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ISSUE # 92
May 2008
http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/
61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087; 609-294-2148;
vtpoisella@yahoo.com
24 Prestwick Court, Poughkeepsie NY 12603; 845 454 1393;
richard.foy@verizon.net
65 Muirfield Court, Poughkeepsie NY 12603; 845 454 6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141; 386-426-6349;
jkammer1@cfl.rr.com
1013 Hollywood Avenue, Des Plaines IL 60016; 847-824-1073;
RJDB@comcast.net
▲
click on email address to send email
▲
▼click on correspondent or topic to go to that item
▼
Correspondents
Jerry Byrne '60
Leo Byron '57
Elaine Carter
George Conboy '58
Reggie Diss '60
Pat Fazzari '58
George Febles '58
James Fitzpatrick '50
Pat Gallagher '53
Jim Guldner '66
John Miller '57
George Morelli '61
Jack Noone '54
John O'Connell '58
Bill Schofield
Topics
Esopus Gathering
March 27
Greater Marist Family Weekend
July 11-13
Greater Marist Community Picnic
September 6
In Memoriam: Br. Micheal Mullin '59
Editorial Notes
In memoriam Fr. Bill Sears
In memoriam Br George Matthews
Greater Marist Family Weekend
Marist College July 11-13, 2008
The theme for the weekend is centered on the spirituality of St. Marcellin Champagnat.
Br. Philip Robert will be our main presenter. In addition to inviting the readers of
Marists All, we have extended an invitation to the laity involved in the Marist Sharing
Our Call program. If interested, secure a reservation by sending a deposit of $25 per
person to Maurice Bibeau, 4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The complete cost
of the weekend including six meals and lodging is $170 for a single, $315 for a couple.
Questions may be directed to John Scileppi <john.scileppi@marist.edu or 845-575-3000,
X2961 >
Greater Marist Community Picnic
Mount St. Michael Academy September 6, 2008
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Join with us from noon to five pm to continue the tradition of coming together to share
food, drink, and Marist Spirit. Bring a dish that will feed yourselves and another as well
as your beverage of choice. Visit with some old friends and see some new faces. If you
haven’t come before, you could be one of those new faces!
The Marists All team requests that each reader who has access to our website kindly
check the Contacts list for correctness of physical address. We also need updated e-mail
addresses even though you may prefer to have a paper copy of each issue. Let us know
of any changes Thanks to Jack Noone for “doing good quietly” by using his gifts to
update our website and working with Rich Foy to allow for easier access by our readers.
Rich informs us that we have 450 e-mail subscribers and a little over 200 “paper
devotees.” Our team is still on the lookout for younger tech-wise readers of Marists All
to assist with the maintenance of the website. We are also grateful for those who
recently sent us contributions to defray expenses associated with sending copies of
Marists All to those who do not utilize the electronic version: Jerry Byrne, Frank Backus,
and John W. King. Editor.
<<===return to index
From JOHN O’CONNELL ‘58: It was fifty years ago this year that "our group" ('57HS
and/or '58N) would have taken/did take the habit, being the last group to "take names."
We acknowledged the Marists All connection at this year's "Oh, B/brother Where Art
Thou?" Sixth Annual "Gathering" in Esopus, most especially since the founder of the
Marists All vision, David Kammer, had been our Master of Novices. We especially honor
our Golden Jubilarian B.Ernie Beland FMS, the "last man" standing in our group.
We were thirty-three "strong" back in 1958, and our six-year "OB/bWAT" search
efforts have now accounted for thirty of the group. We're missing information now only
on Milo Bushnell, Charlie Jacklin, and Bob White. We would much appreciate any help
Marists All readers might give us: <
OBbWAT@aol.com
>.
Eight of us (Kenny Connell, B. Felipe Renato Cruz, Jim Gara, Vinnie Hall, B. Philip
"Al" Lacroix, Rene Lozada, Bernie Ortueste, Bill Reffelt) have gone on before us. The
circumstances of the passing of Vinnie and Bill served to stimulate our search for each
other. This search we named "Oh B/brother, Where Art Thou" after a movie loosely
based on the epic journey of Homer's "Odysseus."
Twelve of us “prepsters” and once-novices were at this year's Esopus Gathering.
We were not blessed by the presence of real-deal "Golden Jubilarian" Br. Ernie Beland,
nor by several others who attended previously: Pete Kuveke, Pat Murphy, Bob St.
Amand, Eddie McCarthy. The twelve of us at this OB/bWAT Esopus Gathering were the
largest representation of any group at any of them.
Our 50-year+ picture includes: George Bagnell (LI),George Conboy (AZ),Pat
Fazzari (NYC),Charlie Kennedy (LI),Matt McComish ("snatched " from his nursing home
in Andover, MA, by Oke and Russ and "attended to" in Esopus by our own Dr. Fazzari and
hospice worker Conboy), Bill Neu (VA), John "Oke" O'Connell (ME), Vin Poisella(NJ), Bill
Shannon(NJ), Rich Shaw(CA), Ed Smith (FL), and Russ Therriault
(FL). Click on the photo to see what they look like now!
Nine others were absent: Artie Bedard, Frank "Pete" Walsh,
Mike "Dom" Apostoli (FL), John "Mark" Buckley(IL), Rollie
Dubois(NY), Tom Fahey(FL), Owen Gormley (WA), Mike Sugrue
(NJ), and Jim "Gene" Zanni (WA)
Of the twenty-nine of us who graduated from the Prep back in '57, twenty-four
have been accounted for...with Frank Cahill, Steve Delange, Al Hamel, John Lennon and
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Bob Walsh being among those not yet found.
We've encouraged the group behind us to join us next year
for our Seventh Annual Gathering (April 18, 2009). They were
once about sixty strong, with a third persevering as Marists, one
becoming a diocesan priest. Forty-eight actually took the habit
as Novices in '59, including the '58 high school graduates who
were once at the Prep and the '59 Tyngsboro novices. Interested
parties are asked to contact Jim Gargan or Frank Sutton through (
OBbWAT@aol.com
207-633-0644) Click on the thumbnail to see representatives who attend the Esopus
gathering.
<<===return to index
From GEORGE CONBOY ’58: Where do I start to explain the joy our reunion brought to
each of us a few weeks ago? For one thing, I ended up in the hospital for a week just a
few days after returning home. Thank goodness I didn't get sick sooner and have to
miss the reunion. I have been to three of the reunions, and I’ve been hospitalized
during the other three.
After my travels in California and Florida and Massachusetts and my Esopus visits,
I have had the pleasure of catching up with so many of our classmates in recent years.
Oke’s efforts have been very fruitful in tracking our long lost B/brothers. Br. Ernie
(Beland) may be our only surviving Brother, but we also fondly remember Br. Philip
Gilmary (Alfred) and Br. Renato Cruz, who have been called to heaven.
