Marists All: Issue #49 August 1999
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ISSUE # 49
August 1999
C.C.H.S. - LAWRENCE
Recent headlines from the Lawrence Eagle Tribune declare great news for
Central Catholic High School. "Before a shocked group of students, staff, and
friends gathered at CCHS to bid farewell to Principal Brother Richard Carey
(transferring to administer at Marist High, Chicago) Kingman Webster, an
Andover philanthropist, stepped forward and handed the school a check for one
million dollars. The money will be used to award scholarships in Brother Carey's
name to poor children to attend the private Roman Catholic school."
Just a week later the paper announced the long awaited decision by the
Lawrence City Council to make the former Auburn Street jail property available
to Central. The Council unanimously voted to sell the property to CCHS for one
dollar. Some are saying this is an additional Champagnat miracle! (Taken from
Marist Newsnotes of the US provinces, July, 1999)
GMC PICNIC
MOUNT ST. MICHAEL
SEPTEMBER 18th
noon to 5- Saturday
GMC PICNIC: Looking forward to seeing many of you at the annual Greater
Marist Community picnic to be held at Mt. St. Michael in the Bronx near the Mt.
Vernon border at Nereid and Murdock Avenues. The gathering will be on
Saturday, September 18th, from noon to 5 p.m. Come with spouse and children
or come alone. Bring your own beverage and a pot-luck dish for a shared meal.
All. Brothers are most welcome to join in. Thanks to the director and to the
community of the Mount for welcoming us. We have been having this picnic
each year on the second Saturday after Labor Day. Mark the 18th on your
calendar!
EVIDENCE or A HISTORY
The postage on the envelope is for 10¢ The postmark is September 11, 1976.
The return address is: Helen and John Tobin of Towace, New Jersey. The
addressee, Gus Nolan, recently discovered this envelope in his "archives." The
content: "Dear Gus, This is a short, but long overdue note to thank you and all of
your good friends who made the picnic at Cold Springs such a pleasant and heart
warming occasion. It really was a great delight for me and my wife Helen to be
able to share the day with all. Prayer for you and for all our old dear friends.
Sincerely, Pat Tobin ('39) (Note graciously shared recently by Helen Tobin;
notice of Pat's death in 1995 appeared in our issue #33)
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FROM ED (Edward Lawrence) CASHIN ('46): I enjoyed the last issue. Jeptha
Lanning's report on St. Marcellin was the next thing to being there in Rome. I
was moved by Jimmy McAleer's piece to actually write to him. Thanks for
keeping the newsletter going. Can you get Bill Buckley to write? We had the
ineffable Zig down to play the organ for our Milette's wedding. We enjoyed
having him and I think he had a good time. Mary Ann is enjoying retirement.
(3412 Woodstone Place, Augusta, Ga. 30909-1843)
FROM DON (Joel Matthew) RYAN ('42): Thank you for sharing the
reminiscences that so many have contributed to Marists All. I was particularly
delighted to read John McAleer's words in the latest issue. It brought back a
"host of memories" such letters stir up.. I can see John tending to the pansies,
petunias, et al, in the little garden just off the athletic field in the old novitiate
way back in '41.You and he, coming to us as "older men," seemed at the time so
much more "with it" to use a much more recent bit of jargon. (105 Hillside Road,
Sparta, New Jersey, 07871-2033)
FROM ED & VALERIE TOWSLEY ('62): Ed asked me to send the enclosed to
support the newsletter, Marists All. He reads it from cover to cover and saves all
the back issues.(28 RevereRoad ; Fishkill, N. Y. 12524)
FROM BILL (Bernard Gilmary) CONNELLY ('55): After four address changes
in seven years, all in south Florida, we have purchased a home in the PGA
National Golf and Resort Club in Palm Beach Gardens where we intend to be for
a while. You can put the following info in your records: 303 Sabal Palm lane
Palm Beach Gardens, F1. 33418; 561-799-2026; fax 561-630-1484.
FROM BERNIE (Bernard Aloysius) GARRETT ('44): The enclosed is to help
with the postage of Marists All. I haven't contributed to the "news" but do enjoy
reading about those I know and even those I'm not personally acquainted with. I
retired from teaching at the Mount three years ago this month; the newsletter
keeps me up-to-date. (38 Intian Trail, Bronx, New York, 10465-3841)
FROM RICHARD (Anthony Dominic) JAMBOR ('50): Life is fine here in
Japan. I hope that I can see you, Gus, when next you visit your brother in Tokyo;
that is, if I am still here. In April of 2000 I'll be living more permanently in the
Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, finally giving students a break. Have you
heard anything about John Redmond lately, and would you know the address of
Ed Lyons. You editors earn kudos for Marists All; each issue is a gem! Best to
all in the Poughkeepsie area. Peace! (558 Turnip Patch Drive, Meadow of Dan,
Virginia, 24120; 540-952-2591)
FROM ROBERT FALISEY ('65): I just received my copy of Marists All; thank
you for printing my story. Unfortunately you misprinted my address. It should be
520 Washington Boulevard. I would appreciate a correction in your next issue of
the newsletter. Thanks again for all the effort you put into this wonderful
publication. MAKEITAGREATDAY! (520 Washington Blvd., #595, Marina del
Rey, Ca.. 90292; 800-965-7574)
FROM BR., SEAN SAMMON, V. G. ('66): It It's a beautiful sunny Sunday
morning in Rome, We are spoiled here, winter temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees
Fahrenheit! How does anyone ever get used again to New England and New
York temperatures from December through March?
