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ISSUE # 68
June 2002
A Eulogy for Brother Roy Mooney ('52)
by Br. Sean Sammon
(delivered at the Mass of Christian Burial, April 7th, 2002)
Roy Mooney left us during the early morning hours of April 3rd 2002. The
Gospel for that Easter Wednesday was the story of the two disciples on the road
to Emmaus. A simple tale about an extraordinary case of mistaken identity. Yes,
a simple but extraordinary tale. And wasn't Roy's life much the same: simple and
yet extraordinary. Take for example, the way in which he left us. With many
good-byes behind him, he entered hospice care at 9:00 o'clock Tuesday evening;
six hours later he was gone. Having borne his cancer long enough, last
Wednesday morning Roy simply ceased to bear it, and with the Saints he sat
down. So like Roy. Simple and extraordinary.
However, let's be honest; we really loved Roy because he was Roy. No airs,
straight talk, a strength of character you could depend on. And, oh yes, he loved
life, loved to laugh, to celebrate, to party. Anyone who doubts that description
just needs to recall but one of those Christmas-in-July parties that he hosted,
complete with angel costumed guests, an air conditioning system pumped up to
super cool, spray snow smeared on window glass, and a tree aglow with lights.
Being a guest at one, I wondered at first just what the neighbors might think,
seeing this annual event unfold. Very quickly I discovered that some of those
who lived nearby were among the guests. Roy's deep passion for living was
infectious.
There are many, many Roy Mooney stories, tales about this simple and yet
extraordinary man whom we mourn today. Each of us, those of us who were
privileged to live with him, befriend and love him, be taught by him, each of us -
- with just a little effort -- can find a Roy story that swells the heart and speeds
the blood, a memory of his life with which to anoint ourselves. These tales will
protect us, help us, make us more complete during these days of loss and
sadness. They will also remind us about what we had for a brief moment in time.
After all, Roy Mooney was the real thing. Perhaps this is the quality that was so
memorable in him. With Roy what you saw was what you got. There was a
transparency about him that put you at ease immediately.
Francis Xavier Mooney began life in the Bronx on December 10th 1933. He was
the last of five children born to William and Mary Mooney. He called University
Avenue home. During the years he taught at the Juniorate in Cold Spring he
managed to convince at least one class of Juniors that he was a graduate of
Evander Childs High School. However, the record shows that Roy completed
studies at St. Ann's Academy and then headed off to our Marist Novitiate in
Tyngsboro on September 9th 1951. Marist formation took this kid from the
Bronx and worked to transform him into a Little Brother of Mary. And while
some things did change -- the name Francis Xavier, for example, fell in favor of
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Roy -- somehow that kid from the Bronx won out! Roy never lost that skeptical
eye that kept him and all of us honest. He did not accept things at face value. No,
he asked questions, and gave himself the freedom to think differently. He was a
natural at the art of living, and he played best the role of simply being himself.
Roy never lost his love of Las Vegas, and he preferred the shops of Florence to
its museums. I remember well boarding a train in that lovely Italian city
following a day spent helping him shop, and hearing him say, "Some day we
must return here--to see the art!" Yes, he lived this life of ours with an ease and a
finesse that made it look easy.
At the same time Roy was a deeply spiritual man. He kept the traditions in the
very best sense of that word. He was one of those rare people whom you meet
for whom God was very real and always near. And so, he was able to spread an
atmosphere of joy over the smallest happening and was profoundly grateful
simply to be alive. And while I am sure that he would have jumped at the chance
for a few more years of life among us, I have no doubt that he believed that last
Wednesday morning was also the beginning of life.
Roy was a teacher. He was a natural here, too. He was one of those of the
species, fast disappearing, who would fearlessly take up the text of any until-
then-unknown subject and through hard work and more than a little moxie, make
the subject come alive. While in Cold Spring he taught me Biology, English
Literature, and Religion. And, though in later years I discovered that often
enough he was but a few pages ahead of those of us who were his students, back
then the thought never crossed my mind that he was anything other than an
expert in all three areas. Yes, there was a bit of the actor in Roy Mooney.
Roy was also a student of life, observing and commenting regularly on what he
saw, and all the while with a touch of humor. However, the best gift Roy gave to
young people -- to many of us grown ups as well -- was only to be discovered
later when he started counseling. Roy had a wonderful capacity to listen. He kept
confidences, too; you felt as though you could tell him anything. And there was
his uncanny ability to tell us the truth about ourselves. We could hear the hard
word from him because we knew he loved us. I can never remember him
criticizing in anger.
There are so many qualities in this good and gentle man. He was thoughtful,
loyal, fun loving. He collected Christmas villages, and God knows what else. He
loved his Marist Brothers, too, and the Marist way of life, the 50th anniversary
of which he marks this year. When Roy made his vow of stability on the feast of
the Annunciation this March 25th, he was but bearing witness to his desire to
mirror the fidelity that God had shown to him.
And so, Roy "Francis Xavier" Mooney, it is time to let you fly away. How you
loved your family and friends. For many of us who love you, your death is the
only grief you have ever caused us. May you stand tall among the Communion
of Saints. After all, in becoming over time a Little Brother of Mary, you also
became the very best of men. With that said though, please do wait a day or two
before shouting out in festive mood, "Let's have a splash!" After all, some
people might not understand.
When last I say Roy in the hospital in New Jersey Sunday, March 3rd, I was
grateful for the chance we had to talk. I will never forget the words he spoke
near the end of our conversation. He looked straight at me and said, "Sean, all I
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can do now is to pray for you and the Council" Those words were a great
consolation.
(This eulogy has been shortened and adapted with permission for publication.)
OUR DECEASED: May they rest in peace, we pray.
Brother Roy William Mooney ('52) died in a hospice care home in New Jersey
the early morning hours of April 3rd after suffering from cancer for over a year.
He was in his 69th year. Roy had served as provincial of the Poughkeepsie
province for two terms, before directing the international programs at Manziana,
Italy, for seven years. He returned from Rome to take up counseling at Roselle
Catholic in New Jersey, but he soon came down with his sickness.
Brother James Damian Brady ('40) died in Florida the morning of April 16th
after a long illness mainly with diabetes just four days short of his 79th birthday.
He had been in retirement in Augusta for some time before moving to Miami
this past autumn. During his seven-year teaching assignment at St. Ann's
Academy Jim was responsible for raising funds for the newly established
mission in the Philippines by overseeing weekly bingo socials. Later he became
both director and principal at St. Helena's, Christ the King, Molloy, and Msgr.
Pace High School.
Brother Christopher Robert Weiss ('48) died May 7th at the Center for Hope
Hospice in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He had retired as a librarian at Roselle
Catholic in 1998, but had continued living in the Roselle Marist Community till
early in 2002. Chris had studied Library Science at Catholic University in the
early 1960s and had devoted himself to library work from '62 to '98 at Molloy,
Bayonne, and Roselle, as well as at the Generalate in Rome. A classmate
observed that Chris "was a great reader and observer of the human scene."
From BILL BYRNE ('52): Every issue of Marists All brings back a flood, nay
a river of memories. I'm sure that is as true for everyone as it is for me. Raphael
Martin (formerly Jim Zbinden) and I grew up on the same Manhattan block,
164th Street and Broadway. Some of the neighborhood characters we knew were
Jacques D'amboise of the New York Ballet and Tiny Tim. Raph went off to
Bishop Dubois High School and I to Cardinal Hayes where I'm fond of telling
everyone who'll listen that I walked the halls with Regis Philbin. It was as
sophomores that we came under the influence of Brother Aidan Francis whom
my mother likened to a spider spinning his Marist web over us impressionable
teens. Raph and I trained lock-step through the Juniorate in Esopus, the Novitiate
in Tyngsboro, and the Scholasticate in Poughkeepsie. In fact, both of us were
even held back from teaching for a year as manual laborers in Poughkeepsie - he
in the laundry and I in the print shop. I don't know about Raph, but for me,
besides being a disappointment, that certainly tested my mettle.
