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ISSUE # 46
November 1998
FROM BR. WILLIAM LAVIGNE ('50):
re: New Marist Ministry in Diocese of Wheeling.
Three Marist Brothers are going to serve as a pastoral team for parishes in three
towns in the Diocese of Wheeling West Virginia: Moorfield, Petersburg, and
Franklin. Because of a shortage of priests Bishop Schmidt, an alumnus of the
Marist Brothers who taught at Central Catholic in Wheeling, invited us to join
Father Mario Claro in pastoring three parishes located in the Potomac Highlands
valley in the eastern part of the state. Our Brother Luke Reddington was the
advance man, arriving on the scene on July 1st. I joined Luke, September 5th,
and Brother Philip Robert will join the two of us in the near future. We will live
in community at St. Mary's parish in Petersburg located between the other two
towns. We are talking here about small towns of 2000 or less where Catholics
are a distinct minority. Besides our parish ministry, we expect to get involved in
the larger civic community. Already Friday night high school football is part of
our weekly schedule, and we'll be manning the "Apple Dumpling Booth" at the
annual Heritage Festival. Overall it's going to be quite an adjustment for us
Yankees.
Luke has just capped several years of ministry at Queen of Angels elementary
school in inner-city Newark by guiding to completion the establishment of an
early childhood center. Phil has returned to the States after directing a two-year
program in France for Brothers from around the Institute who will be involved in
formation; he celebrated his Golden Jubilee at the bi-province celebration in
June and is presently visiting with his family before joining us. As for myself, in
1994-95 I had a very enriching sabbatical at "Ministry to Ministers" in San
Antonio, directed by Father Jim Sullivan; that year I also spent time at the
University of Notre Dame, which was a life long ambition. For the past three
years I have been engaged in adult ministries at the Church of the Little Flower
in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. No doubt my twenty-three years in parish
ministry was a major factor in my being tapped for this new venture.
There will now be nine Marist Brothers in the diocese of Wheeling. In the city of
Wheeling, Denis Hever and John McDonagh are in hospital ministry, Dave
Cooney is in parish ministry, and Marty Ruane is involved in social services for
the poor. Des Kelly is the new Principal of Bishop Donohue High School in
McMechan, a "suburb" of Wheeling, and Dan O'Riordan, newly perpetually
professed, will be campus minister there. Since we in Petersburg are four hours
away from Wheeling and traveling in this mountain state is a challenge, we plan
to meet at some halfway spot on occasion for Marist fellowship and support.
Please keep us and our new ministries in your prayers. "Come on down to
Almost Heaven" if you're in the neighborhood. We'll leave the light on and will
offer some traditional Marist hospitality and good home cookin' to all of our
visitors.
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Like many others, we appreciate the work of Gus and Dave, and we look
forward to future issues of Marists All with its updates on our friends and our
Brothers. (5 Pierpont Street, Petersburg, W. Va. 26847-1633; 304-257-1057)
FROM DONALD MULCARE ('57): Dear Gus, Dave, and Marists all. Your
labor of love in gathering materials, editing submissions, raising funds, and
organizing seasonal mailings of hundreds of copies of the Marists All newsletter
can only be described as apostolic. Each edition affirms the Spirit instilled
through the Marist community, a Spirit that manifests itself in the diverse gifts of
the community members. Each letter reassures and strengthens the links between
us. Each notation of anniversaries and passings reminds us of the enduring
contributions of our brothers. The impact of your apostolate is beyond
reckoning. Please accept my gratitude and appreciation for sharing your talents,
time, and treasure ... and your unique position within the Greater Marist
Community to serve and to spark the rest of us. God bless! (7 Staffon Road,
Fairhaven, Massachusetts, 02719-4214)
FROM BR. PATRICK LONG ('45): The past winter/spring was a lallapaloza!
Rain, floods, and mud slides all over the county. Thank God it's over and we are
dried out. Now we have fog in the morning and sun the rest of the day; how
nice'.
I got quite sick this winter with a bad back and a lung infection that lasted more
than two months. Now I have become the unofficial care giver of Elizabeth who
has helped me a lot over the years; she is failing with emphysema and is on
oxygen and nebulizers. I try to make her life as comfortable and painless as
possible.
On the homeless front, the good news is the opening of a forty bed transitional
house for clean and sober people. I was on the Citizen's Committee for the
Homeless when we decided to start the project some ten years ago. It's been a
long, hard struggle to get the land, the money, and the staff. Presently the house
has a staff of four with twenty five residents. Counseling helps the residents get
their lives together. I have supplied tools and furniture; I hope to teach basic
cooking and survival skills.
In this small town of 60,000 people there is a pretty comprehensive program for
the homeless. I'm happy the Marist Brothers have been part of it since the very
start when St. Francis Catholic Soup Kitchen opened in 1982. What a great
adventure and service it has been. Thank you and the Marist Brothers for the
moral and financial support. Walk in beauty! (328-B Union Street, Santa Cruz,
California, 95060; 408-423-9687)
FROM RICK MUNDY ('63): I can't believe I am calling you Gus. What a great
equalizer age is! Pedestals, once conceived as concrete over time ... make sand.
And sand settles and wears away (not down) and levels all ... and statues talk and
express and allow the younger viewers to make another Jump in personal
development and growth ... Thank God for Aging ... (I think) ...
