This Prayer Group takes place every Tuesday in the Cry Room of the Church. What is the MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS: Explanation...In September of 1973, the first national gathering took place, with twenty-five priests taking part out of the eighty already enrolled. Beginning in 1974, the first cenacles of prayer among priests and faithful took place. These gradually spread, and by the end of 1996, Fr. Gobbi had many times visited the six continents. The M.M.P. has succeeded in expanding in a powerful and extraordinary way. In practically all the countries of Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Oceania, National Headquarters have been established and entrusted with the task of gathering the membership and assisting in the formation of prayer cenacles. The worldwide membership of the M.M.P. now numbers at least 400 cardinals and bishops, more than 100,000 priests, and millions of religious and faithful around the world. IN THE UNITED STATES… …the Marian Movement of Priests was initiated in 1975, with a temporary Headquarters in Lewiston, Maine. In 1977, its National Headquarters was permanently established in St. Francis, Maine, on the banks of the St. John River that separates Canada from the United States. Our Lady’s choice of St. Francis as the home for her U.S. Headquarters is truly a meaningful one. It was St. Francis of Assisi who was called by Jesus to go “rebuild his Church”, and Our Lady’s Marian Movement of Priests has been called by her to this same mission. As of the year 2000, the M.M.P membership in the U.S. has reached sixty-three thousand, including four thousand members of the clergy – bishops, priests and deacons. Diocesan priests from all 50 states are enrolled, as well as women and men religious from hundreds of communities. In addition to the existing membership, thousands have since gone on to their eternal reward. Our Lady’s cohort is forever expanding in heaven as well as here on earth. Fr. Gobbi Spiritual Testament Fr. Gobbi died in Milan, Italy at 3:00 PM (local Italian time) on June 29, 2011, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. He had been hospitalized since June 19 after suffering a heart attack. All of the national and regional directors of the MMP were gathered for their annual spiritual exercises at the Shrine of Merciful Love in Collevalenza, Italy from June 26 – July 2. Fr. Gobbi’s body was taken from Milan to Collevalenza on June 30, where a Mass was presided by Cardinal Ivan Dias. That same day, his remains were returned to Dongo, Como, Italy (his birthplace) where the funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, July 2, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.