Meet Us at the Crossroads II

Marianist schools challenged us last month to find a way to support the goals of Marianist Family Encounters Project (MFEP), a response to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth outlined by Pope Francis in the proposals, Global Compact on Education and Laudato Sí Action Platform.

Chaminade College Preparatory – STL

Throughout last year, Marianist schools and ministries made pledges. They initiated projects to lessen their environmental impact, improve the quality of life for people living in marginalized communities, and support MFEP’s goals.

Since putting a plan in place, students and ministries have been busy acting on them. MFEP projects run the gamut. For example:

  • Central Catholic High School students in San Antonio, TX, helped some of the most vulnerable by cleaning horse stables at an equestrian therapy facility for children with Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Other students participated in a Basura Bash that leads hikers through flora and fauna, teaching environmental lessons.
  • Colegio San José, San Juan, PR, gathered its senior class to volunteer at a 5k race for SFM Charities which helps provide nourishment and wellness to the underserved across Puerto Rico. Students also participated in an awareness campaign created by the Recycling and Ecology Club.
  • Freshmen at Chaminade University in Honolulu, HI, scoured the banks of the Palolo Stream, picking up litter and teaching students to have an environmental mindset.
  • Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, FL, facilitated a Women in Sports Panel and discussion to promote “full participation of girls and women in education.”
  • Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis, MO, hosted a community screening of “The Letter: A Message for the Earth.” Students also partnered with the Spanish Club in hosting The Pulsera Project, which helps support more than 200 fair-trade jobs for Nicaraguan and Guatemalan artisans.
  • To encourage “a sustainable lifestyle,” Mount Saint John, the Marianist’s 150-acre campus and nature preserve in Dayton, OH, is in the process of installing solar panels that will meet all its electricity needs.

    Marianist Novitiate Community
  • One way the Marianist Novitiate Community in Dayton, OH, is living out Laudato Sí is by composting their food scraps – cutting down on trash while enriching the earth.

“People often only hear bad news regarding these global issues,” said Bro. Steve O’Neil.”But by getting involved, doing something, we believe people will gain a sense of hope.”

If you’d like suggestions or advice on how to get involved or incorporate an activity in your school or group, you can contact Bro. Steve via email at [email protected].

Click the pictures to read more about the initiatives of the schools and ministries mentioned above.

Cental Catholic High School
Colegio San José
Chaminade University
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Chaminade College Preparatory - STL
Mount Saint John
CLICK HERE – Become a Marianist Family Encounters Project Member

In The News

University of Dayton Research-Industry Partnership

Chemical and hardware manufacturers are seeking industry research at University of Dayton (UD) to examine whether drones are the answer to precision agriculture.

“We’ve had a lot of additional interest in drone spraying since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency started accepting and reviewing results from tractor spray drift experiments in our Low-Speed Wind Tunnel in 2019,” said UD Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering Sidaard Gunasekaran.

“When we spray a field now, we broadcast spray the entire field,” said Kyle Butz, a technical adviser with Spray Analytics. “With drone spraying, we’re trying to examine whether we can effectively target portions of the field or use less chemicals. We call it ‘precision ag,’ and we hope to use it to be better stewards of the land.”

Chemical and hardware manufacturers and government officials are invited to an event May 24-25 at the University of Dayton’s Kettering Laboratories.

Research Showcase 2023

The scholarly and creative works and research of St. Mary’s University faculty and students were highlighted at an annual showcase earlier this month. The theme of this year’s Research Showcase was Laudato Sí.

Tuesday, April 18, was designated as an alternative learning day by the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. A series of concurrent presentations occurred in the morning, followed by a St. Mary’s alum panel and the 24th Annual Research Symposium and Creative Activities Exhibition in the afternoon. The day closed with a keynote speaker and awards ceremony.

The following day, each of the schools across campus hosted an open house (School of Science, Engineering and Technology; College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Greehey School of Business and School of Law).

Journeys of Faith

Fr. Tom Kreidler, Dylan Wahl ’24, Boston Socha ’23, Jordan Marshall ’24, Ethan Hawyschuk ’24

Formation in faith is one of the characteristics of Marianist education. Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH, teaches in the Catholic faith; but for those who aren’t Catholic, the purpose is to help students reflect on their faith, whatever it may be.

Sometimes that deep contemplation leads students to the Catholic creed. This year, four students who—after reflection, discussion, and instruction—entered the Catholic faith: Boston Socha ’23, Ethan Hawyschuk ’24, Jordan Marshall ’24 and Dylan Wahl ’24.

These young men met with Campus Minister Steve Joebgen, Religion Teacher Jerry DiCristoforo, and Campus Chaplain Fr. Tom Kreidler at 7:00 on Friday mornings (itself a sign of interest and commitment) as well as other times to delve more deeply into Catholicism and the Marianist tradition.

Click here to read personal thoughts about their journeys of faith.

Mission Day

The annual St. John Vianney High School Mission Day raised funds to support its Marianist sister school in Nairobi, Kenya: Our Lady of Nazareth (OLN). Students were educated about the needs of the students in Kenya through photos and information on a slideshow during lunches. Morning announcements each day also included teachings about the costs to educate and feed the students. Social media was utilized to paint a picture of the living conditions of students. A school-wide goal was set to cover the costs of school supplies, textbooks, uniforms, meals, and tuition for all current students at OLN.

The following week, on Mission Day, students wore the OLN school uniform color red instead of their classic black and gold to show support for the students in Kenya. Students donated more than $4,500 to Our Lady of Nazareth.

A few weeks later, Fr. André-Joseph Fétis and Bro. Michael McAward from the Marianist General Council in Rome visited Vianney and shared testimonies about their personal experiences visiting OLN, reiterating the importance of the success of this mission. Click here to see more photos.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Marianist Sponsorship Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Head-to-Heart Workshop

The leadership of Marianist schools and ministries has always been the primary responsibility of Marianist brothers and priests. But with a smaller pool of vowed Marianists in active ministry, the Provincial Administration recognized the need to better equip lay educators and leaders to carry out this most important mission and vision. Ten years ago, they adopted a Marianist Sponsorship model to strengthen and maintain the Catholic and Marianist identity of their apostolic ministries and K-12 education.

It was a move that came naturally, says Bro. Jesse O’Neill, assistant for education, whose office oversees the Office of Sponsorship. “Since its founding, the Society of Mary has promoted the formation and empowerment of the laity in its mission. In this same spirit today, we form our presidents, principals, retreat directors, and teachers as Marianist educators.”

As he looks back on the last decade, Office of Sponsorship Director Dan Donnelly says, “I am most happy with how we built and strengthened relationships with our sponsored ministries – a network of 17 secondary schools  and four retreat centers – and have worked together with them in the spirit of trust and cooperation to achieve our goals.”

Among those goals:

  • A mentoring program for new key administrators, “accompanying them as they learn the fundamentals of Marianist education and administration,” states Donnelly
  • A redesign of a workshop called Teaching as Ministry to introduce Marianist educators to the Characteristics of a Marianist Education, the guiding principles that articulate the characteristics that make their institutions distinctly Marianist
  • A new workshop called Head-to-Heart for educators that continues the formation process in Marianist spirituality

Donnelly credits the Office of Sponsorship team, including Erica Duarte, Larry Keller, Pat Wheadon, and Mary Holtmann, for the program’s success. “They have provided great leadership and energy supporting the Marianist charism.”

Looking ahead, Donnelly foresees a continuation of their present work. “Our role is to accompany and support Marianist-sponsored schools and retreat centers as they assist Mary in bringing Christ to the world,” he says.

Bro. Jesse adds, “Chaminade reminds us that we teach by every word, every gesture, every look. The Office of Sponsorship assists our schools and retreat centers in creating a culture that allows this to happen. I believe a Marianist education is our greatest gift to the world.”

Want to learn more about Marianist Sponsorship? Click here.
By Bro. David Betz

A Marianist Moment

Recently, I had the pleasure of recording a podcast with the North American Center for Studies (NACMS) for its Sharing Our Marianist Stories Series. It was posted this month. Gabby Bibeau, Research and Program Assistant, as well as the producer of the podcast, interviewed me about our Marianist Saints. It gives you the opportunity to learn more about who are our Marianist Saints and get a sense of the canonization process. At one point during the interview, I was asked to identify individuals in the United States who could be chosen to enter the canonization process. I now invite you to consider this question and let me know your choices at [email protected].

Click on the link below and enjoy!

Click here for Sharing Our Marianist Stories Podcast

From the Archives

Marianist Gallery Social Spotlight

Painting by Bro. Don Smith

Gallery St. John, the last Marianist gallery, has a new stage, and it’s set on social media. Bro. Brian Zampier, with the blessing of artist and gallery assistant  Bro. Louis Fournier, has created a new Facebook page to help publicize the studio in Dayton, OH. It is a treasure trove of Marianist craftsmanship, including more than 100 framed photos by Bro. John Lemker, and art by the likes of Bro. Joe Barrish and Bro. Don Smith.

Click here to find the Facebook page, and once there, click the “Like” button to follow for special art signings and showcases.

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

Brink of Enlightenment

Bro. Ed Brink considered himself a renegade environmentalist with a mission to save the planet as he pursued a college degree in Environmental Engineering Technology. The New York native found his footing at the University of Dayton, and that decision changed the trajectory of his path forever.

With the encouragement of his professor, Fr. James Heft, Brink thought deeply about committing to the religious life of a Marianist. “I went to my first meeting, and I got scared away,” recalls Brink. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure this was going to be for me.”

However, the acts-of-service component of his Marianist education prompted him to live in a Marianist community during his junior and senior years. The rest, you may say, is history – a long and thoughtful history. He professed his first vows in the Society of Mary (Marianists) on Aug. 11, 1985.

“It’s a long and involved process to become a perpetually professed brother,” Brink says. “Formation never really ends for a Marianist; it is a life-long process of spiritual renewal, personal growth, and committed service.”

Click here to read more.

Hollywood Comes to Campus

It was lights, camera, and action as the cast and crew of the hit NBC series Magnum P.I. descended on the Chaminade University campus during spring break to film scenes for an episode in season five.

Perdita Weeks, who plays Juliet Higgins in the show, also directed the scenes that included Jay Hernandez, who plays Thomas Magnum. Set designers transformed the President’s conference room into a fictitious office, and a stuntman was seen hanging from a window. Filming required more than a dozen extras, loads of equipment, and set construction. The scenes will be in an upcoming episode this fall.

Join Us

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (OH) – Principal and Major Gifts Office
  • Chaminade College Preparatory (MO) – Retreat Coordinator
  • Chaminade College Preparatory (CA) – Dir. of Human Resources
  • Bergamo Center – Guest Services Coordinator

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #69 from the Marianist District of India

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,600 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

Meet Us at the Crossroads

Marianist Family Encounters Project (MFEP) is a Marianist Family initiative launched in response to two major world issues – responding to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth –  which Pope Francis outlined in the proposals, Global Compact on Education and Laudato Sí Action Platform.

Members of the Chaminade-Julienne family volunteer at Marianist Nature Preserve

MFEP embraced the Pope’s challenge to use the gifts of the Marianist Charism to create life-enhancing projects, both as individuals and as communities, to address global suffering at the crossroads where these social and environmental crises intersect.

“We encourage anyone who feels drawn to work on these issues to go to our website and discern where you might fit,” said Bro. Steve O’Neil, who has been working with an eight-member Marianist Family coordinating committee to oversee the projects.  “Ask yourself: ‘What is my passion? Where is God leading me to get involved? And where can I best contribute?’”

Mark Laury, ministry lead for the Marianist Family Encounters Project at Chaminade College Preparatory-St. Louis and an art teacher said, “Addressing environmental justice begins with empathy, challenging us to ask: ‘What changes are people on the east and west coasts of the U.S. having to make because of climate crises? Living in St. Louis, how are our choices creating unknown effects elsewhere?’ By widening our lens to see the bigger picture, we gain a better understanding of sustainability and begin to be more humane. We see how our choices affect our planet and other people in a real way.”

Marianist schools and ministries have made pledges and already initiated several projects to lessen their environmental impact, improve the quality of life for people living in marginalized communities, and support MFEP’s goals. Now, they’re challenging you to do the same.

CLICK HERE – Become a Marianist Encounters Site Member.

All Marianists are invited to create a Marianist Family Encounter Project Day of Action, between April 1-May 31.

Click here to share your pictures and stories of support.

Next month, we will highlight the projects and initiatives of our Marianist Family in Meet Us At the Crossroads Part II.

In The News

Lay Marianist Assembly – 12 Workshops Available

The Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA) will have a full docket of workshops available at its Lay Assembly, July 20-23, 2023, in St. Louis, MO. The following is just a sampling of what will be offered.

Keynote speakers include Fr. Bryan Massingale and Tony Alonso. The final date for all assembly registrations is July 10, 2023. Early bird discounts will be given through April 1. Financial aid scholarships are available and will be reviewed on a rolling, first-come-first-serve basis if funds are still available.  Click here for application materials.