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I'm just back from the airport.The roads are filled with cyclists and runners of
various sizes and shapes and, I might add, various levels of physical
conditioning. Earlier today I myself was out to do a few miles of jogging. So
often in recent days I find myself saying: all this was so much easier just ten
years ago. Fifty-one. It's a good age and the blessings far outweigh the
disadvantages, but ...
I must confess that this is a bit of a form letter, but I hope to personalize it. The
"road" was my home from early August. On Christmas eve I arrived back in
Rome to face weeks of correspondence, faxes, reports. The eight weeks before
took me to France, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa. If nothing
else, this work is filling the gaps left from those geography classes of elementary
school days that I might have day-dreamed my way through. I must admit
though that I've come a long way from my first weeks in Rome. When someone
mentioned Darussalam a few days after my arrival in 1994, I was foolish enough
to ask, "What's that?" Informed that it is the capital of Tanzania, I quickly
squelched the passing thought that it was perhaps something edible and available
at Zabars!
From September to mid December there was a Marist Family renewal session in
Bellay, France. That was my first stop on this round of recent travels. About
thirty participants: seven Marist Brothers and an equal number of Marist Sisters,
Missionary Sisters, and Marist Fathers. I gave a week on sexuality and celibate
chastity. Whatt a fine group gathered for the program. I was sorry to depart.
In early November I headed to Zimbabwe. The country was quite tense on
arrival. The government had just raised the cost of cooking fuel by 300%. The
price of a number of other essentials had also been boosted to an unconscionable
level. There was some rioting in Harare, the capital. The government, which is
mismanaging the country, backed down on some items. I fear that over time the
situation will only get worse. We have brothers there in Harare, and also in
Kutama, a mission station about 100 kilometers outside of the capital, There are
two other missions that we staff in the country, both at considerable distance
from Harare. Our regional novitiate for southern Africa is also located about an
hour from the city. There are about 25 novices there.
The novices are a wonderful group of unfinished young people. When I
commented, though, on how young they looked, I was told, "Sean, they are the
same age as always; you, on the other hand, are getting older." Encouraging
news, isn't it? Jeff Crowe, another member of our General Administration and
originally from Australia, was traveling with me. We spent a week in Zimbabwe
meeting with the brothers and members of school administrations and staffs, I
did some teaching at the novitiate.
Zambia followed. It too suffers from poor goverment. The roads are in dreadful
condition. There are so many potholes. People weave back and forth on the
roads to avoid the deep holes. The conventional wisdom in Zambia: if you see
someone driving in a straight line, he or she must be drunk! Poverty is
widespread. In many parts of the country most people eat but once a day. The
staple of the diet is maize. There was great fear of a drought when we were
there. After months without precipitation the arrival of rain was a great relief, so
much so that I delighted in going out and getting soaking wet in one of the
storms. We have two missions in Zambia, one in Kabwe and a second in
Chingola. Unemployment is high, Our brothers work at a vocational center in
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Chingola, teaching auto mechanics, one of the few areas in which there is some
chance of work.
Next we visited Malawi, a country of rolling hills and great natural beauty. Once
again, though, there is a lot of poverty. Finally we reached South Africa, the
"new South Africa" as it is referred to today. what a contrast to the previous
weeks. I thought that I had landed in California.
South Africa is going through considerable social upheaval. I found myself very
emotional throughout my days in Johannesburg, Durban, and Capetown. One
evening sone of our schools in Johannesburg, Sacred Heart, had a year end Mass
for the elementary pupils. Nelson Mandella's grandchildren are students at the
school, so he showed up for the Mass. He entered the Church through a side
door with little fanfare and not much security. During the Our Father I watched
small white, black, and mixed race boys and girls join hands and sing the words
of the Lord's Prayer. I turned and looked at Mandella, who was only a few feet
away, and thought to myself: this man spent the better part of a lifetime in prison
hoping to see this moment. It was very moving.
In my visits to the townships I had a chance to talk with many wonderful people
running pre-school programs for children in very desperate situations. These
centers operate so that the mothers can continue to work. The staffs were an
inspiration. A teacher at one of the centers comes in at 4 a.m. to receive the first
child who arrives at 4:30 a.m. The kids, not having had many white visitors in
recent times, amused themselves feeling the texture of my hair and marveling
that my nose was more pointed than theirs. It struck me that I never think of
myself as being of a different race when I am in so many African Nations, until
something like that occurs.
So often on this trip I wanted to send a note back to Rome with instructions that
those folks there should arrange for a replacement for me in the General
Administration. That would free me up to stay wherever I happened to be and to
help out. There is so much to do and so many situations have such needs. For
instance, in a rural Zambian village the local people with the help of some of our
brothers have put together a community based school, determined to see their
kids literate, though those local folks barely have a roof over their family's
heads.
The year has been like that in so many ways. I've learned how blessed we are at
home. Earlier my trips have taken me to Sri Lanka (the old Ceylon), Hong Kong,
the Philippines, and a number of other places. I've learned what a small place the
world is and how we can make a difference by sharing what we have.