Esopus has always been a place of comfort and peace to me. When my children
were little, we often went and camped in the woods for a wonderful few days of fishing
and relaxation. I never failed to visit with the Brothers on the property. It was so nice
to feel so welcomed in a place where I had spent my early years with the Brothers. The
cemetery was the highlight of every visit. When I arrived there in 1954, there were only
two graves.
Now when I walk the cemetery, I am filled with beautiful memories of the staff
from the juniorate and novitiate and Poughkeepsie and my fellow teachers and
classmates. Although I can't name any one person who influenced my life, let me pick
one man who recently was called home. Br. Conan Vincent taught me general science in
1953, the year before I went to Esopus. Br. Conan had a very strong voice and when he
folded his eyebrows together, we thirteen year olds knew he meant business, and there
was NEVER a discipline problem in that class. He was the personification of the
“BROTHERS” the nuns told us we would have to deal with in high school. Now, 55 years
later, I assure you that every kid in that class just loved Brother Conan. I'll bet every
student he ever taught looks back to remember that wonderful and kind man.
Getting back to the reunion, I wish I had the vocabulary to express my good
feelings that were felt during those days. I can only advise others from our MARIST
FAMILY that they would have had to be there to feel the way each of us felt during those
wonderful days.
Perhaps the twelve of us from our class represented the largest group from our
class to be together in many, many years. It would be wonderful if all who have
attended over the past six years could be there for our next reunion. The others were
certainly present in spirit. (
33gcon@gmail.com
; 623-308-1301)
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From JERRY BYRNE ’60: Every year the Esopus Gathering just gets better and better.
This year some new faces showed up at Holy Rosary, and everyone greeted them like
long lost brothers. And isn't that who we are, or were? Perhaps we weren't lost but we
have been apart. Many thanks to those in particular who got this thing started and have
kept it going with a lot of hard work: special kudos to John O’Connell and his helpers
from the class of ‘58.
This was my fifth Gathering. When I attended the first one I felt tentative about
being there. With each passing year I have felt more into it and now believe that I truly
belong. We have at the very least shared the experience of being called to religious
training for one or more years during which time we lived in a community as young
men. And now years later we come together again as much older men to once more
share the experience of community life for a few days. What a great way to have a
reunion...and we get to do this every year if we so choose.
We had a great several days. We got to walk the Esopus cemetery rows and recall
the men who helped shape our lives. Then we spent a lot of time sitting around and
talking about what has happened to us through all these years.
For me it's a joy to return to Holy Rosary and remember what it was like when I
lived in that house almost fifty years ago, recalling the names and faces, the chapel, the
sleeping quarters, our two Brothers in charge of the house (Leonard Alphonse and
Robert James), the Dec 31, 1958, New Year's Eve party the seniors enjoyed with punch
spiked with wine, and so much more.
I departed for home Sunday, March 30
th
, and dropped two people off at the
airport: Russ Therriault and Steve Slack. All the way home to New Jersey I thought
about what a great long weekend I'd just experienced and how much I am looking
forward to the next Gathering in 2009. (
gerardbyrne2217@comcast.net
; 908-561-
1267)
<<===return to index
From PAT FAZZARI ’58: I have just returned from our Gathering at Esopus. Above
all, I would describe the weekend as a time of companionship, of blatant give-and-take,
and of pure joviality. It was also a respite, a certain time of peace derived from just
being together.
Our group photograph is quite a documentation of what we look like now, fifty
years after we first donned the Marist habit as novices! Smiling characters for sure,
standing there connected to each other. However, that picture conveys a lot more.
In the center sits Matthew, blind and ill, his sense of humor intact, there because
of Oke's uncommon compassion and charity. He and Russ drove four hours to
Massachusetts to bring Matthew to Esopus with the hope that his spirits would be
uplifted by the togetherness. And standing there is George Conboy, the provider of
a concerned care for Matthew honed by his years of working with hospice patients.
I mention these two brothers, not to the exclusion of the others, but because we
all witness what they did. And it was the entire group that revealed a generosity toward
Matthew, as they transported and included him in everything we did. To have been at
Esopus, then, was to have witnessed brotherhood in abundance. That group photo
represents a group of men who have evolved, moved on, coped, and survived.
Yet, lurking about is a fundamental question: What is it that brings us together?
Could we have been imprinted to varying degrees by our experiences at the juniorate,
the novitiate, Marist College and beyond? Or do our subsequent lives contain events
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informed by an underlying spirituality that is a continuation of that begun by our Marist
experiences? Maybe one reason we come together is to explore and understand this
possibility.
The weekend at Esopus was a non-threatening, non-judgmental mixture of light-
hearted reverie and some serious ideas. Still, we can ask: "Lord, why was I there?" The
group photo suggests an answer: To show that we have persevered, constantly renewing
our faith in who we are, hoping that these qualities will remain with us forever.
Marcia-
pat@msn.com
212 772 9113
<<===return to index
In Memoriam: Br. George Matthews
From LEO BYRON ‘57: When I met Br. George I was about ten years old. I wanted to
become a Cub Scout, and, lo and behold Br. George in his lay life was the Cub Master.
We would have the meetings at his mother's house. She would prepare little goodies for
our ever-hungry bellies.
There was no epiphany in his life that suddenly made him whom we all knew. He
was always a warm, gentle man with a smile and a desire to do something for others.
He would take the Cub Scouts on small adventures like camping overnight in real
tents at St. Anne's camp, owned by St. Anne's Parish in Lawrence, MA. He helped us
get our merit badges with his ever-present smile and easy manner. He was a
combination father figure and a big old buddy who was always a joy to be around. He
led a simple life, and knew what real life values were. He was born a Marist Brother. It
just took a little time for him to realize God's call.
Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant. Thank you from an old Cub Scout.
(
leo20v@verizon.net
; 978-273-0868)
From BILL SCHOFIELD: I am the grandson of John Matthews, the eldest brother of
Brother George Matthews. I am writing because I just found out about the passing of
my great uncle. The last time I saw him was probably 1995, and my family lost touch
with him a few years ago. I have been working on a family tree for my soon-to-be born
son and when I searched for recent information, I found his obituary. I must say I am
deeply saddened by this news and really ashamed that I lost touch with him. He was a
very caring, gentle soul whose silly faces always made me laugh when I was younger.
When my grandfather was dying, he spent time praying with him and helping my
grandfather ease into his eternal life. He and my grandfather were very close growing
up. (
w.schofield@easternbk.com
)
<<===return to index
In Memoriam: Br. Michael Mullin ’59
From REGGIE DISS '60: What sad news. I remember Mike as one who always jumped
in with enthusiasm and a helping hand when projects needed done at Marist. On one
occasion he helped me glue hundreds of snowballs and peonies (flowers) to a 4X8 piece
of plywood to spell out "Congratulations" to be displayed at the graduation dinner of the
MC class of '62, I believe. He always had a smile on his face and was ever ready to have
a fun time. (
rediss@ehc.edu
; 276-686-5539)
From JIM GARGAN ’59: I was a Marist from 1958 through 1965. My only years
outside training were spent at Marist High in Bayonne, New Jersey. I had a run-in with
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Br. Sixtus Victor – young monk and older nice guy who was probably miscast as a
director but a fine man when he did not have to be in charge.
