Julia's Weekly Shrine Round-up, May 29

By Julia Rose
jrose@Marian.org

June is just a few days away, and with a new month comes a changing of the guard at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!

On Monday, June 1, Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, completes his term as rector to embark on a new ministry: chaplain in the U.S. Navy. Father Matt has overseen the Shrine since October 2022, and among his many achievenents has been the restoration of the altar rail.

"I appreciate everyone's support," Fr. Matt told me, "and ask for your prayers as I carry on this ministry on behalf of the Marians and the Archdiocese for the Military Services." 

The new Shrine rector is a familiar face on Eden Hill and among Marian Helpers who have attended one of his parish missions around the country: Fr. David Gunter, MIC. 

Originally ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston, Fr. David's love for Our Lady was so strong that he knew he was being called to something more. Thanks to Divine Providence and fellow Marian, Fr. Jim McCormick, MIC (for giving him Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC's, contact information), he made his perpetual vows with the Marians in 2019. After several years leading parish missions throughout the country, he comes now to take up this key role on Eden Hill. We are blessed to have him serving on Eden Hill. 

“I've said this over and over again to many people, including my superiors: ‘Not one day have I ever questioned joining the Congregation.’ I love being a Marian,” Fr. David says. “There’s going to be quite a learning curve for me as rector. But I do feel strongly that God is truly asking me to do this work, so I am trusting in His will."

Join us in person or online for a new talk by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET on "The Visitation: What We Need to Know," anticipating Sunday's feast. Watch on YouTube at our channel Divine Mercy (Official), and on our Facebook page Divine Mercy (Official). 

Be sure and enroll in the Novena to the Marian Martyrs, Blessed Anthony Leszczewicz and Blessed George Kaszyra, which begins next Wednesday, June 3, in anticipation of their feast day on June 12, which this year is also the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Details here.

All are invited to participate in 40 Hours of Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament starting next Thursday, June 4, at 1 p.m., and continuing through Saturday, June 6, at 8 a.m. Details here.

The power of healing
One of our recent pilgrims, Bob from St. Peter’s Parish in Olney, Maryland, was lucky to get Fr. Matthew to bless his religious objects (above) before his departure as Shrine rector. 

Bob's introduction to the Marian Fathers occurred in May 2022, thousands of miles away in Medjugorje. During his pilgrimage there, something dramatic happened. Bob offered his Rosary (now a third-class relic, as it has been touched to 150 first-class relics) to a woman so she could touch her medal to it. "Immediately, she was overcome and rested in the Holy Spirit," he recalled.

As Bob made his way down Cross Mountain, he encountered two Marians, Fr. Tyler Mentzer, MIC, and then-Brother (now Father) Jason Lewis, MIC.  He told them what had just happened, and they suggested he look into attending the Encounter School of Ministry, which trains disciples to share the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit in the world.

“We’re all called to evangelization,” Bob explained. “Praying over people is just part of it, bringing them closer to God.” 

Now that Fr. Jason is officially the Chaplain for English-speaking pilgrims, Bob is hoping to make his sixth pilgrimage to Medjugorje. He encourages everyone to “go and see for yourself!"

Interested in making a pilgrimage to Medjugorje? Consider going with the Marians Fathers! Details here.

Saint Philomena, pray for us!
Visiting Eden Hill tomorrow? Please join us for the rededication of the Shrine of St. Philomena at 3:45 p.m. ET. A second-class relic will be installed for pilgrims to venerate.

The Shrine is located alongside the Outdoor Stations of the Cross, between the sixth and seventh Stations. It honors St. Philomena, the fourth-century virgin and martyr who is the patron saint of infants and babies (helping inspire the pro-life movement), as well as purity, youth, the ill, and those seeking assistance with difficult or impossible cases.

Thanks to Richard Byrne (above) from Greenville, South Carolina, owner of Artisan Restoration International, St. Philomena has never looked better. In fact, Richard has been maintaining statues across Eden Hill for the past 10 years. 

Whether it be welding cracks, polishing, or fixing the patina, Richard makes sure the statues are being cared for so they can continue to inspire pilgrims to ask for the help of Heaven. “Every day that I come here and work on a statue, it enhances my faith,” he explains, "and I know it means so much to the pilgrims who come here." It sure does!

Have a beautiful weekend and enjoy this sunny weather!
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