My health is good. Now four years plus from the brain tumor, there has been no
reoccurrence. Facing a life-threatening illness makes each day so precious and is
another sign of how short life actually is. The doctors assure me that I shall live
to a ripe old age; I take it one day at a time.The meds that I must take each day
remind me each day to be grateful for the gift of life. My days are full with
teaching, writing (I have another book that I hope to get finished sometime this
year), and work with the brothers in various parts of the world. I'm happy; that in
itself is a blessing beyond measure. May the year 2000 find us all a bit closer t o
that goal for which we all strive: a world that will be better for the children of
today and tomorrow, and hearts generous enough to insure that it is so. Blessings
and love from Rome. (Fratelli Maristi; Piazzale M. Champagnat, 2; C.P. 10250;
00144, Rome, Italy) (ssammon@aol.com)
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"JUNIOR" JUBILARIANS: 1999
25th:
Br. Louis Bentivegna
Br. George Dicarluccio
Br. John Healy
Br. Armand Lamagna
Br. Lawrence Lavallee
Br. Michael Sheerin
35th:
Br. Timothy Brady
Br. Kevin Brogan
Br. Emil Denworth
Br. Michael Fisher
Br. Denis Hever
Br. Kenneth Hogan
Br. James Norton
Br. Thomas Petitte
Br. Frederick Sambor
Br. Henry Sawicki
Br. Joseph Scanlon
40th:
Br. John Bantz
Br. Gerard Brereton
Br. John Cherry
Br. Robert Conley
Br. Ronald David
Br. Joseph DiBenedetto
Br. Francis Garza
Br. John Herrmann
Br. Richard LaRose
Br. Benedict LoBalbo
Br. John McDonagh
Br. John McDonnell
Br. Raoul Molnar
Br. Michael Mullin
Br. John Nash
Br. Donald Nugent
Br. Edmund Sheehan
Br. James Stevens
Br. Michael Williams
45th:
Br. Paul Bernard
Br. Charles Marcellin
Br. Joseph Maura
Br. Richard Shea
Br. Hugh Turley
FROM JOE (Eugene Michael) HORAN ('50): I want to express my personal
gratitude to everyone who was involved in the organizational planning for the
Champagnat Sainthood programs. It had to be an enormous undertaking; it was
evident throughout that much care was given to each decision made.The
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invitation to former Marists to join the group was a wonderful welcome. Since I
was one of those invited and one of those attending, I do express my deep
gratitude.
This invite not only allowed me to share my feelings toward the Sainthood of
Champagnat but also to share remembrances of my years as a Brother. It was a
high note of the activities. The meeting of former classmates as well as many
others who shared my Marist life was truly a family reunion. And there was the
warm, genuine welcome by the present Brothers who so wanted to know what
Marist life in our time was like, especially the beginning of the building program
at the college. The stories we told! Throughout all of these activities I felt
completely at home with family. Back in the U.S. I had many new memories to
share with my own family.
During our few days in Rome several of my classmates discussed the possibility
of a 50th class reunion in the year 2000, perhaps again at Marist College. Interest
was high. We would like to welcome all of our former group. First, we need
volunteers to begin the organizing process. Hopefully we can urge the leaders of
our 40th reunion to give us guiding light. So classmates of the group of 1950,
put on your thinking caps. We need suggestions. And we need updates on home
addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail.(P.O. Box 158, Eldred, N. Y. 12732;
dolojoe@warwick.net; 914-557-8755)
GMC PICNIC:
MT. ST. MICHAEL,
SEPTEMBER 18th, SATURDAY,
NOON TO 5
DECEASED:
Br. James Gerard Dixon ('46) passed away suddenly on April 16th at the age of
70. He had taught in New York, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey. Most recently
he was working in the Chancery Office for the Newark Archdiocese.
Br. Denis Coleman Buckley (' 36) suffered a severe stroke April 27 and died
April 29th. He was 80., Br. Denis was a missionary to the Philippines from 1950
to 1978. He was at the Mount much of his later years.
Br. Romuald Lucien Duguay ('42) died May 14th of congestive heart failure and
pneumonia. He was 75 years old. Br. Iucien was retired and lived with the
Roselle, New Jersey, community, helping out at the school there.
DONNA RYAN BIBEAU (GMC 1988-99): Maurice Bibeau ('50) and Donna
were married on July 17th, 1988 and both have been very much part of the
Marist College Chapel Community and of the Greater Marist Community. Father
Ronald Calhoun of Reading, Massachusetts, officiated at their wedding and
Donna wanted him to celebrate her anticipated funeral Mass. Thus, the following
edifying letter to Father Calhoun. Donna died this past May 28th.
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"I want to fill you in on what has been happening with me. Since my last letter I
tried another chemo, adriamyacin.It didn't work. I was real sick. I lost 14 pounds
in one week (so it wasn't all bad). Soon we try another one and hope for the best.
I did have some spot radiation for back pain and it worked for a while.
It was a great relief. Little miracles count, too. The cancer has spread. I have
some tumors in my abdomen and shoulder and one that is pressing on my vocal
cord, so it sounds like I have a cold.
"I am still getting out. I drive and we still go out socially and are enjoying what
time we have together. Maurice makes me feel so happy inside no matter how
bad the pain. We have so much love together.
"I still need to talk to my great nephew, Michael. We're real close. He's 9. I think
it would be best if I tell him. I want to make sure he understands. I know he'll
hear many different sayings: "God's will." "My time.' "God wanted me in
heaven," He needs to understand that God wants us to live and enjoy all His
gifts. He wants us to live and love each other. We die for lots of reasons,
sickness, accidents, wars. And the exact moment we die, that's when God takes
over and takes care of our soul, not before. God takes care of us.
