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Issue number 104 May 2011
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http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall
Vince Poisella: 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087;
609-294-2148;
poisellavincent@yahoo.com
Rich Foy: 24 Prestwick Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603; 845-
454-1393;
richard.foy@verizon.net
Gus Nolan: 65 Muirfield Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603; 845-
454-6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
David Kammer: 476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141;
386-426-6349;
jkammer1@cfl.rr.com
Rob Schmidt: 1013 Hollywood Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016;
847-824-1073;
RJDB@comcast.net
Writers for this issue:
Bill Byrne
'52 discusses the two Norbies: Brother Athanasius
Norbert and Brother Norbert Rodrigue.
Richard Foy
'46 highlights Brother Chanel Lambert and asks
readers for information on a historical project for Marist College.
Pat Gallagher
'53 brings us up to date on his activities and the
Gallagher family.
James Gargan
'59 tells us of the health condition of Tom Murphy
(Br. Martin Patrick '55) & suggests calling him.
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Bob and Ginny Grady
'53 share items about the future Marist
Spirituality Weekend July 8-10, 2011 at Marist College
David Kammer
'42 hopes to clarify the confusion betwen
Brother Athanasius Norbert and Brother Norbert Rodrigue.
Ed Jennings
'65 reminisces about Brother Declan Claude
Murray.
Brother Bill Lavigne
'50 participates in the discussion about the
two Norbies.
Martin Lyden
'61 also writes about Declan Claude Murray
Brother John McDonnell
'59 writes from Nairobi, Kenya with
details about a scholasticate with 120 student brothers from
provinces of Africa and asks for prayers and help.
Brother James McKnight
'61 is now the provincial Liaison for
senior Brothers.
Anthony Miserandino
'66 updates us about his life and doings at
Mount St Michael .
Vince Poisella
, Editor, thanks MaristsAll readers for their
financial contributions and explains the relationship between
himself and Richard Foy, who converts the printed newsletter
into the web version.
Charles Scott
'50 updates us on Dick Branigan's '50 health
situation.
Joe Strang
'53 remembers Stephen Sheridan (Brother Hugh
Ephrem) and updates us on his doings.
Visit the
photo album
to see two new photos sent by Oke
O'Connell, one of a Brothers basketball team at Marist College,
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the other full group of the Esopus Juniors around 1960 and four
photos submitted by Joseph Foden, a Novice in Esopus in 1960.
In memoriam: Joseph Lemire (former Brother Paschal Emile)
died 24 October 2010 in Union, New Jersey. He was born 22 Feb
1923 and was a member of the group of 1941.
From BOB AND GINNY GRADY('53): I would like to update the
Marists All readers on this year's Marist Spirituality Weekend to
be held on July 8, 9, and 10 at Marist College. - The theme for
the weekend is based on the book Gathered Around the Same
Table -The Vocation of Champagnat's Marist Laity.
We extend an open invitation to all those interested in joining
us this summer. Those interested in participating, please send a
twenty-five dollar deposit to Br. Charles Marcellin at Archbishop
Molloy High School, 8353 Man ton Street, Jamaica, NY 11435.
The cost for the weekend will be $185 for an individual and
$330 for a couple. If you have any questions regarding the
weekend, please call us at 516-796-4502, or email
usatRVGRADY@optonline.net.
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From RICH FOY ('46): Art Devlin ('45) sent me a copy of an
article from the Florida Catholic featuring four Marist Brother
jubilarians I was especially impressed because Br. Chanel
Lambert ('41) was our chef in my first year in Esopus (1942-
1943). I decided to transcribe the info into an essay on the
Marists All web site, adding some vignettes about Chanel. I did
not want to let the material hang around my files to be
misplaced. Chanel hopes to get to Poughkeepsie sometime this
summer. I hope that we will be able to have Gus Nolan
interview him. My half hour telephone conversation with him
was chock full of events in his Marist life. George Gershwin once
said that there were so many melodies floating around in his
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head that he did not have time to jot
them all down. I felt that way during the
conversation with Chanel.
Wouldn't it be interesting to have a round
robin of early Esopus attendees? Chanel
is the only faculty member alive, but we
have my brother Peter and me from
1942-1943 and Gus from 1944-1947. It
might make for a great recording of
memories. Add Thomas O'Connor from
Gus's group. And don't forget that David
worked to get the place ready for the
juniors and later cooked there.
To review info on current jubilarians,
check the
essay
section on the MaristsAll web site.
Post script: On May 2, 2011 Brother William Lavigne wrote: ...
Chanel Lambert had a stroke yesterday. He came to my room at
3:00 a.m. for help and I saw the signs of a stroke - limp right
arm, twisted mouth, no verbal speech and called 911...he's in
Baptist Hospital here in Miami where they are running tests to
diagnose the cause of the stroke, probably a clot. He has been
alert and conscious the whole time but will have to undergo
physical and speech therapy....Keep him in your prayers.
In addition, I have a request for our readers: I am working on
an extensive project to identify previous owners of properties
now or once held by Marist College. This is similar to the work I
did in 2002 for the Esopus property. We have identified over
1500 deeds and documents related to this project.
As a small part of the project, I have identified parcels outside
the regular campus that I have called "odd-lot parcels." Among
these I include the house at 2 Eden Terrace occupied by faculty
Brothers, the house at the corner of Academy and Barclay
streets once used by student Brothers in the mid 1960s, and
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the convent on Lafayette Street
opposite St. Joseph's Church also
used by student Brothers.
I am
interested in making contact with
any Marists All readers who may
have lived in these houses. I will be
grateful if you provide information
such as dates, names of fellow
residents, and any items of interest
about the houses, At a later date I will be writing about Benoit
and Gregory Houses, now demolished to make room for the
Hancock Center. Please contact me at
richard.foy@verizon.net.
Any snapshots related to these
places are welcome. I'll scan them
and return them to the owners. To
refresh your memory of these
places, check out the work-in-
progress
http://academic2,marist.edu/foy/maristland
and click on the
section marked "odd-lot."
I am also interested in contacting any of the student Brothers
who worked on Vista Programs in Ulster and Dutchess County. I
know a group rented a house in Dover Plains, and I think
another group worked in Ulster but lived on the Esopus
property. Thank you for your help in this historical project.
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From CHARLES SCOTT ('50): (Feb 20) Dick Branigan (Steven
Aloysius, '50), my classmate and good friend, recently had
surgery to remove a benign tumor from his brain. He is now
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recovering nicely enough, taking some physical therapy for right
hand movement and also some speech therapy for some slight
slurring. His address is 1814 Fairview St., Oshkosh, WI 54901.
I'm sure he would appreciate a card to cheer him and a prayer
to speed his recovery.
(Mar 19) Once again I write to report on Dick Branigan's
situation. Two more tumors on the brain have been discovered,
and he has still not yet recovered from his previous brain tumor
surgery. His right arm and hand and his speech are somewhat
affected and are continuing to be a problem for him. His wife
asks for prayers. Dick is trying to be hopeful and continues to
exhibit flashes of his wit and good humor. He thanks all who
may remember him in their prayers. (4737 Lafayette Drive,
Madison, WI 53705; 608-233-3995 ctscott@wisc.edu)
From JAMES GARGAN ('59): When Ginny and I got home from
Puerto Rico on March 15, we learned that Tom Murphy (Br.
Martin Patrick, '55) had just gone into the hospital. He had a
number of ailments, especially internal bleeding from
diverticulosis. He did not look well. We saw him next on March
20, and he looked a lot better.
Yesterday he moved to a rehab center, Elmhurst Extended Care.
You may reach him through his cell phone (347-753-1391). If
you don't get him, you can leave a message.
gargan.law@msn.com.
