Embracing Our Roots – Forging Our Future
The future of the Marianist mission took center stage in Dayton, OH, as members of the Society of Mary, along with representatives of the Marianist Family, gathered for the 2026 Province Assembly focused on “Embracing Our Roots, Forging Our Future.” Over four days, nearly 150 Marianist Brothers, Sisters, and Lay Marianists prayed, reflected, and wrestled with a vital question: How do we carry a rich legacy forward while responding to the needs of a new generation?
Participants engaged in honest conversations about the challenges facing religious life, education, and ministry today. Pondering questions like: What sustains us as Marianists? How do we continue serving young people in a rapidly changing world? And what sacrifices are we willing to make to ensure the Marianist Charism thrives for generations to come?
The opening keynote by Dr. Timothy Gabrielli, professor of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton (UD) and holder of the Gudorf Chair in Catholic Intellectual Traditions, provided a hopeful framework. Drawing from his extensive work with young people, including UD’s Wayfinders program, Gabrielli challenged attendees to continue accompanying youth and young adults with authenticity, hope, and a willingness to listen.
That focus on young people remained at the heart of the Assembly. Panels featuring young adults, Marianist Family members, and Province leaders highlighted the enduring relevance of Blessed Chaminade’s vision. Participants repeatedly returned to the conviction that the future of the Marianist mission depends not only on preserving traditions but on inviting new generations to join them.
The Assembly culminated with the installation of a new Provincial Council, which will officially begin its service on July 1, 2026. Bro. Edward Violett succeeds Fr. Oscar Vasquez as Provincial, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for the Province.
In considering the path forward, Bro. Ed expressed both confidence and hope. “Our founders taught us that faith grows when we are willing to respond creatively to the needs of our time. The future of our Province will be shaped by our courage to listen, to collaborate, and to walk alongside young people who are searching for purpose and community. If we remain rooted in our Marianist Charism, the future before us is filled with possibility.”
Meanwhile, Fr. Oscar Vasquez looks back on his years of leadership with deep gratitude. “Serving as Provincial has been one of the greatest blessings of my Marianist life. I am grateful for the Brothers, Sisters, Lay Marianists, students, and collaborators who continue to bring our mission to life every day. While my role changes, my mission remains the same: help build communities of faith.”
Joining the new leadership team as Assistant Provincial & Office of Religious Life is Fr. Bob Jones, whose ministry with young adults at UD helped shape countless lives. “Young people are not simply the future of the Church—they are a vital part of its present. At UD, I witnessed how a sense of belonging can transform lives. Our Marianist mission must continue creating spaces where young adults know they are valued, heard, and called to make a difference in the world.” Bro. Thomas Wendorf, the incoming Assistant for Education, is dedicated to ensuring that this challenge remains an ongoing focus throughout Marianist schools, universities, and formation programs.
The Assembly’s theme served as more than a slogan. It became an invitation. Participants honored the Marianists who came before them, celebrated jubilarians, prayed at the Province cemetery in Dayton, reflected on their personal journeys, and looked honestly at the realities facing the Church and society today.
As the Province enters a new era of leadership, the challenge and opportunity remain the same as they were for the first Marianists who arrived in the United States nearly two centuries ago—to bring Christ to the world through communities of faith, education, service, and mission. Rooted in a rich heritage and inspired by a shared vision, the Society of Mary now moves forward with the Marianist Family, embracing its roots and forging its future.
In The News
U.S. Bishops Consecrate Nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
In a historic moment this month, Catholic bishops consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, prayerfully entrusting the nation to Christ’s loving protection. The consecration, led by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, marked the beginning of the nation’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore remarked during his homily that, “We consecrate our nation, not because it is perfect, but because it is beloved by God.”
Like Mary, we are called to trust God’s plan and bring Christ to the world through our daily witness. As we reflect on this historic event, let us renew our commitment to prayer, acts of mercy, and service in our families, schools, and communities. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary guide the nation and inspire Marianists to be signs of faith and hope. Click here for a recording of the Mass and consecration.
