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TWO MEN PROFESS FIRST VOWS IN QUERÉTARO, MEXICO

At the vow ceremony, newly professed Bros. Rigoberto Martinez Hernandez and Mario Lenin Espinoza Sánchez. Photos courtesy of Bros. Nico Castilla and Ed Longbottom

Mario Lenin Espinoza Sánchez and Rigoberto Martinez Hernandez professed first vows in the Society of Mary on Dec. 8, 2008, in Querétaro, Mexico. The Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe was followed by a reception in the “Centro Adela” next to the chapel. Fr. Quentin Hakenewerth was the main celebrant and homilist. Bro. Ed Longbottom, district superior, received the vows. Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director, represented the Provincial Council at the ceremony.

Bro. Ed offers the Rule of Life to Bros. Rigoberto and Mario Lenin

Mario, 28, is from Managua, Nicaragua. His mother María Lourdes Sánchez and nine-year-old nephew Yader Leandro Ruiz Bustos came from Managua to attend the ceremony. Mario studied engineering systems for two years in Managua and philosophy for two years in Mexico City before discerning a call to religious life. He began his prenovitiate program in 2006 and novitiate in 2007 in Santiago de Chile. In January, Mario will begin full-time studies at the Marianist scholastic community in Puebla. “I am happy and grateful for the work God has done in me and thankful to my new Marianist family that has welcomed me with so much love,” Mario said.

Rigoberto, 22, is from the municipality of Aquismon in the state of San Luis Potosi in Mexico. His parents, Juan Morales Enriquez and Adela Hernandez Mendoza, and siblings, Elvia Esther Morales Hernandez and Luis Clemente Morales Hernandez, attended the ceremony. Rigoberto entered the prenovitiate program in Querétaro in 2005. He made his novitiate in 2007 in Santiago de Chile. Rigoberto also will be a full-time student at the Marianist scholasticate community in Puebla in January. Our prayers and best wishes to the new brothers!

Clockwise from top, Bro. Charles Johnson; Bro. Rigoberto receives a blessing from his father; Bros. Mario and Rigoberto with their celebration cake; and Bro. Mario celebrates with his mother

NEWS FROM VOCATIONS

Read the December 8, 2008, issue of Vocation News by Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director.

TIME TO REGISTER FOR PROVINCE-SPONSORED RETREATS

All brothers are strongly encouraged to register online for one of the Province-sponsored retreats for 2009. Information about the Province retreats and a link to the registration form were sent in an e-mail Dec. 5. The information also is available on the PORTAL. The registration deadline is March 15, 2009. Please assist brothers in your community who are uncomfortable with online registration. Please contact Donna Tucker with any questions.

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE PROVINCE

In Lusaka, Zambia

The brothers in Lusaka gathered Nov. 27 at the Faustino Aspirancy House for a farewell celebration for Fr. Callistus Jeje, who was on leave from his job at IMANI in Nairobi to help start the new aspirancy program in Lusaka. Although not an official holiday in Zambia, the community took the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving too. LEFT: Fr. Mike Nartker (center) carves the turkey, assisted by Aspirants Duncan Otieno (left) and Andrew Khama; RIGHT: Aspirants Shadrack Amisi and Matthew Minyanga. Courtesy of Bro. Fred Silbereis

In Dayton – Stonemill-Kiefaber

In Dayton – Alumni Hall

Guests from around the world joined the Alumni Hall community for Thanksgiving dinner. Bro. Tom Farnsworth (back, center) represented Canada, Fr. Johann Roten (next to Tom) represented la belle Suisse, Bro. Frederic Sezeyeke, F.J. (far left), represented Rwanda, Sr. Celia Chua (front) represented China, and a variety of UD students represented China, Tunisia, Thailand, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Courtesy of Fr. John Putka

In Dayton – Novitiate

On Thanksgiving Day the novitiate community hosted a liturgy and traditional Thanksgiving meal. They were joined by Marianist sisters from the Dayton area and the Meyer Hall community. LEFT: Master chefs Bros. Tom Wendorf and Mike O’Grady; RIGHT: Bro. Jack Somerville (left) chats with Bro. Claude Gérard Sery and Sr. Teresa Vichatt. Courtesy of Bro. Don Smith

