Julia's Weekly Shrine Round-up, July 17
By Julia Rose
jrose@Marian.org
Father Richard Drabik, Rest in Peace
Earlier this week, the Marian Fathers laid to rest Fr. Richard Drabik, MIC, 92, a former Provincial Superior, former director of the Marian Helpers Center, and a priest for 66 years.
Marians from around the country, as well as the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Eucharist, were in attendance for the Mass of Christian Burial, which was celebrated by Provincial Superior Fr. Chris Alar, MIC.
Father Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, delivered a beautiful homily, describing Fr. Richard as an “innovative” and “hard-working” man, who was well-known for his deep prayer life and who possibly celebrated the most Gregorian Masses out of any Marian priest.
“For this Eucharistic celebration that Fr. Richard has offered so many times, we offer the final one for him,” Fr. Kaz said. “And so, may Christ be upon him, may He embrace him, and may he share the things of life that he anticipated, wished for, and prepared himself for.”
Following Mass, Fr. Richard was buried in the Marian Cemetery (top), in the same row as Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC.
Dr. Robert Stackpole, director emeritus of the John Paul II Institute for Divine Mercy, recalled his friend as "a gentle and compassionate shepherd. His office was quite a mess (which reminded me of my own) -- but it was also a place of spiritual healing and refreshment, where a votive candle of the Sacred Heart reminded us that Jesus was always present with us in the Blessed Sacrament, reserved on his office mantlepiece."
A Pilgrimage from “The Ocean State”
Braving the heat, Henry from St. Patrick’s Church in Providence, Rhode Island, visited the Shrine with his family, including his wife, Pamela; two daughters; and cousins.
“It's our first time here, and it’s been really, really good," said eldest daughter, Francia (right). "I especially loved Eucharistic Adoration and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet after Mass."
For Francia, this is a very familiar devotion: Her family has been praying the Chaplet together since 2019. Her mother even plays the guitar, and leads their parish in singing the Chaplet every Friday.
They are looking forward to partnering with Luisa Ibanez, our head of video production, to record the Chaplet in Spanish, and will be back for Encuentro Latino on Aug. 1!
Please join us for Encuentro Latino on Saturday, Aug. 1! Details here. And we're still looking for volunteers to help make this celebration the best ever! Details here.
Beauty in Every Flower
Luckily for us, the Shrine has a wonderful volunteer who is taking extra special care of the flowers in the extreme heat as we anticipate Encuentro Latino and other events this summer. Whether it's the purple petunias next to St. Faustina’s statue or the beautiful pink impatiens next to Our Lady of Eden Hill, C.C. from Holy Trinity Parish in Hudson, New York, has the green thumbs!
“My friend brought me to the Shrine before the pandemic, and I said, ‘This is what was up here the whole time?!’” she recalled. A life-long gardener, C.C. was excited to begin volunteering. “I just love doing it. This place should be beautiful, and to me, flowers are beautiful.”
One of her special achievements this year was working with Br. Mark Fanders, MIC, to add more flower planters to the grounds. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, she made sure to fill them with an assortment of red, white, and blue calibrachoas and lobelias!
A summer read
The feast of St. Mary Magdalene, to be celebrated next Wednesday, July 22, reminded me of a terrific historical novel from Marian Press, which is the ideal (and inspiring) read for your summer vacation, whether at home or at the beach (or at the very least. someplace cool...).
Through Esther's Eyes by Jacqueline St. Clair takes readers on a journey through Jesus’ life as seen by his fictional cousin, Esther. She encounters most of the figures of the New Testament, including Mary Magdalene, and her own "Aunt Mary" and "Uncle Joseph."
Jacqueline is a born storyteller, and I was riveted from the first page to the last.
A beautiful depiction of trusting in God through times of grief, sorrow, and uncertainty, Through Esther’s Eyes is wonderful for teens and adults, especially those waiting for the sixth season of "The Chosen" to release in November! Available from ShopMercy.org now in print and as an eBook.
In case you missed Fr. Chris' terrific presentation on St. Mary Magdalene on last night's "Living Divine Mercy," here's a replay on DivineMercyPlus.org.
God bless, everyone, and have a wonderful weekend!
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