"I talked to Father Frank. He's in Andover. He said he would concelebrate the
Mass with you. He's enjoying being just a parish priest, not a pastor. No
pressure." (Included with permission of Maurice Bibeau)
FROM CASIMIR PODLASKI ('65): Marist spirit lives on. Thirty-five years
after my first entrance through the doors of St. Joseph's Novitiate in rural
Tyngsboro I find that my attitudes and actions are still very strongly influenced
by the Marist experience, Yes, there were some not-so-positive experiences and
tensions, some real and some imagined, but the camaraderie with the likes of
Rich Stanulwich, Jim Gormally, and Brother James Devine and the dedication
shown by the faculty and by those novices in the class ahead of me override any
of the negatives. I am currently unmarried and have a daughter in her twenties
and a beautiful granddaughter. Both of my parents are in their 80s. My whole
family is doing well and is still a strong influence in my life. Peace. (65
Stonecrest Drive, Bristol, Ct. 06010; 860-889-0212)
Participants: MARIST FAMILY INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY
July 1999
Br. Joseph Belanger
Jan & Larry Keogh
Jane & Vincent Poisella
Sue Callahan
Rev. Owen Lafferty
Don Schmidt
Anne & Dom Cavallaro
Ray Landry
John Scileppi
Catherine Cherry
Anne & Marty Lang
Br. Michael Sheerin
Br. Luke Driscoll
Br. Charles Marcellin
Anne & Barney Sheriday
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Anne & Jack Duggan
Gus Nolan
Helen Tobin
Ginny & Bob Grady
Roseanne & Jim O'Brien
Br. Hugh Turley
Br. Martin Healy
Carol & Bob O'Hanley
Sue & John Wilcox
Judy & David Kammer
Betty & Adrian Perreault
Pat & Gene Zirkel
COMMENTS by Participants of the Institute:
This summer's MFIS was the best yet. The theme of the Christian Journey
supported by the gospel story of Emmaus was well chosen and highly
influential. The presenters did a wonderful job, and the discussions were fruitful.
I sensed that everyone was sincerely searching for a deeper personal relationship
with God/Jesus. People were grateful for the time they had to share their
longings and experiences in an open and supportive community.
I am grateful for great companions on the journey, and am amazed at the depth
of Marist/Champagnat spirit and charism.
I enjoyed the focus on spirituality. I tend to focus on facts and/or ideas. This
weekend I tried instead to look within.
I always receive a spiritual lift from these weekends. I only wish that we could
have them more than once a year.
The presence of God in our lives was a theme I hadn't focused on before this
weekend, yet it clearly dominated my thinking during and afterwards.
I am inspired to continue growing spiritually.
I have deep gratitude for the whole experience, especially for the sharing of
insights by all who were part of the group, whether in scheduled gatherings or in
informal settings.
How the Marist spirit binds people!
Jesus journeyed with us on the road in a special way for these three days.
My main feeling is one of peace and joy.
I am blown away by the powerful bonds displayed in this community, bonds
with each other and with Champagnat.
There are few people I could share with, as I can share with these people. It's a
blessing to be part of this weekend.
How good it is to be with sisters and brothers who are also searching and who
are non-judgmental and accepting.
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FROM ED (Martin Jude) CASTINE ('50): The past few months have certainly
been times of great celebration for all Marists with the canonization of Father
Champagnat. Who can fail to remember the many times prayers were said for his
beatification and later for his canonization. We rejoice that he and his
accomplishments are now recognized so completely by the entire Church. It is
taking some time for us to get used to addressing our prayers and petitions to
"Saint Marcellin," frequently having to correct ourselves from "Blessed" to
"Saint."
With great interest we read the tribute to Saint Marcellin Champagnat that was
written by Br. Joseph Belanger and sent to us by Br. Hugh Turley. Its style and
content conveyed a refreshing portrayal of our Father Champagnat, different
from the "Life of the Founder" that we studied during our training years. Thanks
Brother Joseph. Does anyone know if the life of Father Champagnat has ever
been rewritten? If so, are there copies available and where?
Many thanks to Jeptha Lanning for his great report on the actual canonization in
Rome. It had to be a once in a lifetime experience.
For the last year and a half Maureen and I have been working for the Carmelite
Sisters in West Palm Beach. They operate a retirement community that has
several divisions: nursing home, assisted living, and independent living. This
past spring we decided to move on and to retire for the second time. We are now
looking forward to travel and camping with our Coachmen trailer as home away
from home.
As we approach Y2K my thoughts turn to my group, the class of 1950. Many
will be celebrating their golden jubilee as Marists, hopefully in a very
appropriate and well deserved way. I would certainly want the opportunity to
celebrate with them and with all of the members of the group. Has anyone given
any thought to this as a fifty year reunion? Maureen and I would love to hear
from you!
For some time Maureen and I have had another thought, We have never been
able to attend the GMC picnic, set this year for September 18th. Distance and
employment have always posed a problem. Employment is no longer a problem,
but distance is. Since there are so many members of "Marists All" living in
Florida, at least part time, would it be feasible to have a Florida GMC picnic
sometime during the fall or winter? We would like to hear your comments on
that.(2856 Cambridge Rd.., Lantana, Fl. 33462-3815; 561-642-0335; Ed_ Moe
Cast@MSN.Com)
N.B. Br. Sean Sammon has written a very readable life of the founderwith a
number of interesting new insights based on more recent research. It is available
by contact with: Br. Hank Hammer10114 South Leavitt Chicago, I1. 60643; 773-
239-8954
Q U E S T I 0 N A I R E
Would you please fill in the following blanks and within the week mail this last
sheet to one of the editors listed at the bottom of this page. We would like to
create a fresh data base for possible further interaction.
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Name
Full postal address
E-mail address
Phone number
Year of Marist investiture
Circle a, b, c
a) Do you usually read this newsletter in its entirety?
b) Do you usually read only those items that attract you, especially those by
people whose names you recognize?
c) Do you have very minimal interest in this newsletter?
DO YOU WISH TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE MARISTS ALL?
Please use the reverse side of this sheet to write something for Marists All, tell
us what you are doing these days: profession, family, volunteer work, hobbies,
travels ..
N.B. Be sure to inform us if you ever have a change of address, etc.
