By Christina Aliseo, Special Contributor

For the past several years, the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care has received generous supplies of beautifully hand-made rosaries for distribution to our Catholic hospital patients, to our jails and prisons.  We have Mary Heilig and the Sacred Heart Rosary Guild, Riverton, to thank for that.

Mary’s basement at home served as a  rosary “warehouse” where shelves holding transparent boxes filled with supplies were appropriately labeled to ensure that the making and shipping of rosaries would run smoothly. Perhaps this is one reason why, over the past 14 years,  Mary and the Guild were able to produce an estimated 75,000 rosaries to send to people in need around the world.

The first and last time I had the privilege to talk with Mary over the phone was May 29, 2014. In her gentle and kind voice, she asked me how many rosaries we would need for the summer shipment.  I requested 100 and told her that I’d be sure to contact her again in August for our next supply.  Eager to send me more, Mary asked, “Are you sure you only need 100 for now?”  During our five minute phone conversation, I felt her genuine passion for her ministry. 

Just two days later, we received a perfectly packaged box with 100 beautiful multi-colored rosaries.  At that moment, I thought to myself, I have made a very special connection. Not only were the rosaries beautiful, so was Mary.  I looked forward to the next time I’d get to speak with her and, of course, to the next shipment of rosaries.

When I called Mary back this late August, I left a message requesting another shipment. Just a few days later, I received a phone call and message from her husband, Deacon Kenneth Heilig.  He told me that Mary had suddenly passed away in late June.  I was shocked to hear of her passing and deeply saddened.  Our department immediately reached out to Deacon Ken to offer our condolences.  He was grateful for our support and, much like Mary, his concern was when he could deliver more rosaries to us.  Just days later, he arrived at the Chancery with a bag-full of rosaries and assured us that someone would soon be taking over for Mary.

Mary and Deacon Ken recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, four children, five grandchildren and one on the way.  During those 50 years, Deacon Ken witnessed the true love and compassion, dedication and commitment that Mary had, not only for her family, but for others.  A ministry that once started in the basement of her home has reached thousands of people, touching the hearts of many, bringing peace and comfort to those suffering illness and crisis, and to their families.  The impact Mary and the Guild have made on others will forever live on, and so will her legacy. 

Deacon Ken shared one of Mary’s favorite quotes: “Life is too short, but heaven is forever.”  He’s confident that the Blessed Mother, after whom Mary was named, was the main “tool” in her life. He also feels confident in where Mary is at this moment: “I think she may be in heaven making rosaries right now.”

Christina Aliseo serves as administrative assistant/office manager in the Department of Pastoral Care.