Offering Hope Amid Ashes
A tidal wave of furious flames ravaging cities, “go bags” prepared but no clear destination in sight, devastation escalating, and loss of life reported daily, if not hourly. This is not a scene from a Hollywood horror action film; it is the harsh reality facing many in California, including members of our Marianist Family.
Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills first closed both campuses on Jan. 8 as Los Angeles declared a state of emergency. On Jan. 9, the Marianist West Hills Community was told to evacuate as the Kenneth Fire quickly crackled its way toward its doorstep. “Fortunately, the wind changed direction, pushing the fire in the opposite direction and away from the school. The evacuation order was lifted hours later, but residents were asked to be ready to evacuate just in case the fire changed direction again,” relayed Chaminade Chaplain Fr. Michael Chiuri. Thankfully, the Kenneth fire was 100% contained by Jan. 12.
However, tensions, fear, and sorrow continue as more tragic stories are uncovered, new fires ignite, and many are still unable to return home or have no home in which to return. “We have learned that one middle school faculty member lost her home in the Eaton fire, and one high school family lost their home in the Palisades fire,” reported Chaminade President Robert Webb on Jan. 15. As of last week, there are several more Chaminade families that lost everything.
The constant crisis mode has everyone in the area on edge, not knowing day-to-day what might be in store, and it’s taking a toll. “The plan is to have a ‘go bag’ with important documents such as passports and a couple of days worth of clothing and hopefully stay away from the fire zones. Unfortunately, no one can get more specific because it all depends on where the fire is burning. As I write this, a new fire, the Hughes fire, just erupted near the 5 freeway in Castaic,” wrote Fr. Michael on Jan. 23.
Although it is almost an hour and a half drive from the school and community, he said the skies were already darkened and air quality likely affected by the newest fire. “Faculty/staff and students living there were allowed to leave early just in case the freeway was closed, and they could not get into the area to get whatever they needed in case of an imminent evacuation,” said Fr. Chiuri.
A junior retreat was also scheduled at an organization in that area that needed rescheduling. It’s just one more upheaval in what has begun as a very trying year. Paradoxically perhaps, Pope Francis declared “Hope” as the theme of this year’s jubilee of the Catholic Church, encouraging us to share the “hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.”
Chaminade Campus Ministry has been key to offering hope to the California Marianist Family through prayer, counseling, updated communications, efforts to organize donations, and a response to all those affected.
“The Chaminade community appreciates your concern and support and continues requesting prayers. Even for those not directly affected, it has been a stressful time for the school community. For them, it is sad to see parts of their beloved city in ruins. They also have many parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and employee spouses who serve as first responders and are risking their lives,” conveyed Webb.
If you would like to donate to help the teacher who lost her home, you can go to the Chaminade Employee Assistance Fund.
Below are also some vetted organizations supported by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
- Hope the Mission Fire Help
- Catholic Charities LA Wildfire Relief Fund
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles Wildlife Victims Emergency Fund
Chaminade’s Campus Ministry teams are also assessing the needs of the larger community and will create service opportunities for students and employees. While not everyone may be able to provide financial support, we can all contribute by flooding the area with prayers and offering hope.
In The News
Blessed Chaminade Day
On Jan. 22, the Marianist Family remembered founder Blessed William Joseph Chaminade with Masses and celebrations across the Province. He was born in 1761, founded the Marianist Family in 1801, and died on January 22, 1850. In 2000, Pope John Paul II declared Chaminade Blessed.
For many schools in the Province, this day also marked the beginning of Founders Week, which is dedicated to Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Blessed Maria De La Conception, and Venerable Marie Thérèse Charlotte de Lamourous.
The week kicked off at Chaminade University of Honolulu with a special lei-draping ceremony and prayer service on its front lawn. Its neighboring St. Louis School participated as well, with fourth graders leading the music and LIFE team members doing the readings. Fr. Chris Whitman led the prayer service.
Founders’ Week allows us to affirm our Marianist spirit and carry forward the Marianist values. Let us recommit ourselves to living out our Marianist Charism – today and throughout the year. Let us pray for each other and all members of the Family of Mary. Let us join together in this prayer for his canonization.
Click here to see more pictures.
Largest Student-Run Investment Fund Marks 25 Years
The University of Dayton is celebrating its 25th year of a student-run investment fund, the largest in the country, with more than $80 million in assets under its management.
The Davis Center for Portfolio Management is home to the Flyer
Investments Fund, which allows undergraduates to manage a portion of the University’s endowment and a pool of assets for The Dayton Foundation. Since 1999, student managers have generated more than $60 million in capital gains for the University and The Dayton Foundation.
“This isn’t theoretical; it’s about real dollars,” said Nate Jabaay, senior manager. “Managing the Flyer Investments Fund empowers us to make impactful decisions for the University and The Dayton Foundation. This experience launches our careers in finance.”
The Davis Center, made possible by the vision and gifts of UD alumnus Dick Davis and his wife, Sue, provides student managers with an environment similar to a Wall Street asset management firm, equipped with industry-leading technology.
“The Davis Center opened my eyes to the future of finance,” said George Eckerd, a 2007 graduate and now research director at JPMorgan Chase.
Click here or the image to watch a YouTube video about this program.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Gather Around the Marianist Table
January is Marianist Heritage Month, and the Marian Library is displaying a new piece to kick off the new year. The artwork, gifted by seniors in a University of Dayton honors program known as the Chaminade Scholars, displays just how far and wide the Marianist Family extends.