Within the week please
MAIL TO:
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Street, Poughkeepsie, New York, 12601
David Kammer, R.R. #1 - Box 3300, Smithfield, Maine, 04978
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ISSUE # 49
August 1999
C.C.H.S. - LAWRENCE
Recent headlines from the Lawrence Eagle Tribune declare great news for
Central Catholic High School. "Before a shocked group of students, staff, and
friends gathered at CCHS to bid farewell to Principal Brother Richard Carey
(transferring to administer at Marist High, Chicago) Kingman Webster, an
Andover philanthropist, stepped forward and handed the school a check for one
million dollars. The money will be used to award scholarships in Brother Carey's
name to poor children to attend the private Roman Catholic school."
Just a week later the paper announced the long awaited decision by the
Lawrence City Council to make the former Auburn Street jail property available
to Central. The Council unanimously voted to sell the property to CCHS for one
dollar. Some are saying this is an additional Champagnat miracle! (Taken from
Marist Newsnotes of the US provinces, July, 1999)
GMC PICNIC
MOUNT ST. MICHAEL
SEPTEMBER 18th
noon to 5- Saturday
GMC PICNIC: Looking forward to seeing many of you at the annual Greater
Marist Community picnic to be held at Mt. St. Michael in the Bronx near the Mt.
Vernon border at Nereid and Murdock Avenues. The gathering will be on
Saturday, September 18th, from noon to 5 p.m. Come with spouse and children
or come alone. Bring your own beverage and a pot-luck dish for a shared meal.
All. Brothers are most welcome to join in. Thanks to the director and to the
community of the Mount for welcoming us. We have been having this picnic
each year on the second Saturday after Labor Day. Mark the 18th on your
calendar!
EVIDENCE or A HISTORY
The postage on the envelope is for 10¢ The postmark is September 11, 1976.
The return address is: Helen and John Tobin of Towace, New Jersey. The
addressee, Gus Nolan, recently discovered this envelope in his "archives." The
content: "Dear Gus, This is a short, but long overdue note to thank you and all of
your good friends who made the picnic at Cold Springs such a pleasant and heart
warming occasion. It really was a great delight for me and my wife Helen to be
able to share the day with all. Prayer for you and for all our old dear friends.
Sincerely, Pat Tobin ('39) (Note graciously shared recently by Helen Tobin;
notice of Pat's death in 1995 appeared in our issue #33)
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FROM ED (Edward Lawrence) CASHIN ('46): I enjoyed the last issue. Jeptha
Lanning's report on St. Marcellin was the next thing to being there in Rome. I
was moved by Jimmy McAleer's piece to actually write to him. Thanks for
keeping the newsletter going. Can you get Bill Buckley to write? We had the
ineffable Zig down to play the organ for our Milette's wedding. We enjoyed
having him and I think he had a good time. Mary Ann is enjoying retirement.
(3412 Woodstone Place, Augusta, Ga. 30909-1843)
FROM DON (Joel Matthew) RYAN ('42): Thank you for sharing the
reminiscences that so many have contributed to Marists All. I was particularly
delighted to read John McAleer's words in the latest issue. It brought back a
"host of memories" such letters stir up.. I can see John tending to the pansies,
petunias, et al, in the little garden just off the athletic field in the old novitiate
way back in '41.You and he, coming to us as "older men," seemed at the time so
much more "with it" to use a much more recent bit of jargon. (105 Hillside Road,
Sparta, New Jersey, 07871-2033)
FROM ED & VALERIE TOWSLEY ('62): Ed asked me to send the enclosed to
support the newsletter, Marists All. He reads it from cover to cover and saves all
the back issues.(28 RevereRoad ; Fishkill, N. Y. 12524)
FROM BILL (Bernard Gilmary) CONNELLY ('55): After four address changes
in seven years, all in south Florida, we have purchased a home in the PGA
National Golf and Resort Club in Palm Beach Gardens where we intend to be for
a while. You can put the following info in your records: 303 Sabal Palm lane
Palm Beach Gardens, F1. 33418; 561-799-2026; fax 561-630-1484.
FROM BERNIE (Bernard Aloysius) GARRETT ('44): The enclosed is to help
with the postage of Marists All. I haven't contributed to the "news" but do enjoy
reading about those I know and even those I'm not personally acquainted with. I
retired from teaching at the Mount three years ago this month; the newsletter
keeps me up-to-date. (38 Intian Trail, Bronx, New York, 10465-3841)
FROM RICHARD (Anthony Dominic) JAMBOR ('50): Life is fine here in
Japan. I hope that I can see you, Gus, when next you visit your brother in Tokyo;
that is, if I am still here. In April of 2000 I'll be living more permanently in the
Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, finally giving students a break. Have you
heard anything about John Redmond lately, and would you know the address of
Ed Lyons. You editors earn kudos for Marists All; each issue is a gem! Best to
all in the Poughkeepsie area. Peace! (558 Turnip Patch Drive, Meadow of Dan,
Virginia, 24120; 540-952-2591)
FROM ROBERT FALISEY ('65): I just received my copy of Marists All; thank
you for printing my story. Unfortunately you misprinted my address. It should be
520 Washington Boulevard. I would appreciate a correction in your next issue of
the newsletter. Thanks again for all the effort you put into this wonderful
publication. MAKEITAGREATDAY! (520 Washington Blvd., #595, Marina del
Rey, Ca.. 90292; 800-965-7574)
FROM BR., SEAN SAMMON, V. G. ('66): It It's a beautiful sunny Sunday
morning in Rome, We are spoiled here, winter temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees
Fahrenheit! How does anyone ever get used again to New England and New
York temperatures from December through March?