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From PAT GALLAGHER ('53): The years pile up almost -- I say
almost -- unnoticed. On April 9 we celebrated my seventy-fifth
birthday with my daughter coming up from Atlanta, another
good friend and professional colleague driving up from southern
Virginia, and Br. Dan O'Riordan ('92) coming over from Roselle.
The milestone generated a lot of thought about all that has
preceded this date, the quality of life at present, and the
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mystery that we all face in the future.
I had a chance to say something to those friends and neighbors
who joined us, with my sister present, about the difficulties of
those early years during World War II and just beyond before
my entrance into the juniorate on September 2, 1950. I
remarked how the thirty-one years with my wife, Mary, have
brought a solid joy, happiness, and fulfillment to my life;
granted that the seventeen years in the Marist Brothers
contributed so munificently to my later life; and I spoke of the
gratitude for my involvement and role in the police profession.
The latter had me appointed interim director of campus safety
and police at a local college for six months last year. Then it
generated a busy March with three civil trials in DC, in one of
which I was on the stand for the defense for four days in federal
court. People ask: "Are you retired?" I would only answer and
say, "No" or "Somewhat." The caseload results from the detritus
of police uses of force or pursuits or false arrests. I enjoy the
mental challenge of poring over the documents, balancing the
evidence, rejecting some situations; but if I can state a case,
then I develop my opinions, incorporate them into a report, am
deposed, and in some cases, go to court to testify. It is fulfilling
and challenging, knowing that my entire record of opinions is
open to review in every instance, and consistency in official
statements is a sine qua non.
The time that it takes is minimal; I keep as busy as I want.
What else would I do with my time? Mary and I do not lack for
our entertainment, travel, or socializing. We read omnivorously.
We enjoyed three weeks in Langue d'Oc last fall tracing the
history of the Albigensian Crusade over southern France,
visiting the Hermitage, making a delightful detour into
Barcelona for a few days, and then celebrating our anniversary
in Paris.
The family is doing well; the grandchildren are growing, and
their parents are facing the increasingly daunting challenge of
raising kids in this economic and cultural maelstrom .
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The future? There will inevitably be the winding down of
professional involvement for both of us, something forced on us
by waning energies, minor ills, and physical limitations. But we
are composed about the future, philosophical about what is
inevitable, but committed to a quality of spiritual and
intellectual life that is good for the soul while determined to
share it for all the time that we shall be granted.
gpatrickgallagher11@verizon.net
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From BR. JOHN MCDONNELL ('59): "Karibu Nairobi"! Karibu is
Kiswahili for Welcome to Nairobi - as "we Kenyans" like to
shout! And thanks to my Master of Novices (David Kammer) for
his invitation to speak with you. At the end of 2009, having
completed my term as Vice-Provincial to John Klein, I enjoyed a
sabbatical - compliments of the Lilly Foundation: a thirty-day
directed retreat in Gloucester, MA; living with the Trappists in
the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky; and then cooking and
dancing lessons - just for the fun of it. By August, I was all set
to depart for my new assignment at our four-year scholasticate
in Nairobi, Kenya. BUT ... if you want to make God laugh, tell
God your plans! In September, I 'donated' eighteen inches of
my cancerous colon to the Jersey City, Medical Center. By
Thanksgiving, I was truly giving God thanks as the doctors
declared me cancer-free and ready for Africa.
Having arrived here in Nairobi -- appropriately enough -- last
December 8, and so by now, a 'seasoned' missionary -- permit
me to share with you some of my early impressions. We are a
community of 120 Marist Brothers (the largest in the Institute)
from seventeen African countries and the USA: 103 student
Brothers in their mid-20's to mid-30's, doing their Bachelor's
degree on campus here at Marist International College, and
seventeen older Brothers serving as formators and teachers.
We live in eight different fraternities on the compound. English
is a third language for most, so college studies are a big
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challenge. What touches me most about our student Brothers is
their contagious enthusiasm, their joy, and their simplicity. The
climate in Nairobi, which is seven time .zones ahead of New
York, is ideal' - 75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at
night with very little humidity and perpetually blue skies. The
MIC campus is beautiful - green lawns with colorful shrubs and
flowers everywhere and even our own little farm (shades of
Tyngsboro and Marian College!). Food is basically vegetarian
with the occasional treat (last night it was boiled goat's leg).
The Catholic Church in Kenya is traditional, but Sunday liturgies
are teeming with life, exploding with African drum rhythms and
packed with worshippers.
Br. Emili Turu, Superior General, sent me here to "accompany"
(spiritual direction/counseling) our young Brothers and to train
some older African Brothers to do the same. I also work with
the scholastics on their oral and written English - having been
masterfully prepared, as a late-1950's student at St. Helena, by
Gerry Cox and Br. Francis Thomas. In early May, I'll be directing
retreats for our fourth-year student Brothers from the Central
East African Province. And I'm doing RCIA with one of the lay
students at our College. At 70,. I'm feeling great and enjoying
life on our MIC compound, which, I'm told, was once a part of
Karen Blixen's Out of Africa ranch.
Much of Kenya itself is heartbreaking on many levels. There are
slums and more slums everywhere. One-room zinc sheds with
dirt floors are home to single mothers with seven or eight
children. 250/0 to 50% of the population earns less than $1
(US) per day. The percentage of people with HIV/AIDS is
staggering. Right next door to us live fifty orphans with AIDS.
Thousands and thousands of kids are not in school due to lack
of school fees. Corruption and impunity from prosecution are
rampant in government. A policeman is the last one you'd ask
for help when in a jam. I can't leave our compound without
being besieged by beggars. (It's hard to miss the only white
guy around.)
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When not studying, our Brothers are working and playing with
young kids in local slums; visiting with patients in clinics and
hospitals; teaching the 3 R's and catechism to school-less kids
and in local schools; helping out with youth in parishes; seeking
out food and clothing for the poor.... Several of these Brothers
are from Rwanda where they experienced family members and
friends being killed or maimed during the 1994 genocide.
Marists All, we do what we can -- predominantly Christian
education -- and leave the rest to God.
Thus' having said this, permit me to do something I have never
done before in my fifty-two years as a Marist Brother - i.e., beg
for money. If, over and above your regular charities, you can
afford to help us with a donation, please send a check to:
Br. John McDonnell Kenya Fund, c/o Frank Pellegrino, CFO;
Marist Brothers Finance Office, 2115 Pitman Avenue, Bronx,
New York 10466. Please make checks payable to Br. John
McDonnell. All I can promise in return is a guarantee that 100%
of any donation will be used directly to help the poor of Kenya -
and a mention in our community prayer as well as my personal
prayer. Donation or not, please pray for us and for those less
fortunate. Asante sana, Marists All - Thank you! (
iohnmcdonnell58@hotmail.com)
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From MARTIN LYDEN ('61): I am writing in memory of Br.
Declan Claude Murray. Declan was my American history teacher
at St. Helena High School from September 1957 through the
following June. He was also my sophomore religion teacher.
Around 1963, when I was a student Brother at Marist College,
Declan visited me along with a few of my old high school
buddies, and we dined at Nick Beni's Poughkeepsie restaurant
He was always very kind. I never observed him to behave in a
nasty way, either verbally or physically. He was never sarcastic
or mean-spirited. He seemed very kind, selfless, and genuine to
me. Also, he always seemed to be very present to, and
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interested in, others. He was a model
and an inspiration for me, and I'm
sure for many others. Memories of his
mindfulness and compassion have
stayed with me. He positively
influenced my interest in, and pursuit
of, spirituality. (1807 Ninth Street,
Rensselear, NY 12144-1420;518- 449-
7965; martinlyden@gmailcom.
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From ED JENNINGS
('65): Rosemary and I will dearly miss our
friend, Br. Declan Claude Murray, who passed
away on February 15. "Dec" was director of
the St Helena community when I arrived at
my first teaching assignment in 1968. He
immediately befriended me, and from then on,
included me in many of his plans and
schemes. Little did I know then that he would
become a life-long friend and the best man at
our wedding.
