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ISSUE # 25
November 1993
FROM BR. KEVIN O'NEILL ('53): The August issue of Marists All reached me
here in Brownsville by way of the Philippines, Notre Dame of Dadiangas
College. Like so many others I do enjoy reading about friends who over the
years have been part of my many faceted life. I returned from the Philippines last
fall and spent a good part of the past school year recuperating in Roselle, as well
as Bayonne, from a hip replacement operation.
In late January John Klein, Provincial, took me out to lunch and asked me to go
to Brownsville to replace Br. John McNamara. When we arrived back at the
monks' house in Roselle, Alfred George met us and informed us that Bob "Fido"
Nolan was dead. And that evening the community was having a Memorial Mass
for John McNamara. Needless to say, I had a lot to think and pray about during
that Mass.
In the Philippines my main job was Business Manager at Notre Dame of
Dadiangas College. The last year or so I doubled up as Project Director for the
completion of the USAID funded Science and Engineering Complex at Notre
Dame of Marbel University. I am happy to announce that all you tax-payers out
there gave us $1,850,000 over a four year period. We used $1,550,000 for
construction and $300,000 for equipment. It was the largest such grant in the
Philippines under what they call the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad
program. We built three buildings. Two four-storey lab and classroom buildings
with a combined total of over forty classrooms plus offices.
We also have a small auditorium building called Champagnat Hall. The
chemistry and biology building is called Omer Hall after Br. Louis Omer, and
the physics, computer, engineering building is called Teston Hall after Br. Joe
Teston, the first president of Marbel. Joe was also responsible for setting up the
Regional Science Teaching Center in Marbel, which became the prototype for
the rest of the country.
In addition to the monks of the Philippine province I have crossed paths with a
number of former monks who were trained in the States, Gus Cabrere ('53) is the
Dean of the Graduate School at the Jesuit-run Xavier University, Cagayan de
Oro. Santiago Cabrera ('53) is Dean of the Polytechnic Institute in General
Santos City; his oldest daughter graduated from our college in Dadiangas with
her Bachelors in Nursing. Dominic Bendero ('53) is a Vice-President at the
Vincentian-run Adamson University in Manila. I also met Jaime Posadas ('54), a
lawyer in Manila, and Isabello Chavez ('55), President of Notre Dame of Manila,
Nick Conta ('55) was working for Dole Pineapple on the outskirts of General
Santos City, but he has returned to the central Philippines where he had worked
for many years with the De la Salle monks at their college in Bacolod. In Marbel
we have Mariano Benavides ('55) working at our University, and "Bong" de
Dios ('55) is the Monager of Cocobank.
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As the Group of '53 celebrates forty years, I am grateful to all at Marists All for
keeping me in touch with many members of the group. In the last issue alone we
had news of the deaths of John and Fido, along with news about Bill Deschene,
Joe Strang, and Des Kelly. Declan and I were delighted to be present when Bill
and Margie had their "valid but illicit" experience on "sacred ground" under the
trees at their home in Methuen. (Bill, I have had more laughs rereading your
letter!). Through these pages I have heard about Pat Gallagher, Donny Schmidt,
Gene Zirkel, and others. Last May Lenny Voegtle and I attended Gene's 25th
wedding anniversary celebration. To them and to all of the other members of the
group I send my best wishes and thanks for a lot of happy memories. Do you
remember that thirty day retreat? For twenty years there has been a wild and
inconclusive discussion on whether Jim Maher or this writer has "grown more."
The reality is that I have definitely traveled more.
Before I finish, I do have to send regards to old buddy Dan Waters ('66) who
visited me twice in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines. Even Des Kelly made it
when Dan was there. Dan and I have been in contact over the years, and it can be
said that he has definitely traveled more than I. Last but not least is our own
"Indiana Jones," Dr. George Howard ('67) at the "Mother of all Catholic
Universities"at South Bend.
Now, as the Class of 1970, St. Helena's High School, wrote on the bathroom
walls my very first day as Assistant Principal in '69, "KO MUST GO ! The signs
on South Padre Island say, "We are Texas Friendly!" so drop in if you are in the
neighborhood. And as Leo Shea would say, "We can have Manhattans at
Midnight in Matamoros!" Peace, prayers, and every best wish to one and all. If
this letter made you laugh, that is what it was intended to do.(St. Joseph
Academy, 101 St. Joseph Dr., Brownsville, Tx. 78520)
FROM RICHARD (Gilbert Donateur) CONNELLY ('52): Two years ago while
living alone in Belle Harbor, Queens, my dog died. My three daughters had all
moved to Florida, and my wife had passed away 18 years ago. I said to myself,
"What the hell am I doing here alone?" And so I moved to Florida. I live in a
penthouse apartment in Hollywood, Florida, and I love it. It's a small parcel of
paradise. One of my daughters lives with me, and I see her about once every ten
days, what with her job and social life. The other two daughters are within a half
hour of my locale. The oldest is about to make herself a mother and me a
grandfather. I look forward to my granddaughter (we do know that). After
raising three daughters alone for sixteen years, grandfathering sounds like fun. I
pray both mother and child are healthy.
I am Vice-Principal/ Dean of Students at Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High
School in Miami. It is a diocesan coed high school of approximately 450
students. I've been at this education ministry for almost 40 years, and I must say
I've been an Assistant Principal in some tough places. Curley is as good as it
gets. There is a caring and a sense of community between teachers, students, and
staff that hits you right between the eyes early on. It's truly amazing and
somewhat inexplicable but very apparent.
We are about a half hour from Marist's Columbus High School. I was fortunate
to be on the visiting team for their ten year SACS evaluation. Great school! I had
the privilege and pleasure of staying with the monks in community for the three
days, and it brought back many, many happy memories and a few regrets.
Mendez took good care of me. It was great seeing Norby, my principal in 1954
when as a young monk of 20, I was teaching at MSM. It was also great seeing
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Berky, my prefect and a father to this 14 year old in Tyngsboro in 1948. The stay
at Columbus was just wonderful. I was so pleased to be on the Philosophy
Committee and to be assigned to write it up. I saw the spirit of Marcellin
Champagnat permeating the classrooms and the school's spirit, and was flattered
to be able to say so.