My first teaching assignment came in 1957 to the newly transplanted St. Ann's
Academy, transformed into Archbishop Molloy High School in Jamaica, Long
Island. Raph and I joined about 57 other Brothers there. I think I was given a
leftover schedule, since I was probably the last name in the alphabetical order -
Brother William Martin. My first several years I taught three General Science
classes, one Algebra and one Geometry. Not bad for someone armed with a
degree in English. Later I taught a full load of French I and could, as one of my
students reminded me, spend an entire period trying to get the class to master the
pronunciation of "un" and "une." There is much to be said for forced versatility.
Finally, in my last two years at Molloy I did teach English. At Molloy, I came to
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appreciate the likes of Brother Terence, James Maher, Leo Richard, JP Luke,
Norbie and nameless others. Incidentally I have written a remembrance of Teddy
Morris (BLR) that involves our adventures with Bishop Sheen and heavyweight
boxing champion, Floyd Patterson, available by e-mail upon request. When the
dreaded Assignment List came out in the summer of 1964, I found that I was
assigned to Roselle Catholic High School. Though it was difficult to leave
Molloy, my years at Roselle were years of professional growth for me. I was
able to develop several programs for Roselle. I established the very successful
Drama Club with the help of Brother Francis (Frank Walsh) and directed some
fine productions. I taught in Roselle with Vinny Poisella, Tommy Conlon, Greg
Ballerino, Mike McGonigle, Stephen Martin, and others, all of whom put up
with me kindly.
My second assignment at Molloy in 1969 proved less successful and so I left the
congregation in January of 1970. I very much appreciated the article on Marist
Experience by Vinny Poisella in the last issue of Marists All. As one who left in
a fit of pique, that article hit home. I now hope that I have moved beyond any
negative feelings that clouded my exit.
I took a different path than most who left. I had a wonderful career with
Volkswagen of America, mostly in training and development. While most
automobile componentry is still a mystery to me, I could nevertheless write a
decent sentence, relate to co-workers well, and fake all the rest. One of my
bosses was fond of saying that when you feigned sincerity and people bought it,
you had it made in the business world. He certainly parlayed that knowledge into
a rewarding career.
I've kept a lukewarm hand in education over the years, teaching in a community
college and a small business college - "add junk" I think they call it. As recently
as a month ago, I had a mild heart attack and now carry this body around with a
damaged heart and a strategically place stent to open a clogged artery. When you
are 68 years old, you expect such accommodations. With the help of an artificial
lens, the result of a cataract, I am on the lookout for what is next.
My two sons, Andrew and David, both have Masters Degrees in Music and are
pursuing their muses. Andrew coaches singing students in New York City, plays
the keyboard from time to time in the orchestra for Les Miserables, and performs
around the country in cabarets and musicals. David is completing his studies at
Michigan University in music composition and is gaining a reputation as a gifted
composer - Tanglewood, U of M, etc.
As for me now, I am taking it easy while going through cardiac rehab, caring for
my dog, Jimmy, and my two cats, Wax and Wayne. Judy is a big project manager
for a media company, working long hours and leaving me with plenty of time for
the cardiac rehab and animal husbandry. (154 West Church Street, Clarkston MI
48346; 248-625-6555;
jmhopkins_48346@yahoo.com
)
GOMA TENT SCHOOL Recent reports indicate that the "Tent School" in
Goma is now functioning well. There are two sessions each day with the senior
students in the morning and the juniors in the afternoon. A large number of
books and school supplies are beginning to arrive at the Institute. In total, 1200
students have returned to access these temporary quarters until July 2002. The
generosity of Marist schools, communities, provinces, and friends across all
continents has enabled this emergency project to be launched after the volcano
destroyed most of the school. The project has manifested a global Marist
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solidarity. Happiness in returning to classes was tempered by the desolate
landscape blanketed with layers of volcanic lava. (This report is taken from two
internet Bulletins out of Rome.)
Eulogy for Brother James Damian Brady ('40)
by Br. Stephen Urban Minogue
It is always a solemn moment when Marist Brothers gather together here at our
Esopus Cemetery to remember a Brother with whom we have shared
community, at whose side we have worked, and whom we have come to know as
confrere and friend. We have weathered many storms and crises, personally and
as members of a Church in crisis. We have laughed together and have been sad
together, yet all the while we are assured that we shall rise with the Risen Savior.
When we stop and look back down the years of Brother James Damian Brady's
Marist career, it is indeed hard not to be impressed. Jimmy Damian was a man
who was very intelligent. He had degrees in education, mathematics, and
English. From the year 1943 at Mount St. Michael till 2001, he served the Marist
Brothers, the Church, and the United States. He served as teacher, as Dean of
Studies and as Director-Principal of Molloy High School, as director and
Founding Principal of Christ the King High School, as Principal of Pace High
School in Opa Locka, and finally in his retirement as tutor and instructor of
RCIA in Augusta, Georgia.
It was always a pleasure for me to be in the company of Jimmy Brady. If Jim
was distinguished by one virtue, it is surely generosity of heart. I never heard
him say a word in jest that ever cut or hurt another Brother. He was kind, and he
was funny with a humor that could reduce life's tensions to their respective
importance. Jim Brady was an extraordinary toastmaster, for he was bright,
articulate, witty, and loveable. The monks will always be grateful to Jim for the
great parties and frequent 'First Vespers' he arranged for the Brothers. It was his
way of manifesting his understanding of the dedicated self-giving life of the
teacher, and of silently getting the message across that he was grateful.
As the Brother responsible for raising money for our Filipino missions, Jim ran
the St. Ann's Bingo. He was organized and governed with heart. He always lead
with his shoulders. It was a pleasure to work with him. And the dedicated men,
who came week after week and year after year, loved him because he was
grateful. He kept in touch with them long after St. Ann's moved out to Queens.
Small wonder that those of us who were close to him called him "Diamond
Jim."
Brother James Damian and Father Champagnat had much in common. The Lord
laid a heavy cross of suffering on Jim's shoulders for a good part of his adult life.
The tedious and humiliating calvary of the multiple aspects of sickness, together
with the modification of life's daily ways and dependence on others, was nothing
short of the dark night of the soul. Yet, as much as Jim could talk about his
sickness when prompted, I never heard him complain or grow angry. It takes a
valiant soul, one who lives prayerfully in the presence of God, not only NOT to
let suffering embitter him, but to allow life's pains to sweeten him and make him
ever more gentle of heart … and Jim was already gentle of heart.
So, as we become aware of all the good that Brother James Damian Brady has
done, humbly, simply, and with gentle modesty, we are grateful to the Lord and
to Mary, our Good and Loving Mother, for the gift of Jimmy Damian to us. May
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we, too, find the inspiration to believe in the Marist way of life and to be true to
what it promises and to ultimate fidelity to our vocation. It is time now, not so
much to mourn Jimmy Brady, as to invoke him. He is truly alive, at peace, and
where he can intercede for us. Jim Brady, and all ye hosts of Marists, remember
us and be with us till we all are united and rejoice together in a happy eternity.
