b'You might expect an 88-year-old Marianist to spend most ofhis days quietly reflecting on a life well-lived. But if so, youprobably havent met Brother Al Kuntemeier.Pope Francis, on the other hand, has met him. Last year, on Nov. 30,Brother Al was invited to an early morning Mass at St. MarthasChapel inside the Vatican. Brother Al, along with Marianist FatherDavid Fleming and about 25 other people, were there to celebratewith the Pope.It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, says Brother Al. My heartwas really pumping. All I could say was, Wow! Wow! Wow! Thankyou, Godand thank you, Pope Francis!Of course, Brother Al, who lives in the Marianist Residence inSan Antonio, has to take a bit of the credit for the extraordinary encounter. It was his ideaa plan set in motion when he saw afilm about the Pope and then decided hed like to meet the pontiffin person. So, he wrote a letter to Pope Francis and arranged withfellow Marianists in New YorkFather Thomas CardoneandRome, including Brother Michael McAward, to have the missivedelivered to the Pope himself. Next thing you know, an invitation came by phone, and BrotherAl began making plans for his Roman holiday. No doubt, it helpedto point out that he was celebrating a jubilee last year70 yearssince taking first vowsbecause the Pope often displays a desireto affirm religious in their life and ministry, says Father David. Brother Al Kuntemeier, SM, meets Pope Francis after attending an early morningThis sentiment surfaced in the Popes homily that morning at Mass. Mass with the pontiff in November 2018.He preached beautifully on the days Gospel, about our need to Known for a no-nonsense approach in the classroom, Brother Alshare our faith in a simple, sincere way, Father David says. credits the backing and support of other teaching brothers for hisBrother Al joyfully judged it a good homily, while admitting own success as an instructor. That, plus the fact I could punt athat he doesnt really understand Italian. Still, to those who know football 50 yards, he says, with a big smile. Anybody who canhim, its clear Brother Al has pretty much lived the Popes gentle do that has to be OK in the eyes of the students!exhortation throughout his seven decades as a member of the Society Although known for his strong sense of discipline, he also had of Mary.a reputation for practical jokes. Id try to be amusing, alive andactive, says Brother Al, because I wanted people to look at meAmusing, alive, active and say, theres something thats making him happy. His senseIn recent years, Brother Als faith life has revolved around the Eucharist of humor and joyful spirit were his way of inviting young peopleand praying the rosary three times a day, he says. I told the Pope, to consider a religious vocation. I have seen a lot of religious lifemy community in San Antonio prays for you every day.in 70 years, and I honestly can say that its a great life. I have neverThe octogenarian also manages to squeeze in three tennis matches regretted it, he says.a week, continuing his love for a sport that he coached for more than Its little wonder that Brother Al feels a special affinity for the Pope30 years at Nolan Catholic High School, a former Marianist school who wrote The Joy of the Gospel.Or that one of his favoritein Fort Worth, Texas. Nolan Catholics students were just the latest sayings, by the 14th century mystic, Julian of Norwich, sums upto benefit from Brother Als skills as a teacher, counselor and coach. his life: The greatest honor we can give to Almighty God is to liveHis career also included extended stretches on high school faculties in joyfully in the knowledge of Gods love for us.Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois and his native Missouri, plus a seven-year stint as the provinces vocation director in the 1960s.John Schroeder is a freelance writer from St. Louis. Please help the Marianists in caring for their senior priests and brothers by joining the St. Joseph Legacy Club. To donate, use the enclosed envelope or go to marianist.com/donate. For more information, contact Brother Alex Tuss, SM, at 800.348.4732, ext. 3003, or [email protected]/donate 9'