Marianist History

Bro. Brandon Paluch is completing his first year at the Marianist seminary in Rome. He has recently completed an abbreviated history of the Society of Mary in the United States during the foundation years under Fr. Leo Meyer, 1849-1862. Perhaps some will find this useful for purposes of formation. Thanks to Brandon for this very good initiative. Read the publication.
Last week, I inadvertently missed including Bro. Tom Giardino and Fr. John Thompson as representatives of the Provincial Council at the Blessed Adèle beatification in Agen on June 10. They will join Fr. Oscar Vasquez and Bro. Bernie Ploeger in providing a strong sign of support and affirmation for the Marianist Sisters on this  most special occasion for them and for the entire Marianist Family.

For the beatification, we presented the Marianist Sisters with a painting of "Mary and the Sleeping Jesus" from Peru. It is now hanging in their provincial house chapel in San Antonio. We continue to pray with the sisters and the entire Marianist Family in preparation for the June 10 beatification.

One Song in Three Hearts

Moipei Triplets: (Left to Right) Marta, Maggy and Mary

On the front page of the San Antonio Express News last Friday, the feature article was entitled "One Song in Three Hearts." Some members of the province know that the Moipei triplets (Maggy, Marta and Mary) have been attending St. Mary's University for the past four years and graduated this past Saturday afternoon. All three graduated summa cum laude with degrees in music. Of course, they have nothing but praise for St. Mary's and for their beloved music teacher, Bro. Mike Sullivan. Their parents and younger sister, Seraphin, traveled from Kenya for the celebration. They will have a concert at the San Antonio Tobin Center on May 26 and will spend the coming year exploring options for advancing their music career. Very special thanks to President Tom Mengler for his support and encouragement of these talented young women.


Under the Knife

On Tuesday afternoon, I had surgery to repair the torn quadriceps tendon in my left leg. This has slowed me down considerably. What I most regret, though, is missing the first profession of Bro. Joseph Kurt Nugent. I pray that he has a long and fruitful Marianist life. I pray for an abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our province and upon each of you.

Personnel Assignments

Bro. Joe Kamis (Salve Community) will remain at the Salve Community when his service as Assistant Provincial is completed on August 1, 2018. He will take a break for a some months while he reflects with the new Provincial Council on his next ministry and community assignment.


Recommended Reading

For a wonderful summary of Faith, Culture, and Politics from the Age of Eisenhower to the Era of Obama, I recommend the book Getting Religion by Kenneth L. Woodward, the former Religion Editor of Newsweek. I walked with him reflecting on my own life during each chapter as he went from the fifties to the current decade. He integrates faith, culture and politics well.

Pope Francis - A Man of His Word is a personal journey with Pope Francis. The Pope's ideas and his message are central to this documentary, which sets out to present his work of reform and his answers to today's global questions. From his deep concern for the poor and wealth inequality, to his involvement in environmental issues and social justice, Pope Francis engages the audience face-to-face and calls for peace. Watch the official trailer here. 


Webinar Intervening with a Peer: When Avoiding is Enabling 

Join Michael Pollard as he identifies strategies for managing difficult conversations with those close to us.  TODAY at 1:00 pm EDT or ON DEMAND

We congratulate, Fr. Marty Solma who received an honorary doctorate during the St. Mary's commencement on Saturday, May 12. View the official citation.

As you know we are just one part of a much larger international family of Marianist educators. The Marianist Education Directory is  a wonderful resource and available for download.   

 

Friendly Reminder - Deadline Tomorrow

Our province was invited to sign on to the most recent collective response promoting the integrity of creation, the U.S. Catholic Climate Declaration. We would like your feedback before our province endorses this initiative. Please do not sign the declaration; rather, please review it and respond back to Brian Reavey with any comments, affirmations and/or objections by Friday, May 18. Thanks to so many of you who have already responded. More information.


Advisory Committee Update

We thank Fr. Tim Kenney for his steadfast service to our Province JPIC Advisory Committee. Tim completed two terms at our last meeting in February 2018. We welcome our recently appointed member, Bro. Mike Murphy, who will begin his three-year term of service at our next in-person meeting in February 2019. We also thank Bro. Ron Overman for his helpful leadership and wisdom during his time as Assistant for Temporalities. Other Advisory Committee members still include: Maureen O'Rourke,  Sr. Leanne Jablonski,  Brian Reavey,  Bros. Roger Bau,  Bob Donovan, Tom Oles,  Justin Quiroz, and Mitch Schweickart. 

Fr. Tim Kenney

Bro. Mike Murphy

Bro. Ron Overman

Ever Wonder What You Can Do to Help Syrians?

If so, join the Multi-faith Alliance for Syrian Refugees for a webinar on Tuesday, May 22 at 12:30 p.m. EST titled, "Keeping Hope Alive: Making a Difference for Syria." Find out what you can do to help Syrians suffering as a result of the ongoing crisis. The Valley Syrian Relief Committee, an MFA Participating Organization based in Massachusetts, will present on their successful grassroots activities and explain what you can do to help. Click here to register.