Working ‘in Faustina’s Office’

By Hope Ponsart Hansen

Creative giving doesn’t necessarily mean having to reach for the checkbook. Indeed, I’m often surprised and humbled by the resourceful ways Marian Helpers support the Marian Fathers’ mission to bring Divine Mercy to the world.

Joe Gugliuzzo of Albany, New York, is one such Marian Helper. Known simply as “Joe G.” for obvious reasons (try saying his last name three times fast!), he has found a meaningful way to give of his time. He established a ministry that exemplifies Jesus’ call that we live the message of Divine Mercy, that we “show mercy … always and everywhere,” that “even the strongest faith is of no avail without works” as Jesus tells us through St. Faustina (see Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 742).

What does Joe do? He works “in St. Faustina’s office.” (That’s how he puts it.)

For many years, Joe has been driving all over New York State and Vermont visiting parishes. Why? He leaves behind copies of the Marian Press pamphlet “Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet” (Product code: B45-LFMCN). His hope — his prayer — is that people, including those who have fallen away from the Church, will take a pamphlet, read it, and be drawn to the Divine Mercy message and the prayers given to the world by Jesus through St. Faustina in the 1930s. 

He feels compelled to share this pamphlet because it gives people an effective way to pray for souls in Purgatory. Indeed, for the eighth day of the Divine Mercy Novena, Jesus encourages us to offer indulgences for the Holy Souls in Purgatory (see Diary, 1209). Joe has a special devotion to the souls in Purgatory, and he does his best to help as many of them to Heaven as possible. And, yes, he’s a huge fan of St. Faustina. He urges other ministries — such as family, youth, and prison ministries — to distribute the pamphlet.

“Ministries are the work in God’s vineyard,” Joe says, “and for many, it means service for others. But there are also those who work in the background.” Joe enjoys his “background” work. 

He’s not necessarily trying to reach those in poorest physical health. Often, he reaches out to visiting family and friends, in hopes they will pray the Chaplet for the sick or dying person, and help that soul reach Heaven. Joe also tries to stay attentive to staff who seem interested. In addition, he prays for those patients who have been in a prolonged state of unconsciousness, or otherwise unable to participate.

When he first began this ministry many years ago, Joe said some parishes didn’t want the pamphlets and didn’t understand the Chaplet. Not anymore. Joe and his pamphlets are now gratefully received by parish office staff. 

“Jesus wanted everyone to say the Chaplet and entrusted St. Faustina with the task to assist souls in this world and the next,” Joe says. “We all know in this life we all need lots of prayers. Praying in this way helps us focus on what is important, not only for others, but what is important in our lives as well.” 

Joe’s ministry is a great example of creative giving. Another example is the gift of stock. Many people don’t realize there’s a large tax break associated with giving stock you’ve owned for at least a year. You do not pay any capital gains tax on the stock’s appreciation, and you are allowed to claim a charitable gift deduction for your stock’s current fair market value. By using stock, you can actually give more to charity.

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