b'Learn more about the Marianists at marianist.com.I nsideAT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS.4The Blessed Mothers anguish at Jesus Crucifixion turned into her mission, which lives today. Father Oscar Vasquez, SM SPIRIT OF GIVING6ProvincialBrother Bernard Ploeger, SM Faithful donor Vera DiCola leaves behind a legacy of support for the Marianist Mission. Assistant ProvincialBernadette McCaffrey Groner PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP8Communications DirectorDave Luecking Bro. Ed Violett and Fr. Bob Jones bring global and domestic experience to their new roles.EditorWritersBrother Dennis Bautista, SM A FOUNDATION FOR LIFE 12Kathleen NelsonLinda NorrisNew novice directors will be forming young men in the faith at the Marianist Novitiate.Alex Z. SalinasTina Steck Photographers CALL TO ACTION 16Angie LipscombKathleen Nelson Marianist Family collaborates in Encounters Project to care for the poor and care for the Earth.Julie WallingContributorsChaminade-Madonna College Preparatory DEPARTMENTSMarian Library, University of DaytonAngela Yoo Provincial Letter. 2Graphic designLopez Needleman Graphic Design, Inc. Marianist Table .20Copy editing Obituaries.22Jane D. Palisch, JP Marketing CommunicationsFront cover: A sunflower is just one exampleof the beauty at the Marianist EnvironmentalEducation Center near Dayton, Ohio. Photo by Alexandr Zadiraka.ALIVE Vol. 23, No. 1Spring 2026ALIVE is published three times a year(Spring, Summer, Fall/Winter) by the MarianistProvince of the United States, 4425 West PineBlvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. For feedback orstory ideas, please contact the editor at [email protected]. For changes to yourmailing address or to subscribe, pleaseemail [email protected]. ALIVEaccepts no unsolicited submissions.The Society of Mary (Marianists) is an international Roman Catholic religious 4 12 20congregation of priests and brothers. TheMarianist Province of the United Statescomprises about 190 professed brothersand priests serving in the United States. The Province also includes communitiesand ministries in Ireland and Mexico, withministries in India and Eastern Africa. In theUnited States, it sponsors three universities: Subscribe Now!University of Dayton in Ohio, St. Marys University in San Antonio, and Chaminade For a free subscription to ALIVE magazine, email [email protected] and write ALIVE subscription in the subjectUniversity of Honolulu, as well as 18 highschools/middle schools, three parishes and line. Provide your name, address, and phone number.three retreat centers. The congregation hasbeen present in the United States since 1849, marianist.comwhen the Marianists came to Cincinnati.Blessed William Joseph Chaminade foundedthe Society of Mary in 1817.Printed on recycled paper.marianist.com/donate3'