Mary Farm Story

The owner of the Mary Farm property was, at one time, Dr. Raymond Gagnon and his wife Jeannine. Through Divine Providence, Dr. Gagnon received a healing miracle in Rome and with a heart filled with gratitude, he offered to donate the property of ten acres to the Apostolate of the Suffering in December of 1985. Work to convert the dairy barn into a Chapel and meeting hall began in early 1986.

The President of the Apostolate of the Suffering at that time, Robert Letasz (who later joined the Silent Workers of the Cross) worked very hard on both fronts: to spread the message of the redemptive suffering throughout the United States, and to take care of the newly acquired property which for many years before was a dairy farm. To aid him in the task of transforming the farm property into an Apostolate of the Suffering Center, seven retired men stepped forward as volunteers and over a period of a few years the results were nothing short of miraculous. Each step of the way the volunteers felt the guiding and protective hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. They worked only on Tuesdays, and before each day's work, they gathered in the little Chapel of the main house to pray before our Lord for help, protection, and blessing of the work of their hands. With a special devotion to St. Joseph, they offered this prayer:

“Oh St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor. Help us in our efforts to transform this property into a retreat facility for the handicapped. Help us to follow your example and keep our sights fixed on Mary, our Mother, who is ever leading us to Jesus, who worked with you at your carpenter's bench. Please assist us by your powerful intercession and obtain for us, from your Divine Son, all the Spiritual Blessings required to complete this project in a manner that is pleasing to God. Amen.”

Thanks to the Almighty God, work of the volunteers continued for another 20 years into what it is today. The Apostolate of the Suffering now enjoys a beautifully renovated barn, which can seat up to 80 people, used for our larger gatherings, for offering of the Holy Mass, Retreats, monthly prayer meetings, and other related events.

The once old dairy barn is now Memorial Hall, dedicated to a faithful and holy priest, Fr. John Smus of Springfield, MA.

Forty-plus years later, the work at Mary Farm continues. We have a different President and new Board members, different volunteers, and different needs, but still the same spirit, devotion, and enthusiasm. As with any property, constant repairs and upgrades are needed to keep the level of maintenance up to standard.

Again, as in the past, the current volunteers are aware that there is "something very special" about Mary Farm. You can almost feel God's protective hand over the ten acres of land. Whether you are one of the gardening crew, a weekly grass mower, a tree trimmer, a carpenter, a painter, an office helper or just a passer-by pulling in to say a little prayer by the outdoor Holy Rosary or Stations of the Cross, you feel like you are under the mantle of Our Lady; it just "feels good to be here".

The Apostolate of the Suffering at Mary Farm operates solely on the assistance from our volunteers. New volunteers who are able to offer their time or talents are always needed. You do not need to be a member and church groups are very much welcomed.

Our utilities, insurance, printing and mailing as well as day-to-day expenses are all covered by the donations received from our members and friends. Fundraisers are run on from time to time, if needed, to support a capital expense.

For more information regarding upcoming events, go to our Facebook page under Apostolate of the Suffering or click on the “Events” tab found on the homepage.

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