In Cleveland

The St. Al’s community was joined by the Marcella Road community for Thanksgiving dinner. LEFT: Busy in the kitchen, Bros. George Kemmett and Bob Dzubinski; RIGHT: At dinner, Bros. Joe Scheible and Dave Murphy (standing), Warren Lane (guest) and Bro. Will Halloway. Courtesy of Bro. Dave Murphy

In Cape May

On Thanksgiving Day, the Marianist Family Retreat Center and Union Chapel of Cape May Point, N.J., sponsored an interfaith Thanksgiving prayer service at the retreat center. More than 50 Cape May Point residents were in attendance. Novice Brandon Alana provided the music, Bro. Al Koch welcomed the guests and Bro. Ed Unferdorfer organized the social afterwards. LEFT: Fr. Ted Cassidy, who served as master of ceremonies, posts names on the “tree of life;” RIGHT: Cape May residents sing a Thanksgiving hymn. Courtesy of Novice Brandon Alana

MARIANISTS ATTEND SOA VIGIL AT FORT BENNING

Aspirant Tom Fox (far right) takes part in the SOA march. Photos courtesy of Bro. Brian Halderman

Students and Marianists from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and the University of Dayton attended the School of the Americas Vigil/Protest at the gates of Fort Benning, Ga., Nov. 21 to Nov. 23. The 19th annual vigil, attended by approximately 20,000, marked the anniversary of the assassination of Jesuit community members at the Jesuit University in El Salvador. The only surviving member of that Jesuit community, Fr. Jon Sobrino, S.J., was present for this year’s vigil. The protest calls on congressional leaders to cut funding to the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly called the School of the Americas). WHIS is a military school that trains Latin American soldiers. According to Bro. Brian Halderman, who attended the vigil with St. Mary’s students, graduates of WHIS/SOA have been linked to human rights violations throughout Latin America. Learn more about SOA Watch.

LEFT: At the SOA vigil, Bros. Tom Pieper and Brian Halderman and Aspirant Tom Fox; RIGHT: Tom Fox (sunglasses) with student protesters from St. Mary’s University

WORLD COUNCIL OF MARIANIST FAMILY GATHERS FOR MEETING

At the meeting, Ezequiel Reggiani, Sr. Marie Joelle Bec, Bro. Domingo Fuentes, Ana Blázquez Ubach, Lorna Mueni, Isabella Moyer, Sr. Susanna Kim, Fr. Manuel Cortés, Anthony Garascia, Bro. José María Alvira, Fr. André Fétis, Sr. Estella Ibarra, Marcella Quezada (translator), Fr. José Antonio Muguerza (translator) and Bro. Tim Phillips. Courtesy of the Gifts and Tasks newsletter

The World Council of the Marianist Family held its annual meeting Nov. 6-7 in Rome. In attendance were members of the General Administrations of the Daughters of Mary and the Society of Mary, and the International Team of Marianist Lay Communities. Christiane Barbaux, the newly elected director of the Alliance Mariale, was unable to attend but sent a report.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL

In countries where some of our Marianist Family is present, many sad events have unfolded in the past year. These include; wars in Democratic Republic of Congo, violence in Kenya, religious persecution in India, hurricanes in Haiti, Cuba and the U.S. And in recent months, global markets have reached a serious crisis that is affecting all – rich and poor. These events are compelling all Marianists to a deeper commitment to working for justice and peace in the world. Read more in English or Spanish.

INTL. MARIANIST LAY COMMUNITY TEAM MEETS IN ROME

At the meeting, back, Ezequiel Reggiani, Ana Blázquez Ubach and Tony Garascia; front, Bro. Domingo Fuentes, Lorna Mueni and Isabella Moyer. Courtesy of the Gifts and Tasks newsletter

The International Team of Marianist Lay Communities gathered Nov. 2 to Nov. 8 in Rome. Annual reports were shared from all regions. The main topic of discussion was the 5th International Meeting of MLC in Nairobi in August 2009.

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

VIA LATINA. Read the December 2008 issue of Via Latina.

