Fathers of Mercy to take the reigns at Robinsonville Shrine

EWTN's Fr. Menezes' order is Fathers of Mercy

Two Fathers of Mercy from Auburn, Ky., will begin serving on July 7, 2011, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Bishop David Ricken announced. One priest will serve as the Shrine's rector and the other as chaplain.

The two priests will serve pilgrims to the Shrine by offering Masses, hearing confessions, and performing other priestly duties as needed.

Consecrated to Mary

"It is fitting that the Fathers of Mercy will be in residence at the Shrine, as their members consecrate themselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary every year on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th," Bishop Ricken said. "Placing themselves under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they profess their final/perpetual vows on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and they try to schedule all of their ordinations on a Marian feast day."

Founded in France

The Fathers of Mercy were founded in France in 1808 by Fr. Jean Baptiste Rauzan at the invitation of Cardinal Joseph Fesch of Lyons in response to the upheaval and persecution the Church suffered during the French Revolution.

Since their founding, the primary apostolate of the Fathers of Mercy is to preach parish missions and retreats, with an emphasis on the Eucharist and confession.
The Fathers of Mercy have served in the United States since 1839.

Diocese of Green Bay