Celebrating 25 Years

The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) was formed 25 years ago among the three branches of the Marianist Family (SM, FMI, and the Laity) as a unique place of connection to keep the fires of justice burning.

Today, more than 80 volunteers advocate and create opportunities for engagement around seven distinct social justice initiatives and look forward to continuing this work well into the future.

As MSJC celebrates its history and prepares for the future, it invites you to participate in the Next 25 Years of MSJC Visioning. Click here to collaborate on a Jamboard – a digital interactive whiteboard.

Throughout 2023, the MSJC will commemorate its milestone anniversary with special resources and events. If you want to sign up for its monthly Justice Jottings newsletters, click here.

People’s Law School

On Saturday, March 25, community members were invited to participate in the 29th Annual People’s Law School, hosted by St. Mary’s University School of Law and the San Antonio Bar Foundation.

They were welcomed to the law school campus, where presenters from private practice, the Bexar County Family Justice Center, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, the Office of the Texas Attorney General, and St. Mary’s Law shared their expertise on some of the following topics:

  • Wills and powers of attorney
  • Email and phone scams
  • Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • Constitutional and criminal law rights
  • Guardianships and trusts
  • Plans for retirement
  • Divorce, protective orders, and Child Protective Services cases

Each topic was presented in a 45-minute session, after which participants could ask questions and speak personally with the instructors.

Justice Fair Raises Funds

Students at Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, CA, created an annual Justice Fair to help the underprivileged. Inspired by their teachers and parents to respond in a small but significant way, students crafted products to sell or devised fun activities that could raise money. The Justice Fair, held over several days,  raised more than $12,000 this year and was distributed to almost 30 charitable causes. More than the money, though, these young people learned the importance of responding to the call of those in need.

Click the picture to watch a video from the event.

Marianist Ministries in Action

With Open Arms

Eric Rodriguez at Our Lady of the Pilar, in Zaragoza

Four years ago, Eric Rodriguez joined a Marianist Lay Community called “The Mantle” in San Antonio, TX, and became a Lay Marianist. That inspired him to attend the Marianist International Assembly in Madrid, Spain, last summer. “It was one of the highlights of my life,” he said. “I will always cherish the day we celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragosa, and I was amazed to meet people from around the world and from every walk of life.”

While at the Assembly, Rodriguez and his fellow Lay Marianists talked about how they could engage young adults in their ministries. “The biggest takeaway from our discussions was simply this: to invite young adults with open arms, make them feel welcomed and needed,” he said. “We often get so comfortable in our communities and forget to invite others to join us, not just the youth, but the marginalized and others looking for a place to grow in faith and community.”

Back row: Eric Rodriguez, Bro. Tom Redmond, Matt Dunn, George Lisjak, Katiri Dillion, Rob Brodrick
Front row; Jack Dalton, Sarah Gray, Andrew Ancheta II, Marceta Reilly, Margy Lisjak, Jackie Reilly, Susan Buckley

Rodriguez knows a lot about working with youth. His journey with the Marianists started nearly 20 years ago. “I knew about St. Mary’s University because my aunt lived in the neighborhood behind the baseball stadium,” said the native from Corpus Christi, TX. “But I had never stepped on campus until I took a tour during my senior year in high school. That single step was a life-changer.”

Since then, Rodriguez has graduated from St. Mary’s – twice. First, in 2008, he received a B.A. in political science, followed in 2012 by a master’s degree in public administration. After graduation, he continued his involvement with the university as assistant director of Admissions.

“I spent 12 years in higher education where I guided young adults, helping them find their direction and believing in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves,” said Rodriguez, a first-generation college graduate. “For most of my career, I worked with underserved school districts and first-generation college students. It was my job to help make higher education a reality for them.”

Rodriguez now works for a mortgage company educating first-time home buyers. One piece of advice he offers young adults looking to grow in faith: “Don’t be afraid to get involved. I joined my MLC group at a time when I was looking to strengthen and deepen my faith, and Mary guided me to my community. The Marianist Charism has taught me to share my gifts and opportunities with others, and the Marianists have opened so many doors for me. They have enriched my life by making me a better person and helping me serve others.”

Interested in becoming a Lay Marianist? Click here.
By Bro. David Betz

A Marianist Moment

Do Not Be Afraid, Looking Upon Joseph and Mary as Models of Faith

When reading the gospels for the Solemnities of Joseph, Husband of Mary and the Annunciation of the Lord, a common phrase that one reads is “Do not be afraid.” There seemed to be uncertainty on the part of Joseph and Mary, especially when they each were confronted with a request that appeared to be improbable. They most likely were taking into account the social situation of their lives, that is, the mores and the roles of men and women in their Jewish community. These requests would have gone against the grain of society at that time. Therefore they had to be reassured that saying “Yes” would lead to some good in their lives. When the angel said, “Do not be afraid,” it appeared to be the reassurance they needed. But more importantly, I believe that it was their lives of faith that contributed to their willingness to follow through with God’s requests. Joseph and Mary had great trust in God’s providence. And it had to be their deep faith that enabled them to have this trust even in times of uncertainty about their future.

Click here to read more.

Next month, look for a NACMS podcast featuring a conversation with Bro. David Betz concerning the Marianist Saints.

From the Archives

Art Prices Quadruple for Marianist Brother

His artwork can be found not only throughout Marianist communities but in galleries, homes, public buildings, and private collections across the United States. The late Bro. Cletus Behlmann (1933-2016) is well known among his peers as a pop expressionist whose use of colors and imagery inspired and delighted.

His work, often depicting secular images such as birds and flowers, as well as religious themes, became popular outside of the Marianist world, with paintings selling for a thousand dollars. While it is fairly common to have the price of an artist’s work experience a slight bump after death, what is happening with Bro. Cletus’ work is “wildly unusual,” according to Natalie Grant, a fine art specialist at Vogt Auction Galleries in San Antonio, TX. She reports that paintings that sold in the low $1,000s just six months ago are now selling for $4,000 or more.

The San Antonio Express-News highlighted the phenomenon in an article last month. Click here to read more.

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

The obituary for Fr. Franz Schorp was not completed in time for the February issue of FamilyOnline. It is now available and can be read by clicking on his name.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

Lenten Meditations

As we enter the final days of Lent, are you looking for a way to engage with the season on a deeper level? Take a listen to North American Center for Marianist Studies NACMS Lenten Meditations, available on the NACMS website, Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Search for “Sharing Our Marianist Stories.”

 

ALIVE Magazine – Spring Edition

The new spring edition of ALIVE magazine is now available.

Inside you will find stories about the Blessed Mother in Sub-Saharan Africa, discover why elderly Marianists are paired with St. Mary’s University students, and how the Marianist Invitational basketball tournament scores more than just points.

Click here to read those stories and more in the digital version.

 

Join Us

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • Chaminade College Preparatory (MO) – Retreat Coordinator
  • Chaminade College Preparatory (CA) – Dir. of Human Resources
  • Bergamo Center – Guest Services Coordinator

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #68 from the Marianist District of India

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,600 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

Rooted in Hope

Sometimes all you need is a little hope. Rich Sroczynski, who serves as a volunteer with both the Marianist Family Retreat Center (MFRC) in Cape May, New Jersey, and Interfaith-RISE, a refugee resettlement agency headquartered in Highland Park, New Jersey, was hopeful when he pitched the idea of a retreat for refugees and asylees at the Marianist facility.

 “I knew there would be challenges in developing interfaith programming, as well as language and culture differences, menu considerations, logistics, and costs,” he said. “But I was confident these things could be overcome.” 

Staff Members of Interfaith Retreat for Refugees

January 27-29, MFRC hosted an Interfaith Retreat for Refugees for 19 people, including individuals, couples, and families with children. All had been displaced from their home countries of Afghanistan and Ukraine and worked with Interfaith-RISE to help them transition to life in the United States. 

“Our theme, ‘Rooted in Hope,’ really resonated with all of the participants, no matter their faith or culture,” said Jessica Sherwen, program director for the retreat center, who, along with nine volunteers, five staff members, and the director of Interfaith-RISE, facilitated the retreat. “While all of the retreatants had been uprooted by war or political unrest, their hope survived, even if their way of life did not,” said Sherwen.

The retreat leaders used a variety of experiences to help participants get acquainted and unwind while they discussed the topic of hope. Activities included prayer, a walk on the beach, a trip to the local zoo, and free time to enjoy being in community with others who had been through similar experiences.

“One of the highlights of the weekend was when everyone was asked to write words of hope on a rock, decorate it, and plant it somewhere around the community,” said Sroczynski, who also serves on the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative‘s Immigrant Justice Team. Another occurred when participants were asked to share their hopes and dreams with the group.

But Sroczynski recalled the most memorable event occurred on the last night of the retreat, “It started when Bro. Stan Zubek played ‘Old McDonald’ and got everyone laughing trying to make animal sounds.” Then, the Ukrainians shared a favorite folk song.

“Emboldened by this,” Sroczynski said, “the Afghan families stood and sang an Afghan folk anthem together. Their longing and sorrow for their home at that moment was palpable, and by the time the song ended, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”

 Sherwen, who has overseen hundreds of retreats since she began working at MFRC nearly 20 years ago, said, “I honestly don’t have words to describe the powerful emotions of that moment.”

Click here for information on family retreats at Cape May this summer!

In The News

Constitutional Changes and Navigating the Law

St. Mary’s University School of Law’s student-led publication, The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice, hosted its 2023 Annual Symposium on Friday, Feb. 24.

This year marked The Scholar’s 25th anniversary as a law journal. Because of this significant milestone, the roster of speakers was filled with distinguished members of the Texas legal community. Embracing the theme of “Constitutional Changes and Navigating the Law,” several attorneys, law professors, and public officials presented legal changes within their practice area over the last 25 years.

Marking 20 Years of Health Care for the Homeless

The Center for Respite Care in Cincinnati, OH, was founded 20 years ago. The vision to help some of the most vulnerable in the community was led by Bro. Bob Donovan. Doctor Donovan practiced medicine privately for several years before entering the Society of Mary and making final vows in 1988. He then returned to Cincinnati to become the medical director of the Cincinnati Health Care for the Homeless Program. Together with a dedicated crew, Bro. Bob’s vision came to life. The program’s success was recently spotlighted in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Click here to read the write-up.

Lay Marianist Assembly – Registration Now Open

Have you thought about becoming a Lay Marianist? Perhaps you are one and want to be more involved. We have an invitation for you!

This summer, July 20-July 23, in St. Louis, MO, you are welcome to join the Lay Marianist Assembly.

Click here for a schedule of assembly events. Click here to register.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Inspired by Beauty

Bro. Fred Halwe has served as an administrator, high school teacher, university professor, and Tecaboca counselor. In 2018, when he retired from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, he was ready to start a new chapter in his Marianist life. But then the pandemic struck, and he wondered what he would do. “I couldn’t go to the library and could only read, watch TV, or surf the internet for so long.”

That’s when an idea struck him. Why not use his time to create mosaics? As a child, Bro. Fred loved to draw and paint, but his creative bug never took him into the realm of professional art. “My real love was teaching English, and for 55 years (most of it at Central Catholic), that consumed my time,” he said.

Over the years, however, Bro. Fred was inspired by the works of other Marianist artists, especially the late Bro. Mel Meyer. In 1960, he took an art class from Bro. Mel which included some sessions on mosaics. He also recalls visiting Emil Frei & Associates, a St. Louis business specializing in stained glass and mosaics for churches. The experience “left my jaw agape,” he said.

“After the classes with Bro. Mel, I made a few simple mosaics for my parents and a few more for Central Catholic, including a circular altar top that was used for years at the school for liturgies.”

During the COVID shutdown, Bro. Tom Suda encouraged him to take up mosaics. Since then, Bro. Fred has made several for the Marianist Residence where he now lives. But he is reticent to refer to himself as an artist. “I’m a copyist,” he said. “I trace a picture, paint some glass, cut and paste it, and — voilà — three weeks later, there you have it.”

He is amazed that anyone is making anything of “this hobby of mine,” he said, noting that he uses scrap glass from broken picture frames and a supply of $3 hobby paint to create the mosaics.

Mosaics are not his only medium. He sometimes paints adaptations of subjects he likes, a few of which can be seen here, along with some of his mosaics.

When asked why he creates art, Bro. Fred takes a philosophical tone. “There’s the good, the true, and the beautiful,” he said. “As Marianist teachers, we are big on the ‘good’ and the ‘true.’ We oversee 50-minute classes, grade in percentages, set deadlines, and demand order in our classrooms. But we shy away from focusing on the ‘beautiful.’ That’s a shame.”

Bro. Fred believes there’s a reason why God is a Trinity and encourages everyone to stop and look for themselves. “To see the beautiful, all you have to do is open your eyes and look.”