If I can be of service networking employment openings in Florida, I would be
happy to do so. If you're in need of sun and surf, come on down to 3901 South
Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida, 33019; 305-437-1908. (Note: This is part of
the letter Rich wrote for issue #24)
DECEASED Brother John Berchmans ('27) died in Florida in the middle of the
month of September and was buried in Esopus on Saturday, September 18th, the
day of the scheduled GMC picnic. A good number of our people went to Esopus
and then to the Mount.
FROM Mike (Michael Gerard) KRAEMER ('52): Today is the feast of Our Lady
of the Rosary, and I am reminded of Brother John Berchmans, whose passing a
few weeks ago had me reminiscing over the many years we shared together. I
was one of the fortunate souls to have had Berky as Prefect for almost four full
years. How well I remember the old Juniorate days at "St. Ann's Hermitage" in
Poughkeepsie where Berky tagged me with "#19" which I bore for those two
years and the subsequent Novitiate years in Tyngsboro. When I reflect now upon
those years in the light of my experience of "parenthood," I am more than ever in
awe of Berky's extraordinary patience and resilience. To have been so deeply
involved in the lives of American teenage raw material such as ourselves for the
better part of twenty-four hours a day, day in and day out, without any real time
for himself, shows the generosity and virtue of the man.
We awoke to his "Laudetur Jesus Christus" and nodded off to sleep while he
shuffled around the dorm in his slippers, whispering his Rosary until the late
hours of the night. For us he was a Rock of Gibraltar; no matter what happened
Berky was there for all, seeing that recreation periods were fun and that all the
games and fixtures were in place, assigning and following up on "employment
periods," which we took by numbers because he could not pronounce half the
names of his charges unless they were Canucks from his beloved New England.
Over the years as I wended back to Esopus, I would always steal into Berky's
room for a cocktail and a smoke (he loved Manhattans in those days and
cigarettes, too!). We talked about everything under the sun, from Notre Dame
football to former Juniorate pals and community living. In later years when he
needed his nap and he was no longer the whirling dervish on ice who
mesmerized us with his puck control and speed, he was still the vibrant "alter
pater" asking about one and all. We shared many confidences over the years,
Berky and I.
'What kept Berky going, I surmise, was his uncanny devotion to Our Lady. She
was for him, as with the Founder, an "Ordinary Resource." Without pretension it
was simply a natural and daily part of his routine to pray to the Mother of God
for all his needs and ours. His life and works are the best evidence that she
sustained him through it all. We readers of Marists All know how fortunate we
are to have Berky, here and now, in the Kingdom he so richly deserves. (4621
Wards Chapel Road, Owings Mills, Maryland, 21117)
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FROM GEORGE HOWARD ('67): You might like to include the following in
Marists All. Bill Lavigne read a FAX of it at Berky's funeral.
Dear Brothers: I've just become aware of the recent death of Br. John
Berchmans, F.M.S. We are all saddened by the passing of one of the kindest and
gentlest of all God's souls. My thoughts and prayers at Saturday's Mass will be
with Brother John. We at Notre Dame have always been pleased that Berky held
a special love for Our Lady's University. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all
our Marist Brothers at this sad moment. Of course, we should also rejoice for the
many wonderful years that Berky was with us. It goes without saying that all of
us would be better people if we were a bit more like Brother John Berchmans.
Cordially ...REV. EDWARD A. MOLLOY, C.S.C., President, UNIVERSITY OF
NOTRE DAME.
FROM PETE SEDLEMEIR ('61): Things have been busy here as I guess they
are with many of you. While holding a full time job as an engineer with Unisys,
I am a deacon in the diocese of Rockville Centre. I am also an advocate for the
Marriage Tribunal for the diocese. I find this is a good way to work with people
and try to help them heal some of the hurts they have as a result of marital
problems. There are many times when my limitations appear to be obvious, at
least to me, but I guess the Spirit works overtime in those situations since things
work out in spite of me.
This past year I completed a year of study at South Oaks Hospital to become an
alcoholism counselor. I am beginning my internship at South Oaks this
September. With the current state requirement of 1680 hours of supervised
counseling before being eligible to take the state credentialing exam, I figure I'll
be an intern for at least five years. That's providing I don't get laid off before
then. At any rate, when I hit 55, I would like to quit working with things and get
back to working primarily with people. My wife, Margaret, quit her job at Chase
Manhattan Bank and is currently working as an alcoholism counselor at Seafield
Rehabilitation Center here in Mineola. She'll be ready to take the credentialing
exam in October.
Thanks for all the work you and all the other unknown workers do in getting
Marists All to the community. (356 Burkhard Avenue, Mineola, N. Y. 11501;
516-746-3853)
(Note: This is part two of the letter Pete wrote for issue 24)
FROM BOB O'HANDLEY ('61): It's always nice to receive Marists All and to
catch up on both the personal development and the trivia that make up the lives
in our extended family.
Our three kids are all in college now. This occupies lots of our attention and all
of our capacity to take on debt. At 22 this coming January, Kevin is in his fourth
year at U. Mass, Amherst. He has switched from being a physics major to human
development with a physics minor. Meghan, 20 last June, is in her second year at
the School of Management, also at U. Mass. She gets to see her brother often;
they lunch together once a week. And Kara, just 18, is in her first year at the
School of Management at Boston College. That puts our baby just about 30
minutes from my office at M.I.T.
I plan to spend the spring '94 term on sabbatical at the University of Florida,
Gainsville, teaching a course and doing research there. Carol will take a leave of
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absence from her job in the early childhood center to join me from February to
April.
Carol and I are adjusting very smoothly to this new phase of life with children
less in evidence. Occasionally I reminisce about years of personal ill health and
strains put on my family by that; about my formative years in the Marist family;
about the family I grew up with and how much more we need to keep in touch
now. Through it all I see threads of my rebellion against authority ... threads that
are hardly visible in the richer fabric of late middle age. How fortunate I feel to
be in a phase of relative peace in my life, blessed with good health and a loving
family. I look out at a world of broken homes, violence and abuse that many
people are born into with no choice. Life isn't fair. What can we do, where do we
begin? Warm regards to all. P.S. When I asked my computer to run a spell check
on this letter, it suggested as an alternate to Marist, "Maryist." (3 Glenn Cove
Road, Andover, Massachusetts, 01810)
FROM ED (Martin Jude) CASTINE ('50): Br. John McNamara was a very
special friend to Maureen and me. He frequently offered us his assistance in
many ways. There were numerous times that he would "house sit" for us, so that
we could get some vacation time. John and I traveled many a mile together,
either on school business or for pleasure. We hiked the Grand Canyon some
years ago, and last summer we hiked the Rocky Mountain National Park to the
source of the Colorado River. He was a gracious and kind person, one who loved
his vocation and his work. I don't ever recall asking John for some assistance and
being refused. His usual answer was "Oh sure." and whatever it was would be
taken care of. Personally I know that John taught me to be a better person, not by
his words but by the way he was. Once on one of our journeys he told me that all
he ever wanted since grade school in Manhasset was to be a Marist. I think the
greatest tribute that can be paid him is that he realized his dream; he lived the
Marist Way admirably and now has joined the many Marists who have gone
before him. To say that John will be missed would be an understatement.