It was often, an adventure to be with Dec. Once, while sleeping
in the mansion, I was awakened by screams of "Fire! ... Fire! ...
Fire!" I jumped ,up, pulled on pants and shoes, and fled to the
hallway. There, Br. Stephen Martin and I discovered that the
cries were coming from Dec's room and that he was still sound
asleep.
Dec was notorious for talking in his sleep. At times, the volume
and originality of his nocturnal orations were unbelievable. For a
while, Dec refused to accept our vivid accounts of his dreams
until he bought a voice-activated tape recorder and enjoyed a
good laugh along with everyone else.
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Dec was also, one might say, "thrifty." For example, Rosemary
and I once presented him with a tin of sugarless cookies. After
eating a few, he tucked them away in his over-stuffed bedroom-
archive. The very next day, they were lost Dec searched for
those cookies for about two years, long beyond the expiration
date. At long last, he located the tin and declared that they still
tasted great He finished them all.
Dec was full of wisdom. His lessons could come in the form of a
story, a warm act, or a simple laugh. He sometimes made
outrageous, hilarious, or paradoxical comments. When the
guffaws had died down, we often would do a mental "double
take" and wonder whether he had just conveyed a bit of
wisdom in disguise.
Dec had a special talent for making friends. He loved people,
and he thoroughly enjoyed parties. In the school's crowded
corridor, it was difficult to hold a conversation with him since he
seemed to know everyone and to have something nice to say to
every student who passed by. Whether at St. Helena or at
Archbishop Molloy High School, Dec would connect with people
and make it a point to stay in touch over the years. Dec was
always writing, calling, or visiting someone. For me our trips,
projects, and paddle ball games at Rockaway kept us close over
time.
Bill Deschene ('53) wrote that Dec had the ability to make you
feel comfortable in his presence. How true. Dec influenced
many people and left us with a lifetime of warm memories. He
was a great friend. (242-15 90th Avenue, Bellerose, NY 11426)
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From ANTHONY MISERANDINO ('66): Like many others, I enjoy
reading about the community at night in a comfortable chair
rather than at the desk off a computer -- way too much
computer time during the day! At night reading Marists All
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allows for more reflection, and it seems to me qualifies as
"spiritual reading" more often than not.
I just finished reading The Gift of Years: Growing Older
Gracefully by Joan Chittister, a wonderful collection of very
thoughtful and insightful views on aging and the opportunities it
offers for a richer spiritual life. I do take these issues seriously,
and I follow the Jesuit model with a spiritual director who is
wisdom .. filled and very affirming. Of course, Champagnat is
never far away, and life at the Mount keeps me in touch with
my roots! I even get to touch one of the texts that he used to
say daily Mass from -- we have it in a reliquary in the chapel!
I stay in touch with the Marist world on a regular basis, and I
have even gotten a few more Brothers to return to the Mount to
work with us (Br. John Nash ('59), part-time; Br. Dominick Pujia
('75), in office; Br. Rick Carey ('82), filling in as an
administrator; Br. Steve Schlitte ('77), as principal; Br. John
Bantz ('59) retired but volunteers; and Br. Leo Shea ('52).
Speaking of Marist links, I just got an email from Br. John
McDonnell from Africa where he is teaching in the novitiate.
What a great challenge and opportunity in his "gift of years."
Again, thank you for thinking of me and granting my request to
have one foot in the 20th century and one in the' 21 st century
of media services. (60 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10028;
212-348- 4796; <Anthony.Miserandino@mtstmichael.org>
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In Memoriam
Stephen S. Sheridan ('42)
1925-2011
From JOE STRANG ('53): I believe that Stephen Sheridan was
Br. Hugh Ephrem. If so, he was my freshman homeroom
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teacher at St. Ann's in 1952. As I lived in
Jackson Heights, the town next to Woodside,
I still recall how excited I was to see my
teacher walking with his parents in my
neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon. I
believe he also taught me French.
I am now in California getting ready to teach
my first course at Chapman University. All the good things that
I learned from the Brothers, and as a Brother myself, stay with
me. (P.O. Box 857, Pacific Grove, CA 93950; 831-375-
8672;strangjoe@yahoo.com)
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From BR. JAMES McKNIGHT ('61): As you may know, I am now
the Provincial Liaison for senior Brothers- My work is to see to it
that all of our, men- who are aging are helped to prepare for
semi retirement or retirement. Most of my work entails seeing to
it that our men are well taken care of and that they take good
care of themselves. We are an aging group, and needs keep
increasing every day .
My office is on the campus of Mount Saint Michael Academy,
2115 Pitman Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466. There are some twenty
retired Brothers living here at Champagnat Hall. Visitors are
welcome. Any financial or material gifts would be most
welcome.
Anyone interested in helping us out may contact me at the
above address or by phone: 718-881-3777 or my cell: 718-
514-1483 (Marist Brothers, 26 First Avenue; Pelham, NY
10803)
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From BILL BYRNE ('52): A Tale of Two "Norbies": This story
begins with Marists All #103, the
February 2011 issue, in which I reminisce
about the Brothers who influenced my life
and are buried in the Esopus cemetery,
some of whom are eulogized also in the
archives of the newsletter. I recall visiting
that holy ground and stopping by a grave
in 2006 that bore the name Norbert, but I
should have paid better attention to ....
Well, here's the rest of the story as
continued in e-mails (154WestChurchStreet Clarkston MI
48346; 248-625-6555)
Brother BILL LAVIGNE ('50): to
<byrne@oakland.edu>: Greetings from
one Bill (Lavigne -William Francis), to
another! It's always enjoyable getting
MaristsAll and hearing from members of
our Marists All community. So many
former monks write very positively about
their past experiences in formation and
their work in the various apostolates.
I'm writing from Miami where we have
four Marist communities: the residence
for those Brothers teaching at Columbus High School and St.
Brendan's and three small ones (two of retired monks and one
of four connected with Columbus). There are about thirty of us
here, and we gather for special celebrations throughout the
year, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, January 2 Institute
anniversary.. and so on.
I live in one of those small communities with Dan Grogan,
Chanel Lambert, and Norbie Justin. While officially retired, I
volunteer my services in a parish where I worship (St. John
Newman's, a very vibrant faith community), teaching Bible
study and adult education courses; also, in St. Richard's parish
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and to some parents at Columbus. Having been in parish
ministry since 1974, and still in good health, thank God, I find it
fulfilling to help adults grow in maturing in their faith through
education and spiritual sharing. We have a wonderful group of
men in the parish who have been turned on to the spiritual life
by participating in a weekend Emmaus retreat. We meet weekly
on Wednesday mornings for an hour of sharing on the Sunday
Scriptures. I'm inspired by how they are concerned about
linking their faith to their lives, their relationships, their work,
and their family responsibilities.
In reading your message in the recent Marists All, I felt it
important to bring something to your attention. You mentioned
that when you last saw "Norbie," you felt that he was in a kind
of dementia. This really surprised both Danny Grogan (also in
my community - he sends his best) and me. Norbie joined us
here in Miami last September, coming from Brownsville where
he was involved in St. Joseph's Academy, helping out especially
in the library. He celebrated his 70th Jubilee last June and will
be 88 on Thursday, and I can assure you that he is in very good
health, is very independent, drives, plays golf, does his
crossword puzzles, and volunteers twice a week at Monsignor
Pace High School in Opa Locka in the library there. So you can
see how your description confused us.... Danny just came in to
bring to my attention that the list of monks you mentioned was
in the context of the obituary, which made us think that maybe
you were referring to Br. "Athanasius Norbert" rather than
Norbert Justin or our Norbie! Perhaps you can clarify this for us.