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I'm just back from the airport.The roads are filled with cyclists and runners of
various sizes and shapes and, I might add, various levels of physical
conditioning. Earlier today I myself was out to do a few miles of jogging. So
often in recent days I find myself saying: all this was so much easier just ten
years ago. Fifty-one. It's a good age and the blessings far outweigh the
disadvantages, but ...
I must confess that this is a bit of a form letter, but I hope to personalize it. The
"road" was my home from early August. On Christmas eve I arrived back in
Rome to face weeks of correspondence, faxes, reports. The eight weeks before
took me to France, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa. If nothing
else, this work is filling the gaps left from those geography classes of elementary
school days that I might have day-dreamed my way through. I must admit
though that I've come a long way from my first weeks in Rome. When someone
mentioned Darussalam a few days after my arrival in 1994, I was foolish enough
to ask, "What's that?" Informed that it is the capital of Tanzania, I quickly
squelched the passing thought that it was perhaps something edible and available
at Zabars!
From September to mid December there was a Marist Family renewal session in
Bellay, France. That was my first stop on this round of recent travels. About
thirty participants: seven Marist Brothers and an equal number of Marist Sisters,
Missionary Sisters, and Marist Fathers. I gave a week on sexuality and celibate
chastity. Whatt a fine group gathered for the program. I was sorry to depart.
In early November I headed to Zimbabwe. The country was quite tense on
arrival. The government had just raised the cost of cooking fuel by 300%. The
price of a number of other essentials had also been boosted to an unconscionable
level. There was some rioting in Harare, the capital. The government, which is
mismanaging the country, backed down on some items. I fear that over time the
situation will only get worse. We have brothers there in Harare, and also in
Kutama, a mission station about 100 kilometers outside of the capital, There are
two other missions that we staff in the country, both at considerable distance
from Harare. Our regional novitiate for southern Africa is also located about an
hour from the city. There are about 25 novices there.
The novices are a wonderful group of unfinished young people. When I
commented, though, on how young they looked, I was told, "Sean, they are the
same age as always; you, on the other hand, are getting older." Encouraging
news, isn't it? Jeff Crowe, another member of our General Administration and
originally from Australia, was traveling with me. We spent a week in Zimbabwe
meeting with the brothers and members of school administrations and staffs, I
did some teaching at the novitiate.
Zambia followed. It too suffers from poor goverment. The roads are in dreadful
condition. There are so many potholes. People weave back and forth on the
roads to avoid the deep holes. The conventional wisdom in Zambia: if you see
someone driving in a straight line, he or she must be drunk! Poverty is
widespread. In many parts of the country most people eat but once a day. The
staple of the diet is maize. There was great fear of a drought when we were
there. After months without precipitation the arrival of rain was a great relief, so
much so that I delighted in going out and getting soaking wet in one of the
storms. We have two missions in Zambia, one in Kabwe and a second in
Chingola. Unemployment is high, Our brothers work at a vocational center in
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Chingola, teaching auto mechanics, one of the few areas in which there is some
chance of work.
Next we visited Malawi, a country of rolling hills and great natural beauty. Once
again, though, there is a lot of poverty. Finally we reached South Africa, the
"new South Africa" as it is referred to today. what a contrast to the previous
weeks. I thought that I had landed in California.
South Africa is going through considerable social upheaval. I found myself very
emotional throughout my days in Johannesburg, Durban, and Capetown. One
evening sone of our schools in Johannesburg, Sacred Heart, had a year end Mass
for the elementary pupils. Nelson Mandella's grandchildren are students at the
school, so he showed up for the Mass. He entered the Church through a side
door with little fanfare and not much security. During the Our Father I watched
small white, black, and mixed race boys and girls join hands and sing the words
of the Lord's Prayer. I turned and looked at Mandella, who was only a few feet
away, and thought to myself: this man spent the better part of a lifetime in prison
hoping to see this moment. It was very moving.
In my visits to the townships I had a chance to talk with many wonderful people
running pre-school programs for children in very desperate situations. These
centers operate so that the mothers can continue to work. The staffs were an
inspiration. A teacher at one of the centers comes in at 4 a.m. to receive the first
child who arrives at 4:30 a.m. The kids, not having had many white visitors in
recent times, amused themselves feeling the texture of my hair and marveling
that my nose was more pointed than theirs. It struck me that I never think of
myself as being of a different race when I am in so many African Nations, until
something like that occurs.
So often on this trip I wanted to send a note back to Rome with instructions that
those folks there should arrange for a replacement for me in the General
Administration. That would free me up to stay wherever I happened to be and to
help out. There is so much to do and so many situations have such needs. For
instance, in a rural Zambian village the local people with the help of some of our
brothers have put together a community based school, determined to see their
kids literate, though those local folks barely have a roof over their family's
heads.
The year has been like that in so many ways. I've learned how blessed we are at
home. Earlier my trips have taken me to Sri Lanka (the old Ceylon), Hong Kong,
the Philippines, and a number of other places. I've learned what a small place the
world is and how we can make a difference by sharing what we have.
