The Miraculous Medal Message- Spring 2022

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OUR LADY OF GRACE p.28 | HEAVENLY VISIONS p.30 | WINDOWS OF THE SOUL p.32

ABOVE: Site of St. Vincent's Rosary Walk on the day of the groundbreaking ceremony BELOW: Progression shots of the installation

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TAKING SHAPE

Christened St. Vincent’s Rosary Walk, this new holy oasis offers visitors a spiritual journey to pray the Rosary while meditating on the traditional mysteries and the mysteries of the life of Jesus, with Mary, Mother of God, as the intercessor.

The Miraculous Medal and the Rosary are the two greatest and most powerful gifts that Mary gives us. Constructing an outdoor Rosary Walk on the grounds of The Miraculous Medal Shrine is the perfect marriage of the Miraculous Medal and the Rosary.

Nestled in the heart of historic Philadelphia, the outdoor space design includes a Rosary Walk, Meditation Garden, Marian Garden for Children, and Our Lady of Knock Shrine perfectly suited for prayer, solitude, and public sanctuary.

On Monday, October 25, 2021, the Shrine staff and the Vincentians of the Eastern Province, collaborators on the project, broke ground with an outdoor ceremony and blessing. Community members, neighbors, and Marian devotees joined in the official launch of construction.

“The timing seems right for us to physically expand our mission of devotion and prayer to Our Lady,” says Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag, CEO of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal.

“More than ever, we need to recite the Rosary to restore our lives and pay loving respect and veneration to our Blessed Mother, who helps us and brings us peace.”

Photos by Alex Gross

The centerpiece of St. Vincent’s Rosary Walk is Our Lady of Knock Shrine, which proudly honors the Irish community’s vital contributions to Germantown, the Shrine, and the many neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

To learn more about St. Vincent’s Rosary Walk and how you can support the development of the site, visit MiraculousMedal.org/shrinerosarywalk

One of the more significant additions to the walk is a children’s garden. Designed to supplement the Shrine’s Beyond Sunday™ program of Marian instruction for school-aged children and young adults, the garden layout provides a space for educational opportunities to understand and pray the Rosary. Additionally, children can plant and learn about the origins of Marian flowers and herbs, which tell the stories of Mary during various stages of her life.

“It is truly an immersive environment and educational opportunity further enriching the students’ experience,” explains Timlin-Hoag. “We hope they will fully employ the different senses of their spiritual sight, hearing, touch, and even smell and taste.”

Construction continues throughout the year with a projected 2023 finish date.

To speak to a representative, email Megan Brogan at mbrogan@ cammonline.org SPRING 2022 | 3

MESSAGES

The Miraculous Medal Message is a publication of the Office of Marketing and Communications of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal.

Telephone: 215.848.1010 Email: communications@cammonline.org Website: MiraculousMedal.org Editor: Trish Shea Contributors: Mary Peterson; Alex Gross; Carolina Soares Nemo; Trish Shea Cover Image: Karen Tarlton Owner, Karen’s Fine Art www.karensfineart.net

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK To provide feedback to the editor, email Trish Shea at tshea@cammonline.org.

READ MORE ONLINE Follow the web references for additional stories, videos, and photos. Visit the magazine website at MiraculousMedal.org/Message.

FR. TIMOTHY V. LYONS & MARY JO TIMLIN-HOAG

Dear devotees of Mary Immaculate, People of faith are trying to wrap their minds and hearts around the troubling events reflected daily in the news. These crises—the pandemic, increased gun violence, Ukraine conflict—have ignited worldwide concern and the need for hope through prayer. As Director of the Shrine, I offer our response as a way of saying we have not turned away from the agonies of the world.

Prayer is an essential part of our mission and Mary’s message of love and comfort through the intercession of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. During World War II, The Miraculous Medal Shrine was a sanctuary of hope. Thousands flocked to the Shrine for our Monday Perpetual Novena and Mass. Decades later, nothing has changed. People continue to come to the Shrine seeking Mary’s comfort and love in both private and communal prayers.

Our weekly live rosary on Facebook and Instagram serves as universal prayer and gives us the opportunity to pray as a virtual faith community devoted to Mary.

Additionally, we have implemented more opportunities for prayer and reflection. Every Monday, we hold a Contemplative Prayer Service after Mass, which begins with a period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by a musical prayer service, Novena Prayers, and Benediction.

Once a month at the midday Novena Mass on Mondays, the Shrine celebrates a healing Mass in which the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered. We also host a new service, Blessing of Families and Newly Baptized Infants, on the first Sunday of each month during our 9:00 a.m.

Mass.

Our personal need for healing is very real; bringing these world tragedies into our prayer is certainly part of everyone’s healing. Learning from our Blessed Mother how to stay close to the suffering Christ, we share our individual needs with Mary as our trusted intercessor. In our times of uncertainty, we are learning how to be the church, interceding before the throne of mercy on behalf of the whole world.

Yours in Mary Immaculate, Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, CM Director, The Miraculous Medal Shrine Spiritual Director, Central Association of the Miraculous Medal Dear Miraculous Medal Family, Angels play many roles-all of them are significant.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION We invite you to share your thoughts, stories, and photos from The Miraculous Medal Shrine and the Vincentians of the Eastern Province ministries.

Contact tshea@cammonline.org or follow us on social media. @MiraculousMedalShrinePA

Every angel is given a mission on Earth by God, who relies on these angels to serve mankind. In the Old and New Testaments, there is mention that angels communicated to individuals; Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and the Virgin Mary were all visited by angels. Angels take care of the people on Earth and help those who are experiencing crises.

They console when it’s needed most, such as when God sent an angel to comfort Jesus during His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. And throughout Scripture, it’s identified that we have our own guardian angel, who constantly watches over us in a special way.

@MiraculousMedal MarysMiraculousMedal @MiracMedlShrine Postmaster: Send address changes to: Office of Marketing and Communications, Central Association of the Miraculous Medal 475 E. Chelten Ave., Phila., PA 19144

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Why not start your day by invoking your guardian angel to come to your assistance by this simple but powerful prayer?

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Yours in our Blessed Mother, Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag Chief Executive Officer, Central Association of the Miraculous Medal

FACES

KENNEDY

We hope you enjoy our latest feature, “Faces,” which highlights individuals whose devotion to Mary is truly inspiring.

Features

Rosanna Palomo proudly shares her niece’s story about her love for St. Catherine and the Miraculous Medal. This post appeared on our social platforms in November 2021 and quickly went viral.

“My niece’s school celebrated All Saints’ Day this morning [November 1] at her school,” explains Rosanna. “Each student had to choose a saint, and she chose St. Catherine Labouré. We love the Shrine, and we wanted to honor Mother Mary. She also handed out Miraculous Medals to her classmates and the staff.”

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OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDES

OUR LADY OF GRACE

They protect, deliver, and guide us every day.

Did you know that the image of Our Lady on the Miraculous Medal is known as Our Lady of Grace?

Rosanna’s niece, Kennedy, didn’t stop there.

She asked her mom if she could also have a party for St. Catherine’s feast day. As Rosanna comments, “[Kennedy] is a special young lady.” We couldn’t agree more.

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HEAVENLY VISIONS

TOP HAT

Our Lady’s appearances to St. Catherine Labouré are testaments of her love for us.

This head covering signifies tradition and devotion denoting an element of spiritual humility.

Departments 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters of hope, prayerful communities, inspiration, and appreciation

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#GOT MEDAL Followers share their photos of wearing the Miraculous Medal.

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NEWS Around the Shrine | By the Numbers | Beyond SundayTM | Vincentians of the Eastern Province | Ministries

40 PROFILES Maher Brothers | Fr. Stephen P. DeLacy | Margaret Gardner

46 HISTORY The History of the Vincentian Biretta

48 RAYS: FAVORS RECEIVED 51 PROMOTERS

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FOND MEMORIES

I read with interest the article on the stained-glass windows from Hallahan.

[Pictured is] a copy from the September 1951 edition of the Catholic Standard & Times. The photo is of the first graduating class from Hallahan at their 50th reunion.

My paternal grandmother, Mary Sammon Moffatt, is standing between the two religious sisters. Most of her life, she lived at 831 Chelten Avenue, a few blocks from [the Shrine].

The other item that brought back fond memories was the letter from Jeffrey regarding his experience with Fr. Bob Stone.

I’ve known “Stoney” since 1964 as an incoming freshman seminarian at St. Joe’s near Princeton. He was so intelligent with a wry sense of humor, a great organist, and a lover of sports, especially the NY Giants.

I had the opportunity to visit with him at his apartment in a hospital in DC and later at the [Vincentian] motherhouse.

Several of our classmates got together this past August. A large portion of the conversation centered on “Stoney.”

Bill Moffatt Kohler, WI

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MAGAZINE FAN

I am a member of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal and love this magazine. I read it front to back and read it over again a couple of times. Thank you.

Roberta Howard Duncansville, PA

ANTICIPATION

Saturday, November 13, was an exciting day for me. The long-awaited copy of The Message arrived in my mailbox. I was so thrilled to see my picture of Mary’s Garden. Thank you for your kindness.

I almost forgot-I met a new friend because of The Message, but that’s a story for another time. God bless you, The Miraculous Medal Shrine and The Message.

Pat Krezel Wayne, NJ

WALKING IN FAITH

Thank you for your prayers and support, sharing in our joys and sorrows, and walking in faith with us throughout Dina’s two-year battle.

We have no doubt that God received our prayers and granted miracles of hope and healing for Dina and all our family, seen and unseen.

We appreciate ... the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal as our place of refuge and prayer during Dina’s infusions at Fox Chase.

Truly a special place where our Blessed Mother consoled and strengthened us with her extraordinary graces! We’re so thankful for the Deacon [James Mahoney], who prayed with me and sent me with the Eucharist before Dina’s passing and on the day of her second and last brain radiation treatment. I will always remember Jesus, forever on her lips that day to sustain her for a week and her walk to Calvary with Jesus and blessed with a happy death, glorifying God with her beautiful, child-like eyes wide open ready to begin her new life with Jesus Christ and our Blessed Mother to deliver her back to our Heavenly Father. So, in our sorrow, we rejoice and give thanks to God for His mercy and love.

The Abad, Leach, Ritter, Puhl, and Mikalajczyk Families

#Got Medal

Post your photo on our social media platforms using the hashtag #MyMiraculousMedal.

#GOTMEDAL

LET’S GET SOCIAL

Every picture tells a story, and our faithful followers proudly share their photos of the ways they show their devotion to Mary and her Miraculous Medal. Safe to say, a picture is really worth a thousand words.

@MiraculousMedalShrinePA

MarysMiraculousMedal

@MiraculousMedal

@MiracMedlShrine

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NEWS

AROUND THE SHRINE

Interfaith Prayer Service

The vaccine for racism is not hate, but love.”

ARCHBISHOP NELSON PÉREZ

On Monday, January 17, the Shrine hosted an interfaith prayer service commemorating the life and message of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This annual celebration is sponsored by the Secretariat for Evangelization and Office for Black Catholics to honor Dr. King and his message of unity and inclusion. More than 150 attended the gathering, which was livestreamed on the Shrine’s social platforms and its website.