Amen. (This eulogy has been shortened and adapted with permission for
publication.)
TRIBUTES TO BR. JAMES DAMIAN BRADY
From Dan St. Jacques ('52): We all have lost a great person in Brother James
Damian Brady. I can remember him as one of my teachers, who whilst
professing a gruff exterior , was always willing to help. He was an overall fine
person and an example of charity in action. Fondly, we young monks referred to
him as "JD."
From Brendan Haggerty ('50): Thanks for the news on Jim Brady. He is in my
prayers. He taught me in Esopus in 1948 (advanced algebra). I still remember
the man, the monk, and also x = -b +/- sq. root of b sq. -4ac/all over 2a. Prayers
for another of Mary's men.
From John Sugrue ('60): Thanks for the info on Jimmy Damian. I remember
him not only as my Senior home room teacher at St. Ann's but also as a great
math teacher. I was lucky to be in his classroom but even luckier to have him as
my first Superior as a young monk at St. Helena's. May he rest in peace. Another
Marist to pray to.
From GENE ZIRKEL ('53): In April Pat and I experienced a wonderful Marist
Pilgrimage. Led by two Marist Fathers, we toured Paris, Lyon, and Rome. We
visited Marcellin's home in La Rosey/La Roizey and the nearby chapel built by
Marist alumni. We stopped in his first parish in La Valla. We visited the
Hermitage, the original chapter room, and Marcellin's bedroom where he died.
In Rome Brother Gerry Brereton showed us around the Brothers' Generalate.
They have the original altar which the founder used. A highlight of our visit to St
Peter's was finding the statue of St. Marcellin. It is on the outside of the left
transept. I approached two Swiss Guards who were blocking access to the statue
and showed them the picture of the statue which Hugh Turley had printed in his
newsletter. They very nicely allowed us to enter the courtyard, telling us to go
under two arches where we would see a policeman who would show us the
where the statue was. The policeman asked to see my pass, and I showed him the
clipping that I had showed the Guard. He too was friendly and let us go.
In Le Puy we visited the chapel where Courveille had the inspiration to found
the Marists, and at Fourviere, situated above Lyons, we visited the chapel where
Marcellin, Colin and the others signed the pledge to create the Marists. We saw
Colin's first parish in Cerdon. In St. Bonnet, where Colin was raised, we entered
the home of his uncle who cared for him when his parents left him orphaned. It
is just opposite the church. It had once been the rectory but is now a museum
devoted to Colin and all four Marist congregations. We were also warmly
welcomed at the Marist Fathers' General House in Rome. All in all the trip was a
very moving experience. I am glad I went even if I am one of three in our group
of sixteen who had pockets picked in Paris.
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After three weeks in Europe, we returned home for three days (to do our
laundry), and then we were off to New Orleans for a meeting of the Marist
Family Laity Service Committee, followed by a retreat for Marist laity. It was a
perfect follow-up for the emotional trip, putting into perspective much of what
we had just experienced. Before leaving New Orleans we had a few days to tour
the city. Now it is good to be home, until our July trip to Poughkeepsie anyway.
(Six Brancatelli,West Islip NY 11795-2502; 631-669-0273;
genezirk@optonline.net
)
From JOHN WARREN ('66): In August, 2001, our daughter returned to the
Caribbean Island of Trinidad to make that her permanent home. Soon after, my
wife Mary said that she longed to return to New England. Mary grew up outside
of Boston and has often thought about returning to one of the New England
states. This time the message had more "juice." We both felt a calling to be in
New England, and by November we had bought a wonderful home in Cape
Elizabeth, Maine, just south of Portland, right across the street from Fort
William's Park and the Portland Head Lighthouse. We were here in time for a
New England winter, which was very different from the last 14 we spent in
California. Fortunately this past winter was really mild with no snow storm
greater than six inches. It made the transition much easier. Now spring is coming
to Maine, and we are feeling renewed by the change in seasons. The call to
relocate to Maine is filled with the workings of the Spirit - even stronger than
my call to join the Marists Brothers back in 1965 - and again we have said YES!
(30 Littlejohn Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107; 207-767-2695;
NewTwist@aol.com
)
MARIST BROTHERS CALLED TO EAST TIMOR
After the referendum for independence in East Timor in August 1999 the
Indonesian army, together with local militia groups, looted and destroyed many
homes, schools, and public buildings as they withdrew from the new nation. The
Timorese people were left to launch their independence with the country's
infrastructure in ruins.
The United Nations is currently engaged in helping to rebuild the country's
political, social and economic structures. However, it has been left to the
Catholic Church to replace/restore and operate much of the property it used for
education. Bishop do Nascimento has asked the Marist Brothers to address two
priorities in education. This new project in East Timor is staffed by an
international group of Marists from Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and
Portugal. The first task is to take responsibility for a center in Baucau for the
training of local Timorese teachers. The Brothers have received some financial
aid from donors and dioceses in Australia for this project.
The second project has been far more challenging to plan and fund. The Bishop
has asked the Marist Brothers to restore and develop a school in the remote town
of Laclubar. The region is mountainous, roads unpaved, and travel difficult. The
Brothers are now living with the people there and planning the restoration of
existing school buildings and the construction of a new vocational and
agricultural unit to train young people, equipping them to return to their outlying
villages with the education and skills they need to assist their people.
The Brothers hope their goals can become a reality in the year 2002. It would
result in making Saint Marcellin's dream of providing children and young
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people, those most in need in rural areas, with a new start in life. (Adapted from
the Bulletin #15, 3-28-02)
From LEO FORREST ('51): Greetings from Cape Cod. The other day I was
cleaning through things and I asked myself about Marists All. Could I somehow
get on the list. I believe that what you do is very important to many. I am still
active in Esopus for part of the summer time … Cancer Camp, Retarded Adults,
plus.(31 Daybreak Lane, Hyannis MA 02602; 508-771-6227;
leocinf@aol.com
)
From GERRY MILLER ('64): My year 2000 Lenten resolve was to contact
people from my past who had made an unshakable impact on my spiritual
development. Of course, Marist Brothers and former Marists were on my list . It
was at that time that I discovered Marists All. What a great discovery indeed! It
helped me locate and rekindle many bygone but significant relationships. Now,
here I am in the middle of 2002, sending a "thank you" for two years of Marists
All in my life.
Because of Marists All, I was able to reconnect with Brother Timothy Brady
('64) in Chicago. My consulting practice has taken me to Chicago twice. There
Tim and I, over scrumptious food and drinks at the famous Harry Caray's
Restaurant (named after the infamous Cubs' announcer), have twice shared
stories and pictures of the good old days, as well as the wonders of our present
lives. Tim and I go back to the Marist Hall Juniorate in Cold Spring, so there
were years of stories to tell. Cherished moments to relive! Also, Tim's parents
adopted me while I was at Marist Hall! Being from a poor Wheeling, WV,
family, my parents did not have a car nor could they even afford to come to New
York to visit. So the Brady's took me under their wings. They would take me out
to lunch with them when they visited Tim. I have always been so thankful to
them for such kind treatment. I was never good in sports, but Tim taught me to
play softball. In many games I was the catcher and he the speed ball pitcher. He
also taught me to skate and play hockey. Tim and I now stay in e-mail contact. I
look forward to my next visit with him when I return to Chicago. So thanks
Marists All for helping me connect with Brother Timothy!
Marists All also brought me back in contact with Brother Francis "Ziggy"
Zaglauer ('63) who is in New York. Brother Francis and I have talked by phone,
and we now e-mail each other regularly. Recently we had the opportunity to
connect in Baltimore while he was attending a religious studies convention.