I had graduated from St. Agnes in 1958 with Bob Lopez and Joe Pagano. Br.
Michael Mullin, Frank Sutton, and Charlie Straub were part of our class before they went
to Marist Prep.
Over the last couple of months, Br. Michael Mullin and I were working on the
Fiftieth Anniversary of our St. Agnes class. We had fun doing it. We met for lunch on
April 17
th
at “A Bucket of Blood” bar right around the corner from the old St. Agnes at
44
th
and Third Avenue. We had a great time reminiscing and planning for the fiftieth.
We set it for September 7
th
at Donovan’s of Bayside. I got the letters ready for the
known sixty-two addresses (out of 104). The envelopes were stamped and sealed, and
then I heard that Mike had died on the 28
th
. What sadness. We then unsealed the
envelopes and gave the sad news to our class members. But we kept the date, saying:
“all the more reason to get together to remember old times and old friends while we
can.”
Mike was able to get the addresses of former monks such as Br. Francis
Andrew, Br. Martin Jude, Br. Rudolph Ramirez, Br. Ed McElroy, and present Brother,
Kenneth Evance. At the end of May I intend to send them invitations to be our guests as
we get more organized.
I was at Br. Michael’s wake in Jersey City last week and knew he would be happy
with carrying this on. I reflected on how fleeting are our plans but how they must go
on.
One postscript. I met with Br. Pat Lally about three years ago. We talked about Br.
Vic. He knew I had had a run-in with him and teased me about it. I said to him, “at
least I went to his wake up at Mt. St. Michael’s.” He said, “You just went to make sure
that he had died.” A funny guy, that Pat Lally… (
garganlaw@msn.com
; 212-785-1646)
<<===return to index
The following excerpt is taken from a eulogy written by Pat Gallagher in tribute and
memory “to a really good man and true Marist,” Monsignor William Sears who died on
January 8, 2005. The full eulogy may be viewed on the Marists All website:
<
http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/obits/williamsears.htm
>. Jack Noone, a
member of the Marists All team, while updating the website had noticed that William
Sears had no eulogy. Pat Gallagher was asked to write it. When Pat’s beautiful tribute
was completed, Jack wrote:
a brother acknowledged…
a void filled...
a bond unbroken..
the ring restored
From PAT GALLAGHER ‘53: Bill Sears passed from this life to that of total spirit on
January 8, 2005, knowing that for some time he had lived a fragile existence with his
declining health, his weakened heart, and his injuries sustained in Vietnam. (He had
remarked in earlier letters to Marists All: "I'm ready but the Boss ain't.") Maybe his
attitude toward life, his exuberance, his caring for others, was affected by an event in
Nam when he, for the first time, almost made that same transition close to four decades
earlier. … Four marines were seriously injured out in the steaming jungle, and a
Presbyterian minister was on call to go out to them. Bill, a Marine Corps chaplain,
knowing the minister was married with children, volunteered to go. In their APC, Bill and
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the other marines successfully found the wounded. On the return, the APC hit a mine;
the wounded marines were all killed; medics rushing to the scene started to attend to
the survivors, one of whom was Bill. One medic remarked: "Get a body bag for this one
(meaning Bill)." But another medic said, “He's still alive,” and Bill just pulled through.
(Years later after that medic graduated from medical school, Bill officiated at his
wedding.) … A born raconteur, Bill reveled in a myriad number of stories of his helping
others, shaking up the clotted arteries of one institution after another, and still
exemplifying his patience with those who were even more frustrated than Bill. … To
convey something of this man whom I got to love so much, I, too, can only recount a
number of stories. Through each of them a wonderful, generous and yes, holy man
shines through, a totally unselfish man with strong opinions, with muted iconoclastic
tendencies that remained impatient with the personal and organizational obstacles that
stood in the way of helping people. … Bill evinced what could only be called an
extraordinary love of the Marist Brothers, for everything Marist shone through in all his
talk and his letters to Marists All. In those eight letters, he never forgot "his Marist
roots," and he admitted: "Everything I've learned in and with the Little Brothers of Mary
has stood me in good stead through my forty years in the priesthood." He spoke always
of "my brothers" and he longed to get together with his brothers at the September
reunion to reminisce, to retell the old stories, and to laugh so heartily with the group
about those events of years gone by…. In his last letter in mid-2004, he repeated a
quote he had included once before: "The tide recedes but leaves behind bright
seashells." For this navy man, this former marine, for this priest, for this man of the
spirit and spiritual man, for this truly Marist brother, the tide went out on January 8,
2005, but left behind are the beautiful, bright seashells, thousands of them, one for each
of the people that Bill touched so intimately.
(gpatrickgllagher1@verizon.net
610-346-
7463)
<<===return to index
From GEORGE MORELLI ‘61: Since I last wrote or Marists All, many of my duties have
changed considerably. As I mentioned in the first article, I transferred to the Eastern
Church. The emphasis on Desert Spirituality and the Fathers of the Church (and writings
of the Philokalia) was very spiritually appealing. In 2000 I asked permission from my
Metropolitan Archbishop to transfer to San Diego to care for my brother, a paralyzed
Vietnam veteran, to tend to his increased needs. While assigned as assistant pastor of
St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church, I was given other duties: President of the
Eastern Orthodox Clergy Conference of San Diego and President of the Society of St.
John Chrysostom-Western Region. The SSJC is responsible for setting up international,
national and regional meetings promoting Eastern and Western Christian Unity- at all
ecclesial levels. Most of the work I do now is international-national consulting on
psycho-spiritual-ethical issues, integrating these three gifts. Go to:
http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/Indexes/Morellix.php
and
http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/morelli/
There is practically nothing I do that I do not look back and refer to my Marist
Formation. I find myself in talking to others: "Well, in my Marist days, etc." While I am
so comfortable in Eastern Spirituality, the foundation of the synergia of my spiritual life
contains two beautiful years I spent at St. Joseph's Novitiate in Tyngsboro and the Marist
Scholasticate in Poughkeepsie. I have developed many friends here in San Diego; some
are members of the most ancient religious orders of the Western Church. None of the
beautiful spirituality of these holy religious orders of the Church can trump what I
received in my Marist formation. Although no longer officially a member of the Marists,
I am a spiritual child of St. Marcellin Champagnat and all the humble, holy, unsung
Brothers that came before me. May God be praised! In Christ's service… (Archpriest
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George Morelli, Ph.D, 2579 Luciernaga St., La Costa, CA 92009-5822;
counseling@antiochian.org
)
<<===return to index
From Jim Guldner ‘66: My wife Fran and I moved last summer to a Hovnanian
development in Jackson, NJ and have found it to be exactly what we wanted after
twenty-seven years in Budd Lake. The reason for my memo is that Fran and I attended
a Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral on March 2, commemorating the 200th Anniversary of
the Archdiocese of New York. This particular Mass honored the 121 different religious
orders that taught in the Archdiocese since 1808. Incredibly, 81 of these orders sent
reps to this Mass. I asked around for any Marist Brothers but struck out. I heard that
Br. Kearney was there, but I could not locate him at the reception that followed.