A Marianist Glimpse Into 1776
While the United States was declaring its independence in 1776, a
15‑year‑old William Joseph Chaminade was quietly studying in the minor seminary at Mussidan in southwestern France. Far from the political upheaval of Paris, his days were shaped by prayer, discipline, and the early stirrings of a vocation that would one day give birth to the Marianist Family. Yet the world around him was shifting: France was wrestling with a financial crisis, Enlightenment ideas were challenging old structures, and the same currents of liberty and reform that fueled the American Revolution were beginning to unsettle Europe. In this moment of global change, young Chaminade was being formed—rooted in faith, shaped by community, and prepared for the turbulent years ahead when he would guide others through revolution, exile, and renewal.
Mary’s Patronage in the U.S.
Did you know Mary, as the Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States of America? A council of priests and bishops from across the country declared the Virgin Mary as patroness in May 1846, and it was officially accepted by the Vatican on Feb. 7, 1847.
Religious Collections Librarian/Archivist and Associate Professor at the University of Dayton (UD), Bridget Retzloff and Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Art Collections and Exhibits at UD, Stephanie Shreffler, wrote an article featured in The Conversation that takes a look back at the importance of Mary in American history. They recently created a digital exhibit with objects pointing to the history of this devotion that reflect both patriotism and faith.
Click here to read the article.
Chaminade Leaders Recognized for Their Impact
The Marianist Family celebrates two outstanding leaders from Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) whose work is making a difference in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Chaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington was recently honored with the Paul S. Bachman Memorial Award from the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC), recognizing her contributions to strengthening relationships between the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. Since becoming president in 2017, Dr. Babington has championed educational excellence, student success, and opportunities that empower graduates to serve and lead in their communities. Click here to read more.
Adding to the celebration, Chaminade Provost Dr. Lance Askildson was named one of Hawaii Business Magazine’s “20 for the Next 20,” an annual recognition honoring emerging leaders whose accomplishments and potential are helping shape Hawaiʻi’s future.
These honors reflect the Marianist commitment to leadership, service, and education that transforms lives. Congratulations to Dr. Babington and Dr. Askildson for their well-deserved recognition and for inspiring the next generation of leaders through their dedication and vision.
✨Service Spotlight 🔦
Serving with Purpose
For decades, the Junior Service Project at St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, MO, has provided students with an opportunity to live out the Marianist commitment to service, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. This year, Vianney juniors spent two weeks serving others throughout the St. Louis area and beyond.
Students volunteered at elementary schools, food pantries, nonprofit organizations, and tornado relief sites. Some served military members and their families at the USO, while others traveled to El Salvador, where they built relationships with local communities and deepened their understanding of faith, human dignity, and global solidarity.
Whether helping children at local schools, assisting families through Catholic Charities and Operation Food Search, or working alongside residents recovering from storm damage, students encountered people whose stories challenged and inspired them.
The mission trip to El Salvador offered a particularly powerful experience, allowing students to step outside their comfort zones and witness how faith can unite communities across cultures and borders.
“The Junior Service Project gives our students the opportunity to serve others while discovering their own capacity to make a difference,” said Charlie Mager, marketing and communications specialist at Vianney. “These experiences remind them that Marianist education is not only about what happens in the classroom, but also about how we serve, lead, and accompany others.”
Since 1979, the Junior Service Project has remained a hallmark of the Vianney experience, helping form young men who understand that faith is best expressed through service.
Marianist Moments
Man of the Year
Bro. Tom Giardino received the Cathedral Latin School Alumni Association 2026 Merit Award as Man of the Year. This award recognizes an individual whose outstanding achievements in their field bring distinction to Cathedral Latin School. Bro. Tom Giardino’s lifelong dedication to the Marianist Charism began at Cleveland’s Cathedral Latin School, where the 1960 Salutatorian and student leader excelled in academics, journalism, and the school community.
Bro. Tom is presently working as an editor at the North American Center for Marianist Studies in Dayton and as an Assistant for Special Projects at University of Dayton.
Click here to read Bro. Tom’s remarks at the communion breakfast. Click here to read the latest issue of the alumni association’s newsletter, Latin Alumnotes.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes brothers and priests who are marking milestones of their first profession of vows or their priestly ordinations.
