The Congregation of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, a Roman Catholic male clerical religious congregation founded in Poland in 1673, is also known as the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, and its members are known as the Marians. Founded by Saint Stanislaus Papczyński, the congregation began as a small group of companions whose shared life was based on the Rule of Life, written by Saint Stanislaus. The Marian Fathers received approval from Bishop Stephen Wierzbowski. Pope Innocent XII gave his approval in 1699, first placing the institute under the Franciscans. Upon the death of its founder in 1701, the Marian Fathers found themselves in a state of transition, with some favoring a strictly contemplative life while others sought to add missionary and pastoral outreach to the organization's contemplative spirit. In 1716, Bishop Adam Rostkowski closed the Marian novitiate and instructed the Marians to leave the monastery. In 1722, Bishop John Tarlo called the Marians back and convened a general chapter. In 1723, Pope Innocent XIII approved the newly written Marian statutes and released them from the interference of local bishops. Over the years, they have been exiled from Poland, Rome, Portugal, and Russia due to changes in the political climate in these places. Now an international organization, the Marians still have strong roots in Poland. The congregation has priests and brothers in convents in about twenty countries on six continents, all of whom pledge support to the Pope and follow the official teachings of the Catholic Church, with a focus on spreading devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception, praying for the souls in purgatory, and undertaking apostolic tasks. The Marians were the first Catholic men's religious institute edicated to Mary's Immaculate Conception, and they have been the official promoters of the authentic Divine Mercy message since 1941.
Recommended Resources
Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary
The official web site of the Marian Fathers is available in English and Polish. A history and profile of the Roman Catholic religious community of priests and brothers is set forth, including an overview of its heritage, a liturgical calendar, the writings of its founder, Stanislaus Papczyński, and a gallery of photographs. Also introduced is the Association of Marian Helpers, the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, and the Eucharistic Apostles of the Divine Mercy.
http://www.padrimariani.org/
Divine Mercy Apostolate Great Britain
The Marian Fathers in Great Britain offers general information about the devotion, history, theological explanation, and the Church’s teachings on God’s mercy and Saint Sister Fautina’s message. The Divine Mercy Apostolate spreads devotion to Divine Mercy throughout Great Britain by publishing a quarterly magazine, Messenger of the Divine Mercy, and through the sale of books, religious articles, and correspondence.
http://www.divinemercyapostolate.co.uk/
A not-for-profit apostolate of the Marian Fathers, Divine Mercy Art produces religious art on canvas, prints, and prayer cards. Its online shopping area offers a catalog of its art on canvas, which includes a photo and description of the work. Its prints are available in a couple of poster sizes or as graphic images, and prayer cards may be purchased in a 1,000 card box. Special offers are highlighted and purchased may be made online.
http://www.divinemercyart.com/
Parish-based programs of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception are featured here, including its 33 Days to Morning Glory, Consoling the Heart of Jesus, Wisdom & Works of Mercy, 33 Days to Merciful Love, and Divine Mercy in the Second Greatest Story Ever Told. The simplicity of its program is discussed, with information on how to start. Its retreat coordinator and small-group leadership are introduced.
https://www.allheartsafire.org/
Marian Helpers Circle of Light
The Circle of Light is a perpetual circle of prayer, alms and devotion on the part of those who join together with the Marian Priests and Brothers by pledging to have at least one Votive Candle lit each month of the year for their most fervent intentions, each of which will be prayed for by one of the Divine Mercy Intercessory Prayer Ministers. Its support levels are featured, and members may join or renew their membership through the site.
http://www.mycircleoflight.org/
Marians of the Immaculate Conception
Known for their devotion to Mary Immaculate, their dedication to praying for the souls in purgatory, and active service to the Roman Catholic Church, the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary is a fraternal community of consecrated life. Its history, an introduction to the congregation, their locations, and their patron saints are discussed, and a schedule of events is included.
http://www.marian.org/
Marians of the Immaculate Conception Tajynsza
The Congregation of Marian Fathers is the first monastic Order to have been founded in Poland. Shortly afterward, members of the order were expelled from Poland, some of whom found their way to Kazakhstan under severe conditions. The Marian Fathers were given responsibility for the Holy Family Parish in Tayinsha, Kazakhstan in 2011. Descriptions and photographs are included.
http://www.holyfamily.marianie.com/
Friends of the Marians have long created memorials and tributes on Eden Hill, the home of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Memorials may be created for occasions of bereavement, ordinations, weddings, anniversaries, first communion, births, retirement, achievement, or in thanksgiving. Available memorials and tributes. candle shrines, and special interest products are highlighted here.
http://www.memorialsonedenhill.org/
The message and devotion to Jesus as the Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who recorded the revelations she received about God’s mercy. Presented by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, the message is posted here, along with an introduction to Saint Faustina, a profile of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, and Mercy apostolates.
http://www.thedivinemercy.org/