The event featured guest speakers Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Hebrew Congregation; and Amir Qasim Rashad, United Muslim Madjid, who spoke about how diversity should begin with dialogue and Dr. King’s message that “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Guest speakers included (left to right): Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Hebrew Congregation; Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and Amir Qasim Rashad, United Muslim Madjid.

Archbishop Pérez said, “Let us give thanks for the gift of (Dr. King’s) life and strive to imitate his example. By remembering his life, we are provided with an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the Gospel message he preached: The sin of racism can be defeated by active love and the light of faith.”

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Archdiocese of Philadelphia high school students read spiritual passages and led the congregation in prayers celebrating Dr. King’s message of unity.

Photos courtesy of CatholicPhilly.com

Members of the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir provided worship music, accompanied by soloists Karen Clifford and Little Flower High School student Qaniya Benjamin. Other regional Catholic high school students read spiritual passages and led the congregation in prayers.

AROUND THE SHRINE

NEWS

Prayer for Ukraine The compounding shock of the war in Ukraine has touched the hearts and souls of people worldwide. Pope Francis calls the war “an act of violent aggression and a sacrilege without justification.”

In solidarity with the Pope and the global Vincentian family, The Miraculous Medal Shrine community and the Vincentians of the Eastern Province have recited special prayers and made symbolic offerings for peace in Ukraine during Masses beginning February 25.

Symbolic flowers and candles are presented at the foot of Mary’s altar representing the innocent victims and casualties of the escalating invasion.

On Friday, March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, the Pope made a universal appeal to devote special time for prayer for the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In response to this declaration, the Shrine tolled its carillon bells, which played the Ukrainian National Anthem, recited Marian hymns, and collected donations for the benefit of Ukrainians. As the Pope implored at the start of the invasion, we must be “United in Prayer” for those during these dire times.

May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.

POPE FRANCIS

Live Rosary Every Wednesday, the Shrine hosts a Facebook live event to globally unite devotees to pray the Rosary. Led by Shrine Director Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, CM, and Sr. Michelle Nguyen, DC, the Rosary broadcast has become a worldwide recitation with faithful participating from every U.S. state and 148 countries worldwide.

The Rosary Live is held every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. (ET) and can be found on the Shrine’s Facebook page at @MiraculousMedalShrinePa

Lent revolves around the idea of sacrifice—from small sacrifices made every day to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the Cross. But sacrifice can also bring us joy. This was the focus of the Shrine’s 2022 Lenten reflections, “The Joy of Sacrifice.”

Throughout the forty days of Lent, participants told their personal stories of sacrifice and blessings, reflections on the Sacrifice of the Mass, and thoughts about Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross. Thousands followed daily on Facebook with hundreds more receiving messages via email. The series was first introduced in 2018 and has grown substantially since then.

To watch this year’s videos, visit MiraculousMedal.org/Lent2022 SPRING 2022 | 9

NEWS

AROUND THE SHRINE To submit your prayer intentions, scan QR code with your smart phone.

Prayer for Healing Life can be overwhelming and difficult at times.

To help those burdened by life’s obstacles— physical, spiritual, or emotional—the Shrine launched a special prayer offering and blessing ceremony in January to be held the last Monday of every month during the 12:05 p.m. Mass.

Titled “Prayer for Healing,” the service has been well-received. One participant shares her gratitude for this restorative gesture, which is offered at the Shrine. “Being blessed and anointed has helped me cope and have confidence that my prayers to be healed will be answered.” If you are unable to attend, we welcome you to send your healing considerations to be placed at the foot of Mary’s Altar in the Shrine. (Scan QR code at top right to submit your intentions.)

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS: SOCIAL MEDIA

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AROUND THE SHRINE

Blessing of Families & Infants

NEWS

Our faith recognizes the sanctity of the family for playing a critical role in the Catholic Church and society. To encourage strengthening and supporting family life and Catholic values, the Shrine has initiated the Consecration of Families and Baptized Infants to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. This monthly service is held during the 9:00 a.m. Mass the first Sunday of every month. Shrine Director Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, CM, initiated the blessing ceremony to bring focus back to the family as the foundational unit of society and the church. “We find God in our relationships,” says Fr. Lyons, “and this ceremony reaffirms a family’s commitment to serving as a core structure of the church and society. It is a celebration of families as the path to fostering Christian life” and includes scripture readings, prayers, and the blessing.

TOP: Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, Shrine Director, blesses the Davis family during the March 6, 9:00 a.m. Mass BOTTOM: Fr. Lyons blesses the Crocker family in February.

Contemplative Prayer

To encourage prayer, the Shrine introduces the Contemplative Prayer Service, a weekly service devoted to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Novena prayers, and Benediction.

For full info, visit MiraculousMedal.org/ContemplativePrayer

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NEWS

BEYOND SUNDAY™

To learn more about this program, email Gingiosi@cammonline.org or visit our website: MiraculousMedal.org/backpack-blessing

Backpack Blessing

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2022 (January 30-February 5), the Shrine’s Beyond SundayTM program brought Mary’s message of the Miraculous Medal to area schools. The blessing, presented by Deacon James Mahoney with a greeting from Gina

Ingiosi, Faith Formation and Outreach Coordinator, included distributing and blessing Miraculous Medals, and presenting each student with a prayer card. The students were also invested into the Miraculous Medal family. Dozens

Following Mary to Calvary

Sr. Mary Scullion, RSM

When it comes to discipleship, the Blessed Mother is the example Catholics are called to follow. During Lent, the Beyond SundayTM program hosted, “Following Mary to Calvary,” a four-part series reflecting on Mary’s journey as a disciple of Christ, who followed Him as He walked the road to Calvary. This virtual series featured four guest speakers, each focusing on various aspects of Mary’s ability to bear witness to hope and endurance.

Presenters included Sr. Liz Sjoberg, DC; Shrine director Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, CM; Dr. Julie Burkey, and Sr. Mary Scullion, RSM (pictured).

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of schools participated in-person and virtually. Students, such as those shown above from St. Laurence School in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, proudly displayed their medals at the event. More than 400 students participated.

Mary in Her Later Years Have you ever wondered what Mary’s life was like, especially after the death and resurrection of her Son, Jesus? That was the topic of “Mary in Her Later Years, a Marian Morning Retreat,” a virtual retreat offered by the Beyond SundayTM program on October 23, 2021. Presenter Dr. Julie Burkey (pictured), a renowned authority on pastoral theology, explored clues from scripture, tradition, and art, which paint a picture of Mary’s later years, while contemplating challenges during the various stages of her life. Prayer and meditation were also included.

BEYOND SUNDAY™

NEWS

Advent Pilgrimage Young adults in the Philadelphia region participated in Beyond Sunday’sTM Advent Service-Pilgrimage in December 2021. The retreat occurred over a span of four days and was presented at a different location for each occasion. The purpose of the spiritual journey was to celebrate Advent in prayer, service, and meaning using the specific focus of the four Advent candles (hope, faith, joy, and the Angels’ candle) to develop meaning and purpose during this holy season. Each evening began with a prayerful reflection about the candle theme followed by a service project, which was specific to the location of the service. The final location was The Miraculous Medal Shrine, where elements from the three previous evenings were used to create a unique Advent wreath. Besides the Shrine, the three other locations included St. Vincent de Paul Church, St. Bridget’s Church, and St. Francis de Sales Church. One participant says,

“I am happy to see that the parishes are coming together, especially during Advent,” and another comments, “Thanks again for hosting the Advent Service-Pilgrimage. It was a great experience. It was also a pleasure meeting and discussing with others.”

The Saint Behind the Medal The Beyond SundayTM program recently presented a virtual speaker series, “St. Catherine Labouré: The Silent Saint who Secretly Changed the World.” Since the feast day of St. Catherine Labouré is traditionally celebrated in November, it seemed a fitting time to reflect on St. Catherine’s life and legacy. The program featured four expert presenters, who focused on different aspects of the saint’s life: an historical review of the saint’s encounters with the Blessed Mother in Paris in 1830; her early life and the virtues she cultivated in preparation and formation as a Daughter of Charity and a messenger of Our Lady; a retrospective look at the evolution of her humble role as a sister and her eventual messenger for Mary; and a panel discussion delving into the incredible stories and miracles attributed to St. Catherine and the Miraculous Medal.

Read Between the Wines Author Dr. Peter Kreeft describes his book, How to be Holy: First Steps in Becoming a Saint, as “a great chef serving up a gourmet dinner; it is one desperately poor bum telling another where there’s free food.” This served as the focus of Beyond Sunday’sTM Read Between the Wines book club in March. This virtual club allows participants the platform to share their thoughts and insights into what Dr. Kreeft describes as one of the most important questions he has ever addressed about how to become holy. The book tackles the question, which is central to all religions, of how to strive toward holiness and move toward perfect love as the whole purpose of life.

Citing insights and experiences of saints and great spiritual writers throughout history, Dr. Kreeft details what holiness is and how it can be achieved.

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NEWS

VINCENTIANS OF THE EASTERN PROVINCE

PANAMA ORDINATION In November 2021, the Vincentians of the Eastern Province ordained Deacon Olmedo Guerra, CM, as a priest of the Congregation of the Mission.

The ordination was held in Panama City at the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua.

Confreres from the Eastern Province, Central America, and Colombia, as well as priests, seminarians, and professors from the archdiocese, participated in the Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Manuel Ochogavía from Colon. Following the ceremony, those gathered traveled to Balboa, where Saint Mary’s parish hosted more than 250 people for a luncheon. The next day, Fr. Olmedo traveled to Santa Fe, Darien, to celebrate his first Mass.

Chalice Presentation

Deacon Walner Diaz Receives Chalice Prior to June Ordination On Thursday, March 17, Deacon Walner Diaz (pictured) received his chalice prior to his ordination on June 4.

Fr. Timothy V. Lyons, CM, Director of The Miraculous Medal Shrine and Spiritual Director of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (CAMM), presented Deacon Walner with a restored chalice, which is funded by CAMM. Mary Jo TimlinHoag, CEO of CAMM, gave Deacon Walner a beautiful Miraculous Medal, which Fr. Lyons blessed.

Traditionally, newly ordained Catholic priests receive a chalice upon their ordination. Deacons can either select a new ordination chalice or choose one in storage from a deceased confrere. Deacon Walner was offered and chose Fr. Michael Kennedy’s chalice (who was ordained in 1951 and recently passed away).

On the bottom of his newly restored Celtic chalice alongside the original inscription, Deacon Walner added, “Please pray for Rev. Michael J. Kennedy, CM,” along with family members names. As he uses this chalice during Mass, all these people-both newly and previously listedare remembered.

Let us pray in gratitude for Deacon Walner as he transitions from diaconate to priesthood.

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VINCENTIANS OF THE EASTERN PROVINCE

NEWS

ORDINATION REFLECTION 47 YEARS IN THE MAKING “Forty-seven years have passed with the blink of an eye,” reflects Fr. Bernard M. Tracey, CM, Executive Vice President for Mission at St. John’s University. This recent comment was in response to the discovery of an article he wrote for the September 1974 issue of the Miraculous Medal Magazine (now The Message).