Quiet receivers of Marists All tend to be quiet receivers ... . but once in a while
... they awaken! Thumb nail sketch to follow ...(From enclosures: "Rick Mundy
is a professional watercolorist specializing in landscapes and points of interest
on Long Island; he has also done award-winning watercolor portrayals of nature
in Adirondack landscapes, Fire Island beach scenes, and Alaskan panoramas, as
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well as Manhattan views from Chelsea rooftops") (8 Andre Drive, East Setaulet,
New York, 11733)
FROM BILL REGER ('61): Even my slipping memory is suggesting that some
ten years have passed since my last submission to Marists All. Let me attempt to
address what is and has been going on.
I am living in wonderful West Virginia with Jan, my lovely bride of two years.
Yes, I rushed into matrimony at age 54. Why did I wait so long? For two good
reasons: one is that I had not met Jan; equally important is that I just could not
have married earlier. I am convinced that I could not have made such a
commitment earlier. I simply did not have the emotional and spiritual maturity to
commit to anything or anyone any sooner. This issue is undoubtedly the same
one that led me to separate from the monks in 1969.
Life has been great, but I have not always been easy on life.I early on learned
irresponsible decision making. My values and coping skills revolved around
external phenomena, be it athletics (I've run my feet into disrepair with too many
marathons), academics (degrees in four different disciplines), alcohol (I've been
in recovery for 14 years), or just frenetic activity-aholism. I've worked in several
different occupations including elementary and secondary education, sailing
instruction, West Virginia state politics, wellness, and now I am an assistant
professor in the school of medicine at West Virginia University.
Reflecting a similar experience to what I've read in Marists All, I too went
through periods of not wanting folks to know of my life as a Marist and periods
of even feeling unwelcome by the Marists. And I went through approximately 15
years as an atheist and agnostic. My recovery from alcoholism helped me again
to recognize the presence of God in my life. As the fog cleared, I had the
realization that I was estranged from myself. I was the one rejecting and feeling
alone and rejected. With a good dose of humility I have begun to appreciate my
inner strength and my deep relationships.
I attempt to stay in balance by practices aimed at increasing moment to moment
awareness. Meditation seems to be the main thread to link peace and meaning to
all I do and am. My wife and my personal and professional work in holistic
wellness reinforce my emotional and spiritual recovery. I am on sabbatical
during this fall semester as I attempt to compose an "original" volume on holistic
wellness that has evolved out of a personal lifestyle management course that I've
taught for the past five years.
I love beingin touch with the present and past Marists, I am fortunate to have
Leonard V as a regular correspondent and occasional visitor. Reggie Diss
reappeared in my life the week before my wedding. The GMC picnics at the
Mount helped me to reconnect with former classmates and colleagues. In West
Virginia we are delighted to experience the remaissance of the Marists. What a
boon to the Wheeling community!
Give us a call or stop in if you are ever in or around West Virginia. And thanks
to all of you who have so enriched my life when I was a Marist and now through
your intrinsic goodness and gentle words in Marists All. Aloha! (37 Era Street,
Wheeling, West Virginia, 26003)
FROM SISTER VIRGINIA CONNORS, SSS: ... From late March through June
30th I was on the road. One of those trips took me to Mt. St. Alphonsus at
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Esopus. Needless to say, I prayerfully drove down Route 9W to MARIST and
drove around the grounds imagining my novice brother Tom being at the
novitiate there in the mid 60s. I read each edition of Marists All with much
interest. (101 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine, 04901)
Great day; warm, but enough shade in the Mount Garth to be comfortable. The
happy blend of new and old faces attending seems to merit the continuation of
the fall picnic. There was no official check-in, but here is a list from memory of
those who attended:
ANNUAL GMC PICNIC: Great day; warm but enough shade in the Mount
Garth to be comfortable. The happy blend of new and old faces attending seems
to merit the continuation of the Fall picnic. There was no official checkin, but
here is a list from memory of those who attended:
Br. James Adams
Br. John Bantz
Br. Emil Michael Bernard
Br. Joe Belanger
John Brady
Nick Caffrey
Br. John Francis Colbert
Br. Victor Luizzo
Br. John Malich
Ken Mannix
Br. Charles Marcellin
Br. George Matthew
Br. Alphonse Matuga
Joe McMahon
Bernard Connolly
Bill Doherty
Pat & Mary Ann Donaghy
Jack & Ann Duggan
James Gaffney
Br. Simeon Gerald
Br. John Herrmann
Frank & Maureen Moran
Tom "Binsky" Murphy
Gus & Liz Nolan
Ludwig & Ursula Odierna
Adrian & Betty Perreault
Vince & Jane Poisella
Frank & Joanna Reilly
Br. Francis "Scotty" Hughes
David & Judy Kammer
William "Otto" Krueger
Br. Pat Lally
Marty & Ann Lang
Richard & Barbara LaPietra
Robert Leclair
Br. Godfrey Robertson
Br. Francis Ryan
Don Schmidt
Br. Victor Serna
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Barney & Ann Sheridan
Br. Matthew Snowden
Helen Tobin
Gene & Pat Zirkel
Over the years at least 150 others have attended these annual picnics ... not
counting the many Brothers who have been in and out of the New York area and
have attended. This tradition of annual gatherings began in the early 70s in
Esopus; It has had its day in Cold Springs, at several state parks, and now for
some time at the Mount. We are most grateful to the Brothers of the Mount for
welcoming this event and for participating themselves.
