Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace
Fr. Chaminade ministered in a time of fear, violence and division after the French Revolution and was influenced by the call for Fraternity, Liberty and Equality. We too, in this time of fear, violence, and division, must come together as a people of faith in need of healing and reconciliation. As we encounter Christ in the shadows of hate and violence may we pray and act for a more fraternal, free and equal society. We would like to encourage you to spend time reflecting on the hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” during your prayers as we prepare for Easter. How you will act for peace, healing and reconciliation?
Activities Director Delights in Making Protective Gear for Staff
When Sarah Makena Hamilton (who goes by “Makena”) noticed that the staff at the Marianist Residence, a health care and retirement center in San Antonio, were buying their own scrub caps to protect themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to jump into action.
While stuck at home during the ice storm that devastated Texas in February, Makena, who serves as the activities coordinator at the Residence, said it was the perfect time to dig out fabric from her stockpile of old scrubs, sheets and discarded scraps, and begin sewing new caps.
“Sewing offers me a creative outlet from my day job,” she said. “The scrub caps are quirky, mix-matched and colorful. I feel like they bring joy to everyone who sees them.”
Last year, Makena, a 2016 St. Mary’s University alum and Lay Marianist, also worked with a crew of women to assemble about 300 masks for the Residence and others.
Makena doesn’t see herself as the hero of this story. “The real MVPs are our medical, housekeeping and kitchen staff who have been working crazy hours this past year, adapting their routines to meet the needs of the pandemic,” she said. “I’m just happy I could do something to brighten their days.”
A Marianist Moment
By Bro. David Betz
Venerable Faustino Pérez-Manglano (Feast Day: March 3) – A Youth Who Prayed the Rosary
During a recent online reading group sponsored by the North American Center for Marianist Studies, the discussion dealt with the Spirit leading Jesus into the desert. The facilitator then asked the following question: Where is the Spirit leading you at this moment? I answered by saying that I have been drawn to praying the rosary during my walks. This answer may surprise several people because I have said that the rosary has not been one of my prayer practices over the years. It was not a prayer form that my family did while I was growing up. The repetitiveness of the rosary did not attract me. Therefore the rosary has not been a component of my Marianist life up to this point. But God is a God of surprises, and I am surprised as much as other people who may know me!
In The News
St. Mary’s Appoints Two Marianists for Leadership Roles
On March 2, St. Mary’s University named Fr. John Thompson as Vice President for Mission; and Fr. William J. Meyer as Rector.
Both appointments begin June 1, but Fr. Thompson will delay transitioning to campus until July 1 as he finishes fulfilling his commitment as pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, which is adjacent to the University.
As called for in the St. Mary’s Bylaws, the appointments of the Vice President for Mission and the Rector are made in consultation with the Marianist Province of the United States and confirmed by the Board of Trustees.
“Because we have two outstanding professed Marianists with significant leadership experience, including in Marianist higher education, I and my colleagues are delighted that the Marianist Provincial Council and the St. Mary’s Board of Trustees have approved these appointments,” said President Thomas Mengler, J.D. “Father Thompson and Father Meyer will enable the University to continue its strong commitment to educating for formation in faith in significant new ways.” Read the announcement from St. Mary’s University.
Fr. Chris Wittmann Participates in an Anti-Death Penalty Legislation Press Conference
Last month, Fr. Chris Wittmann participated in the virtual press conference to launch a bipartisan death penalty abolition for the state of Ohio. “The press conference participants presented many of the injustices of the death penalty in Ohio- beyond the basic objection that execution is a violation of human dignity,” said Fr. Wittmann. Other participants in the group who are asking Ohio state legislators to pass a bill to eliminate the death penalty in Ohio included a death row exoneree, victim family members, and legislators.
Click here to view the entire video.
New Book Features Work by ALIVE Magazine Editor
Jan D. Dixon, editor of ALIVE Magazine, had seven poems included in a new book called WET: An Anthology of Water Poems and Prose, published by Sharehouse Press.
Thirty writers, all who live in the Southwestern part of the United States, were selected for this special edition. Each submitted their stories, poems, and prose about the subject of water, a scarce and sacred element in this high desert region of the country. This collection is the first in a series on the four elements: Water, Earth, Air and Fire.
All of the writers took off their journalism caps, set aside their writing day jobs, blogs and marketing and wrote from their hearts about “water as life.”