Ziggy was a year ahead of me in the Juniorate and Novitiate. He was always
looking out for me and was my mentor throughout my formation. I still carry in
my Bible a card he gave me before he went off to the Novitiate. It contains
"wonder-working words" of encouragement. To this day I go to it whenever I
feel I need a spiritual booster shot. During our reunion we started right where we
had left off some thirty years ago. We had lunch in a local Marriott and
continued chatting until the waiter had to ask us to leave! Both of us talk a mile a
minute trying to relive treasured moments and to update each other on career
activities and spiritual adventures. So thanks Marists All for helping me connect
with Brother Francis!
I have also been in e-mail contact with Gerard Donnellan ('63) who was of such
enormous help to me during my first year at Marist College. We hope to be able
to meet in person one of these days. I am so grateful for the opportunity to
reconnect with such dear friends. I look forward to hearing from others in the
Marists All community in 2002. (218 M Street, SW, Washington DC 20024-
3602; 202-554-8334;
gvm@radix.net
)
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From PAT KEILTY ('65): I've moved again, hopefully for good, until the
nursing home or the crematorium. We bought a new Centex home in Sarasota,
complete with pool, preserve, and nearby golf course. We're well, though I am
not enjoying teaching math to ninth graders at Lakewood Ranch High School in
Bradenton. After 34 years of teaching, it's time to do something different. I'm
certified in guidance, so I plan to seek a job in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough,
or Pinellas Counties for next school year. (7837 Kavanagh Court, Sarasota FL
33240; 941-342-9748;
k54paddy@aol.com
)
NOTICE from GUS NOLAN ('48, Marist College '52)
On the annual Homecoming Weekend in October the group of '48 will be
honored as the 50th Anniversary Class graduating from Marist College.
Members of the group - with spouses - are invited to a special Luncheon on
October 12th at 1 p.m. -- no matter when the diploma was actually obtained.
There will be a TV group interview for the Marist Archive Project
From PAT GALLAGHER ('53): Recently I had occasion to spend an evening
and part of a day visiting with the monks at Marist High in Bayonne: John
Dunning, Paul Meuten, Steve Kappes, Bob Warren, and Kevin O'Neill; Kevin
arrived at Marist Prep the same day that I did, September 2, 1950. Many a laugh
around dinner with Francis Farrell, Hugh Andrew, and Leo Shea. It was a
wonderful experience roaming the corridors of Marist High and soaking up the
atmosphere of the school, sensing some of its spirit.
You will remember the story of the raping and killing of the four Maryknoll nuns
in El Salvador in 1979. One of them was Ita Ford. Well, her brother Bill, the
attorney who fought hard to get the government to investigate and hold parties
responsible for the atrocities, was my best buddy in grammar school at St. Ann's
Academy. We were in the same class, both of us boarded there, and we were
both in the St. Patrick's Cathedral Boys' Choir. My sister's girlfriend and
classmate in high school was Ita Ford.
The story of the atrocity in El Salvador came back to mind recently when I
viewed a depiction of it on a TV documentary; that show led me to track Bill
down. After that evening at Marist igh I met Mary after her work at the Jersey
State Police Academy in Sea Girt, and we went out to Bill's house in Montclair,
met his wife, had dinner, and went over the last 50 or so years. The 1949 Blue
and White came out, and there were the pictures of the two of us, almost side-
by-side in each picture. I was on an old, fond memory overload!
Glad to see that Vinny Poisella is now involved with the newsletter, and of
course thinking of Vinny brought back memories of having been closely
involved with him in our Roselle and LaPorte years. Just by chance as we drove
through western New Jersey toward my sister's place in Bethlehem last summer,
we called Vinny and stopped in to see him and Jane. Enjoyed the couple of hours
visiting with them. I'm used to some steep driveways here in the mountains, but
Vinny's driveway requires a sherpa to navigate it.
Recently I read that we are on this earth for four purposes: to live, love, learn,
and leave a legacy. From my perspective, my life with the Marists and my life
with Mary have allowed me to attain goodly portions of all four. I am very
grateful. Once again we extend an invitation to stop and visit as you go up or
down I-81 near. There's always plenty of room and a welcome mat out. (Box 60,
Indian Valley VA 24105; 540-789-4056;
gpatrick@swva.net
)
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FMS Update The Marist Provinces of Quebec and Iberville have combined to
form the new Administrative Unit of Canada. By the summer of 2003 the work
of restructuring the two American provinces will be complete. Restructuring is
occuring in many other parts of the Institute, most of which involves the union
of two or three provinces. Belgium/Holland, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland
are now united as the province of Western Central Europe.
NEW EDITOR: We are very pleased to announce that with the next issue of
Marists All Vincent Poisella ('58) will take over organizing and editing this
newsletter. For now David and Judy will continue to prepare envelopes. Gus,
Liz, and company will continue to oversee the printing and mailing of the
newsletter, and Gus will perhaps continue to be chief advisor. Richard Foy will
continue to care for the Marists All web site, keeping it updated with each new
issue and occasionally refreshing the lists of postal and e-mail addresses, as well
as other pages.
From JOHN WILCOX ('57): Sue and I will not be able to attend the Marist
Family Institute of Spirituality this summer. I will be at St. Mary's College in
Moraga, California, attending a three-year program for teachers at schools and
colleges of the Christian Brothers. The focus is on the history, spirituality, and
pedagogy of John Baptist de LaSalle. There are about 70 persons in the three-
year cycle. The LaSalle schools fund the program which runs from June 23 to
July 14. Sue will be joining me on July 3. Then she will be going to the
Benedictine Experience run by the Camaldolese Benedictines at Healsburg,
California. On the 14th we will head down to Big Sur where the New
Camaldolese Monastery is located, returning home on the 17th of July.
I am finishing my second term as chair of religious studies at Manhattan College
and beginning a new job on June 1. The President, Tom Scanlan, FSC, asked if I
would consider being Vice President for Mission at the college. It is the thing I
am most interested in. How effective are we in achieving our mission as a
Catholic and Lasallian College? We are also involved at the college in writing a
Lilly Grant on "Theological Exploration of Vocation." Wish us luck. (101
Logging Trail Road, Danbury CT 06811-22627; 860-730-9172;
jwilcox@manhattan.edu
)
GMC PICNIC -- Saturday, September 14th, Mount St. Michael:
The annual Greater Marist Community picnic will be held again this year at Mt.
St. Michael in the Bronx near the Mount Vernon border at Nereid and Murdock
Avenues. The picnic will be on Saturday, September 14th, from noon to 5 p.m.
Bring your own beverage and a potluck dish for a shared lunch. All Brothers are
most welcome to join in. Thanks to the Mount for their annual welcome. We
have been having this picnic each year on the second Saturday after Labor Day.