(
fguldner@optonline.net
973-347-9061)
From JACK NOONE ‘54:We all have our special memories. Mine were of construction
with the other "monks" at Marist College and trying to stay out of Ed Mike's grasp. He
would divert us from the job we were doing and send us off on a new job. Then Nilus
would wonder why we hadn't completed our assigned job. Also, listening to music on
Nilus's stereo system in Adrian Hall, trying to learn chemistry, the long walks in the hills
around Esopus, the glass walls of the dining room and study hall. And of course, the
photographic images of the Virgin Mary around the top interior of Our Lady Seat of
Wisdom Chapel <http://library.marist.edu/archives/MHP/chapel/chapel/html> and
studying amid the stacks of Readers’ Digest on the bottom floor of Greystone. Teaching
at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset where I observed Br. Cletus Richard and the
other Brothers, their dedication a shining example of true brotherhood. When I returned
to Esopus with Br. Hugh Turley, the memories of my youth just came washing over me.
It was an incredible experience. And there was so much more!
I keep these memories locked inside. They have sustained me in troubling times
and have shaped who I am. I keep them inside because reality robs us of our dreams,
and I feel that dreams are an important part of who we are and also because they
sustain us. (
jpnoone1@comcast.net
845-278-9339)
<<===return to index
From PAT GALLAGHER ‘53: While down in Mexico on vacation I met two former
Sisters of St. Joseph, one of whom is married to a former priest from the Brooklyn
diocese. Trudy Frank (nee Collins) taught with the Marists at Christ the King and was
desirous of seeing if there were any of our guys who remembered her while she was
teaching religion at Christ the King in the 70s. She was known as Sister Trudy Collins in
those days. Her email is
trudycf@lexcominc.net
. (
gpatrickgallagher11@verizon.net
610-
346-7463)
From GEORGE FEBLES ‘58: I came to Marist Prep in 1955 from Bishop Dubois. John
Bantz, a year ahead, was my athletic and spiritual idol. I left the prep in November of
1956-57. Finished at Dubois in 1958. I studied at Manhattan and later received an MA
in Spanish from Fordham in 1969. I taught Spanish at Xavier High School in New York
City and coached track and field until 1977. I left Xavier after twenty-five years and
taught special education in the Dobbs Ferry school district. I then went back to teaching
Spanish at Scarsdale High School from 1997-1999.
With retirement on hold, I am teaching Spanish to eighth graders in Mahopac
Middle School and coaching hurdlers at Fordham Prep with my sons George (Head
coach; AP History) and Matthew (computer manager for a medical group in White
Plains), the jumps coach.
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I loved the days and years I was with the Marist Brothers. I pray for them all and
obviously, they’ve prayed for me. Deo gratias. (
febit@msn.com
; 914-476-9372)
<<===return to index
From ELAINE CARTER: I was an Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament sister. I met
the Marist Brothers when I taught in Laredo and again in Brownsville in our convent
schools. Br. Francis Zaglauer was one of my dearest friends. I remain friends with
Donald Haughey (Austin, Texas) and Br. Michael Laratonda off and on. It was Donald
who led me to your website long ago. I did submit some prose to Marists All as a tribute
to Br. Francis after he passed away. I had visited Francis while he was at the Allen
Pavilion before he was sent to hospice. I returned for his funeral in Esopus. I hope to
return to Esopus one day before I die. I really enjoy your newsletter. It has the tone of
community. It’s many things, actually. (
elainecarter@grandecom.net
)
From JAMES (James Patrick) FITZPATRICK ’50: I'd like to ask the prayers of the
Community for my sister, Catherine Patricia FitzPatrick, MD, who passed away yesterday,
April 28, 2008, at the Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She had a
varied and interesting career and was way ahead of her time in being an independent
and active woman. She attended Our Lady of Solace School in the Bronx, St. Helena's
High School, and Berkeley University. She earned her medical degree at the National
University of Dublin, Ireland. She was a member of the Medical Missionaries of Mary for
a while. She practiced in Nigeria for several years before returning to the States and to
the lay community. She was a Captain in the USCG and retired to Florida. May she rest
in peace. (
jjfitzpat107@aol.com
201-447-3470)
<<===return to index
From JOHN MILLER ’57: I am writing this update from fabulous downtown Glen Dale –
Reynolds Memorial Hospital penthouse suite #506. First, I would like to thank my
wonderful daughter Tiffany who is making it possible to send this e-mail to you. Of
course, assisting Tiffany is our beautiful and magnificent new granddaughter, Maggie. In
many respects I am on the last leg of my Spiritual/Physical Life Journey. They can no
longer deal with my lung cancer by using regular/moderate chemo and radiation -
surgery is out of the question. The purpose of my stay at Reynolds is to build me up for
what is intended to be the last possible chemo treatment. They want to help me lose
some weight, strengthen my legs and upper body, and teach me to breathe two different
ways. I am taking: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and inhalation therapy.
I want to thank so many of you for your visits, cards, and most of all your prayers. All
of you have been part of my support group since 2002 when we began my fight with
cancer. I owe so much to Carol, who has been with me 110% since the beginning – she
has put up with a lot: my moments of anger, my periods of discouragement and
depression, and picking me up when I was sliding down. I owe so much to Tiffany who
is always there “to get me this and get me that.” Of course, standing with Tiffany and
Maggie is Jason who is always there when I need him.
Also, please say a prayer for Fr. Tom Schiffer, the pastor of St. Jude Catholic
Church who died on April 30. May his soul rest in the arms of our Savior. I was Fr.
Tom’s pastoral assistant for the last three years.
The good news is that I feel God is calling me to an extended ministry in my
retirement. I have cancer that will bring about the end to my life as His child and
servant on earth, but there is something else He wants me to do. God wants me to
surrender to His Will and by my example be an inspiration to others in their battles with
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cancer and other physical ailments. I am to continue smiling, and maybe act like a fool,
to bring joy and a smile to others. I am to keep reminding others and myself that when
we place ourselves in God’s hands, everything is going to be all right. I am going to
remind myself and others during times of pain and sickness what God allowed His Son to
go through on that first Good Friday.
Today, I had a meeting with the docs and nurses and they say I might be able to
go home next Friday – May 9. At that time, I will be under the care of home
health/visiting nurses. On May 23, I will have another PetScan followed by a visit with
the oncologist to go over the results of the scan and the date when we are possibly
going to start the last series of chemo.
This should bring you up to date. Please keep up your prayers as I am praying for
all of you. Always remember how important you are to me and how much I love all of
you.
