Our Fathers, our Brothers: Cross of affiliation given to two Marians Fathers

The Marian father of the Immaculate Conception have been our faithful chaplains ever since we moved to Tyringham.  These men come to our monastery to bring us the Sacraments in rain, ice, snow, sun, and even pandemic!  They sacrifice extra hours of sleep and precious time off to hear our confessions and arrive in time for the early morning Mass.

Two of these men have shown us extraordinary care.  Going above and beyond the call of duty, they have become more than just spiritual fathers... they are real brothers to us and we wished to make them more formally united to us.

The Order of the Visitation does not have a lay branch of associates but we are able to invite men and women who are not sisters to participate more fully in our life by giving them the Cross of Affiliation.  This cross is exactly the same as the cross that is worn by the Sisters, except it is slightly smaller in size.  It contains 3 third class relics (St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane de Chantal, and St. Margaret Mary).  A person is chosen for this honor when they have shown themselves to be an extraordinary benefactor.  It is a rare honor given by the Community and only given to those who are truly extraordinary in the benefactions to us.  The affiliate is entitled to share in all the good works, prayers, and sacrifices of the sisters as well as a promise of Masses and the recitation of the Office of the Dead after their death.  In short, they receive all the spiritual benefits of a Visitation Sister, becoming true members of the Visitation family through this affiliation.  

Over Memorial Day weekend, we were graced to bestow this blessing upon 2 of our Marian Fathers:  Fr. Kaz Chwalek, MIC and Fr. Walter Dziordz, MIC.  

Fr. Kaz Chwalek, MIC

Fr. Kaz is the current father provincial of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception.  Amidst this busy role he also tries to come the monastery once each month for spiritual direction and confession for any sister who desires.  His eagerness to provide for our spiritual needs and his true fatherly love for all of us inspired us to bestow upon him this honor.  

When he was presented with the Cross on Trinity Sunday (May 30, 2021) his humble spirit was in shock.  Smiling, he continued to express that he had always associated this cross with us, not with himself and now here he was wearing it!  Yes father, you are a true father to us, but so dear to our hearts and so much a father that you are one of us now... our brother.

Fr. Walter Dziordz, MIC

Fr. Walter was the father provincial of the Marian fathers when the sisters first moved to Tyringham.  His care for us at that time and promise to always see to the spiritual needs of the sisters made a pivotal impact on the decision for a property.  Present at our ground-breaking and dedication, he was then stationed away from us for about 15 years only to return and truly sacrifice his own personal life to ensure our reception of the Sacraments even during the pandemic. He even came to quarantine in our guest quarters during the peak of the outbreak so as to ensure our daily reception of Holy Communion as well as our safety.  

Father was presented the Cross of Affiliation on the Feast of the Visitation, May 31, 2021.
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