MORE FROM THE MEETING OF EDUCATION ASSISTANTS IN ROME

At the education assistants meeting, Bro. Ed Brink and Bro. Hubert Makoundou (Congo). Photo courtesy of Bro. Mike McAward

Marianist education assistants from around the world gathered at the General Administration in Rome for a two-week meeting Nov. 10 to Nov. 22. Assistants from 20 regions attended. The objectives were to determine the present state of education throughout the Society of Mary, further awareness of the educational apostolate, identify challenges, offer support to assistants, and encourage unity and consistency of the educational mission in the Society of Mary. Bro. José María Alvira, general assistant for education, was the meeting organizer. Representing the U.S. Province at the meeting were Bros. Ed Brink (U.S.), Peter Nato (Eastern Africa), Régulo García (Mexico) and Sanjay Ekka (India). “This meeting provided me with the opportunity to learn about our educational mission across the Marianist world,” said Bro. Ed. “While there are differences from one unit to the next, I hope to explore some initiatives I heard about to see how we might benefit from the work that is being done in other parts of the world.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF . . .

Bro. Paul Merland (Mercy Siena, Dayton), 77, who died Dec. 8, 2008, in Dayton. May he rest in peace. Bro. Paul served the Province as a teacher and business manager at Marianist schools in Ohio and worked in the Treasurer’s Office of the University of Dayton. In his later years, he was an aide at the Cincinnati Museum Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 17, 2008, at Queen of Apostles chapel at Mount St. John in Dayton. Fr. Jim Fitz will be the main celebrant and represent the Provincial Council. Fr. Bert Buby will be the homilist. Burial will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery at Mount St. John. Bro. Paul’s obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Bro. Bob, 1945

Bro. Bob, recent

Bro. Robert Riemann (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), 81, who died Dec. 4, 2008, in San Antonio. May he rest in peace. Bro. Bob served the Province as a working brother for over 50 years. He was a printer and proofreader for Catholic Authors Press and worked in maintenance and performed clerical duties at St. John Vianney High School and Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis, Maria Vista in New Haven, Mo., and at Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. The Marianist Residence community prayed a rosary for Bro. Bob on Dec. 8. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 9 at the Marianist Residence chapel. Fr. George Cerniglia was the celebrant and represented the Provincial Council. Fr. Tim Dwyer was the homilist. Burial followed at the Marianist cemetery in San Antonio. Read Bro. Bob’s obituary.

Bro. Rafael Fernández (Province of Madrid), 76, who died Nov. 28, 2008, in Madrid, Spain. May he rest in peace. Fr. Rafael's obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Fr. Agapito Güemes (Province of Madrid), 80, who died Oct. 20, 2008, in Madrid, Spain. May he rest in peace. Read Fr. Agapito's obituary.

Please pray also for Gabrielle Arcand, Joseph Cavanaugh, Dr. Tony Diambalbo, Theodore Dilla, Cecelia Kochelek, Agnes Marchiori, Sushma, Jennie Sethna and Jack Vail. Read more.

MADONNA, EISEDELN, SWITZERLAND

Photo courtesy of Bro. Bob Resing, S.M. Bro. Bob's images are available for sale as note cards or prints. To order, visit www.resingart.com

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Bro. Patrick McMahon (Cupertino, Calf.)

Sue Wesselkamper, president of Chaminade University of Honolulu

Please pray also for Dick Canning, Joan Frakes, Diane Guerra, Fr. Jerry Kleba, Fr. Jim Krings, Bro. Donald Maurer, SDS, Lacretia Pollard, Doris Radish and Ron Templin. Read more.

MARIANISTS TAKE ON MANHATTAN

On their way to the Rockaway Park, N.Y., community Novices Ray Dominguez (left) and Brandon Alana took a detour to New York City. Brandon experienced his first subway ride, and the duo visited Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. View more photos from the trip. Courtesy of Brandon

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

At the prayer service, Fr. Jim Fitz and Bro. Paul Novosal

Congratulations to Bro. Paul Novosal (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), who was honored Nov. 12 at a prayer service at the Marianist Residence. Bro. Paul was recognized for his 35 years of service as a Marianist archivist and his 61 years of service as an administrator and professor of the Academic Library at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Read Bro. Ed Brink’s letter to Bro. Paul.

Fr. Francis Nakagawa (Honolulu), chaplain for the Japanese Catholic community in Hawai’i, wrote an article on the persecutions of Japanese Christians in Japan in the 1600s. The article, “Blood and Crosses,” appeared in the Oct. 31 issue of the Hawai’i Catholic Herald. Read the article. Fr. Francis recently led a pilgrimage from Hawai’i to Nagasaki, Japan, to witness the beatification Nov. 24 of Fr. Peter Kasui Kibeof and 187 martyrs of the Japanese persecutions. Courtesy of Bro. John Samaha.