It is a coffee table they built to illustrate the worldwide presence of the Marianist spirit. The creators include Patrick Szubryt, Matt Garcia, John-Paul Bugada, Jordan Marsh, Ben Vierheller and Miley Azbill, with the help of Bro. Gary Marcinowski, S.M., professor emeritus of art and design. The piece titled “Marianist Table” was part of a project to explore faith and vocation and highlight the Marianist Charism.
A world map under a glass panel symbolizes the Marianist spirit of welcoming people of all cultures and traditions to the table to be nurtured, to celebrate each other as family and friends, to share in spirited conversations, and to feel the special bond of unity as brothers and sisters in the Family of God.
If you’d like to see the newly acquired piece, you can find it in the trading room of the Marian Library.
A version of this article originally appeared in Volume 2 of Tidings: An Annual Comminiqué from the Marian Library.
A Marianist Moment
You’re Invited!
In honor of Mary’s fiat – her “Yes” to God, the Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA) is proud to announce its Fiat Initiative. It is a new 3-year plan to build upon the lay branch of the Marianist Family, focusing on some of the following goals:
- Welcome and form at least 100 new Lay Marianists each year
- Provide new resources for Marianist Lay Communities (MLC) and share best practices
- Connect all Lay Marianists in search of an MLC with a new or existing community
- Launch Community Animation Series, a strategy designed to bring our MLCs together quarterly
You’re invited to build community through shared reflection and prayer within the Marianist Family in an online monthly prayer group via Zoom called Gathering in the Spirit. Please join us for this prayerful experience on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. CST.
The next meeting will be held on Wed., Feb. 5, 2025. Click here to join the Zoom. The password to enter the group is: Marianist.
From the Archives
A Legacy of Colorful Love
From large murals to clip art, sketches to sculptures, landscapes to abstract pieces, Bro. A. Joseph Barrish enjoyed creating all sorts of art until his earthly parting at age 95 earlier this month.
Barrish’s works can be found in many public and private collections, adorning the pages of books and walls, and for purchase on eBay and Amazon. He served as assistant professor of fine arts and commercial design coordinator in the University of Dayton Fine Arts Department, helped supervise Gallery St. John, and worked with Birgit Skoild of the Print Workshop in London, England.
In addition to artfully crafting images of Mary and the gospel, Bro. Joe had a fondness for capturing the landscape around him, often highlighting his hometown of Dayton, OH. His creations captivated viewers and grabbed the attention of local news and magazines too.
Click here to get a glimpse of the colorful legacy of love he leaves behind.
If you’d like to see images from the archives, visit and “like” this Facebook page.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Fr. James Allen DeLong, 92, died on Jan. 18, 2025, in Cupertino, CA, with 71 years of religious profession.
His obituary is forthcoming and will be posted here as soon as possible.
Click here to see pictures of Fr. James through the years.
Bro. Andrew Joseph Barrish, 95, died on Jan. 20, 2025, in Dayton, OH, with 77 years of religious profession.
His obituary is forthcoming and will be posted here as soon as possible.
Click here to see pictures of Bro. Andrew Joseph through the years.
Click here to view some of his artwork.
Good to Know
Now Accepting Applications for Summertime Family Time
Apply now to enjoy a seashore setting for a unique and Christ-centered family experience at our Marianist Retreat Center in Cape May Point, NJ.
It’s an opportunity to enhance your family’s spiritual growth by joining other families and the Marianist Community in a week-long family retreat offering family and peer group activities, Eucharist and other family and community prayer, plus 4-5 hours of free time daily with ocean swimming!
These retreats always fill up fast, so consult your calendar to find a week between June 23 and Aug. 16 that works best and apply online today at www.capemaymarianists.org
Music and Theatre Arts Unite
St. Mary’s University has created a new academic unit that unites the university’s music and drama programs.
The Department of Music and Theatre Arts merger reflects the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary creativity and educating leaders for the common good. New opportunities stemming from this department will include professional-level experience and high-impact learning for students, as well as innovative performances, arts festivals, and community engagement.
The department will debut its first performance under the new structure with Legally Blonde: The Musical in March 2025, in collaboration with students and faculty from the St. Mary’s University School of Law.
For more information about the Department of Music and Theatre Arts, upcoming performances and academic programs, please visit www.stmarytx.edu.
Announcements to Celebrate!
Archbishop Moeller High School welcomes a new president. Jason Niehaus will begin on Feb. 3, 2025.
A proud alumnus of Moeller, Class of 1993, Jason is no stranger to the school’s legacy of excellence – his father, Bob Niehaus, was a graduate of the Class of 1965. Reflecting on his new role, he shared, “Returning to Moeller is deeply personal for me. This school helped shape my values, character, and faith. I am humbled and honored to lead this extraordinary community, and I look forward to building on its rich tradition and continuing the momentum that has been building over the last decade.”
In other exciting news, Moeller recently received a transformational multi-million dollar planned gift to its endowment, marking a historic moment in the school’s 60-plus years of excellence. This generous commitment, made by Bill Fette and his wife Janet, long-time supporters of the Moeller community, ensures the continued growth and accessibility of the school’s mission to educate young men in the Marianist tradition.
Their son, Tommy Fette, class of 2002 alumnus, stated, “It’s an honor to invest in a school that has meant so much to us and so many others. Our hope is that this gift will open doors for future generations and ensure that every student who desires a Moeller education has the opportunity to experience its transformative impact.”
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
Sharing Our Marianist Stories podcast from North American Center for Marianist Studies
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
Region Update #87 from the Marianist Region of India
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.
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