On Feb. 17 and 18, 1943, two Marian priests chose to die rather than abandon those in their care. They are Blessed Anthony Leszczewicz and Blessed George Kaszyra.
"Father Thad has been teaching our community about poverty in religious life," says Brother Josh, "and for me, poverty is tied to peace, freedom, and simplicity. My mind feels tranquil when I have very little."
All of the Fridays in Lent, as well as on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, are days of abstinence for all in good health ages 14 and over, refraining from the consumption of meat.
This year, one of the most austere observances on the liturgical calendar coincides with a holiday synonymous with fancy dinners, fine wine, expensive jewelry, and rich chocolates. Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day.
Every few years, a new “Father Joseph, MIC,” is appointed, the titular head of the Association of Marian Helpers. This January, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, took the reins from the Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, to become the 21st Fr. Joseph.
Martyred for his refusal to deny Christ, 14-year-old St. José Sánchez del Rio (feast day: Feb. 10) was a member of the Cristeros, a group of landowners, ranchers, and sharecroppers who revolted against the anti-Catholic government of Mexico in the 1920s. The first article in a new series on saints and future saints from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Brother Josh, MIC, is asked to speak in front of a parish congregation about his vocation and the charisms of the Marian Congregation. "When I got to our charisms, I made another mistake," he admits.
On Feb. 4, Catholics around the world unite to remember the "other" St. Joan of France, St. Joan de Valois, patroness of the Marian Congregation. Born into a world that despised her and reviled her appearance, this soul became a light in the world that longed for true beauty.
Brother Josh, MIC, responds personally to the message of Luke's Gospel: “Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.”
If there is one person we can ask to help and accompany us on our Lenten journey, says Fr. Angelo Casimiro, MIC, it would be the one who was closest to Jesus, and that would be His mother, Mary.
A new weekly web series on Fridays by Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC, introduces us to the meditations for Sundays by the Marian Founder. The goal is to allow Jesus to gaze into your heart and teach you self-examination, leading you to a more fruitful reception of Holy Communion at Sunday Mass, where there is a true encounter of our hearts with His Sacred Heart.
Serve the Lord joyfully, as St. John Bosco did, as we celebrate his feast day on Jan. 31. God's will for our lives is filled with meaning and adventure.