In any case, I'm holding off letting Norbie see this issue feeling
that he could feel hurt by having his name mentioned in that
manner. Brother Phil Robert, with whom I spent eight years in
ministry in West Virginia, has been down here for a month,
escaping the tough winter up north. Phil is in the House of
Prayer community at the gatehouse in Esopus, does spiritual
direction, and helps out on retreats.
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Tomorrow, the Archdiocese of Miami is recognizing religious who
are celebrating jubilees at a special liturgy at the cathedral
followed by a dinner. Five of our own Marists will be involved
(Chanel 70, Rafael 70, Vinny Jerome and Julio Vitores 70, and
Mike Brady 50.) The Province Jubilee celebration is the third
weekend in June at the former seminary in Douglaston, Long
Island, for the past few years. We're also anticipating a
celebration of the 125th anniversary of the American' Province
to be held at St. John Baptist across from the old St. Ann's . in
Manhattan on October 8.
Thanks for your contribution to MaristsAll. If you can clarify
your Norbie I could explain the error to our Norbie here since
MaristsAll reaches our communities, and they'll probably be
wondering.
BILL BYRNE to <brobillnj@yahoo.com>: What a relief to know
that I confused one Norbie with another. My respect and
affection for the "Norbie" I knew and revered is unabated.
Please tell him I didn't intend to inter him with the "Norbie"
buried in Esopus. I'm glad he is well. Please tell him so on my
behalf. And thanks for your setting the record straight. Keep·
the rest of us in your prayers as you carry out the Founder's
work. My best to all the monks, ex and extant.
BILL LAVIGNE to <byrne@oakland.edu>: I'm still a bit
confused. The "Norbie" you last saw at the monks' home in
Miami was Athanasius Norbert. Right? Did you know him from
Molloy? Was he director when you were in the community
there? Where did you get the name "Norbert Justin" (our Norbie
here)? I checked the obituary section of Marists All and couldn't
find the name there either for Athanasius Norbert or the "live"
Norbert Justin.
BILL BYRNE to <brobillnj@yahoo.com>: You think you're
confused? The "Norbie" I saw was the "Norbie" who was my
director at Molloy, and then Roselle Catholic, for most of my
community life at those two schools. I briefly saw him at the
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Miami residence when I stopped in one afternoon while I was on
business for Volkswagen of America and thought he was not
well. Of course, that he didn't recognize me should not have
surprised me, since we all change so much in the intervening
years. I did not speak to him and only met for a time with Br.
Edwin Giles. I could be wrong - probably am - but I thought I
saw a grave marker for one "Norbie" when I visited the Marist
cemetery in Esopus on my group's fiftieth college reunion at
Marist. I hope that clears things up. Anyway, it's been good
catching up on your work. Being Marist is always in my heart
and mind.
BILL LAVIGNE to <byrne@oakland.edu>: Thanks, Bill. Danny
and I figured that you were really referring to Br. Athanasius
Norbert, but actually put Norbert Justin in your Marists All letter.
I'll explain the mix-up to our Br. Norbie here with us: the real
Norbert Justin!
BILL BYRNE to <brobillnj@yahoo.com>: Yes, I too resolved the
issue by consulting the 1968 Roselle Catholic yearbook. It
shows a picture of A. Norbert. Am I right in listing him among
the saints in the Esopus cemetery? If not, what is his status? In
any case my apologies to Norbert Justin for the mix-up. Is this
"Norbie" the "Norbie" I spent seven summers with at Camp
Marist? If this is so, his name would have surfaced from my
long-term memory and hence my mixing his name with A.
Norbert. If Norbert J. recalls, I received my Cross Lifeguard
certification from him in my first year at the camp.
RICH FOY to <byrne@oakland.edu>: You are correct to posit at
least two Norbies in the US province. The Norbie you meant
was Br. Athanasius Norbert Cote, brother of the former
provincial, Brother Leo Sylvius Coté. When I attended the
General Chapter of 1967/1968, Leo Sylvius was at the first
session but was dying of cancer. Br. Athanasius Norbert
replaced him at the session of 1968. One thing for which I
admired Norbie was his quitting cold turkey from a habit of
heavy smoking. When I asked him about it, he told me he had
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taken a cigarette out of the package, held it in his hand, and
asked himself: "Is this controlling me, or do I control it?" He
snuffed out the cigarette and never touched one again.
BILL BYRNE to <richardfoy@verizon.net>: Thanks, Richard. My
"Norbie" does not appear in the Marists All pantheon of
deceased monks. Does anyone know why? Has no one written a
remembrance of him? I didn't know he was Leo Sylvius's
brother. I loved Leo, who always had a knowing smile for me
about the mischief I was up to. I should write something about
both! Or somebody should!
RICH FOY to <byrne@oakland.edu>: We only began to track
the obits for Brothers in the last decade or so. I believe your
sighting of Norbert among the tombstones in Esopus is
accurate. The only way to definitively track that down is to get a
list of deaths. Brother Brice Byczynski, the Brothers' archivist in
Esopus, may have such a list. <wamblib@aol.com>Brice is also
active with the House of Prayer, with archives as a sideline; and
so, response may not be immediate.
DAVID KAMMER to <byrne@oakland.edu>: Hello, Bill.
Athanasius Norbert Cote was in the group of 1930, the same as
Paul Ambrose; this Norbie is indeed deceased. Our living Norbie
is Br. Norbert Justin Rodrigue, group of 1940, living in a small
community of four at 136th Street in Miami. Thanks much for
your very interesting and fun article in this 103rd issue of
MaristsAll.
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From the EDITOR: I have read the above dialogue several times
amidst my proofreading and editorial responsibilities, and I am
just now beginning to understand the distinctions among the
"Norbies"! Since religious names were not imposed on members
of our groups from around 1960, this kind of problem should
not arise among the younger Brothers: Thankfully!
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On a more serious note, the Marists All team
members wish to thank our readers who
responded concerning our slowly depleting
coffers. I wish to report at this time that
contributions have been steadily arriving.
Thanks especially to Steve Brown, Bob
O'Handley ('61), Ray Blanchard ('47), Dennis
('51) and Mary Proulx, Armand
Bourgeois(,49), John ('57) and Suzanne Wilcox, Harry Woods,
George Biolsi, John Dunn ('55), and John ('52) and Betty Roche,
and Ed Jennings ('65).
For clarification, we need to let our readers know that Rich Foy
edits our website and has the luxury of adding information in a
timely manner to our e-version of Marists All. Vince Poisella,
who edits our print version and compiles the letters for our
quarterly issues, sometimes ends up duplicating information
that had already appeared on the web site. The dilemma is that
even though very few would peruse both editions, I still feel I
need to warn those who read a subsequent print issue after
having noticed something in the previous e-version and wonder
if it is deja vu all over again!
Our next issue will appear in the middle of August. Snail-mail or
e-mail to Vince Poisella at 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor,
NJ 08087;
poisellavincent@yahoo.com
Thanks much.
Postscript from Rich Foy: You may have noticed more photos in
this edition of MaristsAll electronic version. The confusion
between the Norbies points out that photos often are worth
1000 words. We forget what other MaristsAll look like: those
written about and those writing. With the advent of phones
which take and transmit photos, I encourage those who write to
send us a picture of themselves which we can thumbnail next to
their letters to help readers identify the writer by sight as well
as by the quality of their prose. Send me a snapshot, or use a
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phone or digital camera to take the photo and
send it to me via email. I can crop the shot
and do minor touchups. If I have the photos
beforehand, I can have them ready for the
next issue of MaristsAll. The time differential
between publication of the written version and
the electronic version is short, so it will be
difficult to find photos of those written about,
but we will do our best .
