral outreach of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy and the Divine Mercy Apostolates, and in the spiritual development of the Marian family.
His constant prayer is that the Lord's salvific Will, guided by the Holy Spirit, be accomplished through our ministry as Marians, as we live our lives in fidelity to God, entrusting ourselves to Him and relying on the maternal protection and intercession of Our Immaculate Mother.
The Congregation of Marian Fathers offers prayerful best wishes to Fr. Kaz in his pastoral duties, thanking him for his service and untiring efforts for the good of the Marian Community serving in this capacity, and to Fr. Chris in his new leadership role.
We also ask you to keep Fr. Chris and Fr. Kaz in your prayers, and know that they are praying for all our Marian Helpers throughout the world.
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