On the cusp of his ordination in 1974, Fr. Tracey wrote how he is preparing to embark on a lifetime commitment. Looking back, he is sentimental about how things have changed, and what he now sees as a completely different experience. “The world I was ordained to serve was different than the world I knew when I entered the seminary,” he states. “It is also true that today’s world and Church are significantly different, as I am, than the world and Church of 1974.”

So much of what Fr. Tracey wrote is still relevant today.

In one instance, he states, “Because of the changes in the world and the Church, I see a dire need for priests, and I willingly respond to this need.”

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NEWS

VINCENTIANS OF THE EASTERN PROVINCE

In the January 1932 issue of The Miraculous Medal Magazine (precursor of The Message), Fr. Joseph A. Skelly, CM, founder of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (pictured), wrote an editorial connecting the Blessed Mother with the founding of the Vincentians (January 25).

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In relating the story of his conversion, Alphonse Ratisbonne said: “If anyone had told me: ‘Alphonse, in fifteen minutes you will be worshipping the God of the Christians—you’ll know with the certainty of faith that Jesus Christ is God,’ I would have looked upon it as absurd, as the height of folly.’ And yet his conversion was as sudden and complete as all that. A Miraculous Medal had been given him by a dear friend, and he had promised, most reluctantly, to say the Memorare every day. On January 20, 1848, while visiting in the Church of St. Andrew delle Fratte in Rome, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, and within fifteen minutes he was on his knees making an act of faith.

And then there is the famous sick call and sermon of St. Vincent de Paul. Imagine someone saying to the saint as he trudged along the road: ‘This visit will have far-reaching consequences. As a result of it, you will found a Community of priests which in years to come will be represented all over the world.’ The dying man made a general confession, revealing a life of hidden sin and misery. Shortly afterwards, at the insistence of Madame de Gondi, St. Vincent preached a sermon in the little church of Follville in France, urging all to make their peace with God. This was on the feast of the conversion of St. Paul, January 25, 1617, the date which the saint ever afterwards regarded as the birthday of our Community ... but the idea of forming the Congregation of the Mission, St. Vincent often said, ‘was farthest from his mind.’

VINCENTIANS OF THE EASTERN PROVINCE

2022 Founder,s Day Mass Celebration The Vincentians of the Eastern Province celebrated a Mass commemorating the 405th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) by St. Vincent de Paul on Tuesday, January 25, at the 12:05 p.m. Mass at The Miraculous Medal Shrine.

NEWS

To read Pronechen’s entire article, scan this QR code.

IRONIC HISTORY

In 1600, Vincent became a priest and spent his first years working with the wealthiest families in France. It wasn’t until he was called to hear the confession of a poor, dying man that his heart— and life—changed. As he grew in awareness of the magnitude of poverty in the land, he realized there were far more people than he alone could help. Soon, three other priests joined him; they devoted themselves to the salvation of the poor and began preaching throughout France. From this, the Congregation of the Mission was born in 1617.

The parallel to the events surrounding the apparition of Our Lady to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830 and current events are the focus of an article by Joseph Pronechen, staff writer for the National Catholic Register. In the article, Pronechen references the similarities between Our Lady’s apparition in the nineteenth century and today’s difficult times offering a common thread of hope.

Today, Vincentian Priests and Brothers follow St. Vincent de Paul’s example of holiness and continue to spread God’s message of hope to the poor by training priests and laity to serve and advocate for those living in poverty.

Pronechen interviewed Fr. Patrick Griffin, CM, of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province (pictured), who explains today’s pandemic and civil unrest in 1830-32.

HOLY HUMOR

“What is clear from the period in which the Miraculous Medal was given is that it was a time of political upheaval (1830) and cholera outbreak (1832),” Fr. Griffin explains. “In the current pandemic, one turns to the Blessed Mother and seeks her help to bring healing into people’s lives.”

by Fr. Al Pehrsson, CM, a resident of St. Catherine’s Infirmary, Phila., PA

Pronechen notes the power of the Medal referencing an article in The Miraculous Medal Message, “A Medal that Changed the World” (Fall 2020).

“Mary and her Miraculous Medal are just as important today as they were back in 1830,” affirms Promechen. “They’re the solution to all the difficulties we’re facing. Now more than ever, we need to know that our Mother is with us.”

To receive a copy of “A Medal that Changed the World,” email tshea@ cammonline.org. Include full name and address (limit 1 copy per household).

IN MEMORIUM

Fr. Edmund R. Gutowski, CM October 9, 2021 Fr. Michael J. Kennedy, CM November 2, 2021 Fr. Thomas R. Kennedy, CM December 12, 2021 Fr. Louis Trotta, CM December 19, 2021

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NEWS

MINISTRIES To learn more about the Hispanic and Latino ministry at the Shrine, scan QR code with smart phone.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration at the Shrine The celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s feast day took place at the Shrine on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 (the regularly scheduled monthly Spanish-language Mass and Novena at the Shrine). This year, devotees were happy to return as a community commemorating the appearance of Mary to the Mexican peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531. Those in attendance sang and processed to a shrine designated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This tradition is popular with the Shrine’s Spanish-language community as they celebrate their religious and cultural identity.

Before the evening Mass, elementary-aged children were invited to a prayerful and celebratory retreat in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe to develop their own personal and unique faith and devotion to Mary.

Activities, crafts, and music enhanced the experience retelling the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her love for her children.

For more information about the Hispanic and Latino ministry at the Shrine, email Gina Ingiosi at gingiosi@cammonline.org

Niagara University Reopens 134-year-old Chapel after Extensive Renovations Niagara University’s 134-year-old Alumni Chapel reopened on Palm Sunday, April 11, after undergoing extensive repairs and restoration during a three-month hiatus.

Throughout its history, Alumni Chapel has undergone several renovations and survived two devastating fires that consumed all but its exterior walls. With generous alumni support, the university plans further restoration work to include the reupholstering of pew cushions and 18 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

Photo courtesy of Niagara University

The worship site is the second-oldest building on campus and was last renovated in 1987, just before the 100th anniversary of its opening. The new improvements include plaster repair; repainting of the interior; refinishing of pews, floors, and other wood surfaces; cleaning the chapel’s shrines, stainedglass windows; and other artistic elements.

installation of a state-of-the-art lighting control system to complement new sound and video systems installed in 2019.

MINISTRIES

Young Adult Holy Hour

NEWS

Contact Carolina Nemo [csoares@cammonline.org] with questions or prayer intentions to be placed at the foot of Mary’s altar at the Shrine.

Photo by Alex Gross

Every month, the Beyond SundayTM program presents a Holy Hour to provide a communal onsite and virtual gathering to engage, inspire, and inform young adults in their faith. The program is offered the second Thursday of the month onsite. For those who are unable to attend in person, a recording of the Holy Hour is shown on the Shrine’s Facebook platform (@MiraculousMedalShrinePa).

The Vincentians of the Eastern Province lead the hourlong service, which includes readings, music, reflection, and adoration.

St. John’s University Nursing Program Approved

Establishing a nursing program is one step in a major and long-term investment in the health sciences at St. John’s. The university has commenced work on the construction of a new medical and educational Health Sciences Center at the Queens, New York, campus, which will support and house existing and forthcoming health sciences programs in one facility. The new 70,000-square-foot building will provide state-of-the-art technology, simulation labs, and flexible room layouts to allow for a multitude of teaching and learning styles.

Photo courtesy of St. John’s University

St. John’s University has received approval from the New York State Education Department to create and offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing program. Applications for admission are being accepted immediately and preparations are underway for the first cohort of students scheduled to begin classes in August.

The innovative nursing program is imbued with the perspectives of human dignity, freedom, justice, truth, and respect and provides evidence-based practice and theoretical and clinical course work essential to success in the field.

Nursing education is not new to St. John’s.

In 1937, a Department of Nursing was

formed at St. John’s within The School of Education. The department became a separate School of Nursing Education in 1942, helping to train nurses during World War II. In 1958, the school again became a department under The School of Education, before being discontinued in 1966.

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NEWS

MINISTRIES

St. John’s Awarded Funds for Clean Energy Projects With a longstanding commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while creating a sustainable and healthy campus environment, St. John’s University received $1,792,750 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support several projects focused on reducing energy use and carbon emissions over the next three years. The nearly $1.8 million NYSERDA award will be used to help fund two

specific decarbonization projects—chilled water generation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning; and domestic hot water generation—at the Queens, New York, campus.

Some boilers at the university’s Queens campus currently rely on fossil fuels to generate heat; with the funding, existing steam-fired domestic hot water (DHW) generators will be converted to electric

heat pump-based DHW generators in multiple buildings. Two existing absorption chiller plants will also be converted to work on eliminating natural gas use during the summer months on campus.

With many large energy users located in disadvantaged communities, projects that assist these companies to reduce emissions will improve local air quality and provide local environmental benefits.

Niagara University’s Youth Sports Grant

The award will be used to launch and sustain the Project Play Western New York Cornerstone Program, a coaches training program that uses in-person, online, and mobile Social Emotional Learning platforms to engage and educate coaches and youth sport leaders on the importance of emphasizing youth development alongside the athletic development of children. The training will be offered to more than 5,000 coaches of youth between 4 and 13 years old across all communities, sports, and abilities in Western New York (WNY).

As a first step, the university will work with partner organizations 20 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

to complete the development of a customized online learning platform and a free measurement-focused phone app to help expand the reach and effectiveness of SEL (Social Emotional Learning) training and messaging in WNY youth sports.

Youth sports participation should be a valuable part of a child’s athletic and emotional development.

BRIDGET NILAND, DEAN, NIAGARA UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY, SPORT, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Local organizations that have already stepped forward to participate in the Cornerstone Program include the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres, the Rich Family Foundation, the Susan Crown Exchange, the Buffalo Police Athletic League, the Buffalo-Niagara YMCA, the Diocese of Buffalo, the Gils Sports Foundation, Niagara Falls PAL, and WNY Amateur Football Alliance, among others.

The Cornerstone Program is intended to bring WNY kids and families back to sports by equipping youth sport organizations with concepts and tools to improve the coaches’ knowledge and by providing support to engage parents and make the youth sport experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Niagara University

Youth sport can play a pivotal role in the development of happier kids, healthier families, and stronger communities. But in Western New York, it is often difficult to attract and retain effective, dedicated coaches. A $569,100 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation will support Niagara University’s efforts to establish a qualified cadre of coaches to serve all youth populations throughout the region’s eight counties, with a special focus on marginalized communities historically not able to participate in youth sport programs.

MINISTRIES

NEWS

Students Create Marian Masterpieces Students from St. Patrick’s School in San Jose, California, took great pride in creating their teacher-led, step-by-step Marian masterpieces. While these young budding artists creatively crafted their renditions of Mary, a Vincentian Marian Youth representative (Ms. Mati) virtually told them the story of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima.

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NEWS

MINISTRIES

In September 2021, three Daughters of Charity (Srs. Consuelo, Migdalia, and Paula) and one Vincentian priest of the Eastern Province (Fr. Orlando Cardona) arrived in Ward, South Carolina, to begin a new mission for immigrants.