By Bro. David Betz

A Marianist Moment

Canonization Process Updates on Some of our Holy Marianists

From what we read and know about the canonization process, it can be long, arduous, and expensive. Evidence of this can be seen in reading various resources such as “Give Us This Day’s” section, Blessed Among Us, which gives the dates when the saints and blesseds died and when they were declared saints and blessed. For example, our Marianist founders, Blessed Chaminade, died in January 1850 and was beatified in September 2000, and Blessed Marie of the Conception de Batz de Trenquelléon died in January 1828 and was beatified in June 2018.

It is amazing that religious families, such as our own and other groups who support these causes, diligently engage in the process despite the time and effort it takes. I believe it comes from the determination and the faith of the people involved, who strongly believe that these holy men and women deserve to be recognized formally by the Catholic Church.

Click here to read more and access resources, including a podcast.

From the Archives

Former President Harry Truman – Pen Pal to a Marianist

The Marianist Archives showcase a signed letter from Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) to Fr. Robert Hackel (1932-2022) dated June 2, 1965. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953.

Fr. Bob was known for an intense interest in politics and wrote to Truman for  many years leading to personal replies from the former President. He received a master’s degree in political science and for four decades worked primarily in high school assignments at St. Mary’s High School (his alma mater), Chaminade College Preparatory, and St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, MO; St. Joseph’s School in Victoria, TX; Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth, TX; Thomas More High School in Milwaukee, WI; Gross Catholic High School in Omaha, NE; Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, TX; and St. Louis School in Honolulu, HI.

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

Fr. Franz Schorp – Year Unknown

Fr. Franz Schorp – 2015

Fr. Francis “Franz” Walter Schorp, 91, died on February 19, 2023, in San Antonio, TX, with 70 years of religious profession. His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

See more photos.

The obituaries for Fr. Donald Wallace and Fr. Anthony Jansen were not completed in time for the January issue of FamilyOnline. They are now available and can be read by clicking on their names, highlighted below.

Fr. Donald Wallace’s obituary. Fr. Don died on January 25.

Fr. Anthony Jansen’s obituary. Fr. Tony died on January 27.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

New Executive Director

Neomi De Anda

The International Marian Research Institute at the University of Dayton (UD) has a new executive director. Neomi De Anda is an associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies, a lay member of the Marianist family and past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. “She brings a cultural diversity to the work that will enrich the institute and its impact on Marian studies in this country and beyond,” said Fr. James Fitz, vice president for mission and rector at UD.

Click here to read more.

Memorare Marianist Lay Community Makes Commitment

On Chaminade Day, Jan. 22, 2023, eight St. Mary’s University students made their Lay Marianist commitment as members of the Memorare Marianist Lay Community. The students began their formation in August, meeting in the parlor in the Marianist Residence on campus. José Matos Auffant and Bro. Dan Klco guided them in their formation. The Memorare MLC will continue to meet throughout this semester to continue formation with Bro. Dan.

(Pictured L to R: Bro. Dan Klco, SM, Suzy Ibarra, Lorelie Gonzalez, Arlene Chaidez, Chiara Cossio, Suzanna Marbach, Viviana Gonzalez, Arturo Cantu, Francisco Garcia, and José Matos Auffant)

Lenten Retreats at MRCC

Lent is the perfect time to seek spiritual renewal!

The weekend of Mar. 10–12, the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center (MRCC) in Eureka, MO, offers the retreat: The Seasons of our Lives Through the Eyes of Mary.

Friday, April 7, MRCC will host its annual Good Friday Day of Recollection, presented by Msgr. Michael John Witt. The theme this year is “Hunger for God.” It will include opportunities for sacramental reconciliation, spiritual direction, inspirational talks, and quiet time.

Every month MRCC also hosts Marianist Prayer Gatherings. On Mar. 6, worship will be led by Mary Kate Westrich, JoAnne Bone will give the Marianist moment, and Larry Decker will teach on the Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph. On April 3, Ben Allen will lead worship, Liz Lozano will give the Marianist Moment and Fr. Oscar Vasquez will provide the teaching.

Click here for more information and additional dates.

Hearing God’s Voice in the Wilderness

University of Dayton Campus Ministry encourages all to enter into God’s presence during the season of Lent. To inspire participation, the university is offering an array of free events during the 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, which runs through Wednesday, April 5. Easter is Sunday, April 9.

Click here for a complete list. Masses will also be streamed via the University of Dayton Campus Ministry YouTube channel.

40 Days of Service

Now in its seventh year, 40 Days of Lent and Service is a St. Mary’s University initiative offering a diverse range of opportunities for campus community members to connect and volunteer with nonprofits.

The Office of Rector and the Marianist Educational Associates of St. Mary’s University are also providing Journey to Pascha: 40 Days of Lenten Reflections with daily readings from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Click here for a calendar of readings.

New Provincial Council Members

The Marianist Province of the United States is delighted to announce that the following Brothers have accepted an invitation to continue to serve as members of the next Provincial Council:  Provincial  Fr. Oscar Vasquez, Assistant Provincial Bro. Bernie Ploeger, Assistant for Religious Life Fr. Timothy Kenney, Assistant for Education Bro. Jesse O’Neill, and Assistant for Temporalities Bro. Joseph Markel.

Bro. Edward Violett and Fr. Robert Jones are newly appointed as Councilors.

We thank the following previous councilors for their service. Bro. Charles Johnson for his 13 years of service to the Province as a Councilor. (Eight years of service during Fr. Marty Solma‘s Council and these last five years) Fr. Charles (Kip) Stander for his five years of service to the Province as a Councilor.

This new Provincial Council will be installed during the Province Assembly this summer. Its term begins on July 1, 2023. Please keep them in your prayers.

General Council From Rome Visits U.S. Province

The Marianist General Council, based in Rome, Italy, arrived in the United States in late January for a two-month visit to our Marianist schools, communities, and institutions.

The General Council consists of four members:

  • Fr. André-Joseph Fétis, Superior General, is from the Province of France
  • Bro. Maximin Magnan, Assistant, Education, is from the Region of Togo
  • Fr. Pablo Rambaud, Assistant, Religious Life, is from the Province of Spain
  • Bro. Michael McAward, Assistant, Temporalities, is from the Province of Meribah

They began their visit in San Antonio, then split into groups to travel to California, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. They will travel around the U.S. until the end of March.

Click here to see some pictures from the visit.

Volume One Now Available

Volume One of the General History of the Society of Mary by Fr. Antonio Gascon Aranda is now available for purchase on the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) online bookstore!

The first volume of this multipart general history examines the origins of the Society under the first three superiors general (William Joseph Chaminade, Georges Caillet, and Jean Chevaux), the evangelization of youth by means of teaching, and France’s nascent middle-class values that would eventually impact Marianist education.

Click here to learn more and purchase.

Join Us

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • Chaminade College Preparatory (CA) – Dir. of Human Resources
  • Bergamo Center – Guest Services Coordinator
  • St. Mary’s University – Beirne Director – Center for Catholic Studies

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #67 from the Marianist District of India

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,600 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

Taking the PULSE of Healthcare

Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, Abby Shahady thought she knew the city well. “But serving as a Marianist PULSE volunteer this year has opened my eyes,” she said. “I feel like I have not truly lived in Dayton until now.”

Abby, a 2022 University of Dayton graduate with a major in health sciences, is one of three volunteers participating in PULSE for 2022-2023. PULSE is a post-graduate, servant leadership and social justice initiative sponsored by the Marianists. Each PULSE volunteer makes a one- or two-year commitment to live with fellow volunteers in a lower-income neighborhood while working full-time at local nonprofit agencies.

With Abby’s healthcare background, she was a natural fit for serving two nonprofit sites: The Fitz Center for Leadership in Community and Dayton Children’s Hospital Family Resource Connection.

What does she do? “The short answer is that I work in health equity,” she said. Working in this arena means focusing on systemic health and social inequities that put many at greater risk of sickness and death.

Abby is currently designing a health equity fellows program which the Fitz Center intends to launch soon. It will equip students to address health equity issues in their communities. Her work at Dayton Children’s as a family advocate “helps me better understand health equity issues and individual family’s social needs,” said Abby.” “As an advocate, I help them find existing resourses to meet those needs.”

One of the more valuable aspects of the PULSE program is that it provides mentoring and formation for each volunteer. “I meet regularly with Bro. Ray Fitz, who challenges me to think and connect my personal spirituality with the tangible mission at my nonprofit sites,” said Abby. “These conversations are a crucial aspect of PULSE, helping to tie Marianist virtues to the mission of social justice.”

Abby’s next step in her career path is medical school, “which I hope to begin this fall,” she said. “But Bro. Ray is making it very hard for me to want to leave Dayton anytime soon!”

In The News

Renovation and Innovation at St. Mary’s University

Rendering of Blank Sheppard Innovation Center

St. Mary’s University will receive more than $5.5 million in federal appropriations, secured by Congressman Joaquin Castro to help fund the construction of the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center.

The university broke ground on the three-story, 30,000-square-foot  Blank Sheppard Innovation Center in October 2022. It will support advanced manufacturing research and instruction. It will also promote outreach with industry and community partners engaged in engineering, computing, and related scientific disciplines. The third floor will become home to a planned Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Click here to read more.

The university’s Greehey School of Business is also set to be renovated to encompass redesigning learning spaces, upgrading the student-centric atrium, and acquiring new and emerging technology. The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation awarded St. Mary’s University a five-year grant of $1 million to enable the improvements. Click here to read more.

New Partners Provide UD Law School Tuition, Stipends, and Jobs

Faruki PLL, CareSource, the Dayton Legal Heritage Foundation of The Dayton Foundation and Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. have joined the University of Dayton School of Law’s Flyer Legal Pathways Program to recruit underrepresented and underserved students to law school; and provide them full law school tuition, a $15,000 stipend for living expenses, mentors, summer clerkships and a job following graduation.

“We are extremely excited to have such prominent organizations joining the Flyer Legal Pathways program,” said Andrew Strauss, UD School of Law dean. Click here to read the full story.

Founder’s Day and Marianist Heritage Week Celebrations Across the Province

Click here to see how Chaminade University of Honolulu celebrated.

Click here to view a fun video highlighting activities at Gross Catholic in Nebraska.

Click here to read about how Chaminade-Madonna College Prep in Hollywood, Florida, celebrated.

Some Lay Marianists in New Jersey honored the Feast day of Blessed Chaminade by renewing their vows at Cape May Marianist Retreat Center. Click here to see a photo.

Marianist Family members in St. Louis paid homage to Blessed Chaminade at Our Lady of the Pillar with a presentation from Bro. Jack Ventura. Click here to watch a video introduction and see photos.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Social Media Sister

Sr. Nicole Trahan is a self-described social introvert, yet you can find her on social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

These platforms help make her relatable to a younger audience. She gets frustrated at Hollywood portraying nuns as either harsh or naive and welcomes everyone to get a glimpse of her culture, personality, and spirituality.

While Trahan attended Catholic schools and Sunday Mass growing up, she hadn’t heard of the Marianists until after college. The eager student studied biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University and then earned master’s degrees in Catholic Leadership and Pastoral Ministry from St. Mary’s University to expand her educational background.

When Trahan began teaching religion at Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, she felt deeply connected to the charism and became a Lay Marianist. She started a blog chronicling her journey to her first vows at age 33, and at age 38, she took final vows as a Marianist Sister.

“A lot has changed,” exclaimed Trahan, now with 22 years as a Marianist educator, 15 of which she has served as a Marianist Sister. “I never dreamt I would travel so much or develop relationships with such amazing people. I have collaborated with people who help me see things in new ways, including students I have mentored. They have helped me just as much as I have helped them – maybe more.”

Mission Integration Team meeting

Sr. Nicole currently serves as a campus minister and Mission Integration Team member at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio, is the national vocations director for the Marianist Sisters, and can be found guest speaking at several events and on videos and podcasts.

“It’s a very complicated time to be a teenager. The way students socialize today, what they do with their time, what they expect from the adults in their lives, how they pray, what they consider as fun – it’s all different,” said Trahan. She encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new ways to share their faith.

A Marianist Moment

Blessed Adèle de Batz de Trenquelleon and Blessed Fr. William Joseph Chaminade cofounded the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI, Marianist Sisters.) Her feast day is observed on January 10, the day she died in 1828.

At just 11 years old, Blessed Adèle knew she wanted to devote her life to God. Born into a wealthy aristocratic family, she turned down an offer of marriage and spent her life in service to the poor and building a community of women of faith that would later become the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. In her short life, she combined her orientation toward love and prayer with service and action. Her life offers women of all ages an example of how to live with hope, dedication, love, and courage.

Click here to learn 10 interesting facts about one of our treasured Marianist Causes.

From the Archives

See More From Bro. Bertram's Photo Collection

Marianist’s Old Photo Chosen For New Book

In November 2021, the Marianist Archives received an email from Susanna Steisel, a photo researcher at Ken Burns’ Florentine Films in New Hampshire. She was hoping to obtain permission to use a photograph of Hawaii believed to be taken by Marianist photographer extraordinaire Bro. Gabriel Bertram Bellinghausen (1849-1933).  Unfortunately, the origin could not be confirmed, as no glass negative was found in the Marianist Archives.