EDITORS' NOTE:
In the last issue of this newsletter the mention of our shrinking financial balance
led to seven of our people sending us donations totaling $285, which extends our
horizons one more issue. Of course, we are most grateful. Please be sure to
encourage our new editor with a fresh flow of written material for use in future
issues. Write to:
Vincent Poisella, 24 Brooklyn Mt. Rd., Hopatcong NJ 07843;
vtpoisella@yahoo.com
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Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com
Richard Foy, 717 Washington Ave., Chappaqua NY 10514-3309;
Richard.Foy@marist.edu
David Kammer, 499 East Pond Rd., Smithfield Me 04978;
kammer@tds.net
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ISSUE # 68
June 2002
A Eulogy for Brother Roy Mooney ('52)
by Br. Sean Sammon
(delivered at the Mass of Christian Burial, April 7th, 2002)
Roy Mooney left us during the early morning hours of April 3rd 2002. The
Gospel for that Easter Wednesday was the story of the two disciples on the road
to Emmaus. A simple tale about an extraordinary case of mistaken identity. Yes,
a simple but extraordinary tale. And wasn't Roy's life much the same: simple and
yet extraordinary. Take for example, the way in which he left us. With many
good-byes behind him, he entered hospice care at 9:00 o'clock Tuesday evening;
six hours later he was gone. Having borne his cancer long enough, last
Wednesday morning Roy simply ceased to bear it, and with the Saints he sat
down. So like Roy. Simple and extraordinary.
However, let's be honest; we really loved Roy because he was Roy. No airs,
straight talk, a strength of character you could depend on. And, oh yes, he loved
life, loved to laugh, to celebrate, to party. Anyone who doubts that description
just needs to recall but one of those Christmas-in-July parties that he hosted,
complete with angel costumed guests, an air conditioning system pumped up to
super cool, spray snow smeared on window glass, and a tree aglow with lights.
Being a guest at one, I wondered at first just what the neighbors might think,
seeing this annual event unfold. Very quickly I discovered that some of those
who lived nearby were among the guests. Roy's deep passion for living was
infectious.
There are many, many Roy Mooney stories, tales about this simple and yet
extraordinary man whom we mourn today. Each of us, those of us who were
privileged to live with him, befriend and love him, be taught by him, each of us -
- with just a little effort -- can find a Roy story that swells the heart and speeds
the blood, a memory of his life with which to anoint ourselves. These tales will
protect us, help us, make us more complete during these days of loss and
sadness. They will also remind us about what we had for a brief moment in time.
After all, Roy Mooney was the real thing. Perhaps this is the quality that was so
memorable in him. With Roy what you saw was what you got. There was a
transparency about him that put you at ease immediately.
Francis Xavier Mooney began life in the Bronx on December 10th 1933. He was
the last of five children born to William and Mary Mooney. He called University
Avenue home. During the years he taught at the Juniorate in Cold Spring he
managed to convince at least one class of Juniors that he was a graduate of
Evander Childs High School. However, the record shows that Roy completed
studies at St. Ann's Academy and then headed off to our Marist Novitiate in
Tyngsboro on September 9th 1951. Marist formation took this kid from the
Bronx and worked to transform him into a Little Brother of Mary. And while
some things did change -- the name Francis Xavier, for example, fell in favor of
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Roy -- somehow that kid from the Bronx won out! Roy never lost that skeptical
eye that kept him and all of us honest. He did not accept things at face value. No,
he asked questions, and gave himself the freedom to think differently. He was a
natural at the art of living, and he played best the role of simply being himself.
Roy never lost his love of Las Vegas, and he preferred the shops of Florence to
its museums. I remember well boarding a train in that lovely Italian city
following a day spent helping him shop, and hearing him say, "Some day we
must return here--to see the art!" Yes, he lived this life of ours with an ease and a
finesse that made it look easy.
At the same time Roy was a deeply spiritual man. He kept the traditions in the
very best sense of that word. He was one of those rare people whom you meet
for whom God was very real and always near. And so, he was able to spread an
atmosphere of joy over the smallest happening and was profoundly grateful
simply to be alive. And while I am sure that he would have jumped at the chance
for a few more years of life among us, I have no doubt that he believed that last
Wednesday morning was also the beginning of life.
Roy was a teacher. He was a natural here, too. He was one of those of the
species, fast disappearing, who would fearlessly take up the text of any until-
then-unknown subject and through hard work and more than a little moxie, make
the subject come alive. While in Cold Spring he taught me Biology, English
Literature, and Religion. And, though in later years I discovered that often
enough he was but a few pages ahead of those of us who were his students, back
then the thought never crossed my mind that he was anything other than an
expert in all three areas. Yes, there was a bit of the actor in Roy Mooney.
Roy was also a student of life, observing and commenting regularly on what he
saw, and all the while with a touch of humor. However, the best gift Roy gave to
young people -- to many of us grown ups as well -- was only to be discovered
later when he started counseling. Roy had a wonderful capacity to listen. He kept
confidences, too; you felt as though you could tell him anything. And there was
his uncanny ability to tell us the truth about ourselves. We could hear the hard
word from him because we knew he loved us. I can never remember him
criticizing in anger.
There are so many qualities in this good and gentle man. He was thoughtful,
loyal, fun loving. He collected Christmas villages, and God knows what else. He
loved his Marist Brothers, too, and the Marist way of life, the 50th anniversary
of which he marks this year. When Roy made his vow of stability on the feast of
the Annunciation this March 25th, he was but bearing witness to his desire to
mirror the fidelity that God had shown to him.
And so, Roy "Francis Xavier" Mooney, it is time to let you fly away. How you
loved your family and friends. For many of us who love you, your death is the
only grief you have ever caused us. May you stand tall among the Communion
of Saints. After all, in becoming over time a Little Brother of Mary, you also
became the very best of men. With that said though, please do wait a day or two
before shouting out in festive mood, "Let's have a splash!" After all, some
people might not understand.
When last I say Roy in the hospital in New Jersey Sunday, March 3rd, I was
grateful for the chance we had to talk. I will never forget the words he spoke
near the end of our conversation. He looked straight at me and said, "Sean, all I
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can do now is to pray for you and the Council" Those words were a great
consolation.
(This eulogy has been shortened and adapted with permission for publication.)
OUR DECEASED: May they rest in peace, we pray.
Brother Roy William Mooney ('52) died in a hospice care home in New Jersey
the early morning hours of April 3rd after suffering from cancer for over a year.
He was in his 69th year. Roy had served as provincial of the Poughkeepsie
province for two terms, before directing the international programs at Manziana,
Italy, for seven years. He returned from Rome to take up counseling at Roselle
Catholic in New Jersey, but he soon came down with his sickness.
Brother James Damian Brady ('40) died in Florida the morning of April 16th
after a long illness mainly with diabetes just four days short of his 79th birthday.
He had been in retirement in Augusta for some time before moving to Miami
this past autumn. During his seven-year teaching assignment at St. Ann's
Academy Jim was responsible for raising funds for the newly established
mission in the Philippines by overseeing weekly bingo socials. Later he became
both director and principal at St. Helena's, Christ the King, Molloy, and Msgr.
Pace High School.
Brother Christopher Robert Weiss ('48) died May 7th at the Center for Hope
Hospice in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He had retired as a librarian at Roselle
Catholic in 1998, but had continued living in the Roselle Marist Community till
early in 2002. Chris had studied Library Science at Catholic University in the
early 1960s and had devoted himself to library work from '62 to '98 at Molloy,
Bayonne, and Roselle, as well as at the Generalate in Rome. A classmate
observed that Chris "was a great reader and observer of the human scene."
From BILL BYRNE ('52): Every issue of Marists All brings back a flood, nay
a river of memories. I'm sure that is as true for everyone as it is for me. Raphael
Martin (formerly Jim Zbinden) and I grew up on the same Manhattan block,
164th Street and Broadway. Some of the neighborhood characters we knew were
Jacques D'amboise of the New York Ballet and Tiny Tim. Raph went off to
Bishop Dubois High School and I to Cardinal Hayes where I'm fond of telling
everyone who'll listen that I walked the halls with Regis Philbin. It was as
sophomores that we came under the influence of Brother Aidan Francis whom
my mother likened to a spider spinning his Marist web over us impressionable
teens. Raph and I trained lock-step through the Juniorate in Esopus, the Novitiate
in Tyngsboro, and the Scholasticate in Poughkeepsie. In fact, both of us were
even held back from teaching for a year as manual laborers in Poughkeepsie - he
in the laundry and I in the print shop. I don't know about Raph, but for me,
besides being a disappointment, that certainly tested my mettle.