Saluda County, in which the town of Ward is located, is a sparsely populated area (44 people and 21 housing units per square mile), where farming is the main industry.

The only Catholic Church in the county is St. William’s, a small parish located on a plot of donated farmland. The original church was constructed in a cornfield,

but when Ridge Spring Highway was built about 100 years ago, Catholic families donated a portion of their farmland alongside the highway for a new church.

The pastoral presence of Fr. Cardona and the Daughters is a real treasure for The parish complex consists of an activities the congregation at St. William’s, who center, rectory, convent (currently under appreciate this wonderful new level of renovation), and several acres of land used attentiveness. for outdoor sports and games.

The dedication and passion of the Since their arrival, the Daughters of church community is overwhelming.

Charity and Fr. Cardona have established Parishioners include elderly Catholics, a pastoral outreach of faith, hope, and who are longtime residents and pillars of charity for immigrant farm workers in the community; Hispanic parishioners, the area. They conduct home and sick families, and workers; individuals and visits, pastoral counseling, house blessings, families who work mainly at the chicken

Down on the

FARM 22 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

funerals, organizational skills programs, and spiritual formation.

MINISTRIES farms and slaughterhouses and primarily live in nearby trailer parks; and contract workers and seasonal farmhands. With such diverse groups and cultures, the Daughters and Fr. Cardona appreciate the community’s willingness to serve in myriad capacities such as lectors, ushers, catechists, and Eucharistic ministers.

Recently, Fr. Stephen Grozio, CM, Provincial of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province, visited St. William’s and was overwhelmed by the close-knit community. During his visit, he had the opportunity to celebrate Mass at St. William’s.

“All of those attending were in their seventies or older and most sat in the back pews of the church,” recalls Fr. Grozio. “[The Daughters and Fr. Cardona] said that when they first arrived, [the elderly parishioners] seemed suspicious and expressed some concern about the growing Hispanic presence there. Apparently, that has been changing due to the work of the Daughters and [Fr. Cardona]. I found them to be very open to their Latino brothers and sisters—a hopeful sign for the future.”

NEWS

congregation to get involved, be bold, and join the Vincentian mission as it evolves.

“I am filled with hope and encouragement,” says Fr. Grozio. “Together, [the Daughters and Fr. Cardona] look ahead to the future and the impact their work is having— and has the potential to have—on those who are underserved and living in the periphery of national attention.”

Fr. Grozio is proud and impressed by the work the Daughters and Fr. Cardona have accomplished to encourage the

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FEATURE

OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDES

Our

Spiritual

Guides

When understanding angels, our Catholic faith guides us in our devotion to them.

We may never know how many times angels have delivered, protected, or instructed us, but many of us regularly turn to them in our hours of need or times of confusion and uncertainty.

Everywhere you look, images of angels surround us. Just walk into any retail shop or bookstore and evidence of their popularity lines the shelves. They’re featured in movies, popular television shows (think “Touched by An Angel”), and greeting cards.

Angels are inextricably linked to Catholicism, and the Scriptures relate more than 300 references to them. They serve as spiritual guides, who protect us, awaken our conscience, and lead us on our path to heaven as God’s messengers.

The most familiar angel is Gabriel, the messenger. In Luke’s first chapter, Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary and reveals God’s seemingly impossible plan to her. Mary summarizes her whole spirituality to Gabriel: “I am the servant of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.”

Michael is a popular figure in Christian tradition and appears in the Book of Daniel, the Book of Revelation, and the Letter of Jude as a protector and defender. In Rome, a statue of him stands atop Castel Sant’Angelo with a sword in his hand, dressed in a coat of arms.

Michael symbolizes God’s help in Christian combat, the battle that all of us wage in daily life.

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OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDES

Angel my Guardin dear,

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of God, SPRING 2022 | 25

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OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDES

to whom His love commits me here, Then, there is Raphael, whose name in Hebrew means “God heals.” In the Book of Tobit, he heals Tobiah, Sarah, Tobit, and Anna.

The list of angels goes on and on. There’s the choir of angels, who announce to the shepherds “tidings of great joy, which will be to all the people,” singing, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.” Luke also mentions a nameless angel, who comforts Jesus during the agony in the garden (22:43). In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, unnamed angels play a key role, appearing to Joseph on four occasions and instructing him to do God’s work.

Angels are found not just within Christianity, but also in Judaism, Islam, and other religions. They appear as messengers, companions, guides, singers of good news, and chanters of God’s praise in the heavenly court.

According to Fr. Robert Maloney, CM, a Vincentian priest of the Eastern Province, the basic message of angels is the same: “The Lord is with you. The Lord loves you, listens to you, speaks to you.

The Lord will even send angels into your life to strengthen you.

You are never alone. God exercises a personal providence in your life.” Angels speak not just a generic word of God; they speak a word of God to all.

ANGELS STILL AMONG US

Fr. Maloney frequently provides spiritual direction and administers advice on Catholic teachings. Recently, his niece sought his guidance after her daughter faced a near-death experience. She questioned him about the possibility of an angelic intervention: “Uncle Bob, we need your prayers. My daughter, Jacquelyn, and five of her friends were in a terrible accident. As they were crossing a bridge, the car behind them crashed into their car, bounced on top of it, smashed in the roof, flipped over, and plummeted into the river. Everyone in the first car crawled out

alive with only minor injuries, which seemed miraculous. But as they stared down into the water with horror, the other car sank to the bottom. Then, two heads popped out of the water and began screaming that Carter, the driver, had hit his head and was unconscious. His seatbelt was jammed, and they couldn’t get him out.

“Suddenly, someone appeared out of nowhere. He stepped onto the railing of the bridge and plunged into the river. When he surfaced, he yelled for a knife or scissors. A woman reached into her pocketbook, found scissors, and threw them to him. He grabbed the scissors as soon as they hit the water and disappeared below. Thirty seconds later he reappeared, dragging Carter lifeguard-style toward the shore.

“By that time, the police were already there. An ambulance soon arrived. People pulled Carter out of the water. Someone threw a blanket over him. Someone else began to breathe air into his mouth and pump his lungs. He started to breathe. When things settled down, they turned to talk to the rescuer. He had disappeared just as suddenly as he had appeared.”

Father’s niece concluded her e-mail with “Was that an angel?”

Soon after the rescue, Fr. Maloney’s niece wrote back joyfully declaring, “The angel has been sighted again.” Apparently, this anonymous angel appeared in the hospital two days after the accident to see how the young man he rescued was recuperating.

Turns out, this angel is the father of two and a former collegiate swimmer. He told the family that as soon as he stopped his car on the bridge, he was sure he could make the shallow dive into the river where the car was submerged. He claims that when he caught the scissors the woman threw to him, he felt a divine intervention.

While this “angel” turned out to be a Good Samaritan, this amazing story makes even the most skeptical think twice about the reality of real, yet miraculous, life-affirming angelic encounters that provide a message of hope to all.

ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.

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A men.

OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDES

FEATURE

LATIN HYMN

LOS ANGELES

Among Mary’s many titles, she has been called the Queen of the Angels. In the seventh century, St. John Damascene wrote: “Mary was made the Queen of all creatures, because she was made the Mother of the Creator.” In other words, not one angel could say to Jesus, “You are my Son.”

St. Mary of the Angels (Santa Maria degli Angeli) was a title that St. Francis of Assisi loved and is the name of the lower basilica in Assisi. Francis’s original church sits inside the large basilica. Centuries later, the Franciscan missionaries used this title to name the city of Los Angeles, whose full name is “The City of Our Lady Queen of the Angels and of the Portiuncula.”

The origin of the title, Queen of Angels, is derived from a twelfth century Latin hymn, “Ave Regina Coelorum, Ave Domina Angelorum,” which translates to: Hail, Queen of Heaven, hail Lady of the Angels.

Hail root and gate from which the Light of the World was born.

Rejoice glorious Virgin, fairest of all.

Fare thee well, most beautiful, and pray for us to Christ.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY In April 1918, Fr. Martin Blake, CM, the former director of the Seminarians and vice president of Niagara University, founded the “Novena of Our Lady of Angels” to help spread devotion to Mary and remind people of her powerful intercession. When the university needed funding to pay the mortgage and rebuild the chapel (which was destroyed by a fire), Fr. Blake wrote letters asking for contributions. In return for their assistance, Fr. Blake assured them of a Novena of Masses for their intentions. The first Novena Mass was offered on April 17, 1918. Almost 50 years later in 1967, the name Novena of Our Lady of Angels was officially changed to Our Lady of Angels Association. An outdoor shrine to Our Lady of Angels on the Niagara University campus was dedicated and blessed on August 26, 1999. The association still exists and continues to offer 12 Novenas throughout the year for the association members.

ANGELIC VOICES The Feast of the Assumption is closely aligned with another Marian festival in August, Our Lady of the Angels. The feast is celebrated on August 2 and originated with the Little Poor Man of Assisi’s founder, who held a special devotion to Mary under the title of Our Lady of Angels. According to legend, hermits from the valley of Josephat, who built a small chapel in the fourth century, brought relics from the grave of Our Lady and called their hermitage Saint Mary of the Angels in honor of the Assumption and the celestial choirs who accompanied Our Lady to heaven. Another legend preserved from St. Francis’s time is that angelic voices could be heard in the chapel singing hymns of praise to Mary while St. Francis knelt in prayer.

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OUR LADY OF CAMBRAI, FRANCE image courtesy of www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/

FEATURE OUR LADY OF GRACE

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OUR LADY OF GRACE If you’re reading this magazine, it’s probably fair to say that you are devoted to Mary and her Miraculous Medal. And you probably know that adoration to her under this title started in 1830 when she appeared to St. Catherine Labouré. But, did you know that the image of Our Lady on the front of the Medal is referred to as “Our Lady of Grace?” Or that it dates to the twelfth century?

Were you aware that there are three distinct images and one statue of Our Lady of Grace?

Images of Our Lady of Grace are located in Ipswich (England), Cambrai (France), Vienna (Austria) and, of course, on the Miraculous Medal. While the images are centuries old, this Marian title dates to Luke 1:28, where the Angel Gabriel addresses Mary as kecharitomene, which means, “She who has been, and continues to be, perfected in grace” i.e., “full of grace.”

Come on a journey that begins in twelfth-century England to discover “Our Lady of Grace.”

IPSWICH, ENGLAND

The earliest historic records mention a shrine to Our Lady of Grace in the seafaring town of Ipswich, England, in 1152. Nearly 150 years later, the daughter of King Edward I was either married at the shrine or visited it with her husband after their wedding. It wasn’t until the fourteenth century that a miraculous statue was discovered; shortly afterward, the shrine became so popular only Our Lady of Walsingham could claim more pilgrims. In 1516, St. Thomas More wrote about the miraculous healing of a 12-year-old girl in front of the statue, and between 1517 and 1522, King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon both visited the shrine (although separately). Sadly, along with the Reformation, King Henry VIII suppressed Catholic churches, shrines, and monasteries and ordered Our Lady of Grace, and everything in it, to be burned. There is evidence that Catholic sailors rescued the statue and brought it to Nettuno, Italy, where it still remains. In fact, St. Maria Goretti is believed to have frequently prayed in front of the Nostra Signora delle Grazie statue.