My health is good. Now four years plus from the brain tumor, there has been no
reoccurrence. Facing a life-threatening illness makes each day so precious and is
another sign of how short life actually is. The doctors assure me that I shall live
to a ripe old age; I take it one day at a time.The meds that I must take each day
remind me each day to be grateful for the gift of life. My days are full with
teaching, writing (I have another book that I hope to get finished sometime this
year), and work with the brothers in various parts of the world. I'm happy; that in
itself is a blessing beyond measure. May the year 2000 find us all a bit closer t o
that goal for which we all strive: a world that will be better for the children of
today and tomorrow, and hearts generous enough to insure that it is so. Blessings
and love from Rome. (Fratelli Maristi; Piazzale M. Champagnat, 2; C.P. 10250;
00144, Rome, Italy) (ssammon@aol.com)
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"JUNIOR" JUBILARIANS: 1999
25th:
Br. Louis Bentivegna
Br. George Dicarluccio
Br. John Healy
Br. Armand Lamagna
Br. Lawrence Lavallee
Br. Michael Sheerin
35th:
Br. Timothy Brady
Br. Kevin Brogan
Br. Emil Denworth
Br. Michael Fisher
Br. Denis Hever
Br. Kenneth Hogan
Br. James Norton
Br. Thomas Petitte
Br. Frederick Sambor
Br. Henry Sawicki
Br. Joseph Scanlon
40th:
Br. John Bantz
Br. Gerard Brereton
Br. John Cherry
Br. Robert Conley
Br. Ronald David
Br. Joseph DiBenedetto
Br. Francis Garza
Br. John Herrmann
Br. Richard LaRose
Br. Benedict LoBalbo
Br. John McDonagh
Br. John McDonnell
Br. Raoul Molnar
Br. Michael Mullin
Br. John Nash
Br. Donald Nugent
Br. Edmund Sheehan
Br. James Stevens
Br. Michael Williams
45th:
Br. Paul Bernard
Br. Charles Marcellin
Br. Joseph Maura
Br. Richard Shea
Br. Hugh Turley
FROM JOE (Eugene Michael) HORAN ('50): I want to express my personal
gratitude to everyone who was involved in the organizational planning for the
Champagnat Sainthood programs. It had to be an enormous undertaking; it was
evident throughout that much care was given to each decision made.The
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invitation to former Marists to join the group was a wonderful welcome. Since I
was one of those invited and one of those attending, I do express my deep
gratitude.
This invite not only allowed me to share my feelings toward the Sainthood of
Champagnat but also to share remembrances of my years as a Brother. It was a
high note of the activities. The meeting of former classmates as well as many
others who shared my Marist life was truly a family reunion. And there was the
warm, genuine welcome by the present Brothers who so wanted to know what
Marist life in our time was like, especially the beginning of the building program
at the college. The stories we told! Throughout all of these activities I felt
completely at home with family. Back in the U.S. I had many new memories to
share with my own family.
During our few days in Rome several of my classmates discussed the possibility
of a 50th class reunion in the year 2000, perhaps again at Marist College. Interest
was high. We would like to welcome all of our former group. First, we need
volunteers to begin the organizing process. Hopefully we can urge the leaders of
our 40th reunion to give us guiding light. So classmates of the group of 1950,
put on your thinking caps. We need suggestions. And we need updates on home
addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail.(P.O. Box 158, Eldred, N. Y. 12732;
dolojoe@warwick.net; 914-557-8755)
GMC PICNIC:
MT. ST. MICHAEL,
SEPTEMBER 18th, SATURDAY,
NOON TO 5
DECEASED:
Br. James Gerard Dixon ('46) passed away suddenly on April 16th at the age of
70. He had taught in New York, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey. Most recently
he was working in the Chancery Office for the Newark Archdiocese.
Br. Denis Coleman Buckley (' 36) suffered a severe stroke April 27 and died
April 29th. He was 80., Br. Denis was a missionary to the Philippines from 1950
to 1978. He was at the Mount much of his later years.
Br. Romuald Lucien Duguay ('42) died May 14th of congestive heart failure and
pneumonia. He was 75 years old. Br. Iucien was retired and lived with the
Roselle, New Jersey, community, helping out at the school there.
DONNA RYAN BIBEAU (GMC 1988-99): Maurice Bibeau ('50) and Donna
were married on July 17th, 1988 and both have been very much part of the
Marist College Chapel Community and of the Greater Marist Community. Father
Ronald Calhoun of Reading, Massachusetts, officiated at their wedding and
Donna wanted him to celebrate her anticipated funeral Mass. Thus, the following
edifying letter to Father Calhoun. Donna died this past May 28th.
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"I want to fill you in on what has been happening with me. Since my last letter I
tried another chemo, adriamyacin.It didn't work. I was real sick. I lost 14 pounds
in one week (so it wasn't all bad). Soon we try another one and hope for the best.
I did have some spot radiation for back pain and it worked for a while.
It was a great relief. Little miracles count, too. The cancer has spread. I have
some tumors in my abdomen and shoulder and one that is pressing on my vocal
cord, so it sounds like I have a cold.
"I am still getting out. I drive and we still go out socially and are enjoying what
time we have together. Maurice makes me feel so happy inside no matter how
bad the pain. We have so much love together.
"I still need to talk to my great nephew, Michael. We're real close. He's 9. I think
it would be best if I tell him. I want to make sure he understands. I know he'll
hear many different sayings: "God's will." "My time.' "God wanted me in
heaven," He needs to understand that God wants us to live and enjoy all His
gifts. He wants us to live and love each other. We die for lots of reasons,
sickness, accidents, wars. And the exact moment we die, that's when God takes
over and takes care of our soul, not before. God takes care of us.