Fr. Bert Buby (Stonemill-Kiefaber, Dayton) has produced a series of 24 talks on Mary now available on CD. The set of eight CDs explores Mary in scripture, tradition and devotion. Read more about the “Mary the Mother of Jesus” CDs.

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) notes that today is the 60th anniversary of the official signing of the United Nations’ landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To mark the occasion and to evaluate the current status of this key document, the Embassy of the U.S.A. to the Vatican City State organized a series of conferences. Read more on this topic in Bro. John’s article “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60 Years Later.”

CELEBRATING MASS IN CHAMINADE’S ROOM

Celebrating Eucharist in Blessed Father Chaminade’s room in Bordeaux, France, are Bros. Jim Moran and Don Neff, Fr. Joe Kozar, Bro. Beda Ahn (Korea) and Bro. Stan Zubek. Courtesy of Fr. Joe

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Peace in the Holy Land. As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace this Advent season, you can help promote peace in the land of His birth. Join the Marianist Province of the U.S. and Christian leaders in urging President-elect Barack Obama to make achievement of Israeli-Palestinian peace an immediate priority during his first year in office. Sign on or find out more. Christmas Can Change the World. The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? Find out how Christmas can become a world-changing event again. MEEC. The Marianist Environmental Education Center presents “Energy Stewardship: from Pew to Planet,” a workshop to equip congregations to reduce energy use on Jan. 31, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Marianist Center Building at Mount St. John in Dayton. Find out more. Call for Submissions. The Marianist Environmental Education Center is seeking submissions from visual artists, writers and musicians of all ages for its art and education show “What on Earth is Missing? An exploration of environmental loss and our role as humans." Intent to submit forms are due to MEEC by Feb. 20, 2009. Find out more.

NEWS FROM THE MARIANIST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Read the November 2008 issue of the MVP Newsletter by Dan Richter, coordinator of the Marianist Volunteer Program. The newsletter features stories from three current volunteers and other information about MVP.

GOOD TO KNOW     Dec. 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 16-18 Provincial Council meeting, St. Louis MORE HAVE YOU VISITED THE FAMILY ONLINE ARCHIVE? Did you know that FamilyOnline is archived online? Just go to www.marianist.com/fol to search any issue since November 2002. Type in the word(s) you're searching for and then click on the issue(s) that appear. Once you open an issue, go to "edit" and then "find on this page." BLOG. Read the latest from our Marianist blogger. Fr. Bert Buby (Stonemill-Kiefaber, Dayton), Scriptural Reflections

BROTHERS ASSIST WITH NEW TEACHERS ORIENTATION

At the new teachers orientation, front, Bro. Giancarlo Bonutti (far left); middle, Bro. Bob Politi (red tie), Al Early, PM principal (yellow sweater); back, from left, Bros. Bob Wiethorn, Mitch Schweickert, and Joe Kamis, Bro. Bob Jones (third from right) and Fr. John Manahan (second from right). Photo courtesy of Shannon Lively

On Nov. 21, the DeSales Crossings community in Cincinnati assisted Purcell Marian High School in presenting a new teachers orientation program for teachers from Purcell Marian and St. Francis DeSales Grade School in Cincinnati. Presenters included Bro. Joe Kamis, who spoke on the Characteristics of a Marianist Education, and Bro. Bob Wiethorn, who discussed the DeSales Crossings community. Bro. Giancarlo Bonutti presented a prayer service titled “Setting a Marianist Table.” The orientation ended with a light social and dinner at the DeSales Crossings cafeteria. Greta Brandon, a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church and school receptionist, was the chef. “The evening was an opportunity to learn, reflect and appreciate what it means to be a Marianist teacher, “ said Bro. Bob Politi. “A lot of favorable comments were made by the teachers.”

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . CCP students shared stories and brought unity to campus during “Breaking Down the Walls” workshops. CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY, WEST HILLS. Director of Student Activities Julie La Belle, who counseled many of the teens at Columbine High School in the aftermath of the shooting, is behind an effort to promote unity on campus and make sure no child feels left behind. Find out more about the school’s “Breaking Down the Walls” program. SAINT LOUIS SCHOOL in Honolulu held a Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit the St. Patrick’s Outreach Program. The students presented baskets of food items at the school’s Mass of Thanksgiving on Nov. 20.   With the items collected are SLS students and Fr. Paul Zaccone,ss.cc, chaplain, (left) and Bro. Jim Dods (far right) Vikings Quarterback Robert Ratliff, right, was named Most Valuable Player NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. The Vikings won the TAPPS 5A football State Championship Dec. 7 with a 20-0 victory over Bishop Lynch. Congratulations team!