Here is an anecdote regarding John McNamara. When classes resumed in
January, I was asked to calculate the grades for John's A.P. Calculus class.You
will agree, I think, that every teacher's grade book is something unique in style
and method. I took John's grade book and sat at my desk for an hour or so trying
to decipher his grades and method. My frustration reached such a point that I
said out loud, "Damn it, John, give me a clue:" At that instant an idea came to
me. I checked it out, and it worked for his first quarter grades.The same process
was applied to the quarter I was working on. Coincidence or answer to a prayer
in frustration?" Or was John just saying again his usual "Oh sure!"?
This fall I will be teaching the Calculus class, and I hope John will be looking
over my shoulder and interceding for me and the students.
John Marren's death was a shock to those who knew him here. He was at Padre
Island, I believe, for a weekend of relaxation. He suffered a heart attack during
the night and was rushed to the hospital in Brownsville. He died in intensive care
within a day or two, Maureen and I frequently saw John on the campus at St.
Joe. His daughter and son are students here, and John used to come every day to
pick them up after school. He was quite active in his parish; the lay people
prepared and conducted a beautiful prayer service for him the evening before his
burial. The funeral home was standing room only, attesting to the many friends
and admirers he had. Maureen and I were able to attend his funeral Mass,
concelebrated by several priests, two of whom were students when John was
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principal at St, Joseph's Academy, (105 St. Joseph Drive, Brownsville, Texas,
78529) Note: This is the second part of the letter FA wrote for issue #24),
FROM BR. LUKE DRISCOLL ('33): One of the highlights of 1993 has been the
celebration of my sixtieth year as a Marist Brother.The jubilee reunion took
place in Roselle on May 1st. It is with deep gratitude to God and to my fellow
Marists that I look back on those sixty years of religious life and service to God's
people in various parts of the world. In reasonably good health I look forward to
more years of Marist community life and to the hospital ministry I am enjoying
here. (1920 Highland Ave., Augusta, Ga. 30904)
FROM RAPHAEL MARTIN ('52): Many thanks for your kind letter giving me
addresses of people I want to be in touch with. I've shared many issues with John
Harty; he is always excited to read news of the "wider" Marist World. I'm
grateful for all your initiatives. (Note: Does anyone have Raph's address after his
Berkeley stay?)
FROM CHARLEY (Peter Daniel) KELLY ('51): News from the Kelly clan in
Texas is all good. I retired from IBM last year and am very involved with the
University of Texas at Austin. I'm co-director of the Quality Management
Consortia, a group of small companies working with the Graduate School of
Business on educational programs, and I am teaching a graduate course in
Management Sciences in the School of Engineering. At the University I am
working with a fine man who is director of the "Center for Spirituality and
Work." We are developing educational modules for business professionals to
unite their daily work in the business community with their personal spirituality.
Many of the ideas we have discussed recently are reflections of the value system
I developed under the guidance and example of Br. Eddie Mike, Br. James
Damian, Br. Simeon, Br. Paul Ambrose, and so many others. And I saw that
Marist Spirit practiced by the monks in my own group ... Gerry, Joe, Phil ... and
Mike and Mickey, too.
Marilyn and I became grandparents for the fifth time recently when our son
Chris had a daughter in June. My son Danny is now a co-owner of the "Good
Fellows" restaurant in Red Oaks Mill near Poughkeepsie. If you're in that area,
stop in and tell him to give you a pizza and to put it on his father's tab. (6905
Jester Boulevard, Austin, Tx. 78750)
Note: This is part of the letter Charley wrote for issue #24 .
FROM JOE OLIVET ('64): I have just finished reading the latest issue of
Marists All. It is hard to believe that there have been twenty four issues already.
Last school year I finally took some time off. I requested and was granted a
sabbatical from the New York City Public School System. After twenty-three
years I felt I deserved it. I went to SUNY New Paltz and there I earned a masters
degree in Educational Administration. There was an internship involved; for that
I was able to work in a school district near my home. After my years in the
South Bronx, it was refreshing, different, and rewarding. Now I have to take this
degree and make my way into administration. As of September I have had no job
offers to the many resumes and applications I have sent out, so I am back to my
P.S. 75 off Bruckner Boulevard in the South Bronx. However, I continue to trust
that God will open a door for me somewhere. If anyone needs a newly minted
school administrator, I'm listening! (134 Rockwell Ave., Middletown, N. Y. new
phone number: 914-343-2981) 10940
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FROM JIM GULDNER ('66): Great to receive Marists All again! It was great to
hear Willie Maura's story. And I thought all he did was smile and teach 6th
graders football! Regards to Bill from one of his many influenced students. All is
fine here. Only other news is that Bob Joyce and John Wesp ('65) and John
Dangelmaier ('66) are all alive and raising teenagers. That may be a
contradiction! Please do keep up the good work! (15 Stanley Place, Budd Lake,
New Jersey, 07828; 201-347-0961)
FROM PAT (Joseph Andrew) DONAGHY ('50): Thanks for all the wonderful
work you are doing on Marists All. Hope to see you at the picnic. All the best.
(11 Baxter Road, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960)
DAVID KAMMER, CO-EDITOR: Judy and I expect to have sold our house in
Connecticut by mid-November. Our new address, much of the year, will be: 476
Laplaya, Edgewater, Florida, 32141; 904-426-6349.
FROM JOE (Gabriel Francis) HORES ('49): I always get much pleasure from
reading Marists All. The September issue was a delight. The beautiful prose
from Bill Murphy was wonderful. The letter from the writer who gave us the
stream of consciousness style, thrilled me. Another surprise was the novice who
kept a diary. Unheard of! But wonderful. I would love to read the volume.