FROM GENE ZIRKEL ('53): I made contact with a former monk, Peter Lee (or
Ly) whom I knew from Molloy. Please add his name to your mailing list and
send him a spare copy of the last issue of Marists All. His address is 10101
Homar Pond Drive, Fairfax Station, Virginia, 22039.
Peter left about 22 years ago and has had no contact with the monks since then.
His 14 year old daughter Christina is an ice skater and recently competed in
Manhattan at Chelsea Pier. Peter sends his regards to Pat Lally. (Six Brancatelli,
West Islip, N. Y. 11795-2502; genezirk@mindspring.cam)
re: JOHN GONYA ('61) from Mr. LeRoy Thibeau:
I was John Gonya's best friend and I have come across a mailing that you sent to
John. As of September 20th, 1997, John passed away from colon cancer. He was
kept at home and comfortable till the end, If you should need any other
information, feel free to call or write at the following address: LeRoy R.
Thibeau, Jr., 74 Terrace Drive, Torrington, Ct. 06790; 860-482-5704.
News of MARIST COLLEGE * 9-4-98 from
"Memorandum to the College Community" by Dennis Murray, President
This year we will undertake the most extensive construction program in the
history of our College. On our scenic 150-acre Riverfront campus we will build
a world-class library, a new faculty office and classroom building, student
residences, a waterfront park, and develop a 13-acre arboretum. When these
projects join our historic 19th century buildings, the structures built by the
Marist Brothers in the 1950s and 60s, and our modern facilities, we will have our
own academic village that reflects the unique character of Marist.
The $20 million Library will be three times the size of the old Library. It will be
constructed of natural fieldstone and limestone in an architectural style that will
complement the Historic District buildings of Greystone, St. Peter's, and Kieran
Gate House. These three buildings (formerly a carriage house, gardener's
cottage, and gate house) were built circa 1865.
We are also planning a major renovation for the Chapel. The exterior will be re-
faced with natural fieldstone to match the library and nearby Historic District
buildings, There will be a new roof, new heating/air conditioning, new carpeting,
refinished pews, specially designed stained glass windows. The Chapel is one of
the most important structures on campus. It was literally and figuratively built by
the Marist Brothers. Its renovation will preserve an important part of our
heritage.
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Plans to develop a waterfront park along our historic stretch of the Hudson River
have generated a great deal of excitement. The park will include a walkway
along the river, picnic areas, a scenic overlook with a pavilion and interpretive
displays, improved facilities for rowing and other nonmotorized boating, a
fishing pier, and hiking and biking trails along the waterfront and north through
the campus. This expanse of river was once known as the "Rowing Capital of the
World" when Poughkeepsie hosted the Intercollegiate Rowing Association
Regattas from 1885-1949. These renowned races drew the nation's top collegiate
crews. Today the Cornell Boathouse, owned by Marist, is the only remaining
structure from the famous "Boathouse Row."
The acquisition of the former Way property, just north of Gartland Commons,
has added an attractive new dimension to our campus. The site consists of 13
wooded acres with 800 feet of Hudson River frontage and has a fieldstone and
brick carriage house, We have decided to preserve the wooded acreage, which
sits high above the Hudson, as an arboretum. The carriage house, built in 1881,
is now known as St. Ann's Hermitage, for short the Hermitage.Thus we recall
the name given to the first parcel of our campus purchased by the Marist
Brothers in 1905. It is home to the English and modern languages departments.
In June more than 15,000 people visited our campus for the Great Hudson River
Revival, sponsored by the Hudson River Sloop: Clearwater. This environmental
organization brought its 32nd annual environmental arts and music festival to
Marist after more than two decades in Westchester County. All were impressed
with our scenic location and the beauty of our campus. Featured artist Judy
Collins told the crowd at the Campus Green, "Look at this setting! This is the
most beautiful campus in America?" Musicians, dance groups, puppeteers, and
educational exhibits entertained families. Coverage by the New York Times,
WCBS Newsradio, and other media highlighted Marist and our location along
the banks of the Hudson, allowing people unfamiliar with our campus to learn
more about Marist College and its programs.
Excerpts from BROTHERS ARE PEOPLE ... by Brother John F. Colbert, FMS
Nowadays most religious communities have refreshments readily available, but
in the old days you had to have an imagination to get your hands on liquor. In
Tyngsboro Br. Leo Camille and Br. Bassus made their own fine wine and
liqueurs and you had to be pretty quick to capitalize on rare fortuitous moments
when the door to the wine cellar was left unlocked. Berky, who always had a
sharp eye for such occasions, would dash into the wine cellar, grab a couple of
bottles of cabernet sauvignon (?), bolt out into the cellar hallway, and bury the
precious wine at the bottom of a box of clothing the novices had left hanging
around. Then he would tip me off (often in the sacred quiet of the chapel during
the noon visit) about the buried treasure, which I was quick to claim when the
coast was clear.