May God bless all of you – May Mary protect you – and may Joseph watch over all
that you do. (
brojohn2538@comcast.net
304-843-1181)
<<===return to index
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ISSUE # 92
May 2008
http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/
61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087; 609-294-2148;
vtpoisella@yahoo.com
24 Prestwick Court, Poughkeepsie NY 12603; 845 454 1393;
richard.foy@verizon.net
65 Muirfield Court, Poughkeepsie NY 12603; 845 454 6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141; 386-426-6349;
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1013 Hollywood Avenue, Des Plaines IL 60016; 847-824-1073;
RJDB@comcast.net
▲
click on email address to send email
▲
▼click on correspondent or topic to go to that item
▼
Correspondents
Jerry Byrne '60
Leo Byron '57
Elaine Carter
George Conboy '58
Reggie Diss '60
Pat Fazzari '58
George Febles '58
James Fitzpatrick '50
Pat Gallagher '53
Jim Guldner '66
John Miller '57
George Morelli '61
Jack Noone '54
John O'Connell '58
Bill Schofield
Topics
Esopus Gathering
March 27
Greater Marist Family Weekend
July 11-13
Greater Marist Community Picnic
September 6
In Memoriam: Br. Micheal Mullin '59
Editorial Notes
In memoriam Fr. Bill Sears
In memoriam Br George Matthews
Greater Marist Family Weekend
Marist College July 11-13, 2008
The theme for the weekend is centered on the spirituality of St. Marcellin Champagnat.
Br. Philip Robert will be our main presenter. In addition to inviting the readers of
Marists All, we have extended an invitation to the laity involved in the Marist Sharing
Our Call program. If interested, secure a reservation by sending a deposit of $25 per
person to Maurice Bibeau, 4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The complete cost
of the weekend including six meals and lodging is $170 for a single, $315 for a couple.
Questions may be directed to John Scileppi <john.scileppi@marist.edu or 845-575-3000,
X2961 >
Greater Marist Community Picnic
Mount St. Michael Academy September 6, 2008
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Join with us from noon to five pm to continue the tradition of coming together to share
food, drink, and Marist Spirit. Bring a dish that will feed yourselves and another as well
as your beverage of choice. Visit with some old friends and see some new faces. If you
haven’t come before, you could be one of those new faces!
The Marists All team requests that each reader who has access to our website kindly
check the Contacts list for correctness of physical address. We also need updated e-mail
addresses even though you may prefer to have a paper copy of each issue. Let us know
of any changes Thanks to Jack Noone for “doing good quietly” by using his gifts to
update our website and working with Rich Foy to allow for easier access by our readers.
Rich informs us that we have 450 e-mail subscribers and a little over 200 “paper
devotees.” Our team is still on the lookout for younger tech-wise readers of Marists All
to assist with the maintenance of the website. We are also grateful for those who
recently sent us contributions to defray expenses associated with sending copies of
Marists All to those who do not utilize the electronic version: Jerry Byrne, Frank Backus,
and John W. King. Editor.
<<===return to index
From JOHN O’CONNELL ‘58: It was fifty years ago this year that "our group" ('57HS
and/or '58N) would have taken/did take the habit, being the last group to "take names."
We acknowledged the Marists All connection at this year's "Oh, B/brother Where Art
Thou?" Sixth Annual "Gathering" in Esopus, most especially since the founder of the
Marists All vision, David Kammer, had been our Master of Novices. We especially honor
our Golden Jubilarian B.Ernie Beland FMS, the "last man" standing in our group.
We were thirty-three "strong" back in 1958, and our six-year "OB/bWAT" search
efforts have now accounted for thirty of the group. We're missing information now only
on Milo Bushnell, Charlie Jacklin, and Bob White. We would much appreciate any help
Marists All readers might give us: <
OBbWAT@aol.com
>.
Eight of us (Kenny Connell, B. Felipe Renato Cruz, Jim Gara, Vinnie Hall, B. Philip
"Al" Lacroix, Rene Lozada, Bernie Ortueste, Bill Reffelt) have gone on before us. The
circumstances of the passing of Vinnie and Bill served to stimulate our search for each
other. This search we named "Oh B/brother, Where Art Thou" after a movie loosely
based on the epic journey of Homer's "Odysseus."
Twelve of us “prepsters” and once-novices were at this year's Esopus Gathering.
We were not blessed by the presence of real-deal "Golden Jubilarian" Br. Ernie Beland,
nor by several others who attended previously: Pete Kuveke, Pat Murphy, Bob St.
Amand, Eddie McCarthy. The twelve of us at this OB/bWAT Esopus Gathering were the
largest representation of any group at any of them.
Our 50-year+ picture includes: George Bagnell (LI),George Conboy (AZ),Pat
Fazzari (NYC),Charlie Kennedy (LI),Matt McComish ("snatched " from his nursing home
in Andover, MA, by Oke and Russ and "attended to" in Esopus by our own Dr. Fazzari and
hospice worker Conboy), Bill Neu (VA), John "Oke" O'Connell (ME), Vin Poisella(NJ), Bill
Shannon(NJ), Rich Shaw(CA), Ed Smith (FL), and Russ Therriault
(FL). Click on the photo to see what they look like now!
Nine others were absent: Artie Bedard, Frank "Pete" Walsh,
Mike "Dom" Apostoli (FL), John "Mark" Buckley(IL), Rollie
Dubois(NY), Tom Fahey(FL), Owen Gormley (WA), Mike Sugrue
(NJ), and Jim "Gene" Zanni (WA)
Of the twenty-nine of us who graduated from the Prep back in '57, twenty-four
have been accounted for...with Frank Cahill, Steve Delange, Al Hamel, John Lennon and
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Bob Walsh being among those not yet found.
We've encouraged the group behind us to join us next year
for our Seventh Annual Gathering (April 18, 2009). They were
once about sixty strong, with a third persevering as Marists, one
becoming a diocesan priest. Forty-eight actually took the habit
as Novices in '59, including the '58 high school graduates who
were once at the Prep and the '59 Tyngsboro novices. Interested
parties are asked to contact Jim Gargan or Frank Sutton through (
OBbWAT@aol.com
207-633-0644) Click on the thumbnail to see representatives who attend the Esopus
gathering.
<<===return to index
From GEORGE CONBOY ’58: Where do I start to explain the joy our reunion brought to
each of us a few weeks ago? For one thing, I ended up in the hospital for a week just a
few days after returning home. Thank goodness I didn't get sick sooner and have to
miss the reunion. I have been to three of the reunions, and I’ve been hospitalized
during the other three.
After my travels in California and Florida and Massachusetts and my Esopus visits,
I have had the pleasure of catching up with so many of our classmates in recent years.
Oke’s efforts have been very fruitful in tracking our long lost B/brothers. Br. Ernie
(Beland) may be our only surviving Brother, but we also fondly remember Br. Philip
Gilmary (Alfred) and Br. Renato Cruz, who have been called to heaven.