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Fourth draft 1 May 2011
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Issue number 104 May 2011
print too small? try control & "+" or print too large? try control & "-"
this works for Internet Explorer 7 and for Mozilla Firefox
click on some small photos to see enlargements
http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall
Vince Poisella: 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087;
609-294-2148;
poisellavincent@yahoo.com
Rich Foy: 24 Prestwick Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603; 845-
454-1393;
richard.foy@verizon.net
Gus Nolan: 65 Muirfield Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603; 845-
454-6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
David Kammer: 476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141;
386-426-6349;
jkammer1@cfl.rr.com
Rob Schmidt: 1013 Hollywood Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016;
847-824-1073;
RJDB@comcast.net
Writers for this issue:
Bill Byrne
'52 discusses the two Norbies: Brother Athanasius
Norbert and Brother Norbert Rodrigue.
Richard Foy
'46 highlights Brother Chanel Lambert and asks
readers for information on a historical project for Marist College.
Pat Gallagher
'53 brings us up to date on his activities and the
Gallagher family.
James Gargan
'59 tells us of the health condition of Tom Murphy
(Br. Martin Patrick '55) & suggests calling him.
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Bob and Ginny Grady
'53 share items about the future Marist
Spirituality Weekend July 8-10, 2011 at Marist College
David Kammer
'42 hopes to clarify the confusion betwen
Brother Athanasius Norbert and Brother Norbert Rodrigue.
Ed Jennings
'65 reminisces about Brother Declan Claude
Murray.
Brother Bill Lavigne
'50 participates in the discussion about the
two Norbies.
Martin Lyden
'61 also writes about Declan Claude Murray
Brother John McDonnell
'59 writes from Nairobi, Kenya with
details about a scholasticate with 120 student brothers from
provinces of Africa and asks for prayers and help.
Brother James McKnight
'61 is now the provincial Liaison for
senior Brothers.
Anthony Miserandino
'66 updates us about his life and doings at
Mount St Michael .
Vince Poisella
, Editor, thanks MaristsAll readers for their
financial contributions and explains the relationship between
himself and Richard Foy, who converts the printed newsletter
into the web version.
Charles Scott
'50 updates us on Dick Branigan's '50 health
situation.
Joe Strang
'53 remembers Stephen Sheridan (Brother Hugh
Ephrem) and updates us on his doings.
Visit the
photo album
to see two new photos sent by Oke
O'Connell, one of a Brothers basketball team at Marist College,
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the other full group of the Esopus Juniors around 1960 and four
photos submitted by Joseph Foden, a Novice in Esopus in 1960.
In memoriam: Joseph Lemire (former Brother Paschal Emile)
died 24 October 2010 in Union, New Jersey. He was born 22 Feb
1923 and was a member of the group of 1941.
From BOB AND GINNY GRADY('53): I would like to update the
Marists All readers on this year's Marist Spirituality Weekend to
be held on July 8, 9, and 10 at Marist College. - The theme for
the weekend is based on the book Gathered Around the Same
Table -The Vocation of Champagnat's Marist Laity.
We extend an open invitation to all those interested in joining
us this summer. Those interested in participating, please send a
twenty-five dollar deposit to Br. Charles Marcellin at Archbishop
Molloy High School, 8353 Man ton Street, Jamaica, NY 11435.
The cost for the weekend will be $185 for an individual and
$330 for a couple. If you have any questions regarding the
weekend, please call us at 516-796-4502, or email
usatRVGRADY@optonline.net.
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From RICH FOY ('46): Art Devlin ('45) sent me a copy of an
article from the Florida Catholic featuring four Marist Brother
jubilarians I was especially impressed because Br. Chanel
Lambert ('41) was our chef in my first year in Esopus (1942-
1943). I decided to transcribe the info into an essay on the
Marists All web site, adding some vignettes about Chanel. I did
not want to let the material hang around my files to be
misplaced. Chanel hopes to get to Poughkeepsie sometime this
summer. I hope that we will be able to have Gus Nolan
interview him. My half hour telephone conversation with him
was chock full of events in his Marist life. George Gershwin once
said that there were so many melodies floating around in his
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head that he did not have time to jot
them all down. I felt that way during the
conversation with Chanel.
Wouldn't it be interesting to have a round
robin of early Esopus attendees? Chanel
is the only faculty member alive, but we
have my brother Peter and me from
1942-1943 and Gus from 1944-1947. It
might make for a great recording of
memories. Add Thomas O'Connor from
Gus's group. And don't forget that David
worked to get the place ready for the
juniors and later cooked there.
To review info on current jubilarians,
check the
essay
section on the MaristsAll web site.
Post script: On May 2, 2011 Brother William Lavigne wrote: ...
Chanel Lambert had a stroke yesterday. He came to my room at
3:00 a.m. for help and I saw the signs of a stroke - limp right
arm, twisted mouth, no verbal speech and called 911...he's in
Baptist Hospital here in Miami where they are running tests to
diagnose the cause of the stroke, probably a clot. He has been
alert and conscious the whole time but will have to undergo
physical and speech therapy....Keep him in your prayers.
In addition, I have a request for our readers: I am working on
an extensive project to identify previous owners of properties
now or once held by Marist College. This is similar to the work I
did in 2002 for the Esopus property. We have identified over
1500 deeds and documents related to this project.
As a small part of the project, I have identified parcels outside
the regular campus that I have called "odd-lot parcels." Among
these I include the house at 2 Eden Terrace occupied by faculty
Brothers, the house at the corner of Academy and Barclay
streets once used by student Brothers in the mid 1960s, and
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the convent on Lafayette Street
opposite St. Joseph's Church also
used by student Brothers.
I am
interested in making contact with
any Marists All readers who may
have lived in these houses. I will be
grateful if you provide information
such as dates, names of fellow
residents, and any items of interest
about the houses, At a later date I will be writing about Benoit
and Gregory Houses, now demolished to make room for the
Hancock Center. Please contact me at
richard.foy@verizon.net.
Any snapshots related to these
places are welcome. I'll scan them
and return them to the owners. To
refresh your memory of these
places, check out the work-in-
progress
http://academic2,marist.edu/foy/maristland
and click on the
section marked "odd-lot."
I am also interested in contacting any of the student Brothers
who worked on Vista Programs in Ulster and Dutchess County. I
know a group rented a house in Dover Plains, and I think
another group worked in Ulster but lived on the Esopus
property. Thank you for your help in this historical project.
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From CHARLES SCOTT ('50): (Feb 20) Dick Branigan (Steven
Aloysius, '50), my classmate and good friend, recently had
surgery to remove a benign tumor from his brain. He is now
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recovering nicely enough, taking some physical therapy for right
hand movement and also some speech therapy for some slight
slurring. His address is 1814 Fairview St., Oshkosh, WI 54901.
I'm sure he would appreciate a card to cheer him and a prayer
to speed his recovery.
(Mar 19) Once again I write to report on Dick Branigan's
situation. Two more tumors on the brain have been discovered,
and he has still not yet recovered from his previous brain tumor
surgery. His right arm and hand and his speech are somewhat
affected and are continuing to be a problem for him. His wife
asks for prayers. Dick is trying to be hopeful and continues to
exhibit flashes of his wit and good humor. He thanks all who
may remember him in their prayers. (4737 Lafayette Drive,
Madison, WI 53705; 608-233-3995 ctscott@wisc.edu)
From JAMES GARGAN ('59): When Ginny and I got home from
Puerto Rico on March 15, we learned that Tom Murphy (Br.
Martin Patrick, '55) had just gone into the hospital. He had a
number of ailments, especially internal bleeding from
diverticulosis. He did not look well. We saw him next on March
20, and he looked a lot better.
Yesterday he moved to a rehab center, Elmhurst Extended Care.
You may reach him through his cell phone (347-753-1391). If
you don't get him, you can leave a message.
gargan.law@msn.com.
