In the past seven years of serving as Spiritual Director for the Association of the Miraculous Medal, I have met hundreds of dedicated members — and heard from thousands more. AMM is blessed with a worldwide family of faith, along with a dedicated staff and board of directors, members, and volunteers who make our ministry possible.

It has been a privilege to pray with you and for you along life’s daily road. God has placed us in one another’s lives for a purpose. We honor and fulfill that purpose by our mutual respect and loving support for Mary’s ministry here in Perryville.

But times and seasons change. So too, ministries.

I have been called to help meet the ever-changing needs of the Church in a new capacity. While no longer serving as Spiritual Director, I will nevertheless continue to be an active AMM member wherever my ministry takes me. And I know that Our Blessed Mother, who has watched over me throughout my four-plus decades of priestly ministry, will continue to do so.

Allow me to introduce you to Father Clayton Kilburn, C.M., as AMM’s incoming Spiritual Director.

Father Clay has been a priest of the Congregation of the Mission since 1979. Father Clay has served in numerous ministries for the Vincentians, including missionary posts in remote regions both here in the United States and abroad. We have been working together to ensure a smooth transition. You’re in good hands.

Let us look forward together for what God has in store for the future of the international Association of the Miraculous Medal — and AMM here in Perryville, in particular. I know you’ll join me in thanksgiving for the pastoral gifts Father Clay has to offer.

One final thought.

Spiritual Directors come and go. But as a faithful member of our AMM family, you are its heart and soul.

I thank you for all you do to spread devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and for your support of the Vincentians both here and abroad. Every prayer you’ve offered up for our work, every gift you’ve shared, every Miraculous Medal you’ve given away to inspire another — these are the mark of our universal family of faith. It is you who are bringing Jesus to the world through Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

Thank you and God bless you always!

Sincerely yours in Mary and Jesus,

Father Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director

P.S. As I say farewell for now, be assured of my gratitude and continued prayers for you and your needs. Should my schedule permit, I look forward to joining a future pilgrimage with Association members.

P.P.S. Please continue to use any cards or certificates you may have that contain my signature. As you can imagine, it will take some time to changeover these items on which Father Kilburn’s name is printed. The spiritual benefits will remain the same.