Marists All, great reading, great memories! I await the tribute to John Marren in
the next issue. John and Clem Martin will be forever set in my mind's eye -
bright faces, healthy laughs, twinkling eyes, and great comradery - on the
baseball diamond in Tyngsboro. It seems to me that the people I left behind in
1969 have stayed exactly as I remember them - young, robust, living.As I see
myself daily in the mirror, only I have aged. John and Clem, why they are Willie
Lomin, "Somewhere out there, swinging on a star."
And the others - Spud Carroll, for example. I have only one recollection of Spud.
It was one of those summers at the Mount when we were studying. One night
late a powerful rain storm was going on in the Bronx, thunder, lightning, the
whole works. Spud and I stood in the hallway windows, outside the Barber
Shop, watching the display in awe.And great silence to the contrary, we talked.
Since he was older than I, and I had not lived with Spud, I really did not know
him, but that night I realized that I was sharing this storm with a gentle, quiet,
sensitive person. I have never forgotten that night, though it must have been 40
years ago. Rest, Spud.
From the time Bob Parker left the order till he died last October, he and I had
frequent contact and correspondence. I was always Gabe to him. He once told
me he had every letter I had written to him. Good Lord, there goes my chance
for canonization
I've been trying for the last 21 years to locate Neil Kelly. He left as a postulant in
December of 1949. He and I were friends. And one evening back in 1951 when I
was at St. Agnes, Neil stopped by the house on East 38th Street, and we had a
fine old chat. I haven't seen him since. I had some of Marist's best sleuths, Zig
Rancourt and Jimmy Ryan, on the case. Zig turned up the fact that Neil stopped
by the College in the early '70s and was then stationed at West Point. Apparently
he made the Army a career.
In a recent letter from Rome, Roy Mooney urged me to find a spiritual director;
heal thyself does not work. Well, in the state of Florida finding the sun is an easy
task - whoever invented retirement in Florida should be immediately raised to
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the altars, no questions asked - but a spiritual director in Florida? I've spent the
summer thinking about it, and lordy I found someone whom I respect
enormously. She's a retired minister. Her name is Gloria Merrill. Gloria radiates
gentleness, calm, wisdom, and openness. And I feel enormously at peace with
her. There's only one problem, Gloria doesn't know I've chosen her for this task.
And I've yet to figure out how to tell her the good news. I'll have to work on it.
Some day I would like to start a support group locally. This one will follow the
12 steps. It will be for people addicted to Religion. I bought and read a book
about this subject, written by an Episcopal priest from California, who is
addicted. This group I would like to house at the local Quaker Meeting House.
Only like Gloria, mentioned before, they don't know of their good fortune yet.
Prayers please.
Well, that's about it from the fifty yard line for now. I don't know, Gus, if this is
in the best stream of consciousness technique, but on this hot afternoon in
Florida, this is the best I can do. Be well, all! (1801 69th Avenue South, St.
Petersburg, Fl. 33712; 813-866-0438)
FROM PAT (Patrick Stephen) GALLAGHER ('53): Another interesting issue of
Marists All, one that prompts me to respond with a suggestion. Please keep the
issues coming on the same schedule; when I see them in the mail, they're the
first thing I open.
Around this time of year, when July 26th and August 15th come up on the
calendar, I reflect on years ago when it seemed in vast numbers we looked
forward to the two dates as important milestones: taking the habit, first vows,
and then final vows in August. This would have been forty years since the taking
of the habit in Tyngsboro!: But for over half that time I've been on my own,
separated from the old ties, and over the years I guess I'd have to say separated
from the Church. My wife refers to us as "retired Catholics." We haven't been
active in the church, partially because of barriers to a church marriage thirteen
years ago, and innumerable obstacles placed in our path to regularizing the
marriage. Yet Mary and I are both very spiritual, possibly she more than I, for
she meditates and reads ceaselessly. I have always retained the sense of
apostolate and cause orientation. The focus is different; the groups are older.
They're dressed in blue. We pursue our work with particular emphasis on vision,
commitment, ethics, quality service. I can relate all this to what I was involved
in with the Marists.
One of the highlights of the past year was getting back to the Marist College
reunion and spending two superb days reminiscing. Seeing Br. Paul Ambrose
after all these years, and having the group picture after the dinner. When I heard
about that earlier Donnelly Construction reunion and the group gathering around
the altar to sing the Salve, I really choked up. That was one announcement that
just slipped through, or I would have been there.
Lately I have felt a greater pull to Marist ties, and I was wondering what we
could do to become more involved. I know that many writers and readers of
Marists All have remained involved in many ways, but it seems there might be
something else we could do, "Some deed of noble note," as Tennyson said in
"Ulysses." Or maybe the Marist reunions, the GMC picnics, the newsletter are
enough; yet maybe there would be other reasons to rally 'round the altar' for
another Salve; (Box 82-A, Lincoln, Virginia, 22078; 703-338-3904)
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FROM CHARLIE (James Martin) SCOTT ('50): I have more than enough to
keep me active with teaching, writing, and administering programs at the
university. Anne continues to be very busy managing the box office of Madison's
Civic Center. In between, we periodically dash 235 miles north to oversee
construction of our vacation cabin. This is an old dream coming true. Hugh
Crowe, Ric Jambor, Frank Casey, (and Mike Sullivan) will remember my
fantasizing about such a place in a land of lakes and pine forests. "Lord, it is
good for us to be here. Let us build tents, one for Charlie, one for Hugh ..." Our
place is located on the north shore of Four Mile lake with 15 acres of woodland
and 250 feet of shoreline.
We are now represented by our kids in New York, Los Angeles, Jacksonville,
and St. Louis. It shouldn't surprise us, these Kinderwanderungs, since our
journey has taken us from New York to Afghanistan to Texas to Wisconsin to
Japan and back to Wisconsin.
Let me clue you in on the best kept secret in air travel: Midwest Express. You
board at LaGuardia, rest comfortably in wide leather seats, eat good food on
china plates with real flatware, drink wine from real stem glass, and in two hours
you are in Milwaukee and in Madison in one half hour more. (4737 Lafayette
Drive, Madison, Wi. 53705; 608-233-3995). Note: This is another part of the
letter Charlie wrote for issue #24.