Half of the writers in this collection are Native American, and five languages are published in the book: Diné (Navajo), Haak’u/Acoma, Spanish, Mvskoke and English.
To order a copy or get more information about the book, email: [email protected]. Please put “Anthology Sharehouse Press” in the subject line.
Marianist Alumnus Completes Half Marathon Bear Crawl
The pandemic has led some people to do some extraordinary things. Some people took up new crafts or hobbies during quarantine. Some spent their time working on theirs gardens or reading. Tommie Le, a 2020 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis, was inspired to help people stay physically and mentally healthy during a challenging time. During last spring’s COVID quarantine, he developed a fitness program for himself to push others to stay in shape. He recently decided to ramp up his fitness efforts to help raise funds for the Thirst Project, which is focused on ending the global water crisis. He organized a fitness fundraiser on Saturday, February 27th, and challenged himself to complete a 13.1-mile “bear crawl” through St. Louis’ historic Forest Park. For anyone who isn’t familiar with the term bear crawl, it is an exercise that takes considerable core body strength and endurance. Most people struggle to bear crawl across a gym floor, much less the distance of a half marathon. Congratulations, Tommie, on an incredible feat for an important concern!
Click here for Tommie’s Instagram.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Scriptural Way of the Cross
As the season of Lent draws to a close, the JPIC ministry has put together a “Ways of the Cross” that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Click here to read and meditate on the readings.
St. Anthony School in Maui to Remain a Marianist-Sponsored School
Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, confirmed that St. Anthony School, Wailuku, will continue to be a Marianist Sponsored school, even though the school and parish have been transferred to the Diocese of Honolulu. In a letter sent earlier this month, Bishop Silva wrote, “It is a consensus that the school has greatly benefitted from its Marianist Sponsorship. We are most grateful to you for offering us this possibility and we look forward to our continuing partnership at St. Anthony School.”
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Fr. Jim Mueller – Early Days
Fr. Jim Mueller – 2015
Fr. Jim Mueller, 86, died Mar. 15, 2021. Father Jim was a beloved teacher, chaplain, administrator and community director known for his warm, welcoming ways. He ministered for more than 20 years at schools in Japan and also taught and served as chaplain at schools across the United States. He particularly enjoyed ministering during summer camp sessions at Tecaboca, a Marianist camp and retreat center in Texas. He taught countless young boys how to fish, and he shared with them his love of the outdoors and the Blessed Mother.
Good to Know
The Spring 2021 Edition of ALIVE is Here!
Check out the latest issue of ALIVE magazine which includes stories about Bro. John Lemker and his photographic skills, Mary and those caught in the border crisis, and a 13-year girl in Illinois who raised funds for children at a Marianist school in Kenya. Read it now!
To receive your free subscription to the print edition of ALIVE, please send your name and mailing address to [email protected].
Art Among Us
The extraordinary artwork on the campus of the University of Dayton was highlighted in UD Magazine Spring 2021. The extensive collection includes many works by Marianists artists. Read the article.
Marianist Narrates Mozart’s “Bastien & Bastienne”
Bro. Gary Morris is currently playing the Narrator in the Hawaii Opera Theatre’s online production of Mozart’s “Bastien and Bastienne,” the one-act opera that Mozart wrote when he was only 12 years old. Not only does Bro. Gary speak the role of the narrator, but he does it with a sheepdog puppet, thus displaying his skill at puppetry as well.
For tickets to view the opera which is now streaming online, click here, or contact the HOT box office at [email protected].
National Director – Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA)
The Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA), a private association of the faithful in the Marianist tradition, comprised of lay Catholics formed in, committed to, and living the Marianist Charism, is seeking a national director. The ideal candidate in our search for this newly created position will share the passion for the mission and work of the Marianist Family formed by the vision of our Founders Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Blessed Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon and Venerable Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Lamourous.
This is an exciting time for the Marianist Family. We invite your discernment to join us in this collaborative and engaging work. Learn more.
Stay in Touch
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AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
The Fulcrum from the Marianist LIFE
District Update 43 from the Marianist District of India
Gifts and Tasks from the Int. Organization of Marianist Lay Communities
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Magnificat from the World Council of the Marianist Family
MLC-NA e-News from the Marianist Lay Community of North America
NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies
Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
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