Reference and Research Archivist Lisa Finnie emailed her scans of five other photographs from our collection that met the criteria, in particular, to be of nature and dated c1890.

Steisel selected one of the Iao Valley in Maui and subsequently signed the Marianist Archives’ Request to Publish form, which in part designates the required citation for its publication and commits the publisher to supply to the Marianist Archives a copy of the publication free of charge.

The photograph is located on page 69 of the book, entitled Our America, and a three-paragraph discussion of the photograph (pp. 277-278) is included in the Illustration Notes. It mentions that eight Marianist Brothers arrived in Hawaii in September 1883; among them, Bro. Gabriel Bertram Bellinghausen, SM, who was devoted to his faith, his students, and photography. “His photographs show the islands before the onslaught of business and progress descended on the native culture.”

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

Bro. Alva Gillis – Year Unknown

Bro. Alva Gillis – 2015

Bro. Alva Gillis, 92, died on December 31, 2022, with 37 years of religious profession. He was a pastoral minister, a maintenance worker, and a valued volunteer. His varied life experiences enabled him to connect easily with people. Brother Al had an unusual path to the Marianist brotherhood. He entered the novitiate at age 53, following a 25-year marriage that blessed him with six children but ended in a painful divorce. Despite this atypical route, Brother Al is remembered as a committed and generous Marianist.

Read his obituary.

See more photos.

Bro. John Galvin – 1959

Bro. John Galvin – 2015

Bro. Michael John Galvin, 81, died on January 1, 2023, with 63 years of religious profession. He was a beloved teacher, linguist, counselor, administrator, and tireless advocate for the immigrant communities he served. He drew energy and strength from his experience of Marianist community life, crediting it as “the key for my happiness” and counting it as “the greatest blessing among many” he’d experienced in his life.

Read his obituary.

See more photos.

Fr. Don Wallace – Year Unknown

Fr. Don Wallace – 2015

Fr. Donald James Wallace, 86, died on January 25, 2023, in San Antonio, TX, with 67 years of religious profession.  His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

See more photos.

Fr. Anthony Jansen – Year Unknown

Fr. Anthony Jansen – 2015

Fr. Anthony Gerard Jansen, 98, died on January 27, 2023, in San Antonio, TX, with 79 years of religious profession.  His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

See more photos.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

Celebrating 70 Years!

Chaminade High School for Boys in Southern California – 1952

Chaminade College Preparatory in Los Angeles County, CA, is celebrating its platinum anniversary. This Catholic school in the Marianist Tradition had humble beginnings, given just $9,000 and a few months to find a suitable facility for a boys’ high school in 1952. In 1961, the Marianists relocated Chaminade to West Hills and, in 1969, expanded its educational program to include a middle school on their Chatsworth campus. Today, the co-ed school boasts two campuses in the San Fernando Valley and continues to grow.

Bro. Jack Dempsey compiled a detailed timeline of its history and its vision for the future.

Click here to read more.

New Online Program Focuses on the Magnificat

The North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) has begun a new program that focuses on the importance of the Magnificat in the life and prayer of Marianists. The first one, held January 28, featured Sr. Franca Zonta as the speaker. The program included a presentation and time for Q&A.

Registration forms for the remaining four programs, scheduled monthly through May, will be available soon. Don’t miss out; click here to subscribe to the NACMS newsletter!

Reflect on the Virgin Mary and Healing During a Two-Part Marian Forum.

Part 1: Feb. 9 at 2:30 p.m. (CST) via Zoom – Marian Library Resident Scholar Liz Hutter will present “Exploring Disability, Spirituality and Community at Lourdes Sanctuary.”

Part 2: Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m. (CST) via Zoom – Artist Mickey McGrath engages in an interview-style discussion on the role of art in the healing of communities.

Click here for more information.

Join Us!

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • Bergamo Center – Guest Services Coordinator
  • St. Mary’s University – Beirne Director
  • Chaminade Julienne HS – Dir. of Finance

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

MLC-NA from the Marianist Lay Community of North America

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #66 from the Marianist District of India

NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,600 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

Miracle on UD Street

Ellie Borkowski with Remington

Ellie Borkowski, a junior at University of Dayton (UD), wasn’t sure what to expect when she met her special buddy, Remington, a first grader, at the Christmas on Campus (COC) event held at UD on Dec. 8.

They shared hot chocolate and pizza and played games where the 6-year-old won all sorts of prizes and candy. “The highlight of the evening was watching Remington’s face light up when he found out he got to take it all home with him, including a new hat and gloves and a Lego truck,” said Borkowski.

Christmas on Campus is a longstanding tradition at UD. “It was started in 1963,” said co-chair Sophia Locker, who, along with co-chair Julia Mills, worked especially hard to host an in-person event after COVID short-circuited the gathering for the last two years. “About 3,000 people attended this year’s celebration,” said Locker.

The idea behind Christmas on Campus, this year called “Miracle on UD Street,” is to bring UD and the greater Dayton school community together for a night of celebration and fun, starting with a tree-lighting ceremony. More than 1,000 grade-school children were paired with UD students to witness a live nativity scene, enjoy crafts and activities and even a visit from Santa.

“Our outreach to children at such an impressionable age is important because it brings the wonder and spirit of Christmas alive,” said Mills.

Leslye with Santa

That wonder spills over to the UD community. “Our hope is that students see how their kindness impacts their buddies and that these children have a lasting memory of the magic of Christmas,” she added.

That’s exactly how Maru Jiménez, a senior at UD, felt after spending time with Leslye, his second-grade buddy. “We made slime, wrote a letter to Santa, pet some sheep and puppies and looked at all of the Christmas décors,” he said. “It was amazing to see Christmas through her eyes. She was so happy and grateful to be here, and I’m so appreciative that COC gave kids and UD students such a great memory.”

In The News

Pilot Program Boosts Entrepreneurial Innovation

Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) was among seven minority educational institutions that received $1.75 million in grants from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

The $600,000 grant awarded to CUH will help develop the “‘Inana Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program,” which aims to spark minority entrepreneurial innovation among undergraduates from Hawaii, Gaum, Samoa and other Pacific islands.

The Minority Colleges and Universities pilot program will help fund the development of curricula, pilot courses, seminars, and replicable products and tools that address inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship and general economic development.  The award will be granted over a two-year span.

Festive Marianist Happenings

Click here to watch students from Saint Louis School doing a hula at the Gallery of Distinguished Achievers  (GODA) celebration in Honolulu earlier this month.

Click here to view brothers in our Cupertino Marianist Community in California gathered around the fireplace in front of their shrine of Our Mother of Guadalupe to extend Christmas greetings and blessings.

Click here to watch a Christmas video from the Cape May Point Marianist Community in New Jersey.

Click here to see some of the Wreaths across America that a generous alum of University of Dayton (UD) helped the Military and Veteran Programs and Services office place on the graves of our Marianist Brothers who served in the military and whose graves are located at the campus cemetery and Mount Saint John.

Click here to see the beautifully decorated tree at Meyer Hall community at Mount Saint John.

screenshot of virtual gathering

Advent in Our Messy World

The Marianist Center for Lay Formation in Philadelphia, PA, gathered virtually to celebrate Advent. Marceta Reilly, a former member of the International Council of Marianist Lay Communities, reflected on “Advent in Our Messy World.” Affiliates and friends discussed Marceta’s challenge to be responsible for the Marian face of our Church in response to our messy world. Bro. Jack Ventura, national director of affiliates and Rob Broderick, national director of Marianist Lay Communities of North America, also spoke to attendees on this prayerful day.

District of India Updates

Participants with Fr. Marty Solma

Eleven members of the District of India met in Deepahalli for a renewal workshop. These Brothers form the second oldest cohort of professed in the District, having taken their first vows between 1994-1998. Fr. Marty Solma directed this renewal workshop which was received with enthusiasm and joy. Daily presentations allowed the participants to reflect deeply on important themes in Marianist life: holiness, prayer, aging with grace, purity and the joy of living God’s call in the Marianist community, ministry and the Marianist Family.

District Chapter 2022 participates with Bro. Ed Violett

Last month, the 22nd District of India Chapter was held in Deepahalli. The Chapter has five members by right and eight by election. Bro. Ed Violett was invited to offer guidance to the Chapter as it dealt with the evaluation of the Council’s reports and propositions that were submitted. Fr. Jinu Muthukattil and Bro. Balaswamy did an excellent job taking care of the documentation work for the Chapter. Their service to the Chapter was immensely appreciated. The District Chapter members are also grateful to the Scholasticate Community members for their assistance.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Eagle Scout Inspires with Service 

Almost everything on Mount Saint John, a 147-acre, Marianist-owned property in Dayton, OH, offers a teachable moment, including the Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC).

That’s what Gavin Boyd, a senior at Beavercreek High School in Ohio, was aiming for when he volunteered to build an arbor for MEEC to support native vines as part of his Eagle Scout requirements.

The new arbor, located at the entrance to the living labyrinth, will feature three vines – wild yam, leather flower and American groundnut. It provides an opportunity for “people to learn about native vines while opening themselves up to nature,” said Boyd.

“A native arbor has been on our wish list for some time,” said Marianist Sr. Leanne Jablonski, director of MEEC. “When Gavin approached us about doing something for his Eagle Scout project, we were thrilled to put him to work on this. It will serve as an educational point along the trail, emphasizing these plants’ roles in supporting pollinators, hosting insects, providing nutritious fruit and enhancing natural beauty.”

While Gavin built the arbor, knowing that MEEC could use it to teach about the environment and Marianist values, he also discovered a lot about himself in the process. “I learned about patience, perseverance and hard work,” he said. “Most amazing was watching it all come together. It turned out even better than I imagined. It’s incredible to take simple pieces of wood and plants to make something new, inspiring and important.”

Gavin Boyd and Sr. Leanne Jablonski

A large portion of the supplies needed was donated by Lowe’s. Gavin’s mother, Lauren Boyd, who works for the North American Center for Marianist Studies at Mount Saint John, also rallied friends and family to contribute and support the completion of the project.

Click here to see more pictures from the construction project.

MEEC invites visitors to come and enjoy the new arbor, experience a labyrinth walk or just the peacefulness of Mount Saint John trails. Click here to learn more.

Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz 

To Birth Jesus as Mary Did

 

I recently read the July 30, 2022, concluding message from the International Lay Marianist Assembly in Madrid, Spain. The posting presents three directions for Lay Marianists throughout the world: 

 

1) To make our charism more visible within the Church 

2) To allow communities to be a place of welcome, without judgments, and be bridges of closeness to the faith for those who feel abandoned and excluded

3) To welcome young people with a sensitive attitude to their concerns, to make them participants in our decisions and be available to accompany them with the richness of our experience

 

Reflecting upon them brings me to our Marianist Mission: “To birth Jesus as Mary did.” I find these directions to be wonderful actions to fulfill our mission in our world today. They can be ways to engage in the mission and spread the Good News about Jesus Christ. And, of course, this time of Advent and Christmas allows us to reflect on our mission and how these directions may become part of Marianist lives. Looking to our Marianist Saints during this season of the Incarnation can assist us in our reflections.

 

Click here to read more.  Click here to view the video Like Mary. 

From the Archives

Lunar Landing Ignites Awakening

Astronaut James Irwin (1930-1991) signed a picture of himself saluting the United States flag on the moon (Apollo 15 – 1971) to Bro. John Rohe (1931-2018). The inscription reads, “His love from the moon.”

Irwin wrote several books about how being on the moon had a profound spiritual impact on his life. In an excerpt, he wrote, “The entire space achievement is put in proper perspective when one realizes that God walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon.”

One year after his mission to the moon and feeling God’s presence, Irwin resigned from NASA. “I have totally yielded my life to the Lord’s service to tell people everywhere about the life-changing message of Christ,” wrote Irwin,  More Than Earthlings: An Astronaut’s Thoughts for Christ-Centered Living (1983).

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

Caregiver Recognition

Bro. Ed Longbottom at Caregiver Recognition Mass

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati, celebrated its annual Caregiver Recognition Mass late last month. This special recognition is held each year in November, which is National Caregiver’s Month.

More than 60 caregivers, including Bro. Ed Longbottom were recognized for their volunteer work. Bro. Ed works with the chaplaincy service at Good Samaritan Hospital.

The Cathedral sends out nomination forms each year to more than 300 health-care facilities and retirement communities, as well as every parish in the Archdiocese.

It All Started With Just One Book

One book in 1943, written and donated by Fr. John Elbert, started it all. Today the Marian Library not only holds books but musical scores and artifacts spanning seven centuries and 100 languages around the world.

Almost 80 years since its inception, the Marian Library today is recognized both nationally and internationally as a center for scholarship on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Johann Roten and Fr. Tom Thompson from the The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute are often sought after by the press as experts.

Click here for more on their contributions to the collection.

Among scholars and researchers using the library is Liz Hutter, assistant professor of English, who engaged in a fellowship funded by the Marianist Province of the United States. Her students are working on an exhibit called, Rituals of Healing: Body, Mindy, Spirit. It will be on display at the Marian Library from Feb. 8 – April 20, 2023.

