Mercedarians-U.S.A. News
A Mercedarian Perspective on the Year of Faith
Essential to the Charism of the Order of the BVM of Mercy is a profound concern for the True Faith. It is for this Faith that hundreds of friars have exercised the 4th Vow and given up their lives for Captive Christians in danger of losing the Faith. In October 2012, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI opened the Year of Faith. Here is a Mercedarian perspective on this Holy Year: Eight hundred years ago a man followed in the footsteps of
- Read MoreMercedarian Friar to be ordained to the transitional diaconate
After years of preparation and study Br. David Spencer, O. de M. will be ordained a transitional deacon at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Philadelphia on Saturday April 6th at 9:30AM. This will enable him fulfill the Order’s redemptive charism in a special way as a one ordained into the service of Christ. The deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. There are three groups, or “orders,” of ordained ministers in the Church: bishops, presbyters and deacons. Deacons
- Read MoreA Raffle to Win a Statue of Our Lady of Mercy
Here are some pictures of Focus 11 (vocation awareness day for 6th graders) in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The Friars and the 3rd Order had a Mercedarian vocation table. To draw attention to the Order and promote a love of Our Lady of Mercy, the children signed up to win one of 3 three 12″ statues of Our Lady of Mercy for their classroom. Thanks to Fr Tony and Sue for spreading the good news of the redemption to
- Read MoreIn the Little Town of LeRoy, NY, the 3rd Order is making a difference for the Captives
The Third Order is an association of lay people integrated into the Mercedarian family, which participates in the redemptive spirit (Constitutions of the Order of the B.V.M. of Mercy, #117). Each Mercedarian community also has these lay people who commit themselves to pray and work for the Christian captives. In this article, Fr Ken, Vicar Provincial, and Fr Eugene, Novice Master, share some of the events and work done by the 3rd Order in LeRoy. “In this little town of
- Read MoreThe Order of the BVM of Mercy Mourns the Loss of Br. Richard Henry, O. de M.
In the early morning on Sunday, January 6th one of the oldest friars in the US Vicariate passed on to the next life. Br Richard was laid to rest on Friday, January 11th after 44 years in Vows. REQUIESCAT IN PACE BR. RICHARD HENRY, Ode.M was born May 6, 1932 in Brockville, Ontario, Canada. He was the beloved son of the late Hugh and Viola and step son of the late Helen Henry. The loving brother of the late Robert,
- Read More6 Thousand College Student Meet in Orlando to “FOCUS” on True Conversion
The Mercedarian Friars and Sisters joined thousands of University Students at the FOCUS conference in Orlando, Florida January 2nd-6th. Here is an explanation of this event and the important work of FOCUS: Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is a flourishing new organization dedicated to re-evangelize America’s college campuses. Fourteen years ago, the movement began with the simple purpose of inviting college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime
- Read MoreSeveral Articles Highlight Mercedarian Friar’s Ordination
Fr. James Chia, O. de M. has been assigned to the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg, FL. There he will be the Assistant Pastor. The Newly Ordained will be kept busy administering the Sacraments, visiting the sick, preparing couples for marriage, teaching catechism, and a variety of other pastoral tasks. Here are some pictures from Fr James’ Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Petersburg: https://www.cathedralofstjude.org/ Check out several articles on Fr James: http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2012/12/03/yardley_news/people/doc50b39d00b5dd3854762459.txt http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/yardley/st-ignatius-of-antioch-catholic-church-hosts-priest-s-ordination/article_0d8f7792-3a61-532f-8433-c24bc59b06df.html http://www.i4u.com/2012/11/virgin-mary/st-yardley-ordination-one-priesthood-celebrates-called-own-its-ignatius
- Read MoreThe Mercedarian Friars Celebrate the Ordination of Fr. James Chia, O. de M.
On November 24th, Deacon James Chia was Ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The liturgy took place at St. Ignatius Parish in Yardley, Pa. Present were friars, family and friends of Fr James. Here are some pictures from the weekend:
- Read MoreRead the Latest in Our Press Releases and Articles
Want to catch up on the latest news of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy? Read our press releases stored on PR Log. Or click on our list below. Why we no longer need to run from the cup of suffering Oct 19, 2012 We should avoid suffering if we can lawfully do so, but if not, we must accept it and unite it to the one sacrifice of Christ. Teen’s Uncle Changes His Direction in Religious
- Read MoreRemembering Past Mercedarians who Brought the Spirit of St. Peter Nolasco to the USA
Just like any family, the Mercedarians have those elders who paved the way for our redemptive work in the United States. One of these friars is Fr. Marino who came to the United States from Italy to serve the Italian immigrants in Cleveland, OH. There in Cleveland as Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel he faced many challenges including the changing neighborhood around the parish. With all the challenges he faced the soft-spoken optimist persisted, and often asked, “Why
- Read MoreNot on Your Bucket List
All Christians, in all walks of life, are called to holiness. But priests are called in a special way to this life. Pope John Paul II, quoting the Second Vatican Council, has said that all of the baptized are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity. He added that this applies, in a special way to priests. They are called not only because they have been baptized, but also and specifically because they are
- Read MoreNew Children’s Book tells the story of St Peter Nolasco
The Friar’s at the House of Studies translated and printed a book entitled “The Great Adventure of St. Peter Nolasco”. This book has been sent to several of the houses in the US Vicariate. Here is what the 3rd Order in St. Petersburg did with their books: On April 27, we celebrate the feast of Blessed Peter Armengol (1238-1304). Following a misspent and dissolute youth he who came to serve the Lord later in life. He gave up worldly ways
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