CAMBRAI, FRANCE

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to St. Catherine Labouré, this statue depicts Mary as she appeared in the second vision (November 1830), standing on a globe with her arms extended and hands pointing down to shower her children with grace.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Another icon of Our Lady of Grace (also known as “Our Lady of the Bowed Head”) is situated in the Carmelite Monastery in Vienna. This Marian image is reported to have been discovered by a Carmelite friar, Fr. Dominic of Jesus-Mary, in Rome. Some stories say he discovered it within a pile of garbage; others say he discovered it amongst the belongings of an old altar. In all accounts, the records indicate that after he cleaned the painting, brought it into the monastery, and prayed before it, Mary smiled, bowed her head, and spoke to him.

He asked her to deliver one of his benefactors from Purgatory, which she did—and later appeared to Fr. Dominic with the soul of the man who was now in heaven. She then told him that everyone who asks for her protection and honors this image will receive answers to their prayers, especially those offered for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and will also be granted many graces. The painting was later brought to the Carmelite monastery chapel in Vienna, where it is still venerated.

MIRACULOUS MEDAL

Of course, the Miraculous Medal that Mary commissioned St. Catherine Labouré to make also depicts Our Lady of Grace. In some ways, this image, the last chronological image, is a culmination of the others. Like all images of Our Lady of Grace, it’s a miraculous one that showers grace on those who love Mary and wear the Medal with confidence. Like the icons of Cambrai and Vienna, Mary’s head is bowed, depicting her humility. And, like the statues of Ipswich and Cambrai, Mary is shown having power and authority: The statue of Ipswich portrays Mary as a Queen, seated on a throne with her Divine Child on her lap. The statues of Cambrai and the Miraculous Medal portray Mary standing on a globe with her foot crushing a serpent and her hands stretching down to her earthly children. When Mary appeared to St. Catherine in November of 1830, not only were her arms outstretched, but there were also rayss of light streaming from her hands. Like what she said in Vienna, Mary told Catherine that the light symbolizes the graces she grants to people who ask for them, particularly when they “wear the Medal around their neck with confidence.”

In Cambrai, France, there is an icon of Our Lady of Grace (pictured opposite page) (Notre Dame de Grâce) that is not only considered miraculous, but also reportedly painted by St. Luke. Because of that, this icon is classified as a relic, and when it was brought from Rome in 1450, it was ceremoniously placed in the Cambrai Cathedral.

Three years later, a confraternity was created to care for it, which Most important, in all of the images of Our Lady of Grace, we was carried in a procession on the Feast of the Assumption. see our Mother, who continues to come to us, care for us, and Twenty-two years later, Bishop of Arras dedicated a statue of intercede on our behalf.

Our Lady of Grace. Almost 360 years before Our Lady appeared

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FEATURE

HEAVENLY VISIONS

Heavenly

Visions

APPARITION 1 30 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

HEAVENLY VISIONS

FEATURE

The amazement of St. Catherine Labouré’s visions are testaments to the marvel of Mary, not only leaving heaven to come to earth but leaving us a symbol of her love for us.

On the night of July 18, 1830, an angel awakened Sister Catherine Labouré, a Daughter of Charity, from her sleep. Glowing with light, he escorted her down the hallway to the chapel where the heavy door opened without his touching it. The chapel’s candles were lit as if for Midnight Mass something the sisters would have never done given their vows of poverty; lighting candles at 11:00 p.m. would have been an extravagance not practiced by the Daughters.

to Mary, Catherine is the only one known to have touched our Blessed Mother.

As Catherine was praying in the chapel in November of the same year, Mary appeared to her again.

This time, she stood atop a globe with her feet crushing a serpent.

She held another small globe that she lifted to heaven, and then told Catherine that the globe represented the entire world and every person in it.

APPARITION 2

The third apparition occurred that same evening when Mary opened her arms and put her hands out toward the globe at Catherine heard the rustle her feet. Rays of light shone of fabric, and then saw Our from the rings on her hand, and Lady the Mother of God, who she told Catherine that the rays suddenly, walked in. Not only did were symbols of the graces she she see her, but when Mary sat poured on those who ask for in the director’s chair, Catherine them. Framing the image were ran to her side, put her hands the words, “O Mary conceived on Mary’s lap, and looked into without sin, pray for us who have her eyes. They spoke just like a recourse to thee.” Then the image tender mother would speak with reversed, and Catherine saw stars her beloved child. As we can surrounding the letter “M” that imagine, those moments were had a cross intersecting it, as well the sweetest of Catherine’s life. as the Sacred and Immaculate In their conversation, Our Lady Hearts at the bottom. Our Lady told her to come to the foot of instructed Catherine to make the altar, where graces would be a medal based on what she had spread to everyone who asked seen. with confidence.

So, wear your Miraculous Can you imagine being in Medal with trust and love. And Catherine’s situation, talking to know that regardless of what is Mary face-to-face? While many occurring in the world, Mary visionaries have seen and spoken holds us in her hands.

These facts alone are enough to leave us wondering.

The apparition images pictured are located in the Lower Level of The Miraculous Medal Shrine. Visitors are welcome to view them and read the plaques that tell St. Catherine’s story.

APPARITION 3

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FEATURE

WINDOWS OF THE SOUL

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FEATURE

Stained glass is an art form and transmits light. The There’s a popular saying, “The eyes seams that hold the pieces that originated more than a thousand years ago, when together are incorporated are the windows of the soul.” books were rare, and most into the design to make them But sometimes, the windows are the eyes, people were uneducated. But, unnoticeable. what most people do not the “soul” of a building, the unspoken know is that they served a figures depicted in the craftsmanship of the artisans who created them. The dual purpose. While admired windows are graceful, and the for their beauty, stainedscenes are more natural than glass windows also helped Opalescent, Munich, and Gothic Revival. those portrayed in medieval graphically convey the stories of the church This is most notable given that most stained-glass windows. Upon closer and the faith to the illiterate masses. They churches and shrines only house one. observation, it becomes evident that some pointed to God, His love for us, and the of the saints are wearing clothing made divine promises that await those who Upon entering the Shrine, visitors notice using drapery glass—glass that, while persevere in their faith. the 10 windows in the main body of molten hot, is folded resemble draped the church. All of them are American material.

That’s what the designers of the stainedOpalescent stained glass, which was glass windows at The Miraculous Medal popularized by Tiffany Studios in their The saints in these stained-glass windows Shrine intended. What makes the Shrine’s windows and lamps at the turn of the are known for their significant assistance windows unique is that the artistic scenes twentieth century (the Shrine’s were made to seminarians: Sts. Agnes, Aloysius and symbolism encompass three distinct circa 1900). Opalescent glass is translucent Gonzaga, Catherine of Alexandria, Francis styles of stained-glass windows: American and has a milky opaqueness that reflects de Sales, James, John the Evangelist, SPRING 2022 | 33

Photos by Alex Gross

WINDOWS OF THE SOUL

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WINDOWS OF THE SOUL

When The Miraculous Medal Shrine was originally constructed in 1875-79, it was the Immaculate Conception chapel.

Dedicated to Mary, it was built not only for the Vincentian priests and seminarians, but for the public as well. Germantown was a neighborhood of working-class immigrants who gathered their resources and put a great deal of love, time, and money into this magnificent church.

Their devotion—and our Blessed Mother’s intercession—has reverberated from the heart of the Shrine to the entire world during these past 143 years. Its beauty has captivated the hearts and faith of visitors, who pray here regularly. However, our magnificent windows, which contain some of the finest stained glass throughout the world, have endured continual exposure to harsh winters and sweltering summers. They are in great need of restoration and repair.

Join those earlier generations, who built this Shrine, to become part of its renovation.

With your help, we can preserve the “eyes” of Mary’s Shrine.

Contact Megan Brogan at 215.848.1010, ext.

238 or mbrogan@ cammonline.org to help restore the Shrine’s exquisite stained-glass windows.

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Patrick, and Thomas Aquinas.

On the left-hand side of the sanctuary is the Holy Agony Shrine, which houses the Sacred Heart windows. These are the oldest in the church, dating back to approximately 1890. They are made in the Munich style of stained glass, originated by F.X. Zettler and Franz Mayer.

This style combined traditional elements of medieval stained glass with Renaissance artistic techniques (for example, objects that are closest to the viewer are larger than those farther away, and the colors of objects in the foreground are more intense than those in the distance).

Zettler was the first to meld three-point perspective in stained-glass, which adds depth to his scenes. Using larger pieces of glass enabled Zettler’s artists to achieve these techniques masterfully, and our Sacred Heart window exemplifies this. Jesus appears to be stepping toward us with His left hand extending beyond the window. (See the story of the Holy Agony window repairs on the opposite page.)

Across from the Sacred Heart windows are seven Gothic Revival windows made circa 1920. These windows portray 14 scenes from Mary’s life: the Presentation of Mary; the Betrothal of Mary and Joseph; the Incarnation; the Visitation; the Birth of Jesus; the Presentation in the Temple; the Flight into Egypt; Finding Jesus in the Temple; the Holy Family; the Wedding Feast at Cana; Mary on the road to Calvary; the Crucifixion; Pentecost; and the Assumption. These visual stories are arranged with smaller pieces of brilliant, jewel-toned glass in a variety of blues and reds. This creates a panoply of color and pattern not only in the windows, but in the light that streams through them.

Our shrine also contains two Rose Windows, both of which are modeled after the famous Rose Window in the Chartres Cathedral in France. They, too, are the Gothic Revival style

and contain the strong blue coloring known as Bernardini blue. Mary is at the center of both windows, looking up toward God with her hands in prayer.

The small Rose Window above Mary’s Shrine portrays eight saints devoted to Mary, “whom God has given us through the centuries to make His mother better loved and served.” The number eight is symbolic of the Resurrection (Jesus rose on the eighth day) and the joy of the blessed (Jesus gave us eight beatitudes, each of which begin with the word “blessed”). The saints depicted are: Bernard of Clairvaux, Dominic, Simon Stock, Bernadette of Lourdes, Thérèse of Lisieux, Alphonsus Liguori, Louis de Montfort, and Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

The large Rose Window (circa 1927) is located above the choir loft. Its eight smaller panels show Adam and Eve expelled from Eden; the Incarnation; the Visitation; the Birth of Jesus; the Presentation; the Miracle at Cana; the Crucifixion; and the Crowning of Mary.

In the dome above the sanctuary, seven small, medallion windows represent the Christian virtues of faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. The number seven represents the seven sacraments and symbolizes perfection (on the seventh day God rested and blessed His work [Gen 2:2].

These windows are also the Munich style.

For 146 years, the Sacred Heart window, the oldest in the Shrine, has hung in in the Holy Agony Shrine. Over time, moisture has damaged this exquisite work of religious art. In 2021, the window underwent an extensive restoration process and this past March, it was re-installed to its original spot in the Shrine.

(See progression photos below.)

WINDOWS OF THE SOUL

FEATURE

ESR ED TOR

Installment photos by Michael Davis

This moving image, which has inspired generations of devoted Catholics to reflect on the sorrowful mysteries, will once again inspire others as it relates the Passion of Our Lord.