Marian Library Fellowships

Applications Open Through Jan. 2

In recognition of the International Marian Research Institute and its new position in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Marian Library and the College of Arts and Sciences are accepting applications for two short-term fellowships.

These fellowships are made possible by a generous gift from the Marianist Province of the United States. Click here to learn more.

Join Us!

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • St. Mary’s University – Beirne Director
  • Chaminade Julienne HS – Dir. of Finance

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

MLC-NA from the Marianist Lay Community of North America

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #63 from the Marianist District of India

NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,600 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

On behalf of the Marianist Province of the United States, we wish you a Blessed Thanksgiving. May you feel God’s divine presence as you gather with your loved ones to give thanks to our Lord.

Click here for a Thanksgiving prayer from the Marianist Mission.

Giving Thanks and Aid in Trying Times

Aerial view of flooding outside of San Juan
Landslide on Route 143 - a main access to the retreat house
Colegio San José students, alumni and friends distributing water
Seniors at Colegio San José loading a truck full of materials to donate

The annual hurricane season in the Atlantic officially ends on Nov. 30. Marianists who live in these hurricane-prone areas are relieved. Still, the impact of the fierce storms in September and Hurricane Nicole this November will linger for months, maybe years to come.

On Sept. 18, Hurricane Fiona, a powerful Category 1 hurricane, made landfall on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. “It was just one of many devastating events in the past five years,” said Bro. Francisco Gonzalez, director of Colegio San José in San Juan. “First came Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, followed by a series of incidents including the earthquakes of 2020, the COVID pandemic and now Hurricane Fiona.”

Fiona pummeled parts of Puerto Rico’s southwest and central mountain regions, unleashing 20 to 32 inches of rain and setting off flash floods, mudslides and power outages across the island.

“In San Juan, we were spared the winds but received a lot of rain and were without power for five days,” said Bro. Gonzalez. “As soon as we returned to school, our student organizations started collecting water, food and other items to take to people living in the mountains where some of the worst damage occurred.”

Once the roads were cleared, he inspected the school’s retreat house in the central mountains. “One building needs some repairs,” he said. “Due to landslides, we need to work on the property to remove rocks, soil and debris.”

Eleven days after Fiona, Hurricane Ian threatened much of Florida before making landfall on the state’s western coast. The Marianist community at Chaminade-Madonna in southern Florida “prepared for the storm, but it never traveled in our direction except for some outer bands, “ said Bro. Jack Ventura.

Students from Chaminade-Madonna’s LIFE Student Ministry emergency response program called Pack the Van loaded 250 cases of bottled water into a van.

Counting their blessings, Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School launched two initiatives to help those who were impacted. “Our LIFE Student Ministry’s program collected water and other supplies and the National Honor Society and Chaminade Scholars collected toiletries, children’s supplies and cleaning supplies and delivered them to devastated areas on the west coast,” reported Bro. Ventura.

He added, “I am very proud of how our student community responded with generosity and a willingness to help the most vulnerable. We continue to pray for everyone whose lives were upended by this catastrophic event.”

Bro. Gonzalez joins in those prayers. “Thanks to God, we have been able to maintain our academic calendar year except for the two days we were closed. Adaptation and change have been a part of everything we have experienced these past five years. We pray for stability and normality for the rest of the school year.”

In The News

Business Leaders of the Year

Dr. Lynn Babington seen on the left adorned with celebratory leis

Chaminade University of Honolulu President Dr. Lynn Babington was honored at Hawaii’s Business Leaders of the Year awards dinner.  It’s an annual event, now in its 21st year, that honors Hawaii leaders who have made important contributions to their companies, industries and communities.

Babington will also be part of a discussion regarding transformational leadership on Dec. 8 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

5K for the Neighborhood

Fr. John Thompson, Pre-novice Pepe Gutiérez, Bro. Brian Zampier

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, run by our Marianist priests and brothers in San Antonio, TX, gives thanks to all who participated in the annual 5K to benefit the parish and its members. The church’s mission is to enhance services in its surrounding neighborhoods.

The race typically raises about $10,000 to enhance services and outreach programs. It’s part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life through revitalization, health and wellness. Each step taken by two-legged and four-legged companions makes strides toward the success of its mission.

Groundbreaking Nursing Program

St.  Mary’s University and its School of Science, Engineering and Technology broke ground on a three-story Innovation Center building and a planned Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to be housed there.

The state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot center will be named the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center in honor of a $2 million gift from Leland T. Blank (B.S. ’67), Ph.D., P.E., and Sallie V. Sheppard, Ph.D.

“Alumni and friends, such as Leland Blank and Sallie Sheppard, share St. Mary’s vision for the future,” said Thomas M. Mengler, J.D., president of St. Mary’s University. “I have no doubt that this new collaborative space will enable our students to transform trailblazing ideas into next-generation realities.”

Click here to read more and see renderings of the new center.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Where Have All The Young People Gone?

“Empty Churches: Where have all the young people gone?” was the topic of a well-attended lecture held at Chaminade University of Honolulu. It’s a question Fr. James Heft has more than just pondered; for years, he has researched and analyzed data pertaining to this subject. In the lecture, he likens the last 50 years of disaffiliation to “nothing less than a tsunami, one that doesn’t come in one huge wave, but in successive waves.”

A Pew study conducted in 2021 reports that 29% of Americans are unaffiliated with any religion compared to 16% in a 2007 survey. But the majority of those unaffiliated adults who may no longer go to church say they believe in God and still pray.

Co-edited with University of Dayton grad and well-known social psychologist, Dr. Jan Stets, Empty Churches Non-Affiliation in America takes a deep dive into the “why.” Obviously, media and social media play a role, but they discovered that some feel the Church is too political, too wedded to rules of behavior, especially in sexual matters, and too concerned with control and power.

How can we help fill the pews? “Religious parents raise religious children – if done so in an authoritative but not authoritarian style,” says Fr. Heft, adding, “we should share our faith with confidence, but avoid cramming it down their throats.”

At the end of the event, Fr. Heft was presented with the Mackey Award for Catholic Thought. The award is in honor of the first president of Chaminade, Fr. Robert Mackey.

Fr. Heft’s lecture grabbed front-page headlines in the Hawaii Catholic Herald.

Click here to read the story. Click here to order his book.

Click here to watch a recording of Fr. Heft's lecture.

Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz 

What’s in a Name?

Blessed Marie de la Conception de Batz de Trenquelléon

The process of naming a child involves various factors. Couples may look at family traditions, their families’ cultural situation and religious affiliation. Some will choose names that are common among their ancestors. In Catholic families, couples may look at the communion of saints to find a name. Today some couples will find unique names they feel will stand out as different or creative that may say something about the child. Whatever name is chosen, there is a hope that it is meaningful for the child as they grow up.

Blessed Adèle was born Adelaide Marie Charlotte Jeanne Josephine.   Click here to learn why then we are asked to refer to her as Blessed Marie de la Conception de Batz de Trenquelléon.

From the Archives

John Wayne (1907-1979) signing autographs at Marianist high school in Puerto Rico

Hey There, Pilgrim

Is there a word more synonymous with a movie star than “pilgrim” and John Wayne? Surprisingly, he only used the word in two of the almost 200 movies he made – the first time in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and finally in McClintock.

It is anyone’s guess if he uttered the word while attending an event at Colegio San José, a Marianist high school in Puerto Rico. Regardless, he garnered the admiration and awe of students and adults who lined up to meet the silver screen star, including Bro. Frank McCulken (1904-1987) seen on the far right of the picture.

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

The obituary for Bro. James Maus was not completed in time for the October issue of FamilyOnline. It is now available and can be read by clicking here.

◆ A Marianist remembrance of the brothers and priests we’ve lost since last November.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

Frederic Bini, Jose Luis Gonzales, Miguel Angel Cortés, Messi Gatien Loubiya, Claudel Noel, Manuel Cortés and Showrry Ravulapalli

Pilgrimage from India to Rome and Beyond

By Bro. Showraiah Ravulapalli SM, a Marianist Seminarian from India

The Chaminade International Seminary community in Rome made a pilgrimage to historical Marianist sites in France and Spain.

There were six of us, including Fr. Manuel Cortés, the previous Superior General of the Society of Mary, who directed the reflections of our pilgrimage. A long-awaited and dreamt-about day to visit the birthplaces of Blessed Chaminade and the Society of Mary came true for me.

This spiritual journey, filled with joy, encounters and emotions, gave me a feeling of a child learning to walk – a feeling of grounding oneself in the spirit of our Founder. What a joy!

Click here to read more.

Jose Luis Gonzales, Showrry Ravulapalli, Claudel Noel, Manuel Cortés, Miguel Angel Cortés, Messi Gatien Loubiya and Frederic Bini

You’re Invited

You are officially invited to attend two important and inspirational events at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka, MO, in December: an Advent Retreat and Blue Christmas.

The Advent Retreat, entitled “Cultivating a Listening Heart,” will be held the weekend of Dec. 9-11, 2022. Blue Christmas is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a child. It is a candlelight vigil to honor their memory and will be held on Dec. 4, 2022.

For more information and registration, click on the event names Advent Retreat and Blue Christmas.

A Reflection of Mission and Thanksgiving

By Bro. Larry McBride

In 1988 when I left the U.S. to go to Mexico, there was a “missioning” ceremony for those of us who were going. In the homily, we were referred to as “missionaries.”  There was something I didn’t like then about being called a missionary, and that dislike has only deepened over the years. The reason is that I receive much more than I give and have been “missioned to” by those very people I set out to help. The real missionaries are the people I meet.

Recently, I have been fortunate to be “missioned to” by those I have met in India. One of those people, in particular, is someone for whom I would like to say a few things. It is because his story is inspiring and puts more clarity on the world situation than any statistic. His story speaks to what is important in life. It speaks to missioning.

Click here to read more.

Graduate Assistantships Available

Share your faith through relational ministry to college students while pursuing a Masters in Theology or Pastoral Ministry. Serve undergraduate students by journeying with them to cultivate faith, foster spiritual growth, and form Christian leaders.

Positions for the upcoming year will be comprised of unique portfolios that include a combination of the following: Residence Life Ministry, Retreats, Liturgy, Service and Justice, and Vocational Discernment ministries. Tuition, stipend, and housing are provided.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Applications are due February 1.

Join Us!

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • St. Mary’s University – Beirne Director
  • Chaminade Julienne HS – Dir. of Finance

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

MLC-NA from the Marianist Lay Community of North America

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #63 from the Marianist District of India

NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,400 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

Answering the Call

Nancy Davies, Lay Marianist Affiliate, has seen her share of life’s ups and downs. “I’ve had some close calls physically and trials like most people,” she said. “But I try to hold onto the Cross of Jesus to guide me.”

Nancy Davies

Those trials include losing her husband, Ed, who passed away when she was in her 50s, leaving her to raise their last two children alone. She also had a serious bout with cancer almost four years ago.

Despite these challenges, she says her life is nothing short of miraculous. One miracle occurred during a life-threatening pregnancy with her last child, Matt, who was born three months premature. “I was critically ill after his birth,” said Davies. “I had blood poisoning and a clot in my lung. The doctor said it was miraculous we both survived.”

During that time, Nancy experienced Mary’s presence “guiding her to the Cross and to her Son, Jesus,” she said. “I had a deep conversion that was life-changing.” There were other miraculous events along the way, especially during and after her cancer surgery.

Nancy Davies

Nancy, now 90, has served in various Marianist Lay functions for nearly 50 years and is always quick to respond to prayer requests from the Marianist Office of Religious Life. She says the Marianists gave her many opportunities to evangelize, taking her out of her comfort zone and building her confidence. “God has used me, and I love doing it!”

A native St. Louisan, Nancy met her first Marianist, the late Fr. Ralph Dyer (1918-1999), at a conference in 1973. The following year, he invited her to a series of retreats at Marynook, then a Marianist retreat center in Galesville, Wisconsin, where she felt called to become a Marianist Affiliate.

While in Wisconsin, Nancy became enamored with the Marianist community. “I loved the way the Lay Marianists worked side-by-side with the Brothers,” she said. “We knew we were family. There was nothing superficial about it. The presence of Jesus and Mary were there!”

Would you like to become a Lay Marianist?

Click here to learn more.

In The News

Bro. Jesús Professes First Vows

Bro. Jesús Alvarez Peña with his parents, Maria and Salvador

Bro. Jesús Alvarez Peña professed first vows in the Society of Mary on Oct. 8, 2022, at Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe) in Querétaro, Mexico. Fr. Oscar Vasquez, Provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States, presided at the Eucharist and received the vows.

Bro. Jesús had worked as a mechanic for eight years alongside his father and brother. But in 2012, he participated in a large retreat and met brothers from various congregations. “I was interested in religious life because I like to help others,” stated Bro. Jesús. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at Marist University of Queretaro in Mexico.

Click here to view pictures from the celebration. Click here to read the official press release.