FROM Gene (Kieran Matthew) CONNOLLY ('44): Not long ago Ziggy
Rancourt sent me some old copies of Chips, a literary magazine that was born at
Marist College in 1947 when I was a Scholastic. Among the early issues were
some poetry and short fiction that I had written. My wife and I had a gushy
twenty minutes or so reading through some of the poetry. It was a powerfully
nostalgic experience for me and one that gave Sally insights into our Scholastic
days. She thought that somebody Marist might want to reprint them. I thought of
Marists All.
I am sending along two poems, one of them, "Our Cemetery," because it
describes a few moments similar to those experienced by hundreds of others who
nightly visited that holy little place beyond the old Novitiate. Rereading it
powerfully reminded me of the special bond that still unites all of us who walked
through those cemetery gates. It might do the same for others. So do what you
like with these samples of mid twentieth century, mid-Hudson Marist poetry. In
the meantime, join me in a little prayer for Tarcy, who printed them and all such
things for us as we tried to be collegiate. (19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, Ma.
01923; 508-774-8158)
Chips, vol. II, #2 OUR CEMETERY Champagnat Day,
1948
It was an old-time custom, and I knew it as we stood
Along the pebbled pathway of the garden in the wood,
That every day at twilight, there should be a whispered prayer
For the wearied, cassocked soldiers, who in peace were resting there.
The air was scented sweetly with the perfumes of the Spring,
And I heard the voices, far away, of playing children ring;
A robin perched upon the wall, and seemed in silent awe,
To gaze in sweet enchantment, on the beauty that it saw.
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In innocence immaculate, the infant blossoms rose,
In jeweled benediction of this holiest repose.
The crosses stood as symbols of the gentle men at rest
The standards of the soldiers, the credentials of the blest.
The willow sighed so sweetly - oh, a soft and gentle sigh,
As it whispered "peace" and 'heaven" in its holy lullaby.
And a shaft of heaven's glory, just before it died
Was playing thru the treetops, on a statue's Wounded Side.
I saw on plaques about me the names of men I knew,
And those of many others of whom holy legends grew.
I knew then that the fragrance in this holy vale of death
Was indeed the balmed enchantment of some watching angel's breath.
Oh, the atmosphere was holy, and not a tear was shed,
But my heart was wounded gently for these envied, happy dead;
And a soft and soothing longing stole then thru my weary breast
For the bliss of those about me - their eternal peace and rest.
In pussy-footed reverence, a new-born rabbit, sweet,
Sleepy, tip-toed thru the grass, on padded, baby feet.
Smiling, hushed, we breathed "good night," to those asleep who lay.
We softly closed the garden gate, and happy, walked away.
EDITORS' NOTE: This is issue #25 of Marists All: March 1987 to November
1993. Sincere thanks for your literary and financial support, and for your
encouragement! Of course, most of all we have an ongoing need for your letters,
Mail to Gus Nolan, % Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601, or to David
Kammer, NEW ADDRESS 476 Laplaya, Edgewater, Florida, 32141; 904-426-
6349.
GENERAL CHAPTER: The Marist Brothers convened in General Chapter in
Rome through September and October. The Chapter elected Br. Benito Arbues
of Spain's Catalogue province as Superior General and BR. SEAN SAMMON
('66) of the Poughkeepsie province as Vicar General, Delegates from the Esopus
province were Br. John Klein ('66), provincial, Br. Leonard Voegtle ('50), and Br.
Stephen Schlitte ('77). Going from the Poughkeepsie province were Br. Sean, as
provincial, and Br. Pat McNamara ('75). Other delegates of our acquaintance
were Br. Philip Robert Ouellette, C.G., Br. Renato Cruz, Philippines, Br. John
Lek and Br. Joachim Heng, province of China, and Br. Clifford Perera, Sri
Lanka. Br. John Malich will be acting provincial of the Poughkeepsie province
until May of 1994.
FROM BR. PATRICK EUGENE MAGEE ('43): I was pleased to hear, through
speaking with Hugh Turley, that the fall gathering at the Mount was a great
success. Received the newsletter this afternoon. An excellent edition, worth the
time to read, to reflect upon, and to pray over. I am certainly happy that the
response was most positive to your challenge, "Should this publication
continue?" I know that I enjoy reading it, and I look forward to each issue. I
usually reproduce sufficient copies to allow the Brothers time to read at their
leisure. Many thanks for keeping the Marist spirit and ideals alive and well.
(4300 West 115th Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60655; 312-881-6360)
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FROM REV. WILLIAM (William Mary) SEARS ('52): I have every intention of
attending the picnic at the Mount and renewing old friendships and recalling so
many fond memories. On June 5th my mom passed on peacefully at 93 years of
age; may she rest in peace.Give a call any of you who may be in the area: 813-
474-5217. Really enjoy the newsletter. Keep it rollin! (1745 Padre Lane,
Englewood, Florida, 34223)
LOST ADDRESSES HELP The following persons have at one time or
another been on our mailing list. Some have written. Can you help us with their
correct present address?
Bernier, Raymond (Albert Maura '53)
Challoux, Hubert (Hubert Joseph '26)
Corcoran, Thomas ('56)
Daly, Jerome ('62)
Falisey, Robert ('64)
Falkenstein, Tim (Timothy Leo '48)
Ferncord, Raphael ('34)
Flanagan, Rev. Michael ('50)
Ford, William ('61)
Fox, Edward ('55)
Gagnon, Ron ('67)
Gonzales, Rene
Goetz, Robert (Robert Baptist '44)
Gordon, Patrick ('61)
Gray, Ted ('63)
Hughes, Kerry ('63)
Jean, Albert (Leonard Vincent '41)
Long, James ('62)
Mahoney, Sean ('61)
Mullins, John ('55)
O'Connor, Robert ('67)
Ortuoste, Bernie ('59)
Rowe, William (William Gerald '55)
Sessman, Tom ('67)
Schneider, Charley ('67)
Shroeder, John ('61)
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ISSUE # 25
November 1993
FROM BR. KEVIN O'NEILL ('53): The August issue of Marists All reached me
here in Brownsville by way of the Philippines, Notre Dame of Dadiangas
College. Like so many others I do enjoy reading about friends who over the
years have been part of my many faceted life. I returned from the Philippines last
fall and spent a good part of the past school year recuperating in Roselle, as well
as Bayonne, from a hip replacement operation.