SPRING 2022 | 35

FEATURE

MAKE YOUR OWN ROSARY

How to...

MAKE YOUR OWN ROSARY Did you know that the Rosary is one of the most popular prayers within the Catholic Church?

Follow our easy, step-bystep guide to make your own Rosary through the art of knot-making.

MATERIALS: 19 - 21 feet of #36 twine Miraculous Medal Scissors (not included in the Shrine Gift Shop kit) Lighter (not included in the Shrine Gift Shop kit) Materials for this twine rosary are available in our Gift Shop for $7.00.

To purchase, visit giftshop.

MiraculousMedal. org/rosary-makingkit/ Scan this QR code on your smart phone to purchase.

Watch video instructions at MiraculousMedal. org/rosary-video

1 36 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

1

To begin, locate the middle of the string. This will be the middle of your Rosary’s third decade.

2

Once we have found the center of the twine string, fold the twine over your index finger (see picture). One end is touching the bottom left part of your finger’s line and the other end is touching the upper right corner of your finger. Make sure that the string is slanted from the lower left to the upper right.

3

Next, loosely loop the twine around your index finger (see picture). Make sure you are looping it behind not in front of your finger.

4

Notice the overlap here.

Make sure they intersect so that it is sturdy.

2

5

Lightly loop the twine around your finger two more times leaving three loops. Once the three loops intersect the bottom loop, you are ready for your next step.

6

Place your left-hand thumb above the lines where they intersect. Use that thumb to ensure that the loops don’t overlap one another. Keep the loops parallel.

7

Gently move the loops to the end of your finger (see picture).

8

Insert the twine through the loops you created (insert from behind your finger, not from the front). Pull the twine through from behind your finger.

3

9

Pull twine string through.

Remember to keep your thumb pressed where the twine loops intersect.

10

Carefully pull the twine string from both ends while tightening the knot.

Make sure to use both hands to guide the knot as you tighten it.

11

Once completed, pull the knot tighter to ensure that it’s in place. The knot should look like a tiny barrel.

12

Add space for the next “Hail Mary” bead. Place the first bead on the crease of your pointer finger and follow the same method of placing the other end of the string on the upper right part of your finger.

4

MAKE YOUR OWN ROSARY

5

13

Again, loosely loop the twine around your index finger (see picture), then repeat steps 2 through 11.

14

Finish the second bead making sure there is space between the two beads.

15

Make four more knots to complete the first half of the third decade.

16

Since beginning at the very middle of the third decade, the “Our Father” knot is next. This knot is just like the “Hail Mary” knot, but instead of three loops we will make five loops. Note that the spacing between the "Our Father" bead and the “Hail Mary” bead should be about an inch and a half space from the “Hail Mary” bead.

17

Just like the “Hail Mary” bead, loosely loop the twine around your index finger. Make sure to loop the twine toward the back of your finger and not in front.

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FEATURE

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

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18

Next, lightly loop the twine around your finger four more times. There will be five loops total when completed. Be careful to place your left-hand thumb above the intersecting loops, so that they don’t overlap one another.

19

Gently move the loops to the end of your finger and insert the end of the twine through the loop. Remember to pull the twine string through from behind.

20

Once the end comes through, pull out the twine while keeping your thumb on where they intersect. Carefully pull the string while closing the knot using both hands to guide the knot. Once the knot is made, pull it tighter to ensure that it’s in place. It should look like a barrel when completed.

You have just completed the first “Our Father” bead.

18

SPRING 2022 | 37

FEATURE

MAKE YOUR OWN ROSARY

21

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24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31A

31B

32

33

34A

34B

34C

35A

35B

36

38 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

MAKE YOUR OWN ROSARY

37A

21

Make the next 10 “Hail Mary” beads followed by an “Our Father,” and then another 10 “Hail Mary” beads. This will complete the fourth and fifth mysteries with 1 “Our Father” bead in between.

37C

37B

shape. Make sure that they intersect as shown. Repeat this to make two.

27

Notice there are 4 strands all together. Next, place your left-hand thumb over where they intersect as shown.

22

28

23

29

To work on the other side of the Rosary begin by flipping the Rosary over and making 5 additional “Hail Mary” beads to complete the third decade (the one you began with).

Once the five “Hail Mary” beads are completed, make 1 “Our Father” bead followed by the second and first decades of the Rosary (with an “Our Father” in between them) just like what was done for the fourth and fifth decades.

24

To finish the Rosary, you will need a lighter and a pair of scissors, as well as a Miraculous Medal (optional). Begin by making the “centerpiece” knot of the Rosary.

Align the first decade “Hail Mary” knot with the fifth decade “Hail Mary” knot.

Then, hold the “Hail Mary” knots in your left hand and fold both strings over your index finger, just like the “Hail Mary” knot and the “Our Father” knot.

25

Loop through the Miraculous Medal of the bottom twine as shown (if including Medal).

26

Loosely loop both strands of twine around your index finger (just like before) and make an “x”

FEATURE

Slowly pull the loops away from your fingers. The loops must line up and not overlap each other.

Your finished knot should look as shown. See how smooth it

is?

30

Now, complete the rest of the Rosary by taking the shorter string of the two then snip one end off with the scissors.

31

A Next, take the lighter and light the end.

31

B Once the twine is slightly melted, lean your lighter against the end as it begins to harden.

32

Making the beginning section of the Rosary requires 1 “Our Father” bead, 3 “Hail Mary” beads, and another “Our Father” bead.

the second “Our Father” bead, make another one next to it (both beads will form the bottom part of the Cross). Make sure to tighten them together.

34

A, B, C Using your scissors, snip off the end of the knot and burn it like you did in 31A and 31B. The leftover will melt into the rest of the knot. Press the melted area to your lighter as it cools down.

35

A, B Next, make the arms of the Cross by using the twine string you snipped off. Place that twine string between the top and bottom part of the Cross (that open space between the two “Our Father” beads). Tie a knot.

36

For the arms of the Cross, make 1 “Our Father” knot on each side.

37

A, B, C Once the arms of the cross are done, snip off the excess ends and burn them with the lighter, so that they melt toward the knot as shown.

33

The only remaining part is the Cross. Begin by making an “Our Father” bead (the top part of the Cross). Leave a little space in between before making another “Our Father” bead. After completing

SPRING 2022 | 39

SUPER MAHER BROTHERS

SUPER MAHER BROTHERS 40 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

Pictured is Fr. John Maher, CM, in the Provincial House courtyard.

Photo by Alex Gross

PROFILE

SUPER MAHER MOTHER BROTHERS TERESA

PROFILE

Opposite page top (left): The Maher family attending Fr. John’s first Mass reception on May 31, 1981.

Opposite page top (right): The fathers’ parents, Mary O’Connor Maher and John Maher, visiting Fr. John at Mary Immaculate Seminary during his first year of Theology in September 1977.

This page top (right): Fr. Jim’s first Mass in May 1990. Maher siblings (Mary Beth, Anne, and Kathy), brother-in-law Bob, and Aunt Peg pose in front of the then-chapel at St. John’s University.

This page (bottom): Fr. Jim Maher at Niagara University.

John Maher, the oldest of five children, entered the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) after graduating from Niagara University in 1976. Jim Maher, the second youngest child of the family, joined the Vincentian Service Corps after graduating St. John’s University; he joined the Vincentians one year later.

It was the congeniality, spirituality, and dedication of the Vincentian teachers, leaders, and administrators that attracted

the Maher brothers to the Vincentian way of life.

Education and formation were key to the Maher brothers’ mission, having both served in various pastoral and administrative ministries before landing where they are today.

As priests with the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, the Maher brothers’ assignments helped them to grow in trust of God, ministering to those they were destined to serve.

Fr. John Maher, CM, currently serves as the Superior of the Vincentian Provincial

House, the largest in the Eastern Province.

Fr. Jim Maher, CM, serves as the president of Niagara University, a college dedicated to Vincentian education.

Fr. John sums up his hopes for the future with a quote from Journal of a Soul, the Diary of Pope St. John XXIII: “Lord, let my life be such that all will say: If this is God’s servant, how good must the Master be.”

The Maher brothers continue their Vincentian mission, hoping that “all will be grasped by Christ’s love, and that we will let the Lord lead us where we are needed”—just as He did for them in the Congregation of the Mission.

Photos courtesy of the Maher brothers and Niagara University

Born nearly a decade apart, the Maher brothers’ lives seem to have been guided by the Holy Spirit and the charism of St. Vincent de Paul from a young age.

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PROFILE

FR. STEPHEN P. DELACY

I am so enthusiastic to give credit to the Blessed Mother for my vocation...She entered in a miraculous way and turned things around for me.

FR. STEPHEN P. DeLACY

42 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

FR. STEPHEN P. DELACY Fr. Stephen P. DeLacy, a priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, knows firsthand about the blessings bestowed

by Our Lady, who showers favors on the faithful through the Miraculous Medal Novena. By reciting this powerful prayer, Fr. DeLacy attributes Mary’s intervention to not only helping his mother endure a dire situation but also fulfilling his priestly vocation.

“I am so enthusiastic to give credit to the Blessed Mother for my vocation,” says Fr. DeLacy. “There are times when my vocation was truly in jeopardy, where she entered in a miraculous way and turned things around for me.”

Fr. DeLacy has joyfully served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for more than 17 years and was recently appointed the new role of vicar of faith formation with youth and young adults under Archbishop Nelson Pérez. Many parishes and communities have come to know him through his love for the Church, enthusiasm for his faith, and ardent devotion to the Blessed Mother.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from West Chester University and working for a year, Fr. DeLacy responded to God’s call to enter St. Charles Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Though he experienced many natural fears and anxieties, he felt “God’s gift of peace” and knew he had found his calling.

“Deep down, that interior peace was God’s way of confirming that this was the right step. As I’m following His Will, He is going to take care of me,” he says.

The decision to pursue his priestly vocation was soon tested after his father passed away. Responsibilities quickly intensified, including the financial and emotional well-being of his widowed mother. However, he entrusted these struggles to the care of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

“From the time my father passed away, I prayed the Miraculous Medal Novena at the former (Vincentian) Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pennsylvania,” he recalls. “I was offering it up for the well-being and care of my mother—for her emotional support and financial stability. At that point, she was struggling from losing my dad and my entering the Seminary.”

Unfortunately, Fr. DeLacy’s mother soon developed a heart condition and incurred huge medical expenses, which resulted in increased health insurance costs. While working on her budget, Fr. DeLacy discovered that his mother’s savings account would be depleted within six months.

It was at that very moment that Fr. DeLacy faced a hard reality: “If this doesn’t work out in three months, I must leave the Seminary and get a job to make sure that my mom is taken care of.”

To his surprise (and within that threemonth window), Fr. DeLacy’s mother received a mysterious letter regarding her husband’s death benefits.

“I joyfully discovered that my mom was guaranteed health insurance for $20 a month, and that we were in error

PROFILE

for subscribing to this other health insurance. The happy result was that my mom was firmly established to have this health insurance until she turned 65,” he gleefully shares. “So, literally, overnight, she went from being on the verge of total bankruptcy to financial stability.”