I would place my hands in beyond my deep cassock pockets so that I could grab
the bottles in my bare hands. Then I would hurry to the "Vatican" (affectionate
name for the little cottage on Tyng Road where some of the Brothers had their
rooms) to hide the contraband. However, nature threw me a curve once when
some unexpected visiting parents spotted me and approached to greet me with a
hand shake! They couldn't figure out why I could only bow clumsily.
That story reminds me of the time John Bosco and I had a drink when I had a
room off the small dorm. I had used the deep pocket in my cassock to smuggle
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an ice cube tray from the infirmary downstairs. After our highball we went down
for the Sunday visit to the Blessed Sacrament, I pulled out my handkerchief to
blow my nose and an ice cube fell out into the middle aisle.
Brother Henry Charles was known to possess the uncanny gift of bi-location. I
often remarked that if I would see him looking out of two windows at opposite
ends of St. Joseph's Novitiate at the same time, I wouldn't bat an eyelash. In fact,
on one occasion Henry was leaving with his niece and her newly married
husband for New York. I waited, concealed behind the pine trees around the
circular driveway, to make sure that I saw him actually leave the property. Then I
dashed up to my little room in the Vatican, grabbed a quart of Rupert
Knickerbocker, and bolted down to the barn to place the beer in the old milk
cooler. As I passed Bassus' little greenhouse, lo and behold, who comes out with
a watering can but the little white-haired one! Henry had gone but a short
distance down Tyng Road when he asked the newly weds to turn back; he had
forgotten to water some flowers.
Once in the dark on one of my frequent beer runs to the milk cooler, out of
nowhere came the gleaming rays from Hank's flashlight. I swung my cape over
my head and plunged into the tall grass. Another time, having made the trip
safely to the barn and placed a couple of bottles of the precious liquid gold in the
cooler, I suddenly froze when I heard the sound of tinkling cowbells. The cows
had been startled by Hank who was down there to sneak a smoke in the dark
concealment of the barn!
I remember asking Henry for permission to visit my mother on Mothers' Day.
The "iceberg" as Henry referred to himself in one of his self-revelatory weaker
moments, countered my request with: "I'm afraid not, Brother; otherwise I would
have to give permission to Br. Aloysius, and Br. Bassus and Br. Anthony." All of
whom were over 75 in age! One Brother, wishing to put a better slant on the way
the Brothers felt about Hank, once remarked: "You know, on the surface Hank
may seem cold, but deep down ... he has a heart of stone!" (Editor: "Ti-Gris" is
hovering over my shoulder, bilocating here and in heaven; I think he's smiling!)
FROM JOE HORES ('49): Keep the newsletter going! Sorry to read of recent
deaths, Had Gerry Dever in class at St. Agnes. Clem Gerard is an old beach
friend from Mount St. Michael days.(700 Beach Drive, N.E. (#806), St.
Petersburg, Fl. 33701)
FROM BR. JOSEPH BELANGER ('43): I believe a book of biographies of our
Marist "saints" would be of significant inspirational value. I propose to initiate
this project. By "Marist" I mean people connected with the Marist Fathers and
Brothers (S.M.), with the Marist Brothers of the Schools (F.M.S.), with the
Marist Sisters (S.M.), and with the Marist Missionary Sisters (S.M.S.M.).
By "connected with" I mean people having died members of one of these four
Marist congregations, or people having been members for some time, or people
having been alums or associates of Marist apostolates, or people having been
extraordinary benefactors of tsarist apostolates.
It would seem advisable to have a variety of worldwide exemplars: people in
high places and low, intellectual and less so, Eastern as well as Western, South as
well as North, young as well as old, etc. To be included the "saint" must be
deceased. Each biography should have an average of 800 words.
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I volunteer to be the general editor until better is found; I hope to begin the
collating as soon as possible. I would appreciate your help with this project and
with making the project known to all branches of the Marist family. (Marist
College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601-1387; jlr.bellanger@marist.edu)
FROM JAMES CARGER ('64): I have read Marists All with relish for years and
have enjoyed hearing from and about so many friends and legends. Thanks for
all your work. (1010 Jorie Blvd. (Suite 356), Oak Brook, II.. 60522; 630-990-
5981)
EDITOR'S NOTE: We are grateful to an anonymous donor who has covered the
full cost of this issue of Marists All. Several years ago another donor did the
same. We are most grateful to these people, as we are grateful to all who have
helped us in any and every way with the newsletter. We have a balance of $909,
almost enough for the next three issues.
We need your help with material for the next issue by mid January, preferably
sooner? Would you, perhaps, have some anecdotes that you could share with us?
Could you suggest some fresh ideas? How do we get to those who are clearly
happy to receive the newsletter but are reluctant to write?
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601;
gusnolan@}aol.com
David Kammer, 476 LaPlaya, Edgewater, F1. 32141; 904426-6349.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The 1999 Marist Institute of Spirituality
has been set for the following:
DATES: Thursday, July 8 - Sunday, July 11, 1999
PLACE: MARIST COLLEGE
THEME:
" ON OUR CHRISTIAN
JOURNEY"
Thus far, meaningful presentations, Sacred Liturgies, prayers, and time
for personal and social rejuvenation are planned.
The entire Marist Family is invited. Let us come together, pray together
and be together.