My first teaching assignment came in 1957 to the newly transplanted St. Ann's
Academy, transformed into Archbishop Molloy High School in Jamaica, Long
Island. Raph and I joined about 57 other Brothers there. I think I was given a
leftover schedule, since I was probably the last name in the alphabetical order -
Brother William Martin. My first several years I taught three General Science
classes, one Algebra and one Geometry. Not bad for someone armed with a
degree in English. Later I taught a full load of French I and could, as one of my
students reminded me, spend an entire period trying to get the class to master the
pronunciation of "un" and "une." There is much to be said for forced versatility.
Finally, in my last two years at Molloy I did teach English. At Molloy, I came to
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appreciate the likes of Brother Terence, James Maher, Leo Richard, JP Luke,
Norbie and nameless others. Incidentally I have written a remembrance of Teddy
Morris (BLR) that involves our adventures with Bishop Sheen and heavyweight
boxing champion, Floyd Patterson, available by e-mail upon request. When the
dreaded Assignment List came out in the summer of 1964, I found that I was
assigned to Roselle Catholic High School. Though it was difficult to leave
Molloy, my years at Roselle were years of professional growth for me. I was
able to develop several programs for Roselle. I established the very successful
Drama Club with the help of Brother Francis (Frank Walsh) and directed some
fine productions. I taught in Roselle with Vinny Poisella, Tommy Conlon, Greg
Ballerino, Mike McGonigle, Stephen Martin, and others, all of whom put up
with me kindly.
My second assignment at Molloy in 1969 proved less successful and so I left the
congregation in January of 1970. I very much appreciated the article on Marist
Experience by Vinny Poisella in the last issue of Marists All. As one who left in
a fit of pique, that article hit home. I now hope that I have moved beyond any
negative feelings that clouded my exit.
I took a different path than most who left. I had a wonderful career with
Volkswagen of America, mostly in training and development. While most
automobile componentry is still a mystery to me, I could nevertheless write a
decent sentence, relate to co-workers well, and fake all the rest. One of my
bosses was fond of saying that when you feigned sincerity and people bought it,
you had it made in the business world. He certainly parlayed that knowledge into
a rewarding career.
I've kept a lukewarm hand in education over the years, teaching in a community
college and a small business college - "add junk" I think they call it. As recently
as a month ago, I had a mild heart attack and now carry this body around with a
damaged heart and a strategically place stent to open a clogged artery. When you
are 68 years old, you expect such accommodations. With the help of an artificial
lens, the result of a cataract, I am on the lookout for what is next.
My two sons, Andrew and David, both have Masters Degrees in Music and are
pursuing their muses. Andrew coaches singing students in New York City, plays
the keyboard from time to time in the orchestra for Les Miserables, and performs
around the country in cabarets and musicals. David is completing his studies at
Michigan University in music composition and is gaining a reputation as a gifted
composer - Tanglewood, U of M, etc.
As for me now, I am taking it easy while going through cardiac rehab, caring for
my dog, Jimmy, and my two cats, Wax and Wayne. Judy is a big project manager
for a media company, working long hours and leaving me with plenty of time for
the cardiac rehab and animal husbandry. (154 West Church Street, Clarkston MI
48346; 248-625-6555;
jmhopkins_48346@yahoo.com
)
GOMA TENT SCHOOL Recent reports indicate that the "Tent School" in
Goma is now functioning well. There are two sessions each day with the senior
students in the morning and the juniors in the afternoon. A large number of
books and school supplies are beginning to arrive at the Institute. In total, 1200
students have returned to access these temporary quarters until July 2002. The
generosity of Marist schools, communities, provinces, and friends across all
continents has enabled this emergency project to be launched after the volcano
destroyed most of the school. The project has manifested a global Marist
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solidarity. Happiness in returning to classes was tempered by the desolate
landscape blanketed with layers of volcanic lava. (This report is taken from two
internet Bulletins out of Rome.)
Eulogy for Brother James Damian Brady ('40)
by Br. Stephen Urban Minogue
It is always a solemn moment when Marist Brothers gather together here at our
Esopus Cemetery to remember a Brother with whom we have shared
community, at whose side we have worked, and whom we have come to know as
confrere and friend. We have weathered many storms and crises, personally and
as members of a Church in crisis. We have laughed together and have been sad
together, yet all the while we are assured that we shall rise with the Risen Savior.
When we stop and look back down the years of Brother James Damian Brady's
Marist career, it is indeed hard not to be impressed. Jimmy Damian was a man
who was very intelligent. He had degrees in education, mathematics, and
English. From the year 1943 at Mount St. Michael till 2001, he served the Marist
Brothers, the Church, and the United States. He served as teacher, as Dean of
Studies and as Director-Principal of Molloy High School, as director and
Founding Principal of Christ the King High School, as Principal of Pace High
School in Opa Locka, and finally in his retirement as tutor and instructor of
RCIA in Augusta, Georgia.
It was always a pleasure for me to be in the company of Jimmy Brady. If Jim
was distinguished by one virtue, it is surely generosity of heart. I never heard
him say a word in jest that ever cut or hurt another Brother. He was kind, and he
was funny with a humor that could reduce life's tensions to their respective
importance. Jim Brady was an extraordinary toastmaster, for he was bright,
articulate, witty, and loveable. The monks will always be grateful to Jim for the
great parties and frequent 'First Vespers' he arranged for the Brothers. It was his
way of manifesting his understanding of the dedicated self-giving life of the
teacher, and of silently getting the message across that he was grateful.
As the Brother responsible for raising money for our Filipino missions, Jim ran
the St. Ann's Bingo. He was organized and governed with heart. He always lead
with his shoulders. It was a pleasure to work with him. And the dedicated men,
who came week after week and year after year, loved him because he was
grateful. He kept in touch with them long after St. Ann's moved out to Queens.
Small wonder that those of us who were close to him called him "Diamond
Jim."
Brother James Damian and Father Champagnat had much in common. The Lord
laid a heavy cross of suffering on Jim's shoulders for a good part of his adult life.
The tedious and humiliating calvary of the multiple aspects of sickness, together
with the modification of life's daily ways and dependence on others, was nothing
short of the dark night of the soul. Yet, as much as Jim could talk about his
sickness when prompted, I never heard him complain or grow angry. It takes a
valiant soul, one who lives prayerfully in the presence of God, not only NOT to
let suffering embitter him, but to allow life's pains to sweeten him and make him
ever more gentle of heart … and Jim was already gentle of heart.
So, as we become aware of all the good that Brother James Damian Brady has
done, humbly, simply, and with gentle modesty, we are grateful to the Lord and
to Mary, our Good and Loving Mother, for the gift of Jimmy Damian to us. May
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we, too, find the inspiration to believe in the Marist way of life and to be true to
what it promises and to ultimate fidelity to our vocation. It is time now, not so
much to mourn Jimmy Brady, as to invoke him. He is truly alive, at peace, and
where he can intercede for us. Jim Brady, and all ye hosts of Marists, remember
us and be with us till we all are united and rejoice together in a happy eternity.
Amen. (This eulogy has been shortened and adapted with permission for
publication.)
