SOULS

The foundation of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception by St. Stanislaus Papczynski had as its prime purpose the proclamation of Devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This Marian life faithfully embraced the fullness of love for all the Church, the living and deceased. The Founder in his "Rule of Life" (1687 and 1694/98) defined the community's special goal, which was to animate members of the community and those associated with it a like spirit, that is, to have a firm awareness that "…to the utmost of your strength you will promote devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and with utmost zeal, piety and fervor assist the souls of the faithful departed subjected to expiatory pains - especially the souls of soldiers and those who died of pestilence"... As time went on, the Marian Fathers were defined as the "most zealous devotees of praying for the deceased" and even had an official title ascribed to it as: The Order..

Primary location: Stockbridge United States