Details regarding reservations, etc will follow in future newsletters
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ISSUE # 46
November 1998
FROM BR. WILLIAM LAVIGNE ('50):
re: New Marist Ministry in Diocese of Wheeling.
Three Marist Brothers are going to serve as a pastoral team for parishes in three
towns in the Diocese of Wheeling West Virginia: Moorfield, Petersburg, and
Franklin. Because of a shortage of priests Bishop Schmidt, an alumnus of the
Marist Brothers who taught at Central Catholic in Wheeling, invited us to join
Father Mario Claro in pastoring three parishes located in the Potomac Highlands
valley in the eastern part of the state. Our Brother Luke Reddington was the
advance man, arriving on the scene on July 1st. I joined Luke, September 5th,
and Brother Philip Robert will join the two of us in the near future. We will live
in community at St. Mary's parish in Petersburg located between the other two
towns. We are talking here about small towns of 2000 or less where Catholics
are a distinct minority. Besides our parish ministry, we expect to get involved in
the larger civic community. Already Friday night high school football is part of
our weekly schedule, and we'll be manning the "Apple Dumpling Booth" at the
annual Heritage Festival. Overall it's going to be quite an adjustment for us
Yankees.
Luke has just capped several years of ministry at Queen of Angels elementary
school in inner-city Newark by guiding to completion the establishment of an
early childhood center. Phil has returned to the States after directing a two-year
program in France for Brothers from around the Institute who will be involved in
formation; he celebrated his Golden Jubilee at the bi-province celebration in
June and is presently visiting with his family before joining us. As for myself, in
1994-95 I had a very enriching sabbatical at "Ministry to Ministers" in San
Antonio, directed by Father Jim Sullivan; that year I also spent time at the
University of Notre Dame, which was a life long ambition. For the past three
years I have been engaged in adult ministries at the Church of the Little Flower
in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. No doubt my twenty-three years in parish
ministry was a major factor in my being tapped for this new venture.
There will now be nine Marist Brothers in the diocese of Wheeling. In the city of
Wheeling, Denis Hever and John McDonagh are in hospital ministry, Dave
Cooney is in parish ministry, and Marty Ruane is involved in social services for
the poor. Des Kelly is the new Principal of Bishop Donohue High School in
McMechan, a "suburb" of Wheeling, and Dan O'Riordan, newly perpetually
professed, will be campus minister there. Since we in Petersburg are four hours
away from Wheeling and traveling in this mountain state is a challenge, we plan
to meet at some halfway spot on occasion for Marist fellowship and support.
Please keep us and our new ministries in your prayers. "Come on down to
Almost Heaven" if you're in the neighborhood. We'll leave the light on and will
offer some traditional Marist hospitality and good home cookin' to all of our
visitors.
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Like many others, we appreciate the work of Gus and Dave, and we look
forward to future issues of Marists All with its updates on our friends and our
Brothers. (5 Pierpont Street, Petersburg, W. Va. 26847-1633; 304-257-1057)
FROM DONALD MULCARE ('57): Dear Gus, Dave, and Marists all. Your
labor of love in gathering materials, editing submissions, raising funds, and
organizing seasonal mailings of hundreds of copies of the Marists All newsletter
can only be described as apostolic. Each edition affirms the Spirit instilled
through the Marist community, a Spirit that manifests itself in the diverse gifts of
the community members. Each letter reassures and strengthens the links between
us. Each notation of anniversaries and passings reminds us of the enduring
contributions of our brothers. The impact of your apostolate is beyond
reckoning. Please accept my gratitude and appreciation for sharing your talents,
time, and treasure ... and your unique position within the Greater Marist
Community to serve and to spark the rest of us. God bless! (7 Staffon Road,
Fairhaven, Massachusetts, 02719-4214)
FROM BR. PATRICK LONG ('45): The past winter/spring was a lallapaloza!
Rain, floods, and mud slides all over the county. Thank God it's over and we are
dried out. Now we have fog in the morning and sun the rest of the day; how
nice'.
I got quite sick this winter with a bad back and a lung infection that lasted more
than two months. Now I have become the unofficial care giver of Elizabeth who
has helped me a lot over the years; she is failing with emphysema and is on
oxygen and nebulizers. I try to make her life as comfortable and painless as
possible.
On the homeless front, the good news is the opening of a forty bed transitional
house for clean and sober people. I was on the Citizen's Committee for the
Homeless when we decided to start the project some ten years ago. It's been a
long, hard struggle to get the land, the money, and the staff. Presently the house
has a staff of four with twenty five residents. Counseling helps the residents get
their lives together. I have supplied tools and furniture; I hope to teach basic
cooking and survival skills.
In this small town of 60,000 people there is a pretty comprehensive program for
the homeless. I'm happy the Marist Brothers have been part of it since the very
start when St. Francis Catholic Soup Kitchen opened in 1982. What a great
adventure and service it has been. Thank you and the Marist Brothers for the
moral and financial support. Walk in beauty! (328-B Union Street, Santa Cruz,
California, 95060; 408-423-9687)
FROM RICK MUNDY ('63): I can't believe I am calling you Gus. What a great
equalizer age is! Pedestals, once conceived as concrete over time ... make sand.
And sand settles and wears away (not down) and levels all ... and statues talk and
express and allow the younger viewers to make another Jump in personal
development and growth ... Thank God for Aging ... (I think) ...
