In 2018, Magdalen College formed a special partnership with Fr. Michael Gaitley and the Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy, to provide spiritual direction to her students.
Through this partnership, students of Magdalen College have the opportunity to participate in retreats, courses, and service opportunities led by Fr. Gaitley and the Missionaries. During their four years at the college, students can immerse themselves in the spirituality of such saints as John Paul II, Thérèse of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, Maximilian Kolbe and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Through this relationship with the Marian Missionaries, students have a unique opportunity to grow in their understanding and experience of key sources of the spirituality of our patron, Pope Saint John Paul II, particularly his emphasis upon Divine Mercy and Marian devotion.
“Under Fr. Gaitley’s guidance and the leadership of the Marian Missionaries, Magdalen College’s emphasis on personal conversion, sacramental discipleship, service, and community has entered a new and dynamic phase.”
– Dr. George Harne, President of Magdalen College
“What has most inspired me about Magdalen College,” says Fr. Gaitley, “is its dynamic and joyful students, faith-filled alumni, and great books curriculum. I’m excited to see where God will lead the college as it embraces an even more intentional spiritual focus on Mary Immaculate and Divine Mercy as the heart of the Gospel.”
– Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
Marian Missionary SpiritualityThe heart of Marian Missionary spirituality is the encounter with Jesus Christ, the Divine Mercy, an encounter that causes the “joy of the Gospel.”
To foster this encounter, each Marian Missionary seeks to overcome his lack of trust in God’s goodness and the “distorted image” of God that are results of original sin (Catechism, 397, 399). He does this especially in two ways: first, by fostering a deep, filial Marian devotion (especially through Marian consecration), knowing that Mary effectively obtains for us the grace to understand, accept, and trust in God’s mercy; second, by studying and living the Divine Mercy message and devotion, especially by keeping before his eyes the Image of Divine Mercy, which serves as a powerful reminder of the true face of our infinitely merciful God.
By striving to turn away from sin while coming to know, accept, and trust in God’s mercy, Marian Missionaries become filled with the joy of the Gospel, which they generously share with others as they give testimony to the goodness, love, and mercy of God.
More information about the Marian Missionaries is available here: www.marianmissionaries.org.
For more information about the Marian Missionaries’ work at Magdalen College, contact Laura Lorona-Kays at [email protected] or call 603-456-2656.