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From PAT GALLAGHER ('53): The years pile up almost -- I say
almost -- unnoticed. On April 9 we celebrated my seventy-fifth
birthday with my daughter coming up from Atlanta, another
good friend and professional colleague driving up from southern
Virginia, and Br. Dan O'Riordan ('92) coming over from Roselle.
The milestone generated a lot of thought about all that has
preceded this date, the quality of life at present, and the
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mystery that we all face in the future.
I had a chance to say something to those friends and neighbors
who joined us, with my sister present, about the difficulties of
those early years during World War II and just beyond before
my entrance into the juniorate on September 2, 1950. I
remarked how the thirty-one years with my wife, Mary, have
brought a solid joy, happiness, and fulfillment to my life;
granted that the seventeen years in the Marist Brothers
contributed so munificently to my later life; and I spoke of the
gratitude for my involvement and role in the police profession.
The latter had me appointed interim director of campus safety
and police at a local college for six months last year. Then it
generated a busy March with three civil trials in DC, in one of
which I was on the stand for the defense for four days in federal
court. People ask: "Are you retired?" I would only answer and
say, "No" or "Somewhat." The caseload results from the detritus
of police uses of force or pursuits or false arrests. I enjoy the
mental challenge of poring over the documents, balancing the
evidence, rejecting some situations; but if I can state a case,
then I develop my opinions, incorporate them into a report, am
deposed, and in some cases, go to court to testify. It is fulfilling
and challenging, knowing that my entire record of opinions is
open to review in every instance, and consistency in official
statements is a sine qua non.
The time that it takes is minimal; I keep as busy as I want.
What else would I do with my time? Mary and I do not lack for
our entertainment, travel, or socializing. We read omnivorously.
We enjoyed three weeks in Langue d'Oc last fall tracing the
history of the Albigensian Crusade over southern France,
visiting the Hermitage, making a delightful detour into
Barcelona for a few days, and then celebrating our anniversary
in Paris.
The family is doing well; the grandchildren are growing, and
their parents are facing the increasingly daunting challenge of
raising kids in this economic and cultural maelstrom .
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The future? There will inevitably be the winding down of
professional involvement for both of us, something forced on us
by waning energies, minor ills, and physical limitations. But we
are composed about the future, philosophical about what is
inevitable, but committed to a quality of spiritual and
intellectual life that is good for the soul while determined to
share it for all the time that we shall be granted.
gpatrickgallagher11@verizon.net
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From BR. JOHN MCDONNELL ('59): "Karibu Nairobi"! Karibu is
Kiswahili for Welcome to Nairobi - as "we Kenyans" like to
shout! And thanks to my Master of Novices (David Kammer) for
his invitation to speak with you. At the end of 2009, having
completed my term as Vice-Provincial to John Klein, I enjoyed a
sabbatical - compliments of the Lilly Foundation: a thirty-day
directed retreat in Gloucester, MA; living with the Trappists in
the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky; and then cooking and
dancing lessons - just for the fun of it. By August, I was all set
to depart for my new assignment at our four-year scholasticate
in Nairobi, Kenya. BUT ... if you want to make God laugh, tell
God your plans! In September, I 'donated' eighteen inches of
my cancerous colon to the Jersey City, Medical Center. By
Thanksgiving, I was truly giving God thanks as the doctors
declared me cancer-free and ready for Africa.
Having arrived here in Nairobi -- appropriately enough -- last
December 8, and so by now, a 'seasoned' missionary -- permit
me to share with you some of my early impressions. We are a
community of 120 Marist Brothers (the largest in the Institute)
from seventeen African countries and the USA: 103 student
Brothers in their mid-20's to mid-30's, doing their Bachelor's
degree on campus here at Marist International College, and
seventeen older Brothers serving as formators and teachers.
We live in eight different fraternities on the compound. English
is a third language for most, so college studies are a big
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challenge. What touches me most about our student Brothers is
their contagious enthusiasm, their joy, and their simplicity. The
climate in Nairobi, which is seven time .zones ahead of New
York, is ideal' - 75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at
night with very little humidity and perpetually blue skies. The
MIC campus is beautiful - green lawns with colorful shrubs and
flowers everywhere and even our own little farm (shades of
Tyngsboro and Marian College!). Food is basically vegetarian
with the occasional treat (last night it was boiled goat's leg).
The Catholic Church in Kenya is traditional, but Sunday liturgies
are teeming with life, exploding with African drum rhythms and
packed with worshippers.
Br. Emili Turu, Superior General, sent me here to "accompany"
(spiritual direction/counseling) our young Brothers and to train
some older African Brothers to do the same. I also work with
the scholastics on their oral and written English - having been
masterfully prepared, as a late-1950's student at St. Helena, by
Gerry Cox and Br. Francis Thomas. In early May, I'll be directing
retreats for our fourth-year student Brothers from the Central
East African Province. And I'm doing RCIA with one of the lay
students at our College. At 70,. I'm feeling great and enjoying
life on our MIC compound, which, I'm told, was once a part of
Karen Blixen's Out of Africa ranch.
Much of Kenya itself is heartbreaking on many levels. There are
slums and more slums everywhere. One-room zinc sheds with
dirt floors are home to single mothers with seven or eight
children. 250/0 to 50% of the population earns less than $1
(US) per day. The percentage of people with HIV/AIDS is
staggering. Right next door to us live fifty orphans with AIDS.
Thousands and thousands of kids are not in school due to lack
of school fees. Corruption and impunity from prosecution are
rampant in government. A policeman is the last one you'd ask
for help when in a jam. I can't leave our compound without
being besieged by beggars. (It's hard to miss the only white
guy around.)
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When not studying, our Brothers are working and playing with
young kids in local slums; visiting with patients in clinics and
hospitals; teaching the 3 R's and catechism to school-less kids
and in local schools; helping out with youth in parishes; seeking
out food and clothing for the poor.... Several of these Brothers
are from Rwanda where they experienced family members and
friends being killed or maimed during the 1994 genocide.
Marists All, we do what we can -- predominantly Christian
education -- and leave the rest to God.
Thus' having said this, permit me to do something I have never
done before in my fifty-two years as a Marist Brother - i.e., beg
for money. If, over and above your regular charities, you can
afford to help us with a donation, please send a check to:
Br. John McDonnell Kenya Fund, c/o Frank Pellegrino, CFO;
Marist Brothers Finance Office, 2115 Pitman Avenue, Bronx,
New York 10466. Please make checks payable to Br. John
McDonnell. All I can promise in return is a guarantee that 100%
of any donation will be used directly to help the poor of Kenya -
and a mention in our community prayer as well as my personal
prayer. Donation or not, please pray for us and for those less
fortunate. Asante sana, Marists All - Thank you! (
iohnmcdonnell58@hotmail.com)
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From MARTIN LYDEN ('61): I am writing in memory of Br.
Declan Claude Murray. Declan was my American history teacher
at St. Helena High School from September 1957 through the
following June. He was also my sophomore religion teacher.
Around 1963, when I was a student Brother at Marist College,
Declan visited me along with a few of my old high school
buddies, and we dined at Nick Beni's Poughkeepsie restaurant
He was always very kind. I never observed him to behave in a
nasty way, either verbally or physically. He was never sarcastic
or mean-spirited. He seemed very kind, selfless, and genuine to
me. Also, he always seemed to be very present to, and
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interested in, others. He was a model
and an inspiration for me, and I'm
sure for many others. Memories of his
mindfulness and compassion have
stayed with me. He positively
influenced my interest in, and pursuit
of, spirituality. (1807 Ninth Street,
Rensselear, NY 12144-1420;518- 449-
7965; martinlyden@gmailcom.