THE CLASSIFIEDS

PRESIDENT, CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY. The Board of Regents and the Chaminade University of Honolulu community invites applications and nominations for the position of president. Review of applications will begin on Jan. 15, 2009. Read the full job description.

PRINCIPAL. Saint Louis School in Honolulu, a Catholic Marianist school for grades 6-12, is seeking a principal. The principal reports directly to the president. Read full job description. Address applications to the Chair of the Search Committee, include a full CV, a personal statement of why you will be the successful candidate, and a list of four references, including the person to whom the candidate currently reports. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2009, or until the position is filled.

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. Central Catholic High School in San Antonio is seeking a principal to assist the school's president in fulfilling the Marianist educational mission of the school. Management responsibilities include instructional leadership, spiritual life, accreditation duties, faculty and curriculum development, student activities, budgeting and parents' relations. Find out more.

DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL LIFE. Central Catholic High School in San Antonio is seeking a director of Spiritual Life to supervise the school’s liturgical life, retreats, the Marianist Sodality and the Christian service learning program. Salary and benefits competitive. Fax resume to 210.227.9353 or call 210.225.6794, Ext. 200. See more information at Web site.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT CURÉ OF ARS

The Curé of Ars community in St. Louis cordially invites all Marianists in the St. Louis area to Christmas Mass on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. In addition, the community welcomes you to share in a post Christmas celebration on Dec. 27 at St. John Vianney High School. Eucharist is at 4 p.m., followed by a social and dinner. RSVP for both events to Fr. Tim Kenney by Dec. 21.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

PHILIPPINES. Read the Nov. 2008 issue of Alive in the Philippines, a newsletter from Fr. Pablo Rambaud in Davao City.

MSJC. Read the December 2008 issue of Justice Jottings, the newsletter of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative.

CFL. Read about retreats for 2009 in the latest issue of High Tidings, from the Christian Family Retreat Center in Topsail, N.C.

JUST ONE MORE...

The latest addition to the Faustino community in Lusaka, Zambia: a puppy whom Fr. Mike Nartker named "Jack" after Bro. Jack Somerville, who took charge of the remodeling and extension of the aspirancy building in Lusaka in 2006-07. Jack is being held by Aspirant Shadrack Amisi. Courtesy of Bro. Fred Silbereis

JUST ANOTHER ONE MORE

For the first week of Advent, the Hale Malia community in Honolulu placed apples on the Jesse tree (symbolizing apples from the Garden of Eden) and a snake (tempting them). Each week new items are added to the tree. Courtesy of Bro. Tom Payne

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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DECEMBER

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Editor: Joan Suda; assistant: Ann Mueller. This biweekly e-mail newsletter produced by the Society of Mary features news about the Society of Mary (SM), Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI) and lay Marianists. Bro. Stephen Glodek, SM, provincial; Fr. Jim Fitz, SM, assistant provincial. Read the 2008 publication schedule and deadlines. Read hints about submitting photos and copy. NEWS: We'll include news of travels, health updates, prayer requests, community celebrations, professional accomplishments, birthdays, and whatever personal or community news you'd like to share. Send news, digital photos and comments and suggestions to Diane Guerra at dguerra@sm-usa.org and use "FamilyOnline" as your subject line. TECHNICAL PROBLEMS: If you're not receiving this newsletter in the proper format, with proper spacing and photographs and art appearing, please let us know and we'll try to find a solution. If we can't, we'll put you on our "NOTIFY ONLY" list. CHANGE IN E-MAIL ADDRESS: Send to Ann Mueller at amueller@sm-usa.org. NOTE TO DIRECTORS: Please print this newsletter and post or distribute to brothers who do not have e-mail. BACK ISSUES/SEARCH: Visit www.marianist.com/fol. SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE: Visit http://www.marianist.com/subscribe.htm. Remember: you can search the archived issues of FamilyOnline at www.marianist.com/fol. Type in the word(s) you're looking for, open the issue, pull down the "Edit" bar and click on "Find on This Page," which will take you to the exact spot you need.

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