Quiet receivers of Marists All tend to be quiet receivers ... . but once in a while
... they awaken! Thumb nail sketch to follow ...(From enclosures: "Rick Mundy
is a professional watercolorist specializing in landscapes and points of interest
on Long Island; he has also done award-winning watercolor portrayals of nature
in Adirondack landscapes, Fire Island beach scenes, and Alaskan panoramas, as
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well as Manhattan views from Chelsea rooftops") (8 Andre Drive, East Setaulet,
New York, 11733)
FROM BILL REGER ('61): Even my slipping memory is suggesting that some
ten years have passed since my last submission to Marists All. Let me attempt to
address what is and has been going on.
I am living in wonderful West Virginia with Jan, my lovely bride of two years.
Yes, I rushed into matrimony at age 54. Why did I wait so long? For two good
reasons: one is that I had not met Jan; equally important is that I just could not
have married earlier. I am convinced that I could not have made such a
commitment earlier. I simply did not have the emotional and spiritual maturity to
commit to anything or anyone any sooner. This issue is undoubtedly the same
one that led me to separate from the monks in 1969.
Life has been great, but I have not always been easy on life.I early on learned
irresponsible decision making. My values and coping skills revolved around
external phenomena, be it athletics (I've run my feet into disrepair with too many
marathons), academics (degrees in four different disciplines), alcohol (I've been
in recovery for 14 years), or just frenetic activity-aholism. I've worked in several
different occupations including elementary and secondary education, sailing
instruction, West Virginia state politics, wellness, and now I am an assistant
professor in the school of medicine at West Virginia University.
Reflecting a similar experience to what I've read in Marists All, I too went
through periods of not wanting folks to know of my life as a Marist and periods
of even feeling unwelcome by the Marists. And I went through approximately 15
years as an atheist and agnostic. My recovery from alcoholism helped me again
to recognize the presence of God in my life. As the fog cleared, I had the
realization that I was estranged from myself. I was the one rejecting and feeling
alone and rejected. With a good dose of humility I have begun to appreciate my
inner strength and my deep relationships.
I attempt to stay in balance by practices aimed at increasing moment to moment
awareness. Meditation seems to be the main thread to link peace and meaning to
all I do and am. My wife and my personal and professional work in holistic
wellness reinforce my emotional and spiritual recovery. I am on sabbatical
during this fall semester as I attempt to compose an "original" volume on holistic
wellness that has evolved out of a personal lifestyle management course that I've
taught for the past five years.
I love beingin touch with the present and past Marists, I am fortunate to have
Leonard V as a regular correspondent and occasional visitor. Reggie Diss
reappeared in my life the week before my wedding. The GMC picnics at the
Mount helped me to reconnect with former classmates and colleagues. In West
Virginia we are delighted to experience the remaissance of the Marists. What a
boon to the Wheeling community!
Give us a call or stop in if you are ever in or around West Virginia. And thanks
to all of you who have so enriched my life when I was a Marist and now through
your intrinsic goodness and gentle words in Marists All. Aloha! (37 Era Street,
Wheeling, West Virginia, 26003)
FROM SISTER VIRGINIA CONNORS, SSS: ... From late March through June
30th I was on the road. One of those trips took me to Mt. St. Alphonsus at
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Esopus. Needless to say, I prayerfully drove down Route 9W to MARIST and
drove around the grounds imagining my novice brother Tom being at the
novitiate there in the mid 60s. I read each edition of Marists All with much
interest. (101 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine, 04901)
Great day; warm, but enough shade in the Mount Garth to be comfortable. The
happy blend of new and old faces attending seems to merit the continuation of
the fall picnic. There was no official check-in, but here is a list from memory of
those who attended:
ANNUAL GMC PICNIC: Great day; warm but enough shade in the Mount
Garth to be comfortable. The happy blend of new and old faces attending seems
to merit the continuation of the Fall picnic. There was no official checkin, but
here is a list from memory of those who attended:
Br. James Adams
Br. John Bantz
Br. Emil Michael Bernard
Br. Joe Belanger
John Brady
Nick Caffrey
Br. John Francis Colbert
Br. Victor Luizzo
Br. John Malich
Ken Mannix
Br. Charles Marcellin
Br. George Matthew
Br. Alphonse Matuga
Joe McMahon
Bernard Connolly
Bill Doherty
Pat & Mary Ann Donaghy
Jack & Ann Duggan
James Gaffney
Br. Simeon Gerald
Br. John Herrmann
Frank & Maureen Moran
Tom "Binsky" Murphy
Gus & Liz Nolan
Ludwig & Ursula Odierna
Adrian & Betty Perreault
Vince & Jane Poisella
Frank & Joanna Reilly
Br. Francis "Scotty" Hughes
David & Judy Kammer
William "Otto" Krueger
Br. Pat Lally
Marty & Ann Lang
Richard & Barbara LaPietra
Robert Leclair
Br. Godfrey Robertson
Br. Francis Ryan
Don Schmidt
Br. Victor Serna
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Barney & Ann Sheridan
Br. Matthew Snowden
Helen Tobin
Gene & Pat Zirkel
Over the years at least 150 others have attended these annual picnics ... not
counting the many Brothers who have been in and out of the New York area and
have attended. This tradition of annual gatherings began in the early 70s in
Esopus; It has had its day in Cold Springs, at several state parks, and now for
some time at the Mount. We are most grateful to the Brothers of the Mount for
welcoming this event and for participating themselves.
