By Julia Rose
jrose@Marian.org
The heat dome has settled over the Northeast! Stockbridge is no exception, and it sure is hot outside! Thankfully, today is a holiday for employees on Eden Hill, and everyone is gearing up for a festive Fourth of July!
Count among them my boss, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC (above), director of the Association of Marian Helpers and the Marian responsible for this year's patriotic theme, "One Nation Under God's Mercy."
“At the beginning of the year, my mind began looking towards July 4th and the meaning of the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence,” Fr. Mark explains. “I was actually praying for St. Faustina’s intercession when I got inspired and 'One Nation Under God's Mercy' just snapped into place. It became a theme for the Shrine, the Marian Helpers Center, and for me, personally, in my role as Fr. Joseph.”
To spread the message, Fr. Mark has had some fun designing logos and creating "merch"! Check out the Divine Mercy Gift Shop or visit ShopMercy.org to see our USA 250 collection, which features colorful stickers, mugs, shirts, and more goodies! All purchases support the Shrine and the mission of the Marian Fathers.
Here's Fr. Mark's special message for Independence Day:
Don't miss Fr. Mark's new series, "The Marian Route to USA 250," which premiered last night on EWTN's "Living Divine Mercy." Watch here.
Tomorrow, join us in-person or online for a new talk by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, at 11 a.m. ET on "America 250: One Nation Under God’s Mercy." Watch on YouTube at Divine Mercy (Official), Facebook at Divine Mercy (Official), and on DivineMercyPlus.org.
The Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel begins on Tuesday, leading to her feast day on July 16. Enroll your intentions and loved ones here.
Three cheers for Marian Press!
Looking for a good book to read on your summer vacation? We've got two award-winners and an America 250 travel guide, all from Marian Press.
The Catholic Media Association, representing publishers and media across the USA and Canada, recently bestowed 2026 awards on two titles. Sacred Wine: The Holy History and Heritage of Catholic Vintners by Emily Stimpson Chapman, won third place in the "Coffee Table Book" category. Judges said, "This beautiful, informative, and educational book is filled with lovely photos and intriguing history. It is the ideal coffee table book." We agree!
Taking an honorable mention was the Marian Fathers Classics' edition of True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin by St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, with a preface by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and commentary by Dr. Robert Stackpole. If you made your Marian consecration using 33 Days to Morning Glory, this is a must-read to deepen your spirituality.
And hitting bookstores just in time for the Fourth of July is an amazing travel book that I had the privilege to work on: The United "Saints" of America: On Pilgrimage with Our Mother Mary from Sea to Shining Sea by Peggy Stanton.
Taking readers on a journey through all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Peggy has curated a fascinating illustrated guide to beloved churches and shrines, both grand and humble, interspersed with historical facts and personal stories from her own travels. It includes beautiful photographs, such as this one (above) of Ave Maria Catholic Church in Florida. And, of course, under Massachusetts, you’ll find one Shrine we’re particularly fond of … . Get your copy today!
Farewell and Godspeed, Navy Chaplain Tomeny!
Yesterday, we bade a fond farewell to Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, by treating him to his favorite barbeque and some delicious cake. (Look closely at the decorations!)
Father Chris Alar, MIC, praised Fr. Matt for his nearly four years of service as Rector of the Shrine, the youngest Marian to ever hold the position. Then Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, gifted him a huge amount of America 250 merch!
Before the meal, Fr. Chris and Fr. Mark led the gathering in prayers for Fr. Matt's safety and offered blessings.
“Being Rector has definitely been a source of growth for me and brought a lot of blessings,” Fr. Matt said. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thank you so much for all your support these past years and working together to share Divine Mercy at the Shrine. It's been truly a special mission in my life.”
He announced his new assignment: Bahrain in the Middle East. "It's very close to where you've probably been hearing some news," he said. "So please keep me in prayer. This assignment is about 18 months. I look forward to keeping in touch, and will keep you all in prayer as well.”
God bless you and thank you, Fr. Matt!
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