The Apostolate of The Suffering was founded in 1947, by Monsignor Luigi Novarese, and was officially approved by the Church as a co-association of the Silent Workers of the Cross. Today it consists of ecclesiastical approved Private Diocesan Associations, united with an International Confederation, approved by Decree of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The National Coordinating Center for the Apostolate is located in the diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts.


Mary Farm, our National Coordinating Center

In December 1986, Mary Farm was given to the Apostolate of the Suffering. as a gift, from a local physician and his wife. The property is on 9 ½ acres of land and consists of an 11 room farm house, a two-car garage and a large dairy barn, since converted into a meeting hall (the Fr. John Smus Memorial Hall) .

Mary Farm is the headquarters for the Apostolate of the Suffering (AOS) in the diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. It is also the National Coordinating Center for the U.S.A.

We operate on a “pay as you go” basis, thus keeping us from going into debt. The work proceeds as our resources allow, with the knowledge that if what we are doing is really the Will of God, it will flourish. We do not become anxious but rather follow the advice of Bishop Constantino Luna, who introduced the AOS to America, to “Do the best you can with what you have and place the results in the hands of Divine Providence”.

Today our house has the office for the Apostolate, a caretaker and a Silent Worker of the Cross in residence. The Father John Smus Memorial Hall is used for gatherings of the members for special occasions, Days of Recollection and an annual picnic in July. We are striving to eventually make Mary Farm not only our Diocesan and National Coordinating Center but an “Oasis of Peace”, accessible to the physically challenged. A place for our members to come to unwind, relax and at the same time recharge their spiritual batteries. Our address is:

Mary Farm
1915 Ware Street
Palmer, MA 01069
ph: (413) 283-4529
e-mail: maryfarm@comcast.net