In late January John Klein, Provincial, took me out to lunch and asked me to go
to Brownsville to replace Br. John McNamara. When we arrived back at the
monks' house in Roselle, Alfred George met us and informed us that Bob "Fido"
Nolan was dead. And that evening the community was having a Memorial Mass
for John McNamara. Needless to say, I had a lot to think and pray about during
that Mass.
In the Philippines my main job was Business Manager at Notre Dame of
Dadiangas College. The last year or so I doubled up as Project Director for the
completion of the USAID funded Science and Engineering Complex at Notre
Dame of Marbel University. I am happy to announce that all you tax-payers out
there gave us $1,850,000 over a four year period. We used $1,550,000 for
construction and $300,000 for equipment. It was the largest such grant in the
Philippines under what they call the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad
program. We built three buildings. Two four-storey lab and classroom buildings
with a combined total of over forty classrooms plus offices.
We also have a small auditorium building called Champagnat Hall. The
chemistry and biology building is called Omer Hall after Br. Louis Omer, and
the physics, computer, engineering building is called Teston Hall after Br. Joe
Teston, the first president of Marbel. Joe was also responsible for setting up the
Regional Science Teaching Center in Marbel, which became the prototype for
the rest of the country.
In addition to the monks of the Philippine province I have crossed paths with a
number of former monks who were trained in the States, Gus Cabrere ('53) is the
Dean of the Graduate School at the Jesuit-run Xavier University, Cagayan de
Oro. Santiago Cabrera ('53) is Dean of the Polytechnic Institute in General
Santos City; his oldest daughter graduated from our college in Dadiangas with
her Bachelors in Nursing. Dominic Bendero ('53) is a Vice-President at the
Vincentian-run Adamson University in Manila. I also met Jaime Posadas ('54), a
lawyer in Manila, and Isabello Chavez ('55), President of Notre Dame of Manila,
Nick Conta ('55) was working for Dole Pineapple on the outskirts of General
Santos City, but he has returned to the central Philippines where he had worked
for many years with the De la Salle monks at their college in Bacolod. In Marbel
we have Mariano Benavides ('55) working at our University, and "Bong" de
Dios ('55) is the Monager of Cocobank.
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As the Group of '53 celebrates forty years, I am grateful to all at Marists All for
keeping me in touch with many members of the group. In the last issue alone we
had news of the deaths of John and Fido, along with news about Bill Deschene,
Joe Strang, and Des Kelly. Declan and I were delighted to be present when Bill
and Margie had their "valid but illicit" experience on "sacred ground" under the
trees at their home in Methuen. (Bill, I have had more laughs rereading your
letter!). Through these pages I have heard about Pat Gallagher, Donny Schmidt,
Gene Zirkel, and others. Last May Lenny Voegtle and I attended Gene's 25th
wedding anniversary celebration. To them and to all of the other members of the
group I send my best wishes and thanks for a lot of happy memories. Do you
remember that thirty day retreat? For twenty years there has been a wild and
inconclusive discussion on whether Jim Maher or this writer has "grown more."
The reality is that I have definitely traveled more.
Before I finish, I do have to send regards to old buddy Dan Waters ('66) who
visited me twice in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines. Even Des Kelly made it
when Dan was there. Dan and I have been in contact over the years, and it can be
said that he has definitely traveled more than I. Last but not least is our own
"Indiana Jones," Dr. George Howard ('67) at the "Mother of all Catholic
Universities"at South Bend.
Now, as the Class of 1970, St. Helena's High School, wrote on the bathroom
walls my very first day as Assistant Principal in '69, "KO MUST GO ! The signs
on South Padre Island say, "We are Texas Friendly!" so drop in if you are in the
neighborhood. And as Leo Shea would say, "We can have Manhattans at
Midnight in Matamoros!" Peace, prayers, and every best wish to one and all. If
this letter made you laugh, that is what it was intended to do.(St. Joseph
Academy, 101 St. Joseph Dr., Brownsville, Tx. 78520)
FROM RICHARD (Gilbert Donateur) CONNELLY ('52): Two years ago while
living alone in Belle Harbor, Queens, my dog died. My three daughters had all
moved to Florida, and my wife had passed away 18 years ago. I said to myself,
"What the hell am I doing here alone?" And so I moved to Florida. I live in a
penthouse apartment in Hollywood, Florida, and I love it. It's a small parcel of
paradise. One of my daughters lives with me, and I see her about once every ten
days, what with her job and social life. The other two daughters are within a half
hour of my locale. The oldest is about to make herself a mother and me a
grandfather. I look forward to my granddaughter (we do know that). After
raising three daughters alone for sixteen years, grandfathering sounds like fun. I
pray both mother and child are healthy.
I am Vice-Principal/ Dean of Students at Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High
School in Miami. It is a diocesan coed high school of approximately 450
students. I've been at this education ministry for almost 40 years, and I must say
I've been an Assistant Principal in some tough places. Curley is as good as it
gets. There is a caring and a sense of community between teachers, students, and
staff that hits you right between the eyes early on. It's truly amazing and
somewhat inexplicable but very apparent.
We are about a half hour from Marist's Columbus High School. I was fortunate
to be on the visiting team for their ten year SACS evaluation. Great school! I had
the privilege and pleasure of staying with the monks in community for the three
days, and it brought back many, many happy memories and a few regrets.
Mendez took good care of me. It was great seeing Norby, my principal in 1954
when as a young monk of 20, I was teaching at MSM. It was also great seeing
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Berky, my prefect and a father to this 14 year old in Tyngsboro in 1948. The stay
at Columbus was just wonderful. I was so pleased to be on the Philosophy
Committee and to be assigned to write it up. I saw the spirit of Marcellin
Champagnat permeating the classrooms and the school's spirit, and was flattered
to be able to say so.
If I can be of service networking employment openings in Florida, I would be
happy to do so. If you're in need of sun and surf, come on down to 3901 South
Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida, 33019; 305-437-1908. (Note: This is part of
the letter Rich wrote for issue #24)
DECEASED Brother John Berchmans ('27) died in Florida in the middle of the
month of September and was buried in Esopus on Saturday, September 18th, the
day of the scheduled GMC picnic. A good number of our people went to Esopus
and then to the Mount.