FROM GENE ZIRKEL ('53): I made contact with a former monk, Peter Lee (or
Ly) whom I knew from Molloy. Please add his name to your mailing list and
send him a spare copy of the last issue of Marists All. His address is 10101
Homar Pond Drive, Fairfax Station, Virginia, 22039.
Peter left about 22 years ago and has had no contact with the monks since then.
His 14 year old daughter Christina is an ice skater and recently competed in
Manhattan at Chelsea Pier. Peter sends his regards to Pat Lally. (Six Brancatelli,
West Islip, N. Y. 11795-2502; genezirk@mindspring.cam)
re: JOHN GONYA ('61) from Mr. LeRoy Thibeau:
I was John Gonya's best friend and I have come across a mailing that you sent to
John. As of September 20th, 1997, John passed away from colon cancer. He was
kept at home and comfortable till the end, If you should need any other
information, feel free to call or write at the following address: LeRoy R.
Thibeau, Jr., 74 Terrace Drive, Torrington, Ct. 06790; 860-482-5704.
News of MARIST COLLEGE * 9-4-98 from
"Memorandum to the College Community" by Dennis Murray, President
This year we will undertake the most extensive construction program in the
history of our College. On our scenic 150-acre Riverfront campus we will build
a world-class library, a new faculty office and classroom building, student
residences, a waterfront park, and develop a 13-acre arboretum. When these
projects join our historic 19th century buildings, the structures built by the
Marist Brothers in the 1950s and 60s, and our modern facilities, we will have our
own academic village that reflects the unique character of Marist.
The $20 million Library will be three times the size of the old Library. It will be
constructed of natural fieldstone and limestone in an architectural style that will
complement the Historic District buildings of Greystone, St. Peter's, and Kieran
Gate House. These three buildings (formerly a carriage house, gardener's
cottage, and gate house) were built circa 1865.
We are also planning a major renovation for the Chapel. The exterior will be re-
faced with natural fieldstone to match the library and nearby Historic District
buildings, There will be a new roof, new heating/air conditioning, new carpeting,
refinished pews, specially designed stained glass windows. The Chapel is one of
the most important structures on campus. It was literally and figuratively built by
the Marist Brothers. Its renovation will preserve an important part of our
heritage.
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Plans to develop a waterfront park along our historic stretch of the Hudson River
have generated a great deal of excitement. The park will include a walkway
along the river, picnic areas, a scenic overlook with a pavilion and interpretive
displays, improved facilities for rowing and other nonmotorized boating, a
fishing pier, and hiking and biking trails along the waterfront and north through
the campus. This expanse of river was once known as the "Rowing Capital of the
World" when Poughkeepsie hosted the Intercollegiate Rowing Association
Regattas from 1885-1949. These renowned races drew the nation's top collegiate
crews. Today the Cornell Boathouse, owned by Marist, is the only remaining
structure from the famous "Boathouse Row."
The acquisition of the former Way property, just north of Gartland Commons,
has added an attractive new dimension to our campus. The site consists of 13
wooded acres with 800 feet of Hudson River frontage and has a fieldstone and
brick carriage house, We have decided to preserve the wooded acreage, which
sits high above the Hudson, as an arboretum. The carriage house, built in 1881,
is now known as St. Ann's Hermitage, for short the Hermitage.Thus we recall
the name given to the first parcel of our campus purchased by the Marist
Brothers in 1905. It is home to the English and modern languages departments.
In June more than 15,000 people visited our campus for the Great Hudson River
Revival, sponsored by the Hudson River Sloop: Clearwater. This environmental
organization brought its 32nd annual environmental arts and music festival to
Marist after more than two decades in Westchester County. All were impressed
with our scenic location and the beauty of our campus. Featured artist Judy
Collins told the crowd at the Campus Green, "Look at this setting! This is the
most beautiful campus in America?" Musicians, dance groups, puppeteers, and
educational exhibits entertained families. Coverage by the New York Times,
WCBS Newsradio, and other media highlighted Marist and our location along
the banks of the Hudson, allowing people unfamiliar with our campus to learn
more about Marist College and its programs.
Excerpts from BROTHERS ARE PEOPLE ... by Brother John F. Colbert, FMS
Nowadays most religious communities have refreshments readily available, but
in the old days you had to have an imagination to get your hands on liquor. In
Tyngsboro Br. Leo Camille and Br. Bassus made their own fine wine and
liqueurs and you had to be pretty quick to capitalize on rare fortuitous moments
when the door to the wine cellar was left unlocked. Berky, who always had a
sharp eye for such occasions, would dash into the wine cellar, grab a couple of
bottles of cabernet sauvignon (?), bolt out into the cellar hallway, and bury the
precious wine at the bottom of a box of clothing the novices had left hanging
around. Then he would tip me off (often in the sacred quiet of the chapel during
the noon visit) about the buried treasure, which I was quick to claim when the
coast was clear.