Thank you to our 2026 Jubilarians! We will highlight them over the course of the next few months in FamilyOnline. You can also click here to learn more about them. On June 13, a celebration of our jubilarians took place in Cupertino, CA, and more are to come.
BROTHER WILLIAM HALLOWAY – 60 years of profession
Growing up in a family of seven in Cleveland, OH, I was surrounded by strong religious faith from my parents, grandparents, and siblings. During my high school years at St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, I became drawn to the Marianists. The 35 brothers and priests teaching there fostered a remarkable sense of family and community. I noticed how interested they were in the total welfare of the students, extending beyond their specific teaching responsibilities. Looking back, I recognize it as the influence of Mary reflected in their lives. Click here to read more.
BRO. JOSEPH KAMIS – 60 Years of profession
Born on Christmas Day 1946 in Cleveland, OH, I attended Our Lady of Peace elementary school and graduated from Cathedral Latin School in 1965. I professed First Vows on August 22, 1966, in Marcy, NY, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies from the University of Dayton in 1969 and a Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration from John Carroll University in University Heights, OH, 10 years later. Click here to read more.
BROTHER MICHAEL “GARY” MARCINOWSKI – 60 years of profession
I was born in Erie, PA, in 1941 and raised in Edinboro, PA, where I attended the local grade school and high school. I earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA, in 1962 and worked in tool and die design for three years before professing my First Vows on August 23, 1966, in Marcy, NY.
I’m often drawn back to childhood memories with my grandmother at the start of my artistic journey, noticing transcendent images while walking through rows of wet sheets on the backyard lines or viewing the myriad of apple blossoms on the trees outside my bedroom window. Click here to read more.
BRO. THOMAS OLDENSKI – 60 Years of profession
“All is grace” are the dying words of the young country priest (Diary of a Country Priest); and “Everything is grace” are the dying words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. As I reflect upon my 60 years of Marianist life, I cannot find truer words than these to describe this journey of my life. God is gracious, kind, and merciful in every step of this journey. I give thanks to the many people, especially my fellow brothers, who have affirmed these words in my life. Click here to read more.
Good to Know
Summer Is a Time to Retreat, Renew, and Reconnect
Summer offers a wonderful opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and make space for rest, reflection, and renewal. Marianist retreat centers in New Jersey, Missouri, and Ohio are welcoming individuals and families seeking spiritual growth, community, and a deeper connection with God.
At the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, NJ, families are gathering for the 56th summer of family retreat weeks. This year’s theme, All Creatures Great and Small, invites families to see the sacred in their wild, wonderful family life, or in other words, their family zoo! These retreats provide a unique blend of faith-sharing, recreation, prayer, and community, creating lasting memories for families of all ages.
In Eureka, MO, the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center continues its tradition of offering meaningful opportunities for spiritual renewal. This summer’s Bloom and Breathe women’s retreat encourages participants to slow down, enjoy the beauty of nature, and nurture their spiritual well-being through prayer, reflection, fellowship, and time away from daily responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning in Beavercreek, OH, remains a welcoming place for personal growth, reflection, and lifelong learning. You can find a variety of programs and events that support spiritual development and community engagement.
Whether you are looking for a family retreat, a personal getaway, or opportunities for ongoing formation, Marianist retreat centers offer spaces where faith can deepen, and spirits can be renewed. To learn more about upcoming retreats, programs, and availability, visit the websites of the Marianist Family Retreat Center, Marianist Retreat and Conference Center, and Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning.
This summer, consider making time to retreat, reflect, and encounter God’s presence in a new way.
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
Marianist Encounters Newsletters from the Marianist Family Encounters Project
Sharing Our Marianist Stories podcast from North American Center for Marianist Studies
All Things Marian podcast from the International Marian Research Institute
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
FatherSide Chats is a web video series featuring Fr. Gene Contadino. Discover new episodes every Tuesday about a variety of topics. Click the graphic to view episodes. Click here to read more.
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
St. Leonard’s Ledger from the St. Leonard Marianist Community
Region Update #104 from the Marianist Region of India
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