Divine Mercy Conference to Highlight the new Marian Mercy Mission to the Philippines

STOCKBRIDGE, MASS. — On Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008 the Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, the official promoters of the authentic Divine Mercy message since 1941, will be holding a Divine Mercy Conference and an information session about their new mission to the Philippines. The conference will also talk about the message of the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy celebrated in Rome on April 2-6, 2008, and the upcoming first North American Congress on Mercy, which will include various events in 2009-10, starting with the main event in November 2009. The Aug. 9 Divine Mercy Conference will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church at 17270 Ward Street, Fountain Valley, Calif. The public are cordially invited.

The purpose of the Marians’ new mission is to help the Catholic Church spread The Divine Mercy message and devotion in the Philippines. The first three Marian missionaries arrived in the Philippines on June 3, 2008.

The schedule of the conference on Aug. 9 will be as follows:
9:00 a.m.- Celebration of Holy Mass at Holy Spirit church with Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC
9:50 a.m.- Reception at the Parish Hall
10:20 a.m.- Welcome by Fr. Mario Rebamontan, Pastor of Holy Spirit Church
10:40 a.m.- Fr. Seraphim on the Divine Mercy Mission, how it started and evolved.
11.20 a.m.- Francis Bourdon on the Mission in the Philippines
12:00 p.m.- Break for Lunch (please bring your own lunch)
1:00 p.m.- The World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Rome – Its Message of Mercy rooted in the Bible and in Church Liturgy – Fr. Seraphim
2:00 p.m.- The Upcoming North American Congress on Mercy – 2009-10
2:20 p.m.- Kathleen Beckman, Author, Rekindle Eucharistic Amazement
3:00 p.m.- Divine Mercy Prayers – Benediction
3:30 p.m.- Adjourn

Father Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, is the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers headquartered in Stockbridge, Mass., and a preeminent expert on The Divine Mercy message. Father Seraphim frequently speaks at Divine Mercy retreats, conferences, and symposia. In the fall of 2002, he took part in a “Divine Mercy Crusade” that took him to Guam, Manila, Cebu, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. Father Seraphim will also talk about the First World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Rome, which was held April 2-6, 2008. He will share with us the message that was given at the Congress on Mercy and how the Church desires to empower the faithful to evangelize the world and proclaim God’s mercy and love to all.

Mr. Francis Bourdon, who is Executive Director of the Marian Helpers Center (MHC) in Stockbridge, will give a 40-minute presentation, informing attendees about the new Marian mission in the Philippines. Mr. Bourdon, who accompanied Fr. Seraphim on the “Divine Mercy Crusade” in 2002, has served as the MHC’s Executive Director since 1990. He is very knowledgeable about the Marians and their worldwide ministries to promote The Divine Mercy message.

“This event will bring awareness to the Filipino community in the USA of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception accepting the invitation of the Church hierarchy in the Philippines to assist them in spreading The Divine Mercy message,” said Mr. Bourdon. “Eventually, we hope this message will spread to all of Asia and Oceania.”
This is one of many special gatherings that are being planned over the next few months in various areas throughout the United States for Filipinos and friends of the Marians who are interested in learning more about the Marians’ plans for the Philippines.

Along with an initial location in Manila, the Marians plan to establish their mission at two locations in the country: on Guimaras Island in the middle region and on the Island of Mindanao in the south.

On Guimaras Island, the Marians will assist in operating The Divine Mercy Center of Formation and Spirituality for Asia and Oceania, which will offer conferences and workshops for Divine Mercy leaders. On the Island of Mindanao, they will help build and operate a shrine called Divine Mercy Hills, with the centerpiece being a 50-foot statue of The Divine Mercy that is currently under construction.

An invitation to attend the main event in November 2009 that will launch the first North American Congress on Mercy will be announced at the conference, and details will be shared on how to participate in this upcoming event.

For more information about the conference, please call Mellie Deano at 949-559 4842, Beth Basilio at 562-842 6910, Kathleen Beckman at 714-998 1945, or Rita Wisco at 714 778 0770.

You are also invited to join the online community that is supporting the new Marian mission by visiting www.marian.org/philippines. When you join, you can receive e-mail updates on the mission and then support the Marians’ efforts with your prayers and gifts.