Brothers who have professed vows in the Province since 2002 will gather in St. Louis this weekend for a meeting with representatives of the Provincial Council and Provincial Chapter.
 
The Provincial Chapter requested this "Envisioning the Future" meeting as a way of engaging this group of brothers in discussing a vision for "communities in mission." We will look at a map of Province communities and ministries, discuss guiding principles from Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, and share our hopes and dreams for the future.
 
Read my 2016 letter announcing this gathering. It includes a list of those involved.

On Saturday, Deacon Mariandu Belevendiran will be ordained to priestly service at the scholasticate chapel at Deepahalli, Bangalore.  

During his diaconate, Mariandu has served at Blessed Chaminade parish in Singhpur.

Congratulations and fraternal best wishes to Mariandu as he takes on this service to the District of India and the Church.

During the past two weeks, I have had the honor of celebrating Founder's Day at Colegio San José in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and at Chaminade College Prep in West Hills, California.  

The events were wonderful opportunities to highlight the Society of Mary and the ministry of education that has been a privileged means of our apostolate for 200 years. Both also honored the men and women who have been important collaborators with us in our mission. Thanks to the communities in both places for their hospitality and good energy during these happy occasions.

I am grateful for your prayers as we meet in St. Louis this weekend to "Envision the Future."

The General Administration has asked all units to be involved in preparing for the General Chapter in July 2018.

I ask you to read the letter I sent yesterday to community directors and area coordinators, and begin planning for how you and your community can "see, judge and act" on proposals for our future.

You may also find the Lineamenta letter on the Marianist Portal. Click first on "General Chapter" to go to the page with the letter.

Results and proposals are due to me by May 15.

We're pleased to announce that Fr. Ralph Siefert will be honored with the 2017 Lead. Learn. Proclaim. award from the National Catholic Educational Association.

The award recognizes those who are "shining examples of faithfulness and professional excellence."

Fr. Ralph, who is president of Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis, will receive the award at the NCEA's annual conference in St. Louis April 18 - 20.

  

Given the recent executive orders, and protests and conversations surrounding refugees and immigration, we wanted to share some timely responses:

From the USCCB:

• In defense of all faiths
• Opposition to wall at Mexican border
• Preserving gains in healthcare
• Encountering our Muslim brothers and sisters

From University of Dayton President Eric Spina:

• Standing for community and inclusivity

From Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good

• Action on the ban on refugees

St. Josephine

Leading Catholic organizations have designated Feb. 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking.

The date is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. With the help of Canossian nuns, she escaped slavery and later became Canossian sister. The USCCB provides an anti-trafficking toolkit to assist you in this observance.

As part of the celebration of the Marianist Bicentennial, we are sponsoring two European trips in 2017.

From April 22 - May 2, Fr. Tim Kenney will guide Marianist Mission donors on a trip through Spain and France, with stops in Madrid, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Lourdes, Bordeax and Paris. It will include a special focus on the life and work of Blessed Chaminade. Learn more.

From May 21 - 31, Fr. Rudy Vela will host a more academically oriented trip to Spain, with a focused study of Fr. Chaminade's time in Zaragoza. Other stops will include Madrid, Siguenza and Barcelona. Learn more.

Questions? Please contact Allison Hewitt.

Notes from the Provincial Council is featuring Marianists who hold leadership roles in the Province. We encourage you to learn more about these men, be grateful for all they do for us, and hold them in your prayers.



First profession: 1961
Leadership role: Pastor, Queen of Apostles Community
Biography





First profession: 1964
Leadership role: President, Chaminade College Prep, St. Louis
Biography