Underrepresented STEM Students Get Aid

The National Science Foundation awarded four private liberal-arts universities in San Antonio a nearly $2.5 million grant to increase the number of historically underrepresented students and those from lower-income backgrounds obtaining bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. Those universities are St. Mary’s, Trinity University, Our Lady of the Lake University and University of the Incarnate Word. St. Mary’s University will administer its grant-funded project from the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program.

Click here to read more.

Happy 60th, Sisters!

FMI’s University of Dayton 60th Anniversary

Earlier this month, University of Dayton (UD) celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Marianist Sisters arriving at the university.

The Sisters’ first ministry at UD was in Residence Life and Ministry in the newly opened Marycrest Hall, which housed female students on campus for the first time. Many of the Marianist Sisters continue to minister at both the University of Dayton and St. Mary’s University.

Click here to view more pictures.

Rejoice!

Fr. Bob Jones celebrating Mass

Fr. Bob Jones professed first vows in 2007 and has been spreading the joy of God’s goodness in schools ever since across Ohio, Missouri, Texas and beyond. He believes a large part of his vocation is to be available to students, faculty and staff whenever they need spiritual guidance.

Fr. Bob Jones walking the Camino de Santiago

He also immerses himself in the opportunities God presents to him outside of school hours, including the chance to walk the Camino de Santiago, also known as the “Way of St. James.” It is a network of trails across Europe that leads to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in North West Spain.

The Catholic Telegraph recently highlighted Fr. Jones’s journey of sparking joy in others.

Click here to read the full article.

Walk Our Blocks

An organization based in Cincinnati, OH, is making strides in neighborhood relations one block at a time. Over-the-Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH), develops and manages resident-centered affordable housing to build inclusive communities and benefit low-income residents.

Bro. Bob Donovan is a tenant in one of the OTRCH apartments and gave the invocation at the group’s 15th annual “Walk Our Blocks” event last month. It is an opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another and create bonds of support. Bro. Bob invited the Marianist Novices and the Marianist PULSE community as his guests.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Tecaboca Celebrates 85 Years

Tecaboca Camp and Retreat Center, a Marianist facility in Mountain Home, Texas, celebrated 85 years of spiritual ministry with a weekend of festivities in mid-October.

The celebration kicked off with a FundRun – a virtual fundraising event in which solo participants or teams solicited sponsors to donate money as they ran, walked, biked, skipped or galloped in a 5K event for Tecaboca. “We had 24 participants this year and 63 donors,” said Executive Director Kay Tally-Foos.

On Saturday evening, the Under the Stars Gala welcomed 140 diners, including several Marianist Brothers and members of the Provincial Council, Bros. Jesse O’Neill, Joe Markel and Provincial Fr. Oscar Vasquez.

Then on Sunday morning, a crowd of about 150 gathered on the holy grounds for an outdoor Mass concelebrated by Archbishop Gustavo-Siller and Fr. Oscar. “It was special to have both the Archbishop and our Provincial share this occasion with us,” said Tally-Foos. “The Archbishop used this as an opportunity to talk about how Tecaboca is a perfect partner with the archdiocese to promote the essence of Laudato Sí with its emphasis on environmental stewardship, community, kindness and loving commitment to improving the lives of the marginalized.”

Following Mass was a Family FunDay complete with wall climbing, zip lining, swimming, archery and picnics. “It was amazing to see so many people enjoying lunch, staying to visit and playing on our beautiful grounds,” said Tally-Foos. It was the perfect way to wrap up a weekend of celebrations honoring 85 years of spiritual outreach. Click here to view more photos from the anniversary festivities.

Click here for a video honoring the 85-year history of Tecaboca.

Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz 

Marie Thérèse, Who Are You?

In the September 2022 Marianist Moment, I responded to a Robert Ellsberg short bio of Venerable Marie Thérèse de Lamourous published in the September 2022 “Give Us This Day” missalette.

He used the titles of “founder” and “mother” of the Lay Marianist Family. Here in the United States, a good number of our members of the Lay Family of Mary consider Marie Thérèse, a founder since she was very instrumental in organizing the Young Women’s section and the Ladies of the Retreat section of the Bordeaux Sodality. She assisted Blessed Chaminade with some financial concerns connected with the Bordeaux Sodality and the Society of Mary. He sent her to aid in the organization of the original foundation of the Daughters of Mary in Agen.

Click here to discover why she is seen as a “collaborator” instead of a “founder” in Europe.

Click here learn more about our Marianist Causes.

From the Archives

The Sound of Music Resonates Marianist Notes

Maria Augusta von Trapp speaking at a luncheon during the 1960 Catholic Library Association Conference in New York City. To her immediate right is Bro. Arthur Goerdt (1912-1995), from San Antonio, president of the Catholic Library Association.

You may know that the widely-acclaimed, award-winning musical and movie, The Sound of Music, is based on the Austrian singing von Trapp family. But did you know Maria von Trapp has a Marianist connection?

The family fled Austria in light of World War II and, in 1938, came to the U.S. for a concert tour as the Trapp Family Singers. They settled in Vermont in 1940 and, a few years later, became citizens. During her time here, Maria Augusta Trapp (1905-1987) remained true to her faith, corresponding with Bro. Anthony Sobocinski (1920-2005) in 1953 and speaking at a Catholic conference in New York City in 1960.

Click here to discover Marian content in the movie.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

Bro. James Maus, 79, died on October 26, 2022, in the Marianist Residence Community, San Antonio, Texas with 60 years of religious profession. His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

See more photos.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

Being Who You Are – Perfectly Well

Join us for a weekend at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO, for the 6th Annual LGBTQ+ Catholics, Families and Friends Retreat Weekend. The Being Who You Are – Perfectly Well retreat will be held Nov. 18-20, 2022. The retreat is hosted by the LGBTQ+ Initiative of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative. Click here for more details and to register.

October – Month of the Rosary

The month of October is always dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. This is primarily due to the fact that the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated annually on October 7. It was instituted to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in gratitude for the protection that she gives the Church in answer to the praying of the Rosary by the faithful.

Everyone can pray the mysteries of the Holy Rosary at any time with videos featuring images of Mary and Jesus from the University of Dayton (UD) campus, artwork from the Marian Library and the U.S. Catholic Special Collection at UD.

Click the video image below to begin.

Join Us!

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

Listings include:

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

MLC-NA from the Marianist Lay Community of North America

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #63 from the Marianist District of India

NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,400 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

Modernizing Saints Through Art

Ever wonder what the Marianist Founders would look like if they lived today? That was the question catalyzing a collaboration between the Marianist Lay Communities-North America (MLC-NA) and Gracie Morbitzer, an Ohio-based artist.

“We wanted to explore new ways to have conversations about how the Marianist Movement was founded and what that means for us today,” said Rob Brodrick, national director of the MLC-NA. “Morbitzer’s style was appealing because we were looking for ways to connect with students and young adults who often look for images and media that they can relate to.”

In late August, the artist unveiled The Modern Saints in an online presentation that included new icons of the Marianist Founders – Blessed William Chaminade, Blessed Marie of the Conception (Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon) and the Venerable Marie Thérèse de Lamourous.

“My goal was to reimagine these extraordinary people as modern, everyday humans because that is exactly what they were, and they remind us of ourselves. They show us that we can all be saints just like them,” said Morbitzer.

So far, reactions to the new icons have been positive. “People who tell stories about our founders often talk about how a contemporary  Adèle would likely use social media, but actually seeing her with a cell phone and no habit is still somewhat of an imaginative leap,” said Brodrick. “Whether or not each member of the Marianist Family likes the particular style, we hope this fresh and imaginative effort gets people talking about the importance of our charism today.”

The General Administration in Rome invites all members of the Marianist Family to pray for our founders on their path to sainthood and all our Marianist Causes.

Click here for a video about The Modern Saints project, copies of the icons and educational photos for classrooms.

In The News

Graduates Contribute to Global Church

The International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) has exciting news about two of its previous graduates.

  • Most Reverend Frank Leo, IMRI class of 2002, was appointed by Pope Francis as the Titular Bishop of Tamada and Auxiliary Bishop of Montréal.
  • Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, IMRI class of 2019, was elected to the Superior General of the Schoenstatt Fathers.

University of Dayton first began IMRI in 1974. Its Department of Religious Studies offers an undergraduate minor as well as graduate and doctoral certificates in Marian Studies.

St. Vincent-St. Mary Golden Jubliee

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School commemorated its 50th year of being united with a weekend-long celebration last month. The coed school began as two parish high schools, St. Vincent High School, established in 1906 and St. Mary High School, established in 1897. They merged in 1972.

Bishop Edward Malesic opened the festivities with Mass stating that “St. Vincent-St. Mary High School is a unified thread of two great histories informed by the Marianist tradition of the Catholic Church.”

After Mass, guests attended a gala under a large tent on the athletic field where school president Leo Hyland emphasized the school’s vision statement. “Building on the rich heritage of our founding schools and embracing the strength of the Marianist Charism, STVM strives to leverage its diversity and compassion and inspire its students to become caring, active, innovative, productive and faithful followers of Christ.”

The parish women’s group began the feast day with a procession and tribal dances.

St. Monica Celebrated in India

Blessed Chaminade Parish in Singhpur, India, celebrated the feast day of St. Monica on Aug. 29th. She is a model for all mothers in the congregation. Around 1,100 women, their husbands and children participated in the solemn Mass, with Marianist Brothers and Sisters from the local communities joining as well.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Lay Marianists Elect New Leader

Matt Dunn – Regional Responsible for North America, Ireland and Australia

At the 8th International Meeting of Marianist Lay Communities, held in Madrid, Spain, in August, Matt Dunn was unanimously elected to serve as Regional Responsible for North America, Ireland and Australia.

Matt’s responsibilities include representing the interest and needs of this region to the international governing team and further advancing its global mission.

“I am humbled to have been nominated and elected to serve in this capacity. I look forward to using my gifts to support the Marianist Family internationally in ways similar to what I did for MLC-NA,” said Matt.

Prior to this role, Matt served as chair of MLC-NA. His new priorities, in addition to international directions established in Madrid, are to improve communication to build a stronger global community and synthesize processes (such as formation) to identify common elements and best practices that can be shared across the globe while encouraging the implementation unique to each country.

“Matt continues to live out his deep commitment to the Marianist Family and has a strong understanding of the needs of our region,” said Margy Lisjak, current chair of the MLC-NA. “We look forward to working with him in this new role.”

Matt succeeds Marceta Reilly in this role with The International Assembly, which meets every four years. “We are deeply grateful for the leadership Marceta provided for the past four years,” said Margy. “She maintained a close relationship with the Leadership Council and strengthened our understanding of our place within the International Marianist Family. “

Click here for video highlights from the Assembly.

Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz 

 Can we say that Marie Thérèse de Lamourous

is a Founder and Mother of the Lay Marianists?

 

In the September 2022 “Give Us This Day“ missalette, Robert Ellsberg, author of the Blessed Among Us – Day by Day With Saintly Witnesses, identified Venerable Marie Thérèse as Founder and Mother of the Lay Marianists. One wonders how he decided to use these titles. Are these terms appropriate for Marie Thérèse?

 

Click here to look at some points in Marie Thérèse’s life that may have led to Mr. Ellsberg’s use of these terms.

From the Archives

Yogi Berra

Flys for

Fr. O’Shaughnessy

 

Fr. Richard O’ Shaugnessy (1918-2011) recalls the acting skills of Yogi Berra (1925-2015).

 

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

Bro. Harry Cornell, 81, died on Sept. 19,  2022, in San Antonio, Texas, with 63 years of religious profession. Known as the “Voice of the Buttons,” Brother Harry was considered an icon at Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, where he served on staff for more than 60 years – working as a beloved teacher, coach, club moderator and public address announcer at sporting events, graduations and academic ceremonies.

Read his obituary.

See more photos.

Click here to read a tribute from Central Catholic High School where Bro. Harry was considered an icon.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Jubliee Celebrations

Marianists Celebrate Jubilees

Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes brothers and priests marking milestones of their first profession of vows or their priestly ordinations. The final celebration of our 2022 Jubilarians was held in St. Louis on the last weekend of September and concludes this special section of FamilyOnline for the year.

Click here for more of our 2022 Jubilarians.
Click here for pics of St. Louis Jubliee

Good to Know

Hot Off the Press

Fr. George Montague just released his 32nd book, The Mystery of God’s Mercy: Stories and Meditations.  The book explores ways in which the Gospel comes alive in the faith events of others.

Based on his own teaching experiences, Fr. Montague uses the circumstances of his students and himself to illustrate how they encountered the word of the Gospel. It is stories of God’s mercy found in the author’s life and the lives of friends and students who permitted them to be shared. The final chapter provides suggested questions for personal reflection and discussion.

Click here to purchase
Click here to explore more books by Fr. Montague

Come Celebrate 85 Years!

There are three ways to celebrate Tecaboca‘s 85th anniversary this year!

