WATCH "Get Ready for Marian Week 2023!"
WATCH 9:00 a.m. Daily Mass from the National Shrine
WATCH 3:00 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy from the National Shrine
WATCH 5:00 p.m. Rosary from the National Shrine
On Aug. 15, 1954, the Cleveland Indians were running away with the American League pennant, President Dwight Eisenhower was guiding the nation through an icy Cold War with the Soviet Union, and a young, Tennessee truck driver named Elvis was charting in the South with a hit called "That's All Right, Mama."
On that same date, a significant spiritual event occurred on Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Mass., when the Congregation of Marian Helpers celebrated its first Marian Week to honor the Blessed Mother. The Marians were following the lead of the Church in sponsoring this new event, which Ven. Pope Pius XII instituted a few years before as a means of encouraging parishes and congregations to honor Our Lady.
One hundred years earlier, in 1854, Bl. Pope Pius IX, in his apostolic letter Infallibus Deus, urged "all the children of the Catholic Church ... to invoke and pray to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, conceived without original sin, and let them fly with entire confidence to this most sweet Mother of Mercy and Grace, in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts, and fears. For nothing is to be feared, and nothing is to be despaired under her guidance."
Invoking and Praying to Mary
These words define the inspiration behind Marian Week and also attest to its spirit of "invoking and praying to Mary." Marian Week 2023 began on Tuesday, Aug. 15, on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, and ends Tuesday, Aug. 22, with the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. Each day features a Rosary procession, confessions, Mass, and praying the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy.
The chief aim of Marian Week is to offer a time and place where the faithful can gather in a spirit of penance and prayer to express their love for the Blessed Mother. It's also for those who want to strengthen their relationship to Mary or - for those who don't know her at all - even become introduced to her.
Profession of Vows
Marian Week is also host to the profession and renewal of vows. During the 9:00 a.m. Mass at the National Shrine on Aug. 15, four men took their First Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience into our Marian community.
Following the First Vows, all the current Marian Brothers in Temporary Vows renewed their annual vows.
Please keep all of our Marian priests, brothers, and seminarians in your prayers!
On Aug. 16, Br. Stephen Castellano, MIC, was invested with the White Habit after his profession of perpetual vows. He is the first Marian in our province to receive the White Habit. Watch the Mass here.
Please join us during Marian Week!
The grounds of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy have picnic tables for families and groups that want to bring their refreshments. Pilgrims also might be interested in the vast array of cultural and recreational activities to be found in the Berkshires in August.
Buses or large groups are encouraged to notify the National Shrine's pilgrimage office in advance by calling 413-298-3931 or visit ShrineofDivineMercy.org.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
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