“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. 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."
By Julia Rose
On June 1, Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, completed his term as Rector of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy to embark on a new ministry: chaplain in the U.S. Navy for the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA. Father Matt had been Shrine Rector since October 2022, and among his many achievenents was the restoration of the altar rail.
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.
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Fr. Gunter was ordained to the priesthood in 2009 for the Archdiocese of Boston. His 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.
“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."
Q&A with the new Rector
Who are your favorite saints?
Early on in my conversion, St. Thérèse of Lisieux was very prominent, perhaps because of the simplicity of her faith. I love many of her quotes and often reference them in my homilies.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha has also become a favorite of mine. I visited her shrine in Canada. I discovered that she had strong organizational skills, so I asked her for intercession, and suddenly I could see more clearly what to do. I thought to myself, “Wow, I never thought of that. She’s good.” I’m going to be calling on her a lot as the new rector!
Please share more about your journey to the Marian Fathers.
When I was newly-ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston, I was meditating about Our Lady — I always loved her — and I shared my thoughts with Annemariea Schmidt, my spiritual director. She said, “You have to write a book about this.” As I went deeper in prayer, I realized, “I think I have a religious calling.”
I spoke with my pastor, and he said, “When your assignment ends here, ask the Cardinal for permission to take a leave of absence so you can discern this calling.” I did a 30-day silent retreat in New Hampshire at a convent, and all I did was meditate on Our Lady. It was phenomenal. I knew at this point, “Okay, something’s going to happen.”
One day, at my second assignment, there was a Marian priest in the sacristy, Fr. Jim McCormack. He was visiting his sister, who was a member of the parish. He gave me the contact information for the Marian Fathers’ Vocation Director, Fr. Donald Calloway, and the door was opened.
What happened next?
I knew in my heart that I was being called to the Marian Fathers, but I had one issue: my beloved mother, Monica. She was just turning 96. Her whole life revolved around my weekly visits on my day off. She had the beginnings of dementia and wouldn't understand.
I discussed my calling to the Marians with my spiritual director who advised me to pray and accept God's will. I did.
I finished with the Archdiocese of Boston and had a month before reporting to the Marians. My mother went into a rapid decline. For the last two weeks of my mother's life, I celebrated Mass by her bedside. The day after her burial, I left to join the Marians.
How are you feeling about becoming Shrine Rector?
When Provincial Superior Fr. Chris Alar called me to ask if I would consider the position, I was actually in a meeting with my discernment team — people that God has brought into my life who are profoundly Catholic and help me in my healing ministry. I said to Fr. Chris, “I’ll pray on it.” Father Chris hung up, and I said, “Okay, discerners, let’s pray.” I believe it was providential that I was meeting with my team. It was unanimous that God was calling me to take this assignment.
I called Fr. Chris back 15 minutes later and said, “Yes!”
There’s going to be quite a learning curve. But I do feel strongly called that God is asking me to do this, so I am trusting. Please pray for me, as I pray for you!
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