Join the virtual FundRun on October 15, attend the Under the Stars Gala in San Antonio and attend Family FunDay at Tecaboca on October 16. The FunDay begins with an outdoor Mass concelebrated with Fr. Oscar Vasquez, the Marianist Provincial, and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller.

Click here for the event flyer.

Never Enough About Mary

University of Dayton’s Marian Library takes as its motto the words of St. Bernard: “De Maria numquam satis — Never enough about Mary.”

The library is known as a one-of-a-kind resource for Marian scholarship, as seen in its new exhibit featuring rare books, art and archival acquisitions.

One example is an 18th-century printed amulet scroll that purports to represent the “true length” of Mary’s height; scrolls such as this could be placed upon or wrapped around the sick for healing or the dead for protection.

You can view some of the  materials from the exhibit online such as:

    • Wild Flowers from Palestine by Protestant minister Harvey Bartlett Greene (circa 1899)
    • A Dāwit or psalter, which is an Ethiopian devotional manuscript containing the Psalms of David

The exhibit also highlights several Marianists who have contributed to the library’s legacy, including Fr. Thomas Thompson, Bro. William Fackovec and Fr. Francois Rossier.

Empty Churches: Where Have All the Young People Gone?

On Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, Fr. James Heft will explore the social phenomena of the growing number of individuals who no longer affiliate with a religious tradition, the impact non-affiliation has on society and what the future will look like for religions.

The Marianist lecture is sponsored by Chaminade University and will be held at 4 p.m. (HST) in the Mystical Rose Oratory on the Kalaepohaku campus in Honolulu.

Join Us!

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • Tecaboca – Executive Director

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE – Living In Faith Experience

MLC-NA from the Marianist Lay Community of North America

Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities

District Update #62 from the Marianist District of India

NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies

Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,400 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

Lights, Camera, Action at St. Mary’s University

Amazon Prime Debut August 31

When the Admission and Communications departments at St. Mary’s University heard about The College Tour, an Amazon Prime series that spotlights colleges and universities around the country through the words of students, they spun into action and contacted the show’s producers.

“We were thrilled when the Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning producers agreed to feature St. Mary’s,” said Gina Farrell, associate executive director for University Communications.

Created and hosted by Alex Boylan, the show is designed to give potential students more insight into different campuses and universities around the country without the costly expenditures of traveling to each campus. “It’s expensive to go look at schools,” said Boylan, whose television career soared after winning season two of The Amazing Race. “The average cost for a family to go outside their general vicinity to look at colleges is about $2,500.”

In February, the production crew arrived at St. Mary’s to begin filming the
episode. But that put St. Mary’s staff in a bind. To meet the production deadlines, the University had to do the casting call between the Fall and Spring semesters when no students were on campus.

“We were thrilled when 37 students submitted outstanding video auditions,” said Gina. “We ended up with nine students in the final project. They were all amazing!”

While the students each highlighted personal experiences, viewers will notice the common threads of community and Marianist charism rooted in every story.

The St. Mary’s episode premieres on August 31 on Amazon Prime. The school is planning a campus watch party. “I’m glad many of our students will be back on campus and able to join us,” said Gina.

WATCH NOW!
Learn more about the students
Read more
Host Alex Boylan

In The News

First Spanish-Speaking Marianist Lay Community in the U.S.

Four Spanish-speaking families made their consecration to Mary on July 24, 2022, at the Cape May Marianist Family Retreat Center (MFRC).

Fr. Dave McGuigan, Bro. Stan Zubek and Bro. Esteban Reyes, accompanied these families since the beginning of the year, giving the basic formation of a Marianist lay community. Anthony Fucci, Jessica Sherwen and the entire MFRC team provided support and hospitality to these families and Bro. Edward Longbottom was part of the lay formation team via zoom.

Thanks to brothers in Mexico who sent formation books and to the Provincial Office of Religious Life that supplied medals given to the families at the time of their consecration.

The Hispanic families are from Bridgeton, a small town about an hour northwest of Cape May, New Jersey. There are 13 members in this new Marianist lay community, including the children. Click here to see video of the consecration.

New Award to Recognize Catholic Teachers in Ohio

University of Dayton’s Center for Catholic Education launches a new award, Lumen Fidei (Light of Faith), to recognize an outstanding Ohio Catholic school teacher.

“We well know the vital importance that Catholic teachers serve in our statewide mission and want to thank them for their unwavering devotion to continued access to high-quality Catholic education across our state,” said Ali Carr-Chellman, Dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences.

The first state-level award for Ohio Catholic school teachers, Lumen Fidei, includes a $1,000 award. It recognizes a full-time licensed teacher who has served at least five years in an Ohio Catholic school, with innovative teaching practices, enthusiasm for their subject matter, and evidence they work to create a classroom environment where Catholic Social Teaching is practiced and lived, especially regarding equity and inclusion. Click here for further criteria and the nomination form.

Launch of National Charter for Regional Councils

Marianists pride themselves on the notion of collaboration among all the branches of the Marianist family – men and women, Sisters, Brothers and Priests, religious and lay. All branches of the Marianist Family are dedicated to achieving a common mission through national and regional Marianist Family Councils.

After four years of collaboration between the Marianist Family Council of North America (MFC-NA), and members of the Regional Marianist Family Councils (RMFC) in North America, with the help of Bro. Jack Ventura, elements for a National Charter of RMFC have come together.

Approval was given to the second draft of the Charter and distributed to all RMFCs for implementation in ad experimentum for two years.

Click here to view the Charter that was distributed this month.

We are also excited to announce plans for a gathering of the Marianist Family in North America. One of the agenda items for the Assembly will be a particular focus on the Charter, with the intent to close the ad experimentum phase and finalize the Charter.

Chaminade University Receives $10 Million Grant

The National Science Foundation (NSF) selected Chaminade University of Honolulu to lead a groundbreaking $10 million five-year grant project to create new leadership pathways into data science careers for students and working professionals across Hawaii and the Pacific region.

Its partners in this grant are the University of Hawaii, East-West Center and the Texas Advanced Computing Center.

The grant is part of a comprehensive $39 million effort designed to bolster diversity and inclusion in scientific leadership, innovation and discovery.

The university’s new United Nations sustainability center, CIFAL Honolulu, and Data Science program will spearhead the launch of the university’s new Alliance Supporting Pacific Impact through Computational Excellence (ALL-SPICE). The first Alliance programming will begin this September. Click here to read more.

High-Tech Industry Collaboration With UD

University of Dayton (UD) has teamed up with other leading institutions to support the semiconductor and microelectronics industry’s research, supply chain and workforce needs. It’s a timely collaboration as global semiconductor shortages led manufacturers to dedicate nearly $80 billion in new investments in the U.S., including $20 billion from Intel Corporation to construct two factories in Ohio.

The Midwest Regional Network to Address National Needs in Semiconductor and Microelectronics encourages partnerships to pursue funding to help support industry needs.

“The University brings to this regional network substantial academic program capacity in electrical and computer engineering, advanced materials, electro-optics, engineering management and systems and computer science,” said Paul Benson, UD’s provost and executive vice president of academic affairs.  Click here to read more.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Frs. John Thompson and Bill Meyer

Two Leaders Serving One Mission 

A year ago, St. Mary’s University made an important leadership decision. “Fr. Oscar Vasquez, provincial for the Province of the United States, and I decided to split the role of Rector and Vice President for Mission into two positions,” said Thomas Mengler, president of St. Mary’s.

“We invited two gifted, experienced and knowledgeable Marianists – Frs. John Thompson and Bill Meyer – to assume these critical leadership positions. We felt it was the best way to draw on their individual strengths and talents to enrich our campus community,” said Mengler.

A year later, the two priests are hopeful and energized by their ministries. “I love serving as VP for Mission because it puts me in contact with so many different people, including the leadership of the university, as well as faculty, staff, students, alumni and benefactors,” said Fr. John. “It offers me the opportunity to tell the Catholic and Marianist story to all and invite them to be part of this unfolding story.”

Fr. John describes his role as VP for Mission as ‘the conscience of the school.’ “In light of our Catholic and Marianist identity, I’m not interested in the question: ‘Can we do this?’ but ‘Should we do this?’ My role is to ensure that we cultivate and promote the Catholic and Marianist identity of the school as we make strategic decisions and address areas that could be stronger.”

Fr. Bill, serving as Rector for the school, describes his position through a pastoral lens. “My ministry can be summed up in one word: ‘formation, formation, formation!’” he said.

“I am here to accompany, facilitate and encourage others as they discover, develop and contribute their charismatic God-given gifts,” he said. This dovetails with the larger goal of St. Mary’s: to form men and women for the betterment of the world.

“I am fascinated and energized by how God is present and active in our world, even amid chaotic and seriously disordered events,” said Fr. Bill. “God’s Holy Spirit is active and generous, giving people gifts for specific purposes to those who are open and receptive. I believe all people are meant to be life-long learners, open to inspiration and new ideas to meet the needs of our present-day world.”

Fr. Bill adds, “The Holy Spirit is very present animating the Marianist charism in our professional staff and lay faculty ensuring the Catholic and Marianist character of St. Mary’s University will remain strong for many years to come.”

Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz

Oh, These Marian Feasts!!!

When we look at the Marian Feasts in August and September, it seems that we are inundated by them. It starts on August 15, the Assumption of Mary and ends on September 24, Our Lady of Ransom.

These months also include August 22, the Queenship of Mary; September 5, Mary, Queen of Apostles; September 8, Birth of Mary; September 12, The Most Holy Name of Mary; September 15, Our Lady of Sorrows; and September 19, Our Lady of La Salette.

If one looks at the website Catholic Tradition, there are Marian Feasts associated with various countries worldwide. It demonstrates the pervasive impact that Mary has had and still has in our world, especially when men and women of faith believe that Mary is very influential in their lives. It seems that Mary is called upon for many reasons, such as intercession for serious concerns, gratitude for favors received, seeking solace, asking for perseverance, assistance in vocation work, etc. Click here to read more.

From the Archives

General Colin Powell Learns From a Marianist

“Egad!” exclaimed General Colin Powell upon learning there was an error in his book, “My American Journey.”

In typical Marianist-teaching fashion, Fr. Raymond Malley (1940-2021) wrote the author first to compliment his work as well as point out a historical misstep noted on page 274 of the book.

Fr. Raymond, having familial knowledge of that which General Powell wrote, explained in his letter the details of the inaccuracy. He said, “I hate to bust an army legend, but it’s somebody else’s ghost!”

CLICK HERE to discover the blunder made by the General

If you’d like to see more from the Marianist Archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

The obituaries for Bro. Frank O’Donnell, Fr. Patrick Philbin and Bro. Robert Juenemann were not completed in time for the July issue of FamilyOnline. They are now available and can be read by clicking on their names highlighted below.

Bro. Frank O’Donnell’s obituary: Bro. Frank died on July 22.

Fr. Patrick Philbin’s obituary: Fr. Patrick died on July 25.

Bro. Robert Juenemann’s obituary: Bro. Robert died on July 28.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Jubliee Celebrations

Marianists Celebrate Jubilees

Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes brothers and priests who are marking milestones of their first profession of vows or their priestly ordinations. We continue to highlight our 2022 Jubilarians in a special section of FamilyOnline.

BROTHER ROBERT MARUYAMA

60 years of profession

I think I was about 10 when I received my Baptism from a Maryknoll missionary in Manchuria, soon after the end of WWII. For all practical purposes, it was an infant Baptism for me, because I hardly knew what it was all about. I was just following my mother’s lead. But circumstances allowed me to meet the Marianists when I entered a high school in Yokohama, Japan, conducted by an international group of the Society of Mary.

Read more.

FATHER THOMAS FRENCH

25 years of ordination

Thomas Joseph French was ordained to the priesthood on June 27, 1997, at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, Maryland.

His discernment began as a student at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was taught by the Marianist brothers and priests.

Read more.

Click here for more of our 2022 Jubilarians.
Click here for pics of Dayton Jubliee

Good to Know

Gathering in the Spirit

You’re invited to a monthly faith-sharing experience that sparks conversation and connection across the Marianist Family.

This collaborative initiative was created by the Embers Marianist Lay Community and MLC-NA to build community and grow deeper in the Marianist Charism through shared reflection and prayer.

Reflections take place on the first Wednesday of the month in 2022 via Zoom, and while no RSVP is needed, you are asked to join five minutes prior to the start of 8 pm ET.

• Zoom Link to Join
• Meeting ID: 835 9212 6586
• Passcode: Marianist

Strikes & Spikes

Chaminade University of Honolulu announced earlier this month that it will add men’s baseball and women’s beach volleyball to its athletics offerings for the 2023-2024 academic year.

After an absence of more than 40 years, Chaminade baseball will join the Pacific West Conference. In addition, Chaminade will become one of only two schools in the PacWest and one of three Division II institutions in the West Region to field teams in beach volleyball.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome these sports to Chaminade University starting in 2023, the first new additions in 17 years,” said President Dr. Lynn Babington. “Athletics is an important part of the spirit of our campus, and the addition of these new teams will help us to attract even more students interested in excelling in both athletics and academics.”