TRIBUTES TO BR. JAMES DAMIAN BRADY
From Dan St. Jacques ('52): We all have lost a great person in Brother James
Damian Brady. I can remember him as one of my teachers, who whilst
professing a gruff exterior , was always willing to help. He was an overall fine
person and an example of charity in action. Fondly, we young monks referred to
him as "JD."
From Brendan Haggerty ('50): Thanks for the news on Jim Brady. He is in my
prayers. He taught me in Esopus in 1948 (advanced algebra). I still remember
the man, the monk, and also x = -b +/- sq. root of b sq. -4ac/all over 2a. Prayers
for another of Mary's men.
From John Sugrue ('60): Thanks for the info on Jimmy Damian. I remember
him not only as my Senior home room teacher at St. Ann's but also as a great
math teacher. I was lucky to be in his classroom but even luckier to have him as
my first Superior as a young monk at St. Helena's. May he rest in peace. Another
Marist to pray to.
From GENE ZIRKEL ('53): In April Pat and I experienced a wonderful Marist
Pilgrimage. Led by two Marist Fathers, we toured Paris, Lyon, and Rome. We
visited Marcellin's home in La Rosey/La Roizey and the nearby chapel built by
Marist alumni. We stopped in his first parish in La Valla. We visited the
Hermitage, the original chapter room, and Marcellin's bedroom where he died.
In Rome Brother Gerry Brereton showed us around the Brothers' Generalate.
They have the original altar which the founder used. A highlight of our visit to St
Peter's was finding the statue of St. Marcellin. It is on the outside of the left
transept. I approached two Swiss Guards who were blocking access to the statue
and showed them the picture of the statue which Hugh Turley had printed in his
newsletter. They very nicely allowed us to enter the courtyard, telling us to go
under two arches where we would see a policeman who would show us the
where the statue was. The policeman asked to see my pass, and I showed him the
clipping that I had showed the Guard. He too was friendly and let us go.
In Le Puy we visited the chapel where Courveille had the inspiration to found
the Marists, and at Fourviere, situated above Lyons, we visited the chapel where
Marcellin, Colin and the others signed the pledge to create the Marists. We saw
Colin's first parish in Cerdon. In St. Bonnet, where Colin was raised, we entered
the home of his uncle who cared for him when his parents left him orphaned. It
is just opposite the church. It had once been the rectory but is now a museum
devoted to Colin and all four Marist congregations. We were also warmly
welcomed at the Marist Fathers' General House in Rome. All in all the trip was a
very moving experience. I am glad I went even if I am one of three in our group
of sixteen who had pockets picked in Paris.
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After three weeks in Europe, we returned home for three days (to do our
laundry), and then we were off to New Orleans for a meeting of the Marist
Family Laity Service Committee, followed by a retreat for Marist laity. It was a
perfect follow-up for the emotional trip, putting into perspective much of what
we had just experienced. Before leaving New Orleans we had a few days to tour
the city. Now it is good to be home, until our July trip to Poughkeepsie anyway.
(Six Brancatelli,West Islip NY 11795-2502; 631-669-0273;
genezirk@optonline.net
)
From JOHN WARREN ('66): In August, 2001, our daughter returned to the
Caribbean Island of Trinidad to make that her permanent home. Soon after, my
wife Mary said that she longed to return to New England. Mary grew up outside
of Boston and has often thought about returning to one of the New England
states. This time the message had more "juice." We both felt a calling to be in
New England, and by November we had bought a wonderful home in Cape
Elizabeth, Maine, just south of Portland, right across the street from Fort
William's Park and the Portland Head Lighthouse. We were here in time for a
New England winter, which was very different from the last 14 we spent in
California. Fortunately this past winter was really mild with no snow storm
greater than six inches. It made the transition much easier. Now spring is coming
to Maine, and we are feeling renewed by the change in seasons. The call to
relocate to Maine is filled with the workings of the Spirit - even stronger than
my call to join the Marists Brothers back in 1965 - and again we have said YES!
(30 Littlejohn Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107; 207-767-2695;
NewTwist@aol.com
)
MARIST BROTHERS CALLED TO EAST TIMOR
After the referendum for independence in East Timor in August 1999 the
Indonesian army, together with local militia groups, looted and destroyed many
homes, schools, and public buildings as they withdrew from the new nation. The
Timorese people were left to launch their independence with the country's
infrastructure in ruins.
The United Nations is currently engaged in helping to rebuild the country's
political, social and economic structures. However, it has been left to the
Catholic Church to replace/restore and operate much of the property it used for
education. Bishop do Nascimento has asked the Marist Brothers to address two
priorities in education. This new project in East Timor is staffed by an
international group of Marists from Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and
Portugal. The first task is to take responsibility for a center in Baucau for the
training of local Timorese teachers. The Brothers have received some financial
aid from donors and dioceses in Australia for this project.
The second project has been far more challenging to plan and fund. The Bishop
has asked the Marist Brothers to restore and develop a school in the remote town
of Laclubar. The region is mountainous, roads unpaved, and travel difficult. The
Brothers are now living with the people there and planning the restoration of
existing school buildings and the construction of a new vocational and
agricultural unit to train young people, equipping them to return to their outlying
villages with the education and skills they need to assist their people.
The Brothers hope their goals can become a reality in the year 2002. It would
result in making Saint Marcellin's dream of providing children and young
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people, those most in need in rural areas, with a new start in life. (Adapted from
the Bulletin #15, 3-28-02)
From LEO FORREST ('51): Greetings from Cape Cod. The other day I was
cleaning through things and I asked myself about Marists All. Could I somehow
get on the list. I believe that what you do is very important to many. I am still
active in Esopus for part of the summer time … Cancer Camp, Retarded Adults,
plus.(31 Daybreak Lane, Hyannis MA 02602; 508-771-6227;
leocinf@aol.com
)
From GERRY MILLER ('64): My year 2000 Lenten resolve was to contact
people from my past who had made an unshakable impact on my spiritual
development. Of course, Marist Brothers and former Marists were on my list . It
was at that time that I discovered Marists All. What a great discovery indeed! It
helped me locate and rekindle many bygone but significant relationships. Now,
here I am in the middle of 2002, sending a "thank you" for two years of Marists
All in my life.
Because of Marists All, I was able to reconnect with Brother Timothy Brady
('64) in Chicago. My consulting practice has taken me to Chicago twice. There
Tim and I, over scrumptious food and drinks at the famous Harry Caray's
Restaurant (named after the infamous Cubs' announcer), have twice shared
stories and pictures of the good old days, as well as the wonders of our present
lives. Tim and I go back to the Marist Hall Juniorate in Cold Spring, so there
were years of stories to tell. Cherished moments to relive! Also, Tim's parents
adopted me while I was at Marist Hall! Being from a poor Wheeling, WV,
family, my parents did not have a car nor could they even afford to come to New
York to visit. So the Brady's took me under their wings. They would take me out
to lunch with them when they visited Tim. I have always been so thankful to
them for such kind treatment. I was never good in sports, but Tim taught me to
play softball. In many games I was the catcher and he the speed ball pitcher. He
also taught me to skate and play hockey. Tim and I now stay in e-mail contact. I
look forward to my next visit with him when I return to Chicago. So thanks
Marists All for helping me connect with Brother Timothy!
Marists All also brought me back in contact with Brother Francis "Ziggy"
Zaglauer ('63) who is in New York. Brother Francis and I have talked by phone,
and we now e-mail each other regularly. Recently we had the opportunity to
connect in Baltimore while he was attending a religious studies convention.