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From ED JENNINGS
('65): Rosemary and I will dearly miss our
friend, Br. Declan Claude Murray, who passed
away on February 15. "Dec" was director of
the St Helena community when I arrived at
my first teaching assignment in 1968. He
immediately befriended me, and from then on,
included me in many of his plans and
schemes. Little did I know then that he would
become a life-long friend and the best man at
our wedding.
It was often, an adventure to be with Dec. Once, while sleeping
in the mansion, I was awakened by screams of "Fire! ... Fire! ...
Fire!" I jumped ,up, pulled on pants and shoes, and fled to the
hallway. There, Br. Stephen Martin and I discovered that the
cries were coming from Dec's room and that he was still sound
asleep.
Dec was notorious for talking in his sleep. At times, the volume
and originality of his nocturnal orations were unbelievable. For a
while, Dec refused to accept our vivid accounts of his dreams
until he bought a voice-activated tape recorder and enjoyed a
good laugh along with everyone else.
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Dec was also, one might say, "thrifty." For example, Rosemary
and I once presented him with a tin of sugarless cookies. After
eating a few, he tucked them away in his over-stuffed bedroom-
archive. The very next day, they were lost Dec searched for
those cookies for about two years, long beyond the expiration
date. At long last, he located the tin and declared that they still
tasted great He finished them all.
Dec was full of wisdom. His lessons could come in the form of a
story, a warm act, or a simple laugh. He sometimes made
outrageous, hilarious, or paradoxical comments. When the
guffaws had died down, we often would do a mental "double
take" and wonder whether he had just conveyed a bit of
wisdom in disguise.
Dec had a special talent for making friends. He loved people,
and he thoroughly enjoyed parties. In the school's crowded
corridor, it was difficult to hold a conversation with him since he
seemed to know everyone and to have something nice to say to
every student who passed by. Whether at St. Helena or at
Archbishop Molloy High School, Dec would connect with people
and make it a point to stay in touch over the years. Dec was
always writing, calling, or visiting someone. For me our trips,
projects, and paddle ball games at Rockaway kept us close over
time.
Bill Deschene ('53) wrote that Dec had the ability to make you
feel comfortable in his presence. How true. Dec influenced
many people and left us with a lifetime of warm memories. He
was a great friend. (242-15 90th Avenue, Bellerose, NY 11426)
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From ANTHONY MISERANDINO ('66): Like many others, I enjoy
reading about the community at night in a comfortable chair
rather than at the desk off a computer -- way too much
computer time during the day! At night reading Marists All
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allows for more reflection, and it seems to me qualifies as
"spiritual reading" more often than not.
I just finished reading The Gift of Years: Growing Older
Gracefully by Joan Chittister, a wonderful collection of very
thoughtful and insightful views on aging and the opportunities it
offers for a richer spiritual life. I do take these issues seriously,
and I follow the Jesuit model with a spiritual director who is
wisdom .. filled and very affirming. Of course, Champagnat is
never far away, and life at the Mount keeps me in touch with
my roots! I even get to touch one of the texts that he used to
say daily Mass from -- we have it in a reliquary in the chapel!
I stay in touch with the Marist world on a regular basis, and I
have even gotten a few more Brothers to return to the Mount to
work with us (Br. John Nash ('59), part-time; Br. Dominick Pujia
('75), in office; Br. Rick Carey ('82), filling in as an
administrator; Br. Steve Schlitte ('77), as principal; Br. John
Bantz ('59) retired but volunteers; and Br. Leo Shea ('52).
Speaking of Marist links, I just got an email from Br. John
McDonnell from Africa where he is teaching in the novitiate.
What a great challenge and opportunity in his "gift of years."
Again, thank you for thinking of me and granting my request to
have one foot in the 20th century and one in the' 21 st century
of media services. (60 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10028;
212-348- 4796; <Anthony.Miserandino@mtstmichael.org>
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In Memoriam
Stephen S. Sheridan ('42)
1925-2011
From JOE STRANG ('53): I believe that Stephen Sheridan was
Br. Hugh Ephrem. If so, he was my freshman homeroom
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teacher at St. Ann's in 1952. As I lived in
Jackson Heights, the town next to Woodside,
I still recall how excited I was to see my
teacher walking with his parents in my
neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon. I
believe he also taught me French.
I am now in California getting ready to teach
my first course at Chapman University. All the good things that
I learned from the Brothers, and as a Brother myself, stay with
me. (P.O. Box 857, Pacific Grove, CA 93950; 831-375-
8672;strangjoe@yahoo.com)
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From BR. JAMES McKNIGHT ('61): As you may know, I am now
the Provincial Liaison for senior Brothers- My work is to see to it
that all of our, men- who are aging are helped to prepare for
semi retirement or retirement. Most of my work entails seeing to
it that our men are well taken care of and that they take good
care of themselves. We are an aging group, and needs keep
increasing every day .
My office is on the campus of Mount Saint Michael Academy,
2115 Pitman Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466. There are some twenty
retired Brothers living here at Champagnat Hall. Visitors are
welcome. Any financial or material gifts would be most
welcome.
Anyone interested in helping us out may contact me at the
above address or by phone: 718-881-3777 or my cell: 718-
514-1483 (Marist Brothers, 26 First Avenue; Pelham, NY
10803)
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6/21/2021
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From BILL BYRNE ('52): A Tale of Two "Norbies": This story
begins with Marists All #103, the
February 2011 issue, in which I reminisce
about the Brothers who influenced my life
and are buried in the Esopus cemetery,
some of whom are eulogized also in the
archives of the newsletter. I recall visiting
that holy ground and stopping by a grave
in 2006 that bore the name Norbert, but I
should have paid better attention to ....
Well, here's the rest of the story as
continued in e-mails (154WestChurchStreet Clarkston MI
48346; 248-625-6555)
Brother BILL LAVIGNE ('50): to
<byrne@oakland.edu>: Greetings from
one Bill (Lavigne -William Francis), to
another! It's always enjoyable getting
MaristsAll and hearing from members of
our Marists All community. So many
former monks write very positively about
their past experiences in formation and
their work in the various apostolates.
I'm writing from Miami where we have
four Marist communities: the residence
for those Brothers teaching at Columbus High School and St.
Brendan's and three small ones (two of retired monks and one
of four connected with Columbus). There are about thirty of us
here, and we gather for special celebrations throughout the
year, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, January 2 Institute
anniversary.. and so on.
I live in one of those small communities with Dan Grogan,
Chanel Lambert, and Norbie Justin. While officially retired, I
volunteer my services in a parish where I worship (St. John
Newman's, a very vibrant faith community), teaching Bible
study and adult education courses; also, in St. Richard's parish
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and to some parents at Columbus. Having been in parish
ministry since 1974, and still in good health, thank God, I find it
fulfilling to help adults grow in maturing in their faith through
education and spiritual sharing. We have a wonderful group of
men in the parish who have been turned on to the spiritual life
by participating in a weekend Emmaus retreat. We meet weekly
on Wednesday mornings for an hour of sharing on the Sunday
Scriptures. I'm inspired by how they are concerned about
linking their faith to their lives, their relationships, their work,
and their family responsibilities.
In reading your message in the recent Marists All, I felt it
important to bring something to your attention. You mentioned
that when you last saw "Norbie," you felt that he was in a kind
of dementia. This really surprised both Danny Grogan (also in
my community - he sends his best) and me. Norbie joined us
here in Miami last September, coming from Brownsville where
he was involved in St. Joseph's Academy, helping out especially
in the library. He celebrated his 70th Jubilee last June and will
be 88 on Thursday, and I can assure you that he is in very good
health, is very independent, drives, plays golf, does his
crossword puzzles, and volunteers twice a week at Monsignor
Pace High School in Opa Locka in the library there. So you can
see how your description confused us.... Danny just came in to
bring to my attention that the list of monks you mentioned was
in the context of the obituary, which made us think that maybe
you were referring to Br. "Athanasius Norbert" rather than
Norbert Justin or our Norbie! Perhaps you can clarify this for us.