While speaking to the health insurance representative, he learned that a computer glitch caused the company’s system to send hundreds of similar statements to people, which were never meant to be sent.

“Well, as soon as they said that to me, I knew exactly what happened,” Fr. DeLacy believes. “Somehow the Blessed Mother got in there, hit the right button, and made the statement go out. This really turned my mom’s situation around in a tremendous way.”

Knowing that his mother would be reassured, Fr. DeLacy continued his studies at St. Charles Seminary and became a priest.

To this day, Fr. DeLacy is grateful for the blessings he and his mother have received from praying the Miraculous Medal Novena. This powerful prayer led him through his hardships and allowed him to place His trust in God under the care and protection of our Blessed Mother.

“This was really an act of God’s providential care that, as concerned as I was for my mom as well as my own personal vocation, God was infinitely more concerned for my mother and my vocation,” admits Fr. DeLacy. “One of the fruits for me, from personally engaging with the Miraculous Medal Novena, is to trust in God’s providence in a more intentional way. When we do, there is a freedom from fear and anxiety.”

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PROFILE

MARGARET GARDNER

TELL US YOUR STORY. How has Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal been a part of your life? Share your story with us and help spread devotion to our Blessed Mother.

Email tshea@cammonline.org 44 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

MARGARET GARDNER

An Unexpected Letter It was most unusual.

Margaret Gardner (pictured) came home from school and found an envelope from a priest addressed to her. As an eighth grader, she rarely received letters from anyone, much less from “a man of the cloth.”

No one could figure out how the priest, Fr. Joseph A. Skelly, CM, got her name and address. Fr. Skelly wrote Margaret telling her about the Miraculous Medal story and invited her to become a “promoter.”

Margaret was intrigued and read on to discover what it meant to be a promoter with The Miraculous Medal Shrine.

To become a promoter, Margaret would have to enroll eight people as members of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, so she immediately enrolled her grandparents, parents, and brothers. As a promoter, she received a Miraculous Medal, membership card, and Miraculous Medal pamphlet to distribute to the people she enrolled. And, to her delight, she received a special Miraculous Medal with the word “promoter” on it. It’s one of her most cherished possessions.

PROFILE

For many people, the story would end there. But for Margaret, this was just the beginning. She continued to save her money and with the help of her parents, enrolled more relatives and friends. She continues enrolling people every year since.

“I have also watched loved ones suffer and die, and feel sorrow and grief.

Once she married and had children, she enrolled her family. As a teacher, she included many of her students. As she developed new friendships or heard of the plight of coworkers, she added them to the list. And her enthusiasm was contagious.

Three of her friends became promoters. To date, Margaret has enrolled more than 100 people.

Margaret still wears the original promoter medal she received from Fr. Skelly in 1961. As she beautifully stated, it’s been a constant in her life from her youth.

Through her years of devotion to Mary, through her miracles and sorrow, through her dedication to spreading the Miraculous Medal, Margaret has seen that Mary has been devoted to her, too.

“And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal has gotten me through the thousands of life experiences in between. I have learned peace and acceptance.”

Margaret has received tremendous blessings during her 60 years as a promoter. She writes: “The Miraculous Medal and the Novena prayers have been my companion on my life’s journey. From praying for a good husband, then children, then grandchildren, I have prayed the Novena and rejoiced in the miracles.

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HISTORY

TOP HAT

Worn by Catholic clergy, the biretta has traditionally been a symbolic part of clerical attire. Making the square-shaped hat was a unique responsibility of the Vincentians.

Pictured bottom: Frs. Thomas Carter (ordained in 1916, he was the eldest of 5 brothers, all priests), R. Shickling (ordained in 1911 ministered in Panama 1916-1918), and James O’Reilly (born in Longford, Ireland, and ordained in 1908) 46 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

TOP HAT

HISTORY

Pictured top (left to right): Seminarians from circa 1898.

Students and novices of 1908 at St. Vincent's Seminary in Philadelphia Pictured this page (top): Katrina, a one-time house dog, borrows a cap.

Pictured this page (bottom): Fr. Charles V. Docherty, CM

The origin of birettas dates to the tenth century, when they were used as an ecclesiastical version of the academic mortarboard cap. The word biretta is Italian in origin. While most popular with Catholic clergy, they are also worn by Anglican and Lutheran clergy.

The biretta’s color signifies the rank of the bearer: red (scarlet) for cardinals; violet (purple, amaranth) for bishops; and black for clergy and seminarians.

A cardinal’s biretta does not include a pom.

Historically, the Vincentians of the Eastern Province wore birettas as a part of their clerical attire. What made the Vincentian biretta unique was that each seminarian or priest was expected to make his own cap.

“In my day, [the seminarians] were required to make our own birettas in the novitiate,” explains Fr. John Freund, CM. Not only that, he recalls having to assemble birettas for the incoming class.

The biretta consists of three blades, the middle blade situated on the right.

The biretta’s “skeleton” is made of cardboard to stiffen the cap, which is covered with fabric and topped off with a large pom. Constructing these head pieces requires more than a crafty hand; it is the product of a mathematical mind.

While not regularly worn today, the biretta still holds a place in Vincentian history. The craftsmanship and reverence these hats represent will always remain a part of the priests’ culture.

The Ducournau Archives of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province houses a cardboard pattern with hand-written instructions penned by a former seminarian. The directions are very precise and formulaic requiring the constructor to use equations when crafting as noted in the following directions: 1. Divide the cardboard into 5 nearly equal pieces.

2. Divide the cloth and lining into 5 nearly equal pieces.

3. Multiply size of hat by 22/7.

4. Divide result by 4 to obtain length of one piece.

5. Divide that result by 2 to obtain height for one side.

6. Add 3/8 of an inch to end side at the top of the side.

7. From the middle point on that top line draw a per se discular equal to half the length of entire top line. This results in a flat hat. For a pointed hat make

Photos courtesy of Ducournau Archives

The biretta, a square, asymmetrical cap with three or four peaks surmounted by a pom, has been donned by clerics of all grades from cardinals to priests (oddly, popes do not wear birettas). While the biretta’s design and colors have evolved through history, its significance is one of tradition and devotion denoting an element of spiritual humility.

perpendicular a little longer.

8. Folding style: Cut 1/16 of inch from the top end of 1/8 form side point, also 1/8 from side of hat hooks in front.

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Send your Miraculous Medal story by email (communications@cammonline.org), via a comment on Facebook (facebook.com/miraculousmedalshrinepa), or mail to CAMM, 475 East Chelten Ave., Phila., PA 19144.

HEARTFELT THANKS I regularly pray the Miraculous Medal Novena and regularly receive favors and protection from our Blessed Lady.

Recently, I made what seemed an almost impossible request. My grandson was scheduled to graduate from the eighth grade of a parochial school. He was given a small detention punishment for an inadvertent reaction to a difficult situation and his father protested the punishment (small) as unjust. Unfortunately, the father is a determined and sometimes obstinate person. He continued strongly protesting and said he would not allow his son to serve the detention at the appointed time. The school administration said my grandson could not participate in school activities until the detention was served – a heartbreaking outlook for my grandson and his mother (my daughter) for his final weeks of school and the expected graduation. I prayed fervently to God and His Holy Mother, as did my daughter. Just before Easter, the father suddenly relented and stopped his protest.

The detention time was served and my grandson participated in his normal extracurricular activities and graduated! I offer heartfelt thanks to Mary, Our Mother.

– CALIFORNIA LIVING, BREATHING MIRACLE My daughter had a sudden cardiac arrest on her 29th birthday, August 1, 2015. She was with her husband and children at a lake 30 miles away from a hospital.

She had no symptoms and literally just dropped dead.

let them know what happened.

my prayers were even heard. Well, she never did pass the test. She applied for The drive to the hospital seemed surreal. another job with the same type of work, I remember praying to Mother Mary with little or no overtime, no weekends, and asking her to please hold my baby better pay and a much less stressful girl close and stay with her. I didn’t environment. My prayers were not realize I was praying out loud in the car, answered the way I thought they would be but my husband said I was praying the (thank God) but they were answered much “Hail Mary” over and over during that better than I could have even imagined.

40-minute drive to the hospital.

Also, I was on my way to a funeral when I When we got there, they wouldn’t let us see fell down the basement steps, crashed into our daughter because they were still trying a wall, and bounced off the wall into my husband’s arms. Had he not been there, I to resuscitate her. They did CPR for 40 would have landed on the concrete floor. minutes. She was on a ventilator for two It was a miracle I was not more seriously days. On the third day, she was breathing injured. As I sit here writing with my arm on her own and was well enough to have in a sling and a broken collar bone, I am a defibrillator implant done! Her doctor very thankful to Our Lady for her care and told us that she is a living miracle because protection. As always, I was wearing the only eight percent of the people who have Miraculous Medal. – PENNSYLVANIA sudden cardiac arrest live through it!

The doctor also told us that he has never seen or heard of anyone who had CPR for over 15 minutes who did not have severe brain damage! My daughter has no brain damage whatsoever and no other lasting problems.

My baby girl is a living breathing miracle, and I thank Our Blessed Mother Mary and Our Heavenly Father. – Katrina from OKLAHOMA WITH OUR LADY’S CARE AND PROTECTION

I have always looked forward to receiving The Miraculous Medal magazine. In particular, I look forward to reading the “Rays.” My mother has been a Promoter and I too am a Promoter. I have grown up with the Miraculous Medal. I would like Her husband didn’t know CPR except for a to share the following. When my daughter short class he had taken over 25 years ago. graduated college, she was blessed to find He started chest compressions and her a good job immediately upon graduation. kids started yelling for help. A registered Along with that job came long hours and nurse happened to be at a campsite close unbelievable stress. There were eight by and saw what was happening. She and tests she was obligated to pass for her her friend came over and took over doing profession, which again caused stress as CPR. My granddaughter called me in a she had no study time due to work. She panic, screaming and crying, trying to tell passed the first two but could not pass me what was going on. I got her calmed the third one. It seemed as if the more I down enough to say a “Hail Mary, “and she prayed the worse she did. I began to doubt proceeded to call the other grandparents to 48 | MIRACULOUS MEDAL MESSAGE

GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL After reading the thank-you letters for favors received, I knew it was time for me to say my “thank-you” to the Blessed Mother for a favor received a long, long time ago. I was keeping company with a young man (whom my father knew and also the family). He was unemployed and couldn’t find a job after trying everywhere.

My father gave us an ultimatum, either my friend find a job or stop seeing me. There was a church in our neighborhood that had the Novena to the Immaculate Conception every Monday night. We decided to attend. After a few weeks, my friend found a job. He couldn’t continue the Novena, so I went for both of us. A year later, we were married. My father passed away before our wedding. We were happily married for 58 years when my husband passed away.

We have a beautiful and wonderful family.

My husband was never out of work and we were both grateful and thankful to our Blessed Mother for helping us. To this day, I always turn to her for help. Thank you, Blessed Mother. – NEW YORK GUARDIAN ANGEL After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I had to have a CT scan. The technician performing the scan told me to the take off

FAVORS RECEIVED

the angel pin I had on my sweater. I told her I also had medals pinned to my bra.

