I received the news of Walt's passing with sadness today. I'm sure that each of you know that he has touched the lives of so many people; I know that we lay Marianists will mourn his death with sadness and celebrate his holiness and love of life with joy. Walt was a friend to everyone he met, and his spirituality was the embodiement of everything Marianist. I am happy to have known him for a few years and will keep him in my heart as a person who loved Mary and Christ. The Society of Mary is blessed to have his witness and the entire Marianist family has been blessed by his spirit, outreach and faith. Walt's faith, love of life and ministry to lay people give me deepened respect for the Society of Mary and all that each of you do to make Christ more present in our world. Walt worked to bring about the reality of a Marian Church and his life and suffering give all of us inspiration to be faithful to the Gospel. I thank God for his life and his witness.

Sincerely,

Tony Garascia