Fr. John Maronic, OMI, Future Oblate Saint?

An Oblate who was born in the "nation's icebox," International Falls, MN, was known during his life on this earth as a totally warm and kind person, radiating the ardor of Christ's love to those whom he met.

Fr. John Maronic, OMI (1922-1985), is the subject of a preliminary investigation to determine whether to proceed with presenting his name to the Vatican for future beatification and canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Brother Francis Sullivan, OMI, with the permission of Bishop Wilton Gregory of Belleville, IL, has begun to gather documents and testimony about the virtues and holy life lived by Fr. John who is known especially as the Founder of the Victorious Missionaries.

In the early 1960's, while serving as Director of Pilgrimages at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL, Fr. John saw the opportunity to offer to persons with disabilities a spiritual support community centered at the shrine.

He himself had encountered disabilities in his own life, particularly with a throat and voice condition that made it difficult for him, a member of a preaching community, to preach the Gospel with ease.  He accepted this cross, but used it in his own missionary outreach to other gifted persons with disabilities.

Thus, in 1964, the Victim Missionaries took shape at the Belleville Shrine, but soon thereafter, opened chapters in other locales.  Today, it is a thriving international organization, still faithful to the charism of  Fr. John Maronic.  In 1985, shortly before Fr. John died, the VM's changed their name from Victim Missionaries to Victorious Missionaries.

His spirit continues to guide the VM's.  At the suggestions of many of its members and others who knew Fr. John, Brother Francis Sullivan, OMI, current Director of the VM's, has begun the process that may one day make Fr. John known by the whole Church as a saint.

Anyone who knew Fr. John Maronic, OMI, and who would like to help promote this cause should contact:

Brother Francis Sullivan, OMI

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

442 South De Mazenod Drive

Belleville, IL 62223-1234

Phone: (618)394-6281 (voice and TTY)

Fax: (618)397-1210