At the Home of Divine Mercy

The Rosary Group at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Winthrop, Mass., gathers every day after the morning Mass and prays the Rosary. They gather again at a Monday evening adoration service and pray the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy.

They are an active prayer group that also goes on retreats together. On their last two retreats they used Fr. Michael Gaitley's book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus as a retreat guide.

Marie Censullo is an active participant in the Rosary Group. Marie and her family have donated several memorials on Eden Hill, here at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass., and she wanted to see them. She had also read about the new life-size Stations of the Cross that are being installed in the field opposite the National Shrine, and she wanted to see them, as well.

When the Rosary Group made the decision to come to Eden Hill on a pilgrimage, Marie called ahead to arrange for a tour of Eden Hill.

On a warm day in June, we met at the Divine Mercy Gift Shop. Marie expressed a desire to see the memorials she had made in the Mother of Mercy Outdoor Shrine. She had made a gift to have her husband's name engraved on a candleholder, and she was happy when we found the inscription. Then, she and the Rosary Group said prayers in the Shrine of the Holy Innocents in the lower level of the Mother of Mercy Shrine.

We then went to see the new Stations of the Cross. We saw Pilot washing his hands; Jesus carrying the cross and falling for the first time; and Jesus meeting His mother, Mary.

"The statues are magnificent," Marie said. "You can see the anguish in Mary's eyes. I can't wait until all of the stations are installed."

It was almost time for the 3 o'clock prayers in the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. But first, we had a photo taken of the Rosary Group at the National Shrine to commemorate the visit.

The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy is a pilgrim destination for thousands of people like Marie and the Rosary Group every year. You and your group might like to consider a similar one-day retreat or day of reflection. Our daily schedule includes the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 1 p.m.; the Rosary for Life at 1:30 p.m.; Holy Mass at 2 p.m.; and the Divine Mercy Chaplet and novena and benediction at 3 p.m.

A limited number of rooms are available at the John Paul II Guest House. Please make reservations at the National Shrine. Call 1-413-298-1117.

John Foster is Fr. Joseph's assistant for special gifts.

Learn how you can become a Marian Helper - helping the Marians to spread the message of The Divine Mercy and devotion to Mary Immaculate.

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