Through a chance meeting at a Prayer in the Square event, Mike Phelan and Tom Morrini formed a friendship and ministry that has profoundly impacted Northern Colorado. United in their devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, they encourage deeper prayer in parishes and communities.

Morrini’s ministry roots stem from his Catholic upbringing. “I was in a club with a Marian devotion in high school,” he shared. “I think it’s important that people understand that Our Lady was born without sin and retained her virginity throughout her life.”

Phelan’s path to Marian devotion was more winding. Raised in a strong Catholic family, his faith wavered after his experiences in the Vietnam War and on the police force. “Both Vietnam and the police department had negative effects on me,” he reflected. “I fell away from my faith.” His return began when a former coworker invited him to volunteer at a Catholic church, rekindling his spiritual journey.

Together, they lead the Behold Your Mother ministry, transporting a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima to parishes across the archdiocese. Morrini, a former engineer, devised a system to protect the statue during its travels. Carved by a descendant of the original sculptor, this statue has been blessed by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and has visited countless faithful.

Known as “Our Lady of the Tahoe,” the statue travels in a Chevy truck to parishes, convents, and schools. Their mission is to encourage families to pray together, even if only for a few minutes each night. They provide olive wood rosaries to support this effort.

Mike and Tom’s dedication has earned them the title of Disciples of the Month. Congratulations to both for their service and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Do you know someone who is an exceptional steward? Nominate them here, and they could become the next Disciple of the Month!

The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal supports a wide range of ministries that are sharing the Gospel every day.