Click here to read more.

The Latest Edition of ALIVE is Available.

Click the image to read a digital copy. Click here to subscribe.

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
District Update #61 from the Marianist District of India
Gifts and Tasks from the Int. Organization of Marianist Lay Communities
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies
Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary

The Fulcrum from the Marianist LIFE National Office

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,400 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Marianist Province of the United States – uniting what was once four regional provinces into one.

Planting Seeds and Nourishing Connections

Since its inception 30 years ago, the Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC) has been passionate about the care and stewardship of creation. And for good reason.

“The natural world isn’t a work of art for us to sit back and enjoy, but something that is integral to our lives as humans – it nourishes us, brings us closer to the divine and is in need of reconciliation,” said Tara Poling, in a recent article in the Catholic Telegram (read the full article here).

Tara, program coordinator for MEEC, was one of the featured speakers at the 14th annual Midwest Native Plant Conference held July 22 – 24, 2022, on the grounds of Mount Saint John in Dayton, Ohio.

Since 2008, MEEC, in collaboration with Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning and others at Mount Saint John, has hosted the Midwest Native Plant Society’s annual conference. The Midwest Native Plant Society is a nonprofit committed to educating the public about the importance of native plants and conservation efforts.

Highlights of the conference included nationally known speakers representing the fields of horticulture, landscape design, environmental science, biology, ecology and wetland science.

A Midwest Native Plant and Artisan Sale was also held featuring 115 species of wildflowers, grasses, sedges and shrubs to purchase for home gardens and original works of art to inspire a connection to nature.

Click here for resources on native plants and ways you can be a good steward of our planet.

In The News

Journeying Together

Dorothy Mensah-Aggrey (UD), Crystal Sullivan (UD), José Julian Matos Auffant (St. Mary’s)

Lay Marianists Dorothy Mensah-Aggrey, Crystal Sullivan and José Julian Matos Auffant attended the Journeying Together national event, “Alive in Christ: Young, Diverse, Prophetic Voices Journeying Together.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sponsored the gathering held in Chicago.

They represented all three Marianist universities, SM, FMI and Marianist Family Ministries, as they participated in the intercultural faith experience attended by young adults, bishops and pastoral ministers from all over the country. “We were also able to share the Marianist charism with all in attendance through a ‘Setting the Marianist Table’ experience as a meal prayer. It was the perfect group in which to introduce our charism, as they were reflecting on the experience of Catholics from diverse cultures and backgrounds and what it means to be a deeply inclusive and diverse Church,” said Crystal Sullivan, Executive Director of Campus Ministry at  University of Dayton.

The event is a culmination of a two-year and five-stage process. Click here to learn more about the journey.

Religious Brothers Conference Pillar Award

Brother Stephen Glodek was awarded the Religious Brothers Conference Pillar Award on July 20, 2022, at the annual assembly of the Religious Brothers Conference in Los Angeles, CA, at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center.

The Pillar of the Religious Brothers Conference is awarded by the Conference “to a person who has made significant contribution to further the vocation of the Religious Brother and has contributed significantly to the growth of the Conference.” Brother Glodek has been a board member of the Conference since 2013 and served as president of the Conference from 2016-2021.

Awarded Top Read of 2022 by CMA

The Catholic Media Association (CMA) named One Heart with Courage: Essays and Stories as a top read of 2022.  The collection of inspirational nonfiction stories was written by Teri Rizvi, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications for University of Dayton. Rizvi writes about her marriage, which spans two religions and two cultures in a world that’s too often divided.  She says, “The book has a distinct Marianist flavor, with essays about the men of 1903 Trinity (a Marianist student house on campus)…”

Click here to read more.

One Heart with Courage: Essays and Stories, is available in paperback, on Kindle and soon as an audiobook narrated by Sheri Saginor.

Striving and Thriving

Chaminade University Honolulu made news headlines numerous times in the 2021-2022 school year. From instituting adaptation and change as it helped conquer Covid issues by creating outdoor classrooms, to making new strides in its nursing program, being part of a Zoom call with Pope Francis and gaining national respect in the world of sports – the university continues to make positive impacts.

Click here to watch its year in review.

Gamers Unite in Marianist Might

The Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School’s Gaming Club held its first Gamers Afternoon, a four-hour event offering two tournaments in Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros Ultimate plus 16 screens projecting games from the 1980s to modern gaming.

“I am very proud of the success of this club, now in its third year. We are the first high school in the Dayton, Ohio, area to offer such an experience. Our event drew 40 plus local junior high students from public and private schools and was praised by parents and students for being fun and bringing kids together. I feel there is something uniquely Marianist about what I am doing with this group. Our club brings together kids who enjoy gaming and encourages inclusivity and community building through shared gaming,” said Bro. Justin Quiroz.

They are already planning to hold another Gamers Afternoon next year.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Bro. Ed Brink

Marianist Charism Comes Alive

Bro. Ed Brink has spent years thinking about what makes a Marianist education distinctive and how the gifts of the Charism can play a lifelong role in one’s spiritual growth.

That’s why his job as Vice President for Mission and Rector at Chaminade University of Honolulu is so gratifying.

“A large portion of my job is formation,” he said. “It is rewarding when I see people get hooked by the Marianist Charism and are eager to learn more about it. Figuring out how to provide them with information and experiences –  the things that help them grow spiritually – is best done with others in community.”

That community includes approximately 2,167 students who come from a culturally rich mix of Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White, Hispanic and Multi-ethnic backgrounds. It also includes roughly 200 faculty and staff.

The school boasts a student/faculty ratio of 11:1 – meaning that the learning environment is personable and family-like. It is an ideal setting to encourage community building, hospitality and Family Spirit – characteristics that define the Marianist Charism.

Bro. Ed believes that being educated in the Marianist tradition should not be taken for granted. He has a challenge for all graduates:

“Whatever drew you to the University or whatever you like about the experience of being here, points to a responsibility to keep those aspects alive and pertinent,” he said. “I hope those experiences lead you to make a difference in the lives of others and make the world a more just and peaceful place.”

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

Mount of Beatitudes

We invite you to join us on a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land from April 18-27, 2023.

The excursion is hosted by the Marianist Mission with Fr. Tim Kenney as the pilgrimage director, “I am inviting you to join with members of our Marianist Family on this inspiring adventure. A journey to the Holy Land is a spiritual pilgrimage every Christian should try to make at least once in a lifetime. When you are there, the Bible comes alive.”

Fr. Tim Kenney

On the tour, you can expect to visit some extraordinary places like the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Shepherd’s Field, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, the site of the Sermon on the Mount, Tabgha, the location of the Miracle of Loaves and Fishes, Mt. Tabor and much more!

Click here to learn more!

From the Archives

The Magic of a Marianist

Did you know there is a celebrity magician among the Marianist Brothers? Bro. John Hamman (Sept. 3, 1927-Dec. 5, 2000) was considered “world-renowned” in magic, so much so that the world-famous David Copperfield asked to meet him when visiting St. Louis. He autographed a picture for Bro. John inscribing, “Congratulations on a lifetime of wonderful magic.”

Magician David Copperfield with Bro. John Hammon

Hamman created more than 100 card magic tricks throughout his career and is best known for the Hamman Count, a sleight-of-hand in which cards are falsely counted.

Bro. Hamman taught at the following Marianist high schools, Central Catholic, St. Michael’s, St. Mary’s and St. John Vianney, until he retired in 1986.

You can find a Wikipedia page on Bro. John, even buy a six-set DVD collection explaining some of his tricks of the trade and learn more on the book written about him by clicking the buttons below.

Click here to read an in-depth story about his incredible life.

Wikipedia
Buy DVD
Conjuring Archive

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

Bro. Robert Hanss, 88, died on July 10,  2022, with 66 years of religious profession. Brother Robert “Bob” was a beloved teacher, professor, geologist, missionary, novice master and community director. While devoting much of his life to the classroom, he felt particularly blessed by the years he spent in parish ministry – work that brought him in close touch with the poor and gave him a new “way to know Jesus.”

Read his obituary.

See more photos.

Bro. Jerome Matz, 81, died on July 12, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas, with 62 years of religious profession. Brother Jerome “Jerry” was a beloved teacher, professor, college administrator, survey researcher and sociologist. Known for his gracious spirit of hospitality and inclusivity, Brother Jerry also took great satisfaction in his decades of survey research that supported the efforts of various religious congregations, dioceses, parishes and business organizations to strengthen their sense of mission.

Read his obituary.

See more photos.

Bro. Frank O’Donnell, 79, died on July 22, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland with 62 years of religious profession. His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline. Although his official Marianist obituary is not ready for publication, you can click here to read the obituary published by the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

See more photos.

Fr. Patrick Philbin, 89, died on July 25, 2022, in Orange, California with 69 years of religious profession. His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

See more photos.

Bro. Robert Juenemann, 87, died on July 28, 2022, in Cupertino, California with 66 years of religious profession. His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

See more photos.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Jubliee Celebrations

Marianists Celebrate Jubilees

Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes brothers and priests who are marking milestones of their first profession of vows or their priestly ordinations. We continue to highlight our 2022 Jubilarians in a special section of FamilyOnline.

BROTHER A. JOSEPH BARRISH

75 years of profession

After all these years, I am blessed to truly believe that my image of God is one in which He is continuously smiling and laughing. My life has been filled with both many graces and surprises!

I enjoyed my early years of formation and studies very much. I was fortunate to study both in the U.S. and Europe. Superiors and my fellow brothers have both supported and encouraged me…

Read more.

FATHER BERTRAND BUBY

70 years of profession

From my first year with the Marianists, my Marianist Family of the Society of Mary was involved in my formation. I felt a warmth of welcome from them and from the presence of Mary in my life. This developed from decade to decade. I think it never stops. Like our permanent mission to be apostles of Mary so, too, Marianist formation is always at work in us…

Read more.

FATHER PATRICK TONRY

70 years of profession

I met the Marianists at my brother John’s first vows in Beacon, New York, on Aug. 22, 1949. At that time, I was considering joining the Capuchins, but was so impressed by the joyful fraternity of the Marianists I met at first vows, that I wanted to become a Marianist myself. That experience, “vision,” has been my life these past 70 years and has sustained me in good and difficult times.

Read more.

BROTHER THOMAS GIARDINO

60 years of profession

It’s a big number! A lot of days. What makes them real and a joy for me is reflected in my favorite article [91] in our Rule of Life, “To the end of our days, we are happy to spend our lives and our strength in Mary’s service since they belong to her …”

The path of Marianist days began for me as a search for freedom, even if I didn’t realize it fully then.

Read more.

FATHER THOMAS SCHROER

50 years of ordination

I love Frederick Buechner’s definition of a vocation as where “your deep passion (or gladness) meets the world’s deep need.” My “deep passion” was introduced to “the world’s deep need” way back in 1956 at the tender age of 14, at Marianist Chaminade High School in Dayton, Ohio.

Read more.

Click here for more of our 2022 Jubilarians.

Good to Know

Life Testimony – Fr. Paul Landolfi

Once, when writing an appreciation of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Fr. Paul Landolfi used words that could easily have been applied to his own life as well: “It is a fundamental truth of faith that God is always present in our lives, loving us, guiding us and revealing himself to us. Usually, when we look back in retrospect, we recognize that God always has been with us.”

Fr. Paul Landolfi

In Paul’s case, God’s provident care was intimately connected to the Society of Mary. The beloved teacher, chaplain and spiritual director had 73 years of religious profession when he died in 2017 at the age of 90. But he had actually spent nearly 85 of his years in the company of Marianists, having grown up in an orphanage run by them. He lost his mother when he was only five years old, and his father died a few years later; still, he found in the Brothers’ care a family spirit that sustained and nurtured him as a boy.

Click here to read more in the July edition of Via Latina.

Now Accepting Seed Grant Applications

Do you have a project that needs additional funds? The Visitation Marianist State Community is a virtual community of vowed lay Marianists with a long history of serving the Marianist family. It is committed to putting financial resources toward projects which may need assistance to get started or expand into a new area. The foundation is particularly committed to enabling small communities and fledgling service projects to thrive. The four project categories are:

  • Strengthen Marianist Lay Communities and Network
  • Assist in building the Catholic church
  • Impact the faith and involvement of young adults in the church
  • Social justice areas: Economic Justice, Environmental Justice and Human Rights

Awards are granted each year to groups or ministries within the United States. The proposed projects are submitted for consideration via an application form. Applications are due by the end of August. Click here to see the projects that were awarded in 2021.

Join Us!

Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist communities and ministries across the United States. 

New listings include:

  • Tecaboca – Program Director

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
District Update #60 from the Marianist District of India
Gifts and Tasks from the Int. Organization of Marianist Lay Communities
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Magnificat from the World Council of the Marianist Family
NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies
Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary                          The Fulcrum from the Marianist LIFE National Office

Other Resources

Marianist Archives         

FamilyOnline Submissions

We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,400 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.

GET CONNECTED!

Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!

Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.