b'WE ALL TALK ABOUT HOWFORTUNATE WE WERE NOT JUSTTO LIVE OVERSEAS, BUT IN THEVILLA ST. JEAN COMMUNITY,WHERE THE BROTHERS ANDPRIESTS REALLY CARED ABOUT US,OUR WELL-BEING, OUR EDUCATION,AND OUR SPIRITUALITY. Brian Lawlerfamily had lived in Washington State, California, andIllinois, the school was close to their new home in Ger-many,wheretheboysfather,anengineerandcorporateexecutive, ran an aluminum manufacturing plant.Brian and Kevin Lawler consider their Villa St.Jean experience and education from the Marianistsfoundational to their successful careers. They share alasting bond with the Marianists who taught them Donated funds support more than 12,000 people each Father David Paul, SM, visitsand with their fellow alumni. yearmostly children and womenand help lift with the LawlersBrian (left)Alumni call one another Villa Brothers, said themoutofdesperatepovertyintolivesofhopethrough and Anne (right).Brian Lawler, who has invited them to his home in education, job training, and empowerment programs.Idaho to ski and hike, like they did as young students We try to keep the Villa St. Jean spirit alive, Brianin Switzerland. The alumni stay connected through said. So, when Fr. Dave passed, we thought aboutan email group, social media, and occasional reunions. what we could do to honor him and do somethingTheresalwaysapulltogobacktoFribourg,Brian significant in his memory. Thats when my brother BECOME PART OFsaid. We all talk about how fortunate we were not Kevin and I, along with other alumni, decided to MARYS MISSION:justtoliveoverseas,butintheVillaSt.Jeancommunity, support the Partnering with the Poor effort. I was If you would like to supportthe Marianists and theirwhere the brothers and priests really cared about us, so pleased people responded favorably. ministries, please visitour well-being, our education, and our spirituality. On trips to Africa, Brian had seen up close the marianist.com/India-AfricaMarianist Father David Paul was among the desperate conditions of many children living there. or call 1.800.348.4732.Marianists who had a positive influence on the I looked into the Partnering with the PoorLawler family. The Lawler brothers and their parents program, and it fit perfectly into where my wife,developed a special friendship with Fr. David that Anne, and I wanted to direct some money. Andspanned decades. In fact, Fr. David officiated Brian supporting Father Daves work was a source of joy,and Annes wedding. he said. I feel I know and trust the Marianists.In his later years, Fr. David was known as a I believe the contributions will be well-spent. Andpassionate fundraiser for the Marianists Partnering its a quiet way of thanking the Marianists.with the Poor ministries. Fr. Davids work with Whats next for the Villa Brothers? Brian said hesthose ministries resonated with Brian and with his already helping plan their next Fribourg reunion inVilla St. Jean classmates at last years reunion when 2025. \x01Brian spoke about Fr. David, who died in 2017.Brian told them about the ways in which the effort Kevin Conway is a freelance writer from Bloomington,servesthepoorestofthepoorinIndiaandEasternAfrica. Indiana.marianist.com/donate7'