She said to take them off also. I took them off and put them and the angel pin on top of my jacket. The scan was performed and as I was leaving the hospital, I put the pin and medals in my jacket pocket. At home when I reached in my jacket pocket to get the medals and pin, the only thing in the pocket was the angel pin. I had not taken off any clothing for the scan so I thought I must have dropped the medals at the hospital. I was going to call Lost and Found at the hospital the next day. As I was getting ready for bed the same night, I found the Miraculous Medal laying face down on the incision where the tumor had been previously removed. I have no explanation for this. I related the story to my pastor, and he said it was remarkable. I think Our Lady is taking care of me. I pray to her every day. – PENNSYLVANIA MIRACLES DO HAPPEN It was New Year’s Eve 2002 and we suddenly received a call from the wife of one of one of my closest friends. She was crying. Her husband, Don, had been rushed to Florida Hospital and was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. He was only 39 years of age.

afternoon, I called my wife to tell her I was really tired and not to work too late.

By the time my wife arrived home, I had cooked some spaghetti and was very tired.

I had told my wife I did not feel very good and was going to lie down for a while.

During the next two hours, I spent my time between the bed and the bathroom.

My wife thought I was experiencing the stomach flu (our oldest daughter had just recently been afflicted with it). At one point my wife made tea and dry toast to help settle my stomach. When she arrived with the tea and toast, she found me on the floor of our bathroom, aspirating and in seizure.

RAYS

had been slightly frayed, and it was pinned back on my pillow. This Miraculous Medal had made its rounds through the hospital twice and was returned to its owner twice.

What is even more astounding is that this Miraculous Medal was given to my wife by her grandmother.

No one ever dreamed that I would someday walk out of that hospital (except me and you-know-who). I spent the next two months in the hospital, followed by another five months of rehabilitation therapies. Don and I both fully recovered.

We also visit the hospital around the New Year holiday, each and every year, to give thanks to where Divine Intervention continues to occur.

Immediately, my wife called her parents and 911. In the ER, I was diagnosed “brain I have learned much throughout dead” as a result of a hemorrhage in the right ventricle and was on full life support. my life; however, my learning curve was significantly steeper during and I was rushed to surgery. Avery small hole immediately after my coma. During this was drilled in my cranium to relive the period, I became acutely aware of many pressure. The surgical staff said they had insights, including the following: when you never seen so much blood come out of are close to God, it is significantly peaceful someone’s head. After surgery, I was in and beautiful, and allow the Sacraments a natural coma and placed in the room and our Sacramentals (i.e. The Miraculous immediately adjacent to Don’s room. I was Medal) to assist you as you age through administered Last Rites. this beautiful life. – FLORIDA

So there I was in the room next to one of my best and longtime friends. We were He was scheduled for emergency surgery both comatose. Don’s wife, understanding on New Year’s Day. Don was built like a the seriousness of my situation, returned gladiator and was in great shape; I was the Miraculous Medal back to my wife, speechless. I said a prayer. My wife gave who pinned it to my pillowcase with me her scapular and her Miraculous Medal a blue ribbon. No scapular or medals to take to Don. I proceeded to Florida were allowed around my neck. She Hospital. The nurses allowed me to see fixed it with a brilliant blue ribbon so it Don. I prayed and left the scapular and would be visible to all who came into the Miraculous Medal with him (I had never room. She asked the nurses not to allow prayed so deeply). He underwent surgery the pillowcase to be laundered without and was induced into a coma to enhance first removing the medal. A few days the probability of recovering. later, she came into my room and the Miraculous Medal was gone. No one knew Less than one week later (January 6, 2003), its whereabouts. The staff had changed I ended up in the room next to Don. The the linens and the pillowcase, and the majority of the details that follow are Miraculous Medal was now in the laundry not of my memory, but of my wife and of a very large hospital. The nurses family’s remembrance. I spent the day at immediately called the laundry room to be Daytona State College. I had taken our on the lookout for it. Within a few hours, middle daughter along for the day. As the medal had been found. The ribbon I was driving home from Daytona that

STUTTERING CURED BY PRAYER I began stuttering at the tender age of seven. It happened shortly after I was embarrassed by one of my teachers in front of my second grade homeroom class. I endured obvious humiliation whenever I had to read reports, memorize and recite prayers in preparing for my First Holy Communion, answer the telephone at home, and talk to friends and neighbors. I encountered our school nurse who repeatedly asked me “What do you think brought your speech impediment to surface all of the sudden.

Has someone hurt you?” I didn’t dare tell her that it started when one of my teachers embarrassed me for fear the situation would just get worse, and my stuttering would ultimately lead to not being able to speak at all.

I was raised in a very religious family SPRING 2022 | 49

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environment, and I was taught to pray daily to the Blessed Mother and Jesus, not only when in need but also in thanksgiving. I began praying more frequently during the summer before I began third grade. We lived close to the Catholic Church my family attended. I would hastily eat my lunch and visit church to pray before my afternoon classes began.

Besides attending Sunday Mass, I would also stop at the church sometimes after school and always on the weekend. I would recite the Miraculous Medal Novena and pray the Rosary each and every day on my knees in front of the Blessed Mother statue. I would ask the Blessed Mother to intervene on my behalf so that I would be able to speak without stuttering.

A few years went by and I continued to struggle with my stutter, while attaining all As and Bs in my course study, which was no small feat. In my eighth grade year, our Pastor, whom I became friendly with, was telling me the office clerk (who was a young lady of high school age) was going off to college, and he needed to find someone to replace her. My father passed away from a cardiac arrest as he sat beside me on my graduation day from eighth grade. The grief of losing my dad added new stress, and my inability to speak without stuttering was almost unbearable.

I wanted to be put on the list of candidates for the Rectory job for our Pastor, but I knew unless I could speak clearly that it would not come to be. So, I prayed all the more frequently. One month later, I was placing flowers at the outside grotto to our Blessed Mother and our school principal saw me and came over. She and I knelt and prayed together, and she told me how she so appreciated how I tended the grotto and the altar at church. She was

also pleased I such a profound connection to the Blessed Mother and Jesus. As we were speaking in front of the grotto, I noticed from a short distance our Pastor coming over to us. He greeted each of us and I spoke clearly without stuttering as if I never had a speech impediment. A miracle had happened. I began crying once I realized I was speaking without stuttering and our principal hugged me. Our Pastor asked me if I would be interested in filling the office position in our Rectory. I gladly accepted and gave the $25 per week that I received to my mother, since we had just lost my father and knew the money would help out.

I never stopped praying to our Blessed Mother nor stopped being grateful for the miracle given to me. May God bless each one of you. – PENNSYLVANIA FOREVER GRATEFUL As the holidays soon approach, I am reminded of New Year’s Day, January 1, 2007. My husband and I had gone to early Mass and then headed for the CVS drug store nearby to pick up a few bargains.

As we came into the store, a masked man stood near the front door with a gun pointing at us. He ordered my husband and me to lie down on the floor face down. Unawares, we had walked in on a robbery in progress. Fearing for the worst, I grabbed my Miraculous Medal, which I always wear around my neck and held on to it. I immediately asked Jesus and His Blessed Mother to please help us, thinking that this might be my last day on earth.

After a while, I boldly asked one of the robbers behind the counter holding a gun to the cashier, “Please don’t hurt us.” There were two other customers on the floor who came in the store before us. The robber answered, “We aren’t here to hurt anyone.

We are here to rob CVS.” Relieved somewhat but still terribly worried, I continued to pray. A third robber had gone upstairs taking the manager to open the safe. Taking too long, one of the robbers kept banging on the door to the office upstairs. Finally, the robber upstairs came down with the bags of money in his hands. He passed in front of me and with the other two they departed from the store.

Only then, after we thought it was safe, did we get up and praised God for sparing all of us. I do believe that Mary’s Miraculous Medal, which I have always worn most of my life, saved us from any harm. I am so grateful to Our Lady and Her Blessed Son, Jesus. – MARYLAND A CHANGED MAN Life with my grandfather had always been a challenge for my grandmother. The parish priest even warned her against marrying him. She married him anyway.

Her life was one of coping with drink, fear, and frustration. But her faith never wavered. Prayer, daily Mass, and hard work were her life. He was always just okay with the faith and only went to Mass because of the prodding of my grandmother. He was a lukewarm soul.

One morning, he sat down to his usual breakfast of corn flakes. While he was eating, he felt something in his mouth.

He pulled it out and looked at it – a Miraculous Medal! It had somehow gotten into his cereal. From that day on he was a changed man. The Blessed mother had come to him. She had brought him back forever. When he passed away my grandmother buried him with the medal in his pocket. Our Mother surely works in mysterious ways! - MICHIGAN

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU Email us your stories, and we will share them with our readers. communications@cammonline.org.

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PRAYERS

PROMOTERS

Please pray for our recently deceased promoters (September 2021 to February 2022).

Sister Noella Haddad, Peterborough, ON, Canada Sister Helena Kenny, Toronto, ON, Canada Mrs. Louis Baglivo, Hammonton, NJ Gary Baker, Philadelphia, PA Mrs. Idamay Banick, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada Barbara Bloemker, Upper Darby, PA Mrs. Irene Budin, Northfield, MN Mrs. Amelia P. Bunder, Gibsonia, PA Isabelle Burns, Saint John, NB, Canada Florence Caletti, Braintree, MA Mrs. Kathryn Cane, Pittsburgh, PA Adele Carbine, Charlottesville, VA Mrs. Edith Collier, Saint Albans, NL, Canada

Mrs. Gerald Coufal, Papillion, NE Mrs. Leda Creegan, Trail, BC, Canada Mrs. Jeanette Cully, Boca Raton, FL Irene Depaul, Redding, CT Maria Dziczek, Lancaster, MA Mrs. Victoria M. Eldridge, Midland City, AL Mrs. Dora Gurrola, Whittier, CA Mrs. Mary E Herholz, Grayslake, IL Elizabeth Hodapp, Arnold, MO Philip Jones, New York, NY Alvin Kilburg, Dubuque, IA Mrs. Ruth Kinney, Louisville, KY Mrs. Juliana Lindauer, Ferdinand, IN Nelson Maillett, Tignish, PE Canada Lucille Nibbio, Philadelphia, PA

Mrs. Charity O’Hara, Spiro, OK Mrs. Bertha Ortiz, Manassa, CO Mrs Lillian Palmonari, Vineland, NJ Mrs. Henrietta Papadinoff, Wakefield, MA Mrs. Maryagatha R. Patrick, Sewickley, PA Mrs. Blanche Polaski, Presque Isle, MI Mrs. Margaret Power, Cape Broyle, NL, Canada Linda Salcido, El Paso, TX Mrs. Rita Shetz, Philadelphia, PA Mrs. Karen D. Stefanik, South Hadley, MA Mrs. Doris Stevens, Somerset, MA Mrs Kathleen Sullivan, Union Beach, NJ Mrs. Gregory Sury, Needville, TX Mrs. Jeanette Trudeau, Worcester, MA Mrs. Barbara S. Zahn, Beach Lake, PA

SPRING 2022 | 51

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