FROM Mike (Michael Gerard) KRAEMER ('52): Today is the feast of Our Lady
of the Rosary, and I am reminded of Brother John Berchmans, whose passing a
few weeks ago had me reminiscing over the many years we shared together. I
was one of the fortunate souls to have had Berky as Prefect for almost four full
years. How well I remember the old Juniorate days at "St. Ann's Hermitage" in
Poughkeepsie where Berky tagged me with "#19" which I bore for those two
years and the subsequent Novitiate years in Tyngsboro. When I reflect now upon
those years in the light of my experience of "parenthood," I am more than ever in
awe of Berky's extraordinary patience and resilience. To have been so deeply
involved in the lives of American teenage raw material such as ourselves for the
better part of twenty-four hours a day, day in and day out, without any real time
for himself, shows the generosity and virtue of the man.
We awoke to his "Laudetur Jesus Christus" and nodded off to sleep while he
shuffled around the dorm in his slippers, whispering his Rosary until the late
hours of the night. For us he was a Rock of Gibraltar; no matter what happened
Berky was there for all, seeing that recreation periods were fun and that all the
games and fixtures were in place, assigning and following up on "employment
periods," which we took by numbers because he could not pronounce half the
names of his charges unless they were Canucks from his beloved New England.
Over the years as I wended back to Esopus, I would always steal into Berky's
room for a cocktail and a smoke (he loved Manhattans in those days and
cigarettes, too!). We talked about everything under the sun, from Notre Dame
football to former Juniorate pals and community living. In later years when he
needed his nap and he was no longer the whirling dervish on ice who
mesmerized us with his puck control and speed, he was still the vibrant "alter
pater" asking about one and all. We shared many confidences over the years,
Berky and I.
'What kept Berky going, I surmise, was his uncanny devotion to Our Lady. She
was for him, as with the Founder, an "Ordinary Resource." Without pretension it
was simply a natural and daily part of his routine to pray to the Mother of God
for all his needs and ours. His life and works are the best evidence that she
sustained him through it all. We readers of Marists All know how fortunate we
are to have Berky, here and now, in the Kingdom he so richly deserves. (4621
Wards Chapel Road, Owings Mills, Maryland, 21117)
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FROM GEORGE HOWARD ('67): You might like to include the following in
Marists All. Bill Lavigne read a FAX of it at Berky's funeral.
Dear Brothers: I've just become aware of the recent death of Br. John
Berchmans, F.M.S. We are all saddened by the passing of one of the kindest and
gentlest of all God's souls. My thoughts and prayers at Saturday's Mass will be
with Brother John. We at Notre Dame have always been pleased that Berky held
a special love for Our Lady's University. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all
our Marist Brothers at this sad moment. Of course, we should also rejoice for the
many wonderful years that Berky was with us. It goes without saying that all of
us would be better people if we were a bit more like Brother John Berchmans.
Cordially ...REV. EDWARD A. MOLLOY, C.S.C., President, UNIVERSITY OF
NOTRE DAME.
FROM PETE SEDLEMEIR ('61): Things have been busy here as I guess they
are with many of you. While holding a full time job as an engineer with Unisys,
I am a deacon in the diocese of Rockville Centre. I am also an advocate for the
Marriage Tribunal for the diocese. I find this is a good way to work with people
and try to help them heal some of the hurts they have as a result of marital
problems. There are many times when my limitations appear to be obvious, at
least to me, but I guess the Spirit works overtime in those situations since things
work out in spite of me.
This past year I completed a year of study at South Oaks Hospital to become an
alcoholism counselor. I am beginning my internship at South Oaks this
September. With the current state requirement of 1680 hours of supervised
counseling before being eligible to take the state credentialing exam, I figure I'll
be an intern for at least five years. That's providing I don't get laid off before
then. At any rate, when I hit 55, I would like to quit working with things and get
back to working primarily with people. My wife, Margaret, quit her job at Chase
Manhattan Bank and is currently working as an alcoholism counselor at Seafield
Rehabilitation Center here in Mineola. She'll be ready to take the credentialing
exam in October.
Thanks for all the work you and all the other unknown workers do in getting
Marists All to the community. (356 Burkhard Avenue, Mineola, N. Y. 11501;
516-746-3853)
(Note: This is part two of the letter Pete wrote for issue 24)
FROM BOB O'HANDLEY ('61): It's always nice to receive Marists All and to
catch up on both the personal development and the trivia that make up the lives
in our extended family.
Our three kids are all in college now. This occupies lots of our attention and all
of our capacity to take on debt. At 22 this coming January, Kevin is in his fourth
year at U. Mass, Amherst. He has switched from being a physics major to human
development with a physics minor. Meghan, 20 last June, is in her second year at
the School of Management, also at U. Mass. She gets to see her brother often;
they lunch together once a week. And Kara, just 18, is in her first year at the
School of Management at Boston College. That puts our baby just about 30
minutes from my office at M.I.T.
I plan to spend the spring '94 term on sabbatical at the University of Florida,
Gainsville, teaching a course and doing research there. Carol will take a leave of
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absence from her job in the early childhood center to join me from February to
April.
Carol and I are adjusting very smoothly to this new phase of life with children
less in evidence. Occasionally I reminisce about years of personal ill health and
strains put on my family by that; about my formative years in the Marist family;
about the family I grew up with and how much more we need to keep in touch
now. Through it all I see threads of my rebellion against authority ... threads that
are hardly visible in the richer fabric of late middle age. How fortunate I feel to
be in a phase of relative peace in my life, blessed with good health and a loving
family. I look out at a world of broken homes, violence and abuse that many
people are born into with no choice. Life isn't fair. What can we do, where do we
begin? Warm regards to all. P.S. When I asked my computer to run a spell check
on this letter, it suggested as an alternate to Marist, "Maryist." (3 Glenn Cove
Road, Andover, Massachusetts, 01810)
FROM ED (Martin Jude) CASTINE ('50): Br. John McNamara was a very
special friend to Maureen and me. He frequently offered us his assistance in
many ways. There were numerous times that he would "house sit" for us, so that
we could get some vacation time. John and I traveled many a mile together,
either on school business or for pleasure. We hiked the Grand Canyon some
years ago, and last summer we hiked the Rocky Mountain National Park to the
source of the Colorado River. He was a gracious and kind person, one who loved
his vocation and his work. I don't ever recall asking John for some assistance and
being refused. His usual answer was "Oh sure." and whatever it was would be
taken care of. Personally I know that John taught me to be a better person, not by
his words but by the way he was. Once on one of our journeys he told me that all
he ever wanted since grade school in Manhasset was to be a Marist. I think the
greatest tribute that can be paid him is that he realized his dream; he lived the
Marist Way admirably and now has joined the many Marists who have gone
before him. To say that John will be missed would be an understatement.