Esopus has always been a place of comfort and peace to me. When my children
were little, we often went and camped in the woods for a wonderful few days of fishing
and relaxation. I never failed to visit with the Brothers on the property. It was so nice
to feel so welcomed in a place where I had spent my early years with the Brothers. The
cemetery was the highlight of every visit. When I arrived there in 1954, there were only
two graves.
Now when I walk the cemetery, I am filled with beautiful memories of the staff
from the juniorate and novitiate and Poughkeepsie and my fellow teachers and
classmates. Although I can't name any one person who influenced my life, let me pick
one man who recently was called home. Br. Conan Vincent taught me general science in
1953, the year before I went to Esopus. Br. Conan had a very strong voice and when he
folded his eyebrows together, we thirteen year olds knew he meant business, and there
was NEVER a discipline problem in that class. He was the personification of the
“BROTHERS” the nuns told us we would have to deal with in high school. Now, 55 years
later, I assure you that every kid in that class just loved Brother Conan. I'll bet every
student he ever taught looks back to remember that wonderful and kind man.
Getting back to the reunion, I wish I had the vocabulary to express my good
feelings that were felt during those days. I can only advise others from our MARIST
FAMILY that they would have had to be there to feel the way each of us felt during those
wonderful days.
Perhaps the twelve of us from our class represented the largest group from our
class to be together in many, many years. It would be wonderful if all who have
attended over the past six years could be there for our next reunion. The others were
certainly present in spirit. (
33gcon@gmail.com
; 623-308-1301)
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From JERRY BYRNE ’60: Every year the Esopus Gathering just gets better and better.
This year some new faces showed up at Holy Rosary, and everyone greeted them like
long lost brothers. And isn't that who we are, or were? Perhaps we weren't lost but we
have been apart. Many thanks to those in particular who got this thing started and have
kept it going with a lot of hard work: special kudos to John O’Connell and his helpers
from the class of ‘58.
This was my fifth Gathering. When I attended the first one I felt tentative about
being there. With each passing year I have felt more into it and now believe that I truly
belong. We have at the very least shared the experience of being called to religious
training for one or more years during which time we lived in a community as young
men. And now years later we come together again as much older men to once more
share the experience of community life for a few days. What a great way to have a
reunion...and we get to do this every year if we so choose.
We had a great several days. We got to walk the Esopus cemetery rows and recall
the men who helped shape our lives. Then we spent a lot of time sitting around and
talking about what has happened to us through all these years.
For me it's a joy to return to Holy Rosary and remember what it was like when I
lived in that house almost fifty years ago, recalling the names and faces, the chapel, the
sleeping quarters, our two Brothers in charge of the house (Leonard Alphonse and
Robert James), the Dec 31, 1958, New Year's Eve party the seniors enjoyed with punch
spiked with wine, and so much more.
I departed for home Sunday, March 30
th
, and dropped two people off at the
airport: Russ Therriault and Steve Slack. All the way home to New Jersey I thought
about what a great long weekend I'd just experienced and how much I am looking
forward to the next Gathering in 2009. (
gerardbyrne2217@comcast.net
; 908-561-
1267)
<<===return to index
From PAT FAZZARI ’58: I have just returned from our Gathering at Esopus. Above
all, I would describe the weekend as a time of companionship, of blatant give-and-take,
and of pure joviality. It was also a respite, a certain time of peace derived from just
being together.
Our group photograph is quite a documentation of what we look like now, fifty
years after we first donned the Marist habit as novices! Smiling characters for sure,
standing there connected to each other. However, that picture conveys a lot more.
In the center sits Matthew, blind and ill, his sense of humor intact, there because
of Oke's uncommon compassion and charity. He and Russ drove four hours to
Massachusetts to bring Matthew to Esopus with the hope that his spirits would be
uplifted by the togetherness. And standing there is George Conboy, the provider of
a concerned care for Matthew honed by his years of working with hospice patients.
I mention these two brothers, not to the exclusion of the others, but because we
all witness what they did. And it was the entire group that revealed a generosity toward
Matthew, as they transported and included him in everything we did. To have been at
Esopus, then, was to have witnessed brotherhood in abundance. That group photo
represents a group of men who have evolved, moved on, coped, and survived.
Yet, lurking about is a fundamental question: What is it that brings us together?
Could we have been imprinted to varying degrees by our experiences at the juniorate,
the novitiate, Marist College and beyond? Or do our subsequent lives contain events
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informed by an underlying spirituality that is a continuation of that begun by our Marist
experiences? Maybe one reason we come together is to explore and understand this
possibility.
The weekend at Esopus was a non-threatening, non-judgmental mixture of light-
hearted reverie and some serious ideas. Still, we can ask: "Lord, why was I there?" The
group photo suggests an answer: To show that we have persevered, constantly renewing
our faith in who we are, hoping that these qualities will remain with us forever.
Marcia-
pat@msn.com
212 772 9113
<<===return to index
In Memoriam: Br. George Matthews
From LEO BYRON ‘57: When I met Br. George I was about ten years old. I wanted to
become a Cub Scout, and, lo and behold Br. George in his lay life was the Cub Master.
We would have the meetings at his mother's house. She would prepare little goodies for
our ever-hungry bellies.
There was no epiphany in his life that suddenly made him whom we all knew. He
was always a warm, gentle man with a smile and a desire to do something for others.
He would take the Cub Scouts on small adventures like camping overnight in real
tents at St. Anne's camp, owned by St. Anne's Parish in Lawrence, MA. He helped us
get our merit badges with his ever-present smile and easy manner. He was a
combination father figure and a big old buddy who was always a joy to be around. He
led a simple life, and knew what real life values were. He was born a Marist Brother. It
just took a little time for him to realize God's call.
Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant. Thank you from an old Cub Scout.
(
leo20v@verizon.net
; 978-273-0868)
From BILL SCHOFIELD: I am the grandson of John Matthews, the eldest brother of
Brother George Matthews. I am writing because I just found out about the passing of
my great uncle. The last time I saw him was probably 1995, and my family lost touch
with him a few years ago. I have been working on a family tree for my soon-to-be born
son and when I searched for recent information, I found his obituary. I must say I am
deeply saddened by this news and really ashamed that I lost touch with him. He was a
very caring, gentle soul whose silly faces always made me laugh when I was younger.
When my grandfather was dying, he spent time praying with him and helping my
grandfather ease into his eternal life. He and my grandfather were very close growing
up. (
w.schofield@easternbk.com
)
<<===return to index
In Memoriam: Br. Michael Mullin ’59
From REGGIE DISS '60: What sad news. I remember Mike as one who always jumped
in with enthusiasm and a helping hand when projects needed done at Marist. On one
occasion he helped me glue hundreds of snowballs and peonies (flowers) to a 4X8 piece
of plywood to spell out "Congratulations" to be displayed at the graduation dinner of the
MC class of '62, I believe. He always had a smile on his face and was ever ready to have
a fun time. (
rediss@ehc.edu
; 276-686-5539)
From JIM GARGAN ’59: I was a Marist from 1958 through 1965. My only years
outside training were spent at Marist High in Bayonne, New Jersey. I had a run-in with
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Br. Sixtus Victor – young monk and older nice guy who was probably miscast as a
director but a fine man when he did not have to be in charge.
I had graduated from St. Agnes in 1958 with Bob Lopez and Joe Pagano. Br.
Michael Mullin, Frank Sutton, and Charlie Straub were part of our class before they went
to Marist Prep.
Over the last couple of months, Br. Michael Mullin and I were working on the
Fiftieth Anniversary of our St. Agnes class. We had fun doing it. We met for lunch on
April 17
th
at “A Bucket of Blood” bar right around the corner from the old St. Agnes at
44
th
and Third Avenue. We had a great time reminiscing and planning for the fiftieth.
We set it for September 7
th
at Donovan’s of Bayside. I got the letters ready for the
known sixty-two addresses (out of 104). The envelopes were stamped and sealed, and
then I heard that Mike had died on the 28
th
. What sadness. We then unsealed the
envelopes and gave the sad news to our class members. But we kept the date, saying:
“all the more reason to get together to remember old times and old friends while we
can.”
Mike was able to get the addresses of former monks such as Br. Francis
Andrew, Br. Martin Jude, Br. Rudolph Ramirez, Br. Ed McElroy, and present Brother,
Kenneth Evance. At the end of May I intend to send them invitations to be our guests as
we get more organized.
I was at Br. Michael’s wake in Jersey City last week and knew he would be happy
with carrying this on. I reflected on how fleeting are our plans but how they must go
on.
One postscript. I met with Br. Pat Lally about three years ago. We talked about Br.
Vic. He knew I had had a run-in with him and teased me about it. I said to him, “at
least I went to his wake up at Mt. St. Michael’s.” He said, “You just went to make sure
that he had died.” A funny guy, that Pat Lally… (
garganlaw@msn.com
; 212-785-1646)
<<===return to index
The following excerpt is taken from a eulogy written by Pat Gallagher in tribute and
memory “to a really good man and true Marist,” Monsignor William Sears who died on
January 8, 2005. The full eulogy may be viewed on the Marists All website:
<
http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/obits/williamsears.htm
>. Jack Noone, a
member of the Marists All team, while updating the website had noticed that William
Sears had no eulogy. Pat Gallagher was asked to write it. When Pat’s beautiful tribute
was completed, Jack wrote:
a brother acknowledged…
a void filled...
a bond unbroken..
the ring restored
From PAT GALLAGHER ‘53: Bill Sears passed from this life to that of total spirit on
January 8, 2005, knowing that for some time he had lived a fragile existence with his
declining health, his weakened heart, and his injuries sustained in Vietnam. (He had
remarked in earlier letters to Marists All: "I'm ready but the Boss ain't.") Maybe his
attitude toward life, his exuberance, his caring for others, was affected by an event in
Nam when he, for the first time, almost made that same transition close to four decades
earlier. … Four marines were seriously injured out in the steaming jungle, and a
Presbyterian minister was on call to go out to them. Bill, a Marine Corps chaplain,
knowing the minister was married with children, volunteered to go. In their APC, Bill and
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the other marines successfully found the wounded. On the return, the APC hit a mine;
the wounded marines were all killed; medics rushing to the scene started to attend to
the survivors, one of whom was Bill. One medic remarked: "Get a body bag for this one
(meaning Bill)." But another medic said, “He's still alive,” and Bill just pulled through.
(Years later after that medic graduated from medical school, Bill officiated at his
wedding.) … A born raconteur, Bill reveled in a myriad number of stories of his helping
others, shaking up the clotted arteries of one institution after another, and still
exemplifying his patience with those who were even more frustrated than Bill. … To
convey something of this man whom I got to love so much, I, too, can only recount a
number of stories. Through each of them a wonderful, generous and yes, holy man
shines through, a totally unselfish man with strong opinions, with muted iconoclastic
tendencies that remained impatient with the personal and organizational obstacles that
stood in the way of helping people. … Bill evinced what could only be called an
extraordinary love of the Marist Brothers, for everything Marist shone through in all his
talk and his letters to Marists All. In those eight letters, he never forgot "his Marist
roots," and he admitted: "Everything I've learned in and with the Little Brothers of Mary
has stood me in good stead through my forty years in the priesthood." He spoke always
of "my brothers" and he longed to get together with his brothers at the September
reunion to reminisce, to retell the old stories, and to laugh so heartily with the group
about those events of years gone by…. In his last letter in mid-2004, he repeated a
quote he had included once before: "The tide recedes but leaves behind bright
seashells." For this navy man, this former marine, for this priest, for this man of the
spirit and spiritual man, for this truly Marist brother, the tide went out on January 8,
2005, but left behind are the beautiful, bright seashells, thousands of them, one for each
of the people that Bill touched so intimately.
(gpatrickgllagher1@verizon.net
610-346-
7463)
<<===return to index
From GEORGE MORELLI ‘61: Since I last wrote or Marists All, many of my duties have
changed considerably. As I mentioned in the first article, I transferred to the Eastern
Church. The emphasis on Desert Spirituality and the Fathers of the Church (and writings
of the Philokalia) was very spiritually appealing. In 2000 I asked permission from my
Metropolitan Archbishop to transfer to San Diego to care for my brother, a paralyzed
Vietnam veteran, to tend to his increased needs. While assigned as assistant pastor of
St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church, I was given other duties: President of the
Eastern Orthodox Clergy Conference of San Diego and President of the Society of St.
John Chrysostom-Western Region. The SSJC is responsible for setting up international,
national and regional meetings promoting Eastern and Western Christian Unity- at all
ecclesial levels. Most of the work I do now is international-national consulting on
psycho-spiritual-ethical issues, integrating these three gifts. Go to:
http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/Indexes/Morellix.php
and
http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/morelli/
There is practically nothing I do that I do not look back and refer to my Marist
Formation. I find myself in talking to others: "Well, in my Marist days, etc." While I am
so comfortable in Eastern Spirituality, the foundation of the synergia of my spiritual life
contains two beautiful years I spent at St. Joseph's Novitiate in Tyngsboro and the Marist
Scholasticate in Poughkeepsie. I have developed many friends here in San Diego; some
are members of the most ancient religious orders of the Western Church. None of the
beautiful spirituality of these holy religious orders of the Church can trump what I
received in my Marist formation. Although no longer officially a member of the Marists,
I am a spiritual child of St. Marcellin Champagnat and all the humble, holy, unsung
Brothers that came before me. May God be praised! In Christ's service… (Archpriest
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George Morelli, Ph.D, 2579 Luciernaga St., La Costa, CA 92009-5822;
counseling@antiochian.org
)
<<===return to index
From Jim Guldner ‘66: My wife Fran and I moved last summer to a Hovnanian
development in Jackson, NJ and have found it to be exactly what we wanted after
twenty-seven years in Budd Lake. The reason for my memo is that Fran and I attended
a Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral on March 2, commemorating the 200th Anniversary of
the Archdiocese of New York. This particular Mass honored the 121 different religious
orders that taught in the Archdiocese since 1808. Incredibly, 81 of these orders sent
reps to this Mass. I asked around for any Marist Brothers but struck out. I heard that
Br. Kearney was there, but I could not locate him at the reception that followed.
(
fguldner@optonline.net
973-347-9061)
From JACK NOONE ‘54:We all have our special memories. Mine were of construction
with the other "monks" at Marist College and trying to stay out of Ed Mike's grasp. He
would divert us from the job we were doing and send us off on a new job. Then Nilus
would wonder why we hadn't completed our assigned job. Also, listening to music on
Nilus's stereo system in Adrian Hall, trying to learn chemistry, the long walks in the hills
around Esopus, the glass walls of the dining room and study hall. And of course, the
photographic images of the Virgin Mary around the top interior of Our Lady Seat of
Wisdom Chapel <http://library.marist.edu/archives/MHP/chapel/chapel/html> and
studying amid the stacks of Readers’ Digest on the bottom floor of Greystone. Teaching
at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset where I observed Br. Cletus Richard and the
other Brothers, their dedication a shining example of true brotherhood. When I returned
to Esopus with Br. Hugh Turley, the memories of my youth just came washing over me.
It was an incredible experience. And there was so much more!
I keep these memories locked inside. They have sustained me in troubling times
and have shaped who I am. I keep them inside because reality robs us of our dreams,
and I feel that dreams are an important part of who we are and also because they
sustain us. (
jpnoone1@comcast.net
845-278-9339)
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From PAT GALLAGHER ‘53: While down in Mexico on vacation I met two former
Sisters of St. Joseph, one of whom is married to a former priest from the Brooklyn
diocese. Trudy Frank (nee Collins) taught with the Marists at Christ the King and was
desirous of seeing if there were any of our guys who remembered her while she was
teaching religion at Christ the King in the 70s. She was known as Sister Trudy Collins in
those days. Her email is
trudycf@lexcominc.net
. (
gpatrickgallagher11@verizon.net
610-
346-7463)
From GEORGE FEBLES ‘58: I came to Marist Prep in 1955 from Bishop Dubois. John
Bantz, a year ahead, was my athletic and spiritual idol. I left the prep in November of
1956-57. Finished at Dubois in 1958. I studied at Manhattan and later received an MA
in Spanish from Fordham in 1969. I taught Spanish at Xavier High School in New York
City and coached track and field until 1977. I left Xavier after twenty-five years and
taught special education in the Dobbs Ferry school district. I then went back to teaching
Spanish at Scarsdale High School from 1997-1999.
With retirement on hold, I am teaching Spanish to eighth graders in Mahopac
Middle School and coaching hurdlers at Fordham Prep with my sons George (Head
coach; AP History) and Matthew (computer manager for a medical group in White
Plains), the jumps coach.
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I loved the days and years I was with the Marist Brothers. I pray for them all and
obviously, they’ve prayed for me. Deo gratias. (
febit@msn.com
; 914-476-9372)
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From ELAINE CARTER: I was an Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament sister. I met
the Marist Brothers when I taught in Laredo and again in Brownsville in our convent
schools. Br. Francis Zaglauer was one of my dearest friends. I remain friends with
Donald Haughey (Austin, Texas) and Br. Michael Laratonda off and on. It was Donald
who led me to your website long ago. I did submit some prose to Marists All as a tribute
to Br. Francis after he passed away. I had visited Francis while he was at the Allen
Pavilion before he was sent to hospice. I returned for his funeral in Esopus. I hope to
return to Esopus one day before I die. I really enjoy your newsletter. It has the tone of
community. It’s many things, actually. (
elainecarter@grandecom.net
)
From JAMES (James Patrick) FITZPATRICK ’50: I'd like to ask the prayers of the
Community for my sister, Catherine Patricia FitzPatrick, MD, who passed away yesterday,
April 28, 2008, at the Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She had a
varied and interesting career and was way ahead of her time in being an independent
and active woman. She attended Our Lady of Solace School in the Bronx, St. Helena's
High School, and Berkeley University. She earned her medical degree at the National
University of Dublin, Ireland. She was a member of the Medical Missionaries of Mary for
a while. She practiced in Nigeria for several years before returning to the States and to
the lay community. She was a Captain in the USCG and retired to Florida. May she rest
in peace. (
jjfitzpat107@aol.com
201-447-3470)
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From JOHN MILLER ’57: I am writing this update from fabulous downtown Glen Dale –
Reynolds Memorial Hospital penthouse suite #506. First, I would like to thank my
wonderful daughter Tiffany who is making it possible to send this e-mail to you. Of
course, assisting Tiffany is our beautiful and magnificent new granddaughter, Maggie. In
many respects I am on the last leg of my Spiritual/Physical Life Journey. They can no
longer deal with my lung cancer by using regular/moderate chemo and radiation -
surgery is out of the question. The purpose of my stay at Reynolds is to build me up for
what is intended to be the last possible chemo treatment. They want to help me lose
some weight, strengthen my legs and upper body, and teach me to breathe two different
ways. I am taking: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and inhalation therapy.
I want to thank so many of you for your visits, cards, and most of all your prayers. All
of you have been part of my support group since 2002 when we began my fight with
cancer. I owe so much to Carol, who has been with me 110% since the beginning – she
has put up with a lot: my moments of anger, my periods of discouragement and
depression, and picking me up when I was sliding down. I owe so much to Tiffany who
is always there “to get me this and get me that.” Of course, standing with Tiffany and
Maggie is Jason who is always there when I need him.
Also, please say a prayer for Fr. Tom Schiffer, the pastor of St. Jude Catholic
Church who died on April 30. May his soul rest in the arms of our Savior. I was Fr.
Tom’s pastoral assistant for the last three years.
The good news is that I feel God is calling me to an extended ministry in my
retirement. I have cancer that will bring about the end to my life as His child and
servant on earth, but there is something else He wants me to do. God wants me to
surrender to His Will and by my example be an inspiration to others in their battles with
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cancer and other physical ailments. I am to continue smiling, and maybe act like a fool,
to bring joy and a smile to others. I am to keep reminding others and myself that when
we place ourselves in God’s hands, everything is going to be all right. I am going to
remind myself and others during times of pain and sickness what God allowed His Son to
go through on that first Good Friday.
Today, I had a meeting with the docs and nurses and they say I might be able to
go home next Friday – May 9. At that time, I will be under the care of home
health/visiting nurses. On May 23, I will have another PetScan followed by a visit with
the oncologist to go over the results of the scan and the date when we are possibly
going to start the last series of chemo.
This should bring you up to date. Please keep up your prayers as I am praying for
all of you. Always remember how important you are to me and how much I love all of
you.
May God bless all of you – May Mary protect you – and may Joseph watch over all
that you do. (
brojohn2538@comcast.net
304-843-1181)
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