"I talked to Father Frank. He's in Andover. He said he would concelebrate the
Mass with you. He's enjoying being just a parish priest, not a pastor. No
pressure." (Included with permission of Maurice Bibeau)
FROM CASIMIR PODLASKI ('65): Marist spirit lives on. Thirty-five years
after my first entrance through the doors of St. Joseph's Novitiate in rural
Tyngsboro I find that my attitudes and actions are still very strongly influenced
by the Marist experience, Yes, there were some not-so-positive experiences and
tensions, some real and some imagined, but the camaraderie with the likes of
Rich Stanulwich, Jim Gormally, and Brother James Devine and the dedication
shown by the faculty and by those novices in the class ahead of me override any
of the negatives. I am currently unmarried and have a daughter in her twenties
and a beautiful granddaughter. Both of my parents are in their 80s. My whole
family is doing well and is still a strong influence in my life. Peace. (65
Stonecrest Drive, Bristol, Ct. 06010; 860-889-0212)
Participants: MARIST FAMILY INSTITUTE OF SPIRITUALITY
July 1999
Br. Joseph Belanger
Jan & Larry Keogh
Jane & Vincent Poisella
Sue Callahan
Rev. Owen Lafferty
Don Schmidt
Anne & Dom Cavallaro
Ray Landry
John Scileppi
Catherine Cherry
Anne & Marty Lang
Br. Michael Sheerin
Br. Luke Driscoll
Br. Charles Marcellin
Anne & Barney Sheriday
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Anne & Jack Duggan
Gus Nolan
Helen Tobin
Ginny & Bob Grady
Roseanne & Jim O'Brien
Br. Hugh Turley
Br. Martin Healy
Carol & Bob O'Hanley
Sue & John Wilcox
Judy & David Kammer
Betty & Adrian Perreault
Pat & Gene Zirkel
COMMENTS by Participants of the Institute:
This summer's MFIS was the best yet. The theme of the Christian Journey
supported by the gospel story of Emmaus was well chosen and highly
influential. The presenters did a wonderful job, and the discussions were fruitful.
I sensed that everyone was sincerely searching for a deeper personal relationship
with God/Jesus. People were grateful for the time they had to share their
longings and experiences in an open and supportive community.
I am grateful for great companions on the journey, and am amazed at the depth
of Marist/Champagnat spirit and charism.
I enjoyed the focus on spirituality. I tend to focus on facts and/or ideas. This
weekend I tried instead to look within.
I always receive a spiritual lift from these weekends. I only wish that we could
have them more than once a year.
The presence of God in our lives was a theme I hadn't focused on before this
weekend, yet it clearly dominated my thinking during and afterwards.
I am inspired to continue growing spiritually.
I have deep gratitude for the whole experience, especially for the sharing of
insights by all who were part of the group, whether in scheduled gatherings or in
informal settings.
How the Marist spirit binds people!
Jesus journeyed with us on the road in a special way for these three days.
My main feeling is one of peace and joy.
I am blown away by the powerful bonds displayed in this community, bonds
with each other and with Champagnat.
There are few people I could share with, as I can share with these people. It's a
blessing to be part of this weekend.
How good it is to be with sisters and brothers who are also searching and who
are non-judgmental and accepting.
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FROM ED (Martin Jude) CASTINE ('50): The past few months have certainly
been times of great celebration for all Marists with the canonization of Father
Champagnat. Who can fail to remember the many times prayers were said for his
beatification and later for his canonization. We rejoice that he and his
accomplishments are now recognized so completely by the entire Church. It is
taking some time for us to get used to addressing our prayers and petitions to
"Saint Marcellin," frequently having to correct ourselves from "Blessed" to
"Saint."
With great interest we read the tribute to Saint Marcellin Champagnat that was
written by Br. Joseph Belanger and sent to us by Br. Hugh Turley. Its style and
content conveyed a refreshing portrayal of our Father Champagnat, different
from the "Life of the Founder" that we studied during our training years. Thanks
Brother Joseph. Does anyone know if the life of Father Champagnat has ever
been rewritten? If so, are there copies available and where?
Many thanks to Jeptha Lanning for his great report on the actual canonization in
Rome. It had to be a once in a lifetime experience.
For the last year and a half Maureen and I have been working for the Carmelite
Sisters in West Palm Beach. They operate a retirement community that has
several divisions: nursing home, assisted living, and independent living. This
past spring we decided to move on and to retire for the second time. We are now
looking forward to travel and camping with our Coachmen trailer as home away
from home.
As we approach Y2K my thoughts turn to my group, the class of 1950. Many
will be celebrating their golden jubilee as Marists, hopefully in a very
appropriate and well deserved way. I would certainly want the opportunity to
celebrate with them and with all of the members of the group. Has anyone given
any thought to this as a fifty year reunion? Maureen and I would love to hear
from you!
For some time Maureen and I have had another thought, We have never been
able to attend the GMC picnic, set this year for September 18th. Distance and
employment have always posed a problem. Employment is no longer a problem,
but distance is. Since there are so many members of "Marists All" living in
Florida, at least part time, would it be feasible to have a Florida GMC picnic
sometime during the fall or winter? We would like to hear your comments on
that.(2856 Cambridge Rd.., Lantana, Fl. 33462-3815; 561-642-0335; Ed_ Moe
Cast@MSN.Com)
N.B. Br. Sean Sammon has written a very readable life of the founderwith a
number of interesting new insights based on more recent research. It is available
by contact with: Br. Hank Hammer10114 South Leavitt Chicago, I1. 60643; 773-
239-8954
Q U E S T I 0 N A I R E
Would you please fill in the following blanks and within the week mail this last
sheet to one of the editors listed at the bottom of this page. We would like to
create a fresh data base for possible further interaction.
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Name
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Circle a, b, c
a) Do you usually read this newsletter in its entirety?
b) Do you usually read only those items that attract you, especially those by
people whose names you recognize?
c) Do you have very minimal interest in this newsletter?
DO YOU WISH TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE MARISTS ALL?
Please use the reverse side of this sheet to write something for Marists All, tell
us what you are doing these days: profession, family, volunteer work, hobbies,
travels ..
N.B. Be sure to inform us if you ever have a change of address, etc.
Within the week please
MAIL TO:
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Street, Poughkeepsie, New York, 12601
David Kammer, R.R. #1 - Box 3300, Smithfield, Maine, 04978