Ziggy was a year ahead of me in the Juniorate and Novitiate. He was always
looking out for me and was my mentor throughout my formation. I still carry in
my Bible a card he gave me before he went off to the Novitiate. It contains
"wonder-working words" of encouragement. To this day I go to it whenever I
feel I need a spiritual booster shot. During our reunion we started right where we
had left off some thirty years ago. We had lunch in a local Marriott and
continued chatting until the waiter had to ask us to leave! Both of us talk a mile a
minute trying to relive treasured moments and to update each other on career
activities and spiritual adventures. So thanks Marists All for helping me connect
with Brother Francis!
I have also been in e-mail contact with Gerard Donnellan ('63) who was of such
enormous help to me during my first year at Marist College. We hope to be able
to meet in person one of these days. I am so grateful for the opportunity to
reconnect with such dear friends. I look forward to hearing from others in the
Marists All community in 2002. (218 M Street, SW, Washington DC 20024-
3602; 202-554-8334;
gvm@radix.net
)
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 68
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter68.html
9/11
From PAT KEILTY ('65): I've moved again, hopefully for good, until the
nursing home or the crematorium. We bought a new Centex home in Sarasota,
complete with pool, preserve, and nearby golf course. We're well, though I am
not enjoying teaching math to ninth graders at Lakewood Ranch High School in
Bradenton. After 34 years of teaching, it's time to do something different. I'm
certified in guidance, so I plan to seek a job in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough,
or Pinellas Counties for next school year. (7837 Kavanagh Court, Sarasota FL
33240; 941-342-9748;
k54paddy@aol.com
)
NOTICE from GUS NOLAN ('48, Marist College '52)
On the annual Homecoming Weekend in October the group of '48 will be
honored as the 50th Anniversary Class graduating from Marist College.
Members of the group - with spouses - are invited to a special Luncheon on
October 12th at 1 p.m. -- no matter when the diploma was actually obtained.
There will be a TV group interview for the Marist Archive Project
From PAT GALLAGHER ('53): Recently I had occasion to spend an evening
and part of a day visiting with the monks at Marist High in Bayonne: John
Dunning, Paul Meuten, Steve Kappes, Bob Warren, and Kevin O'Neill; Kevin
arrived at Marist Prep the same day that I did, September 2, 1950. Many a laugh
around dinner with Francis Farrell, Hugh Andrew, and Leo Shea. It was a
wonderful experience roaming the corridors of Marist High and soaking up the
atmosphere of the school, sensing some of its spirit.
You will remember the story of the raping and killing of the four Maryknoll nuns
in El Salvador in 1979. One of them was Ita Ford. Well, her brother Bill, the
attorney who fought hard to get the government to investigate and hold parties
responsible for the atrocities, was my best buddy in grammar school at St. Ann's
Academy. We were in the same class, both of us boarded there, and we were
both in the St. Patrick's Cathedral Boys' Choir. My sister's girlfriend and
classmate in high school was Ita Ford.
The story of the atrocity in El Salvador came back to mind recently when I
viewed a depiction of it on a TV documentary; that show led me to track Bill
down. After that evening at Marist igh I met Mary after her work at the Jersey
State Police Academy in Sea Girt, and we went out to Bill's house in Montclair,
met his wife, had dinner, and went over the last 50 or so years. The 1949 Blue
and White came out, and there were the pictures of the two of us, almost side-
by-side in each picture. I was on an old, fond memory overload!
Glad to see that Vinny Poisella is now involved with the newsletter, and of
course thinking of Vinny brought back memories of having been closely
involved with him in our Roselle and LaPorte years. Just by chance as we drove
through western New Jersey toward my sister's place in Bethlehem last summer,
we called Vinny and stopped in to see him and Jane. Enjoyed the couple of hours
visiting with them. I'm used to some steep driveways here in the mountains, but
Vinny's driveway requires a sherpa to navigate it.
Recently I read that we are on this earth for four purposes: to live, love, learn,
and leave a legacy. From my perspective, my life with the Marists and my life
with Mary have allowed me to attain goodly portions of all four. I am very
grateful. Once again we extend an invitation to stop and visit as you go up or
down I-81 near. There's always plenty of room and a welcome mat out. (Box 60,
Indian Valley VA 24105; 540-789-4056;
gpatrick@swva.net
)
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 68
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter68.html
10/11
FMS Update The Marist Provinces of Quebec and Iberville have combined to
form the new Administrative Unit of Canada. By the summer of 2003 the work
of restructuring the two American provinces will be complete. Restructuring is
occuring in many other parts of the Institute, most of which involves the union
of two or three provinces. Belgium/Holland, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland
are now united as the province of Western Central Europe.
NEW EDITOR: We are very pleased to announce that with the next issue of
Marists All Vincent Poisella ('58) will take over organizing and editing this
newsletter. For now David and Judy will continue to prepare envelopes. Gus,
Liz, and company will continue to oversee the printing and mailing of the
newsletter, and Gus will perhaps continue to be chief advisor. Richard Foy will
continue to care for the Marists All web site, keeping it updated with each new
issue and occasionally refreshing the lists of postal and e-mail addresses, as well
as other pages.
From JOHN WILCOX ('57): Sue and I will not be able to attend the Marist
Family Institute of Spirituality this summer. I will be at St. Mary's College in
Moraga, California, attending a three-year program for teachers at schools and
colleges of the Christian Brothers. The focus is on the history, spirituality, and
pedagogy of John Baptist de LaSalle. There are about 70 persons in the three-
year cycle. The LaSalle schools fund the program which runs from June 23 to
July 14. Sue will be joining me on July 3. Then she will be going to the
Benedictine Experience run by the Camaldolese Benedictines at Healsburg,
California. On the 14th we will head down to Big Sur where the New
Camaldolese Monastery is located, returning home on the 17th of July.
I am finishing my second term as chair of religious studies at Manhattan College
and beginning a new job on June 1. The President, Tom Scanlan, FSC, asked if I
would consider being Vice President for Mission at the college. It is the thing I
am most interested in. How effective are we in achieving our mission as a
Catholic and Lasallian College? We are also involved at the college in writing a
Lilly Grant on "Theological Exploration of Vocation." Wish us luck. (101
Logging Trail Road, Danbury CT 06811-22627; 860-730-9172;
jwilcox@manhattan.edu
)
GMC PICNIC -- Saturday, September 14th, Mount St. Michael:
The annual Greater Marist Community picnic will be held again this year at Mt.
St. Michael in the Bronx near the Mount Vernon border at Nereid and Murdock
Avenues. The picnic will be on Saturday, September 14th, from noon to 5 p.m.
Bring your own beverage and a potluck dish for a shared lunch. All Brothers are
most welcome to join in. Thanks to the Mount for their annual welcome. We
have been having this picnic each year on the second Saturday after Labor Day.
EDITORS' NOTE:
In the last issue of this newsletter the mention of our shrinking financial balance
led to seven of our people sending us donations totaling $285, which extends our
horizons one more issue. Of course, we are most grateful. Please be sure to
encourage our new editor with a fresh flow of written material for use in future
issues. Write to:
Vincent Poisella, 24 Brooklyn Mt. Rd., Hopatcong NJ 07843;
vtpoisella@yahoo.com
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 68
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter68.html
11/11
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com
Richard Foy, 717 Washington Ave., Chappaqua NY 10514-3309;
Richard.Foy@marist.edu
David Kammer, 499 East Pond Rd., Smithfield Me 04978;
kammer@tds.net
(new)
