It has been said that the one constant in this life is change.

My name is Father Clayton Kilburn. I am a Vincentian priest of the Congregation of the Mission’s Western Province. I was recently asked to assume a new role as Spiritual Director of the Association of the Miraculous Medal.

Accepting was an easy and quite joyful decision!

Father Kevin McCracken, who has served in this ministry for the past seven years, will be taking on new responsibilities within the Congregation. I am hopeful all of you will join me in offering our heartfelt thanksgiving to Father Kevin for his prayerful and devoted care for AMM members during his years of service.

A little about me …

I grew up working on a farm near Blytheville, Arkansas. My family moved to California when I was a senior in high school. Before discerning my vocation to the priesthood, I worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in India and as an electrical engineer in California.

I was ordained a Vincentian priest in 1979. My ministries have included serving as a missionary and teacher in Africa, a pastor in California, and most recently as a pastor in the rural Hopi Indian territory of Keams Canyon, Arizona.

I am grateful to be “back home” with my fellow Vincentian priests and brothers here in Perryville. I especially look forward to walking with you, in Christ, through Our Lady.

I am eager to share with you and fellow AMM members what a blessing Mary has been in my life.

Our Lady needs the faithful members of AMM, and all who wear of her Miraculous Medal, to bring her message to our sinful world. Desiring redemption for all souls, Our Blessed Mother calls us to change our hearts, to conform them more closely to her Son’s, and to live our faith openly and authentically.

May God continue to bless your efforts to serve him and may he draw all of us ever closer to himself.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Sincerely yours in Mary and Jesus,