Here is an anecdote regarding John McNamara. When classes resumed in
January, I was asked to calculate the grades for John's A.P. Calculus class.You
will agree, I think, that every teacher's grade book is something unique in style
and method. I took John's grade book and sat at my desk for an hour or so trying
to decipher his grades and method. My frustration reached such a point that I
said out loud, "Damn it, John, give me a clue:" At that instant an idea came to
me. I checked it out, and it worked for his first quarter grades.The same process
was applied to the quarter I was working on. Coincidence or answer to a prayer
in frustration?" Or was John just saying again his usual "Oh sure!"?
This fall I will be teaching the Calculus class, and I hope John will be looking
over my shoulder and interceding for me and the students.
John Marren's death was a shock to those who knew him here. He was at Padre
Island, I believe, for a weekend of relaxation. He suffered a heart attack during
the night and was rushed to the hospital in Brownsville. He died in intensive care
within a day or two, Maureen and I frequently saw John on the campus at St.
Joe. His daughter and son are students here, and John used to come every day to
pick them up after school. He was quite active in his parish; the lay people
prepared and conducted a beautiful prayer service for him the evening before his
burial. The funeral home was standing room only, attesting to the many friends
and admirers he had. Maureen and I were able to attend his funeral Mass,
concelebrated by several priests, two of whom were students when John was
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principal at St, Joseph's Academy, (105 St. Joseph Drive, Brownsville, Texas,
78529) Note: This is the second part of the letter FA wrote for issue #24),
FROM BR. LUKE DRISCOLL ('33): One of the highlights of 1993 has been the
celebration of my sixtieth year as a Marist Brother.The jubilee reunion took
place in Roselle on May 1st. It is with deep gratitude to God and to my fellow
Marists that I look back on those sixty years of religious life and service to God's
people in various parts of the world. In reasonably good health I look forward to
more years of Marist community life and to the hospital ministry I am enjoying
here. (1920 Highland Ave., Augusta, Ga. 30904)
FROM RAPHAEL MARTIN ('52): Many thanks for your kind letter giving me
addresses of people I want to be in touch with. I've shared many issues with John
Harty; he is always excited to read news of the "wider" Marist World. I'm
grateful for all your initiatives. (Note: Does anyone have Raph's address after his
Berkeley stay?)
FROM CHARLEY (Peter Daniel) KELLY ('51): News from the Kelly clan in
Texas is all good. I retired from IBM last year and am very involved with the
University of Texas at Austin. I'm co-director of the Quality Management
Consortia, a group of small companies working with the Graduate School of
Business on educational programs, and I am teaching a graduate course in
Management Sciences in the School of Engineering. At the University I am
working with a fine man who is director of the "Center for Spirituality and
Work." We are developing educational modules for business professionals to
unite their daily work in the business community with their personal spirituality.
Many of the ideas we have discussed recently are reflections of the value system
I developed under the guidance and example of Br. Eddie Mike, Br. James
Damian, Br. Simeon, Br. Paul Ambrose, and so many others. And I saw that
Marist Spirit practiced by the monks in my own group ... Gerry, Joe, Phil ... and
Mike and Mickey, too.
Marilyn and I became grandparents for the fifth time recently when our son
Chris had a daughter in June. My son Danny is now a co-owner of the "Good
Fellows" restaurant in Red Oaks Mill near Poughkeepsie. If you're in that area,
stop in and tell him to give you a pizza and to put it on his father's tab. (6905
Jester Boulevard, Austin, Tx. 78750)
Note: This is part of the letter Charley wrote for issue #24 .
FROM JOE OLIVET ('64): I have just finished reading the latest issue of
Marists All. It is hard to believe that there have been twenty four issues already.
Last school year I finally took some time off. I requested and was granted a
sabbatical from the New York City Public School System. After twenty-three
years I felt I deserved it. I went to SUNY New Paltz and there I earned a masters
degree in Educational Administration. There was an internship involved; for that
I was able to work in a school district near my home. After my years in the
South Bronx, it was refreshing, different, and rewarding. Now I have to take this
degree and make my way into administration. As of September I have had no job
offers to the many resumes and applications I have sent out, so I am back to my
P.S. 75 off Bruckner Boulevard in the South Bronx. However, I continue to trust
that God will open a door for me somewhere. If anyone needs a newly minted
school administrator, I'm listening! (134 Rockwell Ave., Middletown, N. Y. new
phone number: 914-343-2981) 10940
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FROM JIM GULDNER ('66): Great to receive Marists All again! It was great to
hear Willie Maura's story. And I thought all he did was smile and teach 6th
graders football! Regards to Bill from one of his many influenced students. All is
fine here. Only other news is that Bob Joyce and John Wesp ('65) and John
Dangelmaier ('66) are all alive and raising teenagers. That may be a
contradiction! Please do keep up the good work! (15 Stanley Place, Budd Lake,
New Jersey, 07828; 201-347-0961)
FROM PAT (Joseph Andrew) DONAGHY ('50): Thanks for all the wonderful
work you are doing on Marists All. Hope to see you at the picnic. All the best.
(11 Baxter Road, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960)
DAVID KAMMER, CO-EDITOR: Judy and I expect to have sold our house in
Connecticut by mid-November. Our new address, much of the year, will be: 476
Laplaya, Edgewater, Florida, 32141; 904-426-6349.
FROM JOE (Gabriel Francis) HORES ('49): I always get much pleasure from
reading Marists All. The September issue was a delight. The beautiful prose
from Bill Murphy was wonderful. The letter from the writer who gave us the
stream of consciousness style, thrilled me. Another surprise was the novice who
kept a diary. Unheard of! But wonderful. I would love to read the volume.
Marists All, great reading, great memories! I await the tribute to John Marren in
the next issue. John and Clem Martin will be forever set in my mind's eye -
bright faces, healthy laughs, twinkling eyes, and great comradery - on the
baseