Holy Souls Sodality

She didn’t have money to buy a costume. She didn’t know how to sew. What she did have was a grandson with a school assignment to dress up like his patron saint: St. Stanislaus Papczynski (1631-1701), the Founder of the Marian Fathers.

She also had determination and faith.

More than a year ago, Marilyn Motley of Columbus, Nebraska, got a request from her then 7-year-old grandson, Stanley.

By Fr. Donald Van Alstyne, MIC

With war veterans, dignitaries, and members of many faiths gathered together this past Sept. 11, a veil was lifted on a 10-year dream of mine.

Gasps and applause resounded at the sight of it — a more than 20-feet-tall bronze statue. The Guardian of Defenders Memorial — that’s “G.O.D.” for short — is the nation’s first memorial honoring those who’ve given their lives in the global war on terrorism. I also pray it will help bring healing to those veterans struggling physically, emotionally, and spiritually following active service. 

Father Dan Cambra, MIC, the spiritual director for the Holy Souls Sodality, served as host for the Ninth Annual Mercy for Souls Conference on Sunday, Sept. 8, at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Here's his talk:

Learn more about the Holy Souls Sodality.