Tecaboca
A dedication to recycling led to a passion Bro. Joseph Markel didn’t even know he possessed – one that is also improving his quality of life.
In The News
Tecaboca Farewell
You’re invited to come reminisce and bid a fond farewell to the Tecaboca Camp and Retreat Center in Mountain Home, TX, on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The celebration of gratitude will begin at 10 a.m. that day and
Mount Saint John’s Solar Project
– The Power of Ewe
In response to Pope Francis’ call to integral ecology in the encyclical Laudato Si, the Marianist property of Mount Saint John, where Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning is located in Dayton, OH, installed a solar array in 2023. Today, its energy usage is net zero! A local TV station did a story on how they’re using the power of ewe to maintain the area. Click here for the story.
Diaconate Formation Cohort
A group of 36 students at Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) is embarking on a journey that is as much spiritual as it is scholarly. The students are part of CUH’s newest diaconate formation cohort.
Together, they’ll pursue a Permanent Diaconate Education Certificate—designed to provide the academic preparation required to serve as a deacon or deacon’s wife in the Catholic church. In addition, 15 members of the cohort are simultaneously pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Religious Studies, while 12 are seeking a Master’s in Pastoral Theology.
A special orientation event held recently on campus offered the members an opportunity to learn from one another and about the program, including the academic pathway they’ll take as they build a strong foundation in scripture studies and theology.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Investing – Beyond Financial Benefits
The finance curriculum pathway at Marianist-sponsored Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH, goes beyond quantitative analysis to examine the role of the heart and conscience in investment decision-making.
Deacon Nathan Beiersdorfer (Moeller ’95) joined the Investment Research Honors class to discuss “The Maker and the Market,” the Catholic church’s teachings on socially responsible investing. Students learned about the pillars of investing for a person of faith, reflected on parables from the Bible, and learned to prioritize ethical and social stewardship under the investment guidelines of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The Apostle Peter teaches: “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pt 4:10). Pope Francis emphasized the need to redefine progress, stating that development must leave a better world and higher quality of life. Pope Benedict in 2009 stated, “It must be remembered that the market does not exist in the pure state. It is shaped by the cultural configurations which define and give it direction.” (Pope Benedict XVI, St. Peter’s, June 2009) Marianists believe the Return on Investment (ROI) is not only measured from a bottom-line number reflecting financial gain. The new “currency” should include a more equitable and sustainable global community.
A Marianist Moment
Chaminade’s 264th Birthday
April 8 marks Chaminade’s birthday, and our schools and ministries celebrated in various ways.
The Office of Mission at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, hosted a birthday fiesta. More than 200 guests shared food and conversation, toasting Fr. Chaminade. “Since 2008, St. Mary’s University has celebrated Blessed Chaminade’s Birthday. It’s a gathering of students, faculty, staff, and administration to recognize and honor the man whose vision we follow. It’s just a fun event to celebrate our Founder and keep us connected to the Marianist story,” said Fr. John Thompson, Vice President Office of Mission and Rector.
The Casa Maria Community, also in San Antonio, invited students to a social hour to celebrate with cake and camaraderie.
At Chaminade University of Honolulu, the Office of the Rector invited everyone to the Sullivan Family Library Pavillion to enjoy cookies. Click here to watch a Facebook video created for the university’s namesake, who continues to be an inspiration.
The Marian Library in Dayton, OH, also highlighted Father Chaminade’s birthday on social media and noted another Society of Mary April birthday. On April 18, Bro. William Fackovec would have turned 100! Click here to read about Bro. Bill and his legacy in the Marian Library.
From the Archives
Celebrating 150 Years
This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the Wanamaker Cottage, today referred to as the “Main House” at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, NJ.
The “cottage” originally stood on Beach Avenue, which was lost to the sea. It was then moved to its present location on the corner of Cape and Yale Avenues. In 1916, John Wanamaker donated it to the Presbyterian Orphanage of Philadelphia, a.k.a. Sunny Corner. It remained an orphanage until 1959. In 1962, the Marianists acquired the property for a summer retreat center.
John Wanamaker, a prominent Philadelphia merchant and founder of Wanamaker Department Stores, and Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianists, were both visionaries. Their contributions to society intersected in the development of religious and cultural life, particularly in Cape May Point and its broader historical impact.
Wanamaker sought to create a place where religious and recreational life could flourish. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Sea Grove community at Cape May Point in the late 19th century. His efforts helped transform the area into a center for religious gatherings and retreats. He was deeply involved in creating spaces where people could connect with nature, religion, and leisure in a way that was unique for its time. That is why “the circle” in Cape May Point was created – an open space for people of all faiths to gather.
Chaminade’s visionary work revolved around establishing schools and religious communities dedicated to educating young people. He founded the Marianists to carry out this mission, believing that education and religious formation were essential to building strong, faithful communities.
Here’s to another 150 years of welcoming the faithful and families! Click here to view more pictures.
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.
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 2025 Jubilarians! We will highlight them over the course of the next few months in FamilyOnline.
Click here to see pictures from the Jubilee celebration in San Antonio earlier this month.
BRO. PHILIP AARON
The journey that started with a train ride to Dayton, OH, at age 15 continues. As in Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, the hero finally achieves the boon and takes it back home to share, only to start a new adventure. He is not stuck in the past, has no regrets, and is always looking forward to a new beginning for which help will come as long as he takes the first step.
Click here to read in full.
Good to Know
Join a Pilgrimage or Create One of Your Own
The Catholic Climate Covenant and its
Mark Your Calendars
On October 14-15, 2025, at the University of Dayton, the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) will celebrate its 50th anniversary, and the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
This special two-day commemoration will include a special visit from Cardinal Francis Leo, a two-time graduate of IMRI, the current archbishop of Toronto, and diocesan partner for IPI. Click here for more information.
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
All Things Marian podcast from the International Marian Research Institute
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
Region Update #90 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.
Follow Us On Social Media
FamilyOnline Submissions
We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,600 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.
GET CONNECTED!
Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!
Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.