I would place my hands in beyond my deep cassock pockets so that I could grab
the bottles in my bare hands. Then I would hurry to the "Vatican" (affectionate
name for the little cottage on Tyng Road where some of the Brothers had their
rooms) to hide the contraband. However, nature threw me a curve once when
some unexpected visiting parents spotted me and approached to greet me with a
hand shake! They couldn't figure out why I could only bow clumsily.
That story reminds me of the time John Bosco and I had a drink when I had a
room off the small dorm. I had used the deep pocket in my cassock to smuggle
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an ice cube tray from the infirmary downstairs. After our highball we went down
for the Sunday visit to the Blessed Sacrament, I pulled out my handkerchief to
blow my nose and an ice cube fell out into the middle aisle.
Brother Henry Charles was known to possess the uncanny gift of bi-location. I
often remarked that if I would see him looking out of two windows at opposite
ends of St. Joseph's Novitiate at the same time, I wouldn't bat an eyelash. In fact,
on one occasion Henry was leaving with his niece and her newly married
husband for New York. I waited, concealed behind the pine trees around the
circular driveway, to make sure that I saw him actually leave the property. Then I
dashed up to my little room in the Vatican, grabbed a quart of Rupert
Knickerbocker, and bolted down to the barn to place the beer in the old milk
cooler. As I passed Bassus' little greenhouse, lo and behold, who comes out with
a watering can but the little white-haired one! Henry had gone but a short
distance down Tyng Road when he asked the newly weds to turn back; he had
forgotten to water some flowers.
Once in the dark on one of my frequent beer runs to the milk cooler, out of
nowhere came the gleaming rays from Hank's flashlight. I swung my cape over
my head and plunged into the tall grass. Another time, having made the trip
safely to the barn and placed a couple of bottles of the precious liquid gold in the
cooler, I suddenly froze when I heard the sound of tinkling cowbells. The cows
had been startled by Hank who was down there to sneak a smoke in the dark
concealment of the barn!
I remember asking Henry for permission to visit my mother on Mothers' Day.
The "iceberg" as Henry referred to himself in one of his self-revelatory weaker
moments, countered my request with: "I'm afraid not, Brother; otherwise I would
have to give permission to Br. Aloysius, and Br. Bassus and Br. Anthony." All of
whom were over 75 in age! One Brother, wishing to put a better slant on the way
the Brothers felt about Hank, once remarked: "You know, on the surface Hank
may seem cold, but deep down ... he has a heart of stone!" (Editor: "Ti-Gris" is
hovering over my shoulder, bilocating here and in heaven; I think he's smiling!)
FROM JOE HORES ('49): Keep the newsletter going! Sorry to read of recent
deaths, Had Gerry Dever in class at St. Agnes. Clem Gerard is an old beach
friend from Mount St. Michael days.(700 Beach Drive, N.E. (#806), St.
Petersburg, Fl. 33701)
FROM BR. JOSEPH BELANGER ('43): I believe a book of biographies of our
Marist "saints" would be of significant inspirational value. I propose to initiate
this project. By "Marist" I mean people connected with the Marist Fathers and
Brothers (S.M.), with the Marist Brothers of the Schools (F.M.S.), with the
Marist Sisters (S.M.), and with the Marist Missionary Sisters (S.M.S.M.).
By "connected with" I mean people having died members of one of these four
Marist congregations, or people having been members for some time, or people
having been alums or associates of Marist apostolates, or people having been
extraordinary benefactors of tsarist apostolates.
It would seem advisable to have a variety of worldwide exemplars: people in
high places and low, intellectual and less so, Eastern as well as Western, South as
well as North, young as well as old, etc. To be included the "saint" must be
deceased. Each biography should have an average of 800 words.
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I volunteer to be the general editor until better is found; I hope to begin the
collating as soon as possible. I would appreciate your help with this project and
with making the project known to all branches of the Marist family. (Marist
College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601-1387; jlr.bellanger@marist.edu)
FROM JAMES CARGER ('64): I have read Marists All with relish for years and
have enjoyed hearing from and about so many friends and legends. Thanks for
all your work. (1010 Jorie Blvd. (Suite 356), Oak Brook, II.. 60522; 630-990-
5981)
EDITOR'S NOTE: We are grateful to an anonymous donor who has covered the
full cost of this issue of Marists All. Several years ago another donor did the
same. We are most grateful to these people, as we are grateful to all who have
helped us in any and every way with the newsletter. We have a balance of $909,
almost enough for the next three issues.
We need your help with material for the next issue by mid January, preferably
sooner? Would you, perhaps, have some anecdotes that you could share with us?
Could you suggest some fresh ideas? How do we get to those who are clearly
happy to receive the newsletter but are reluctant to write?
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601;
gusnolan@}aol.com
David Kammer, 476 LaPlaya, Edgewater, F1. 32141; 904426-6349.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The 1999 Marist Institute of Spirituality
has been set for the following:
DATES: Thursday, July 8 - Sunday, July 11, 1999
PLACE: MARIST COLLEGE
THEME:
" ON OUR CHRISTIAN
JOURNEY"
Thus far, meaningful presentations, Sacred Liturgies, prayers, and time
for personal and social rejuvenation are planned.
The entire Marist Family is invited. Let us come together, pray together
and be together.
Details regarding reservations, etc will follow in future newsletters