In any case, I'm holding off letting Norbie see this issue feeling
that he could feel hurt by having his name mentioned in that
manner. Brother Phil Robert, with whom I spent eight years in
ministry in West Virginia, has been down here for a month,
escaping the tough winter up north. Phil is in the House of
Prayer community at the gatehouse in Esopus, does spiritual
direction, and helps out on retreats.
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Tomorrow, the Archdiocese of Miami is recognizing religious who
are celebrating jubilees at a special liturgy at the cathedral
followed by a dinner. Five of our own Marists will be involved
(Chanel 70, Rafael 70, Vinny Jerome and Julio Vitores 70, and
Mike Brady 50.) The Province Jubilee celebration is the third
weekend in June at the former seminary in Douglaston, Long
Island, for the past few years. We're also anticipating a
celebration of the 125th anniversary of the American' Province
to be held at St. John Baptist across from the old St. Ann's . in
Manhattan on October 8.
Thanks for your contribution to MaristsAll. If you can clarify
your Norbie I could explain the error to our Norbie here since
MaristsAll reaches our communities, and they'll probably be
wondering.
BILL BYRNE to <brobillnj@yahoo.com>: What a relief to know
that I confused one Norbie with another. My respect and
affection for the "Norbie" I knew and revered is unabated.
Please tell him I didn't intend to inter him with the "Norbie"
buried in Esopus. I'm glad he is well. Please tell him so on my
behalf. And thanks for your setting the record straight. Keep·
the rest of us in your prayers as you carry out the Founder's
work. My best to all the monks, ex and extant.
BILL LAVIGNE to <byrne@oakland.edu>: I'm still a bit
confused. The "Norbie" you last saw at the monks' home in
Miami was Athanasius Norbert. Right? Did you know him from
Molloy? Was he director when you were in the community
there? Where did you get the name "Norbert Justin" (our Norbie
here)? I checked the obituary section of Marists All and couldn't
find the name there either for Athanasius Norbert or the "live"
Norbert Justin.
BILL BYRNE to <brobillnj@yahoo.com>: You think you're
confused? The "Norbie" I saw was the "Norbie" who was my
director at Molloy, and then Roselle Catholic, for most of my
community life at those two schools. I briefly saw him at the
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Miami residence when I stopped in one afternoon while I was on
business for Volkswagen of America and thought he was not
well. Of course, that he didn't recognize me should not have
surprised me, since we all change so much in the intervening
years. I did not speak to him and only met for a time with Br.
Edwin Giles. I could be wrong - probably am - but I thought I
saw a grave marker for one "Norbie" when I visited the Marist
cemetery in Esopus on my group's fiftieth college reunion at
Marist. I hope that clears things up. Anyway, it's been good
catching up on your work. Being Marist is always in my heart
and mind.
BILL LAVIGNE to <byrne@oakland.edu>: Thanks, Bill. Danny
and I figured that you were really referring to Br. Athanasius
Norbert, but actually put Norbert Justin in your Marists All letter.
I'll explain the mix-up to our Br. Norbie here with us: the real
Norbert Justin!
BILL BYRNE to <brobillnj@yahoo.com>: Yes, I too resolved the
issue by consulting the 1968 Roselle Catholic yearbook. It
shows a picture of A. Norbert. Am I right in listing him among
the saints in the Esopus cemetery? If not, what is his status? In
any case my apologies to Norbert Justin for the mix-up. Is this
"Norbie" the "Norbie" I spent seven summers with at Camp
Marist? If this is so, his name would have surfaced from my
long-term memory and hence my mixing his name with A.
Norbert. If Norbert J. recalls, I received my Cross Lifeguard
certification from him in my first year at the camp.
RICH FOY to <byrne@oakland.edu>: You are correct to posit at
least two Norbies in the US province. The Norbie you meant
was Br. Athanasius Norbert Cote, brother of the former
provincial, Brother Leo Sylvius Coté. When I attended the
General Chapter of 1967/1968, Leo Sylvius was at the first
session but was dying of cancer. Br. Athanasius Norbert
replaced him at the session of 1968. One thing for which I
admired Norbie was his quitting cold turkey from a habit of
heavy smoking. When I asked him about it, he told me he had
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taken a cigarette out of the package, held it in his hand, and
asked himself: "Is this controlling me, or do I control it?" He
snuffed out the cigarette and never touched one again.
BILL BYRNE to <richardfoy@verizon.net>: Thanks, Richard. My
"Norbie" does not appear in the Marists All pantheon of
deceased monks. Does anyone know why? Has no one written a
remembrance of him? I didn't know he was Leo Sylvius's
brother. I loved Leo, who always had a knowing smile for me
about the mischief I was up to. I should write something about
both! Or somebody should!
RICH FOY to <byrne@oakland.edu>: We only began to track
the obits for Brothers in the last decade or so. I believe your
sighting of Norbert among the tombstones in Esopus is
accurate. The only way to definitively track that down is to get a
list of deaths. Brother Brice Byczynski, the Brothers' archivist in
Esopus, may have such a list. <wamblib@aol.com>Brice is also
active with the House of Prayer, with archives as a sideline; and
so, response may not be immediate.
DAVID KAMMER to <byrne@oakland.edu>: Hello, Bill.
Athanasius Norbert Cote was in the group of 1930, the same as
Paul Ambrose; this Norbie is indeed deceased. Our living Norbie
is Br. Norbert Justin Rodrigue, group of 1940, living in a small
community of four at 136th Street in Miami. Thanks much for
your very interesting and fun article in this 103rd issue of
MaristsAll.
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From the EDITOR: I have read the above dialogue several times
amidst my proofreading and editorial responsibilities, and I am
just now beginning to understand the distinctions among the
"Norbies"! Since religious names were not imposed on members
of our groups from around 1960, this kind of problem should
not arise among the younger Brothers: Thankfully!
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On a more serious note, the Marists All team
members wish to thank our readers who
responded concerning our slowly depleting
coffers. I wish to report at this time that
contributions have been steadily arriving.
Thanks especially to Steve Brown, Bob
O'Handley ('61), Ray Blanchard ('47), Dennis
('51) and Mary Proulx, Armand
Bourgeois(,49), John ('57) and Suzanne Wilcox, Harry Woods,
George Biolsi, John Dunn ('55), and John ('52) and Betty Roche,
and Ed Jennings ('65).
For clarification, we need to let our readers know that Rich Foy
edits our website and has the luxury of adding information in a
timely manner to our e-version of Marists All. Vince Poisella,
who edits our print version and compiles the letters for our
quarterly issues, sometimes ends up duplicating information
that had already appeared on the web site. The dilemma is that
even though very few would peruse both editions, I still feel I
need to warn those who read a subsequent print issue after
having noticed something in the previous e-version and wonder
if it is deja vu all over again!
Our next issue will appear in the middle of August. Snail-mail or
e-mail to Vince Poisella at 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor,
NJ 08087;
poisellavincent@yahoo.com
Thanks much.
Postscript from Rich Foy: You may have noticed more photos in
this edition of MaristsAll electronic version. The confusion
between the Norbies points out that photos often are worth
1000 words. We forget what other MaristsAll look like: those
written about and those writing. With the advent of phones
which take and transmit photos, I encourage those who write to
send us a picture of themselves which we can thumbnail next to
their letters to help readers identify the writer by sight as well
as by the quality of their prose. Send me a snapshot, or use a
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phone or digital camera to take the photo and
send it to me via email. I can crop the shot
and do minor touchups. If I have the photos
beforehand, I can have them ready for the
next issue of MaristsAll. The time differential
between publication of the written version and
the electronic version is short, so it will be
difficult to find photos of those written about,
but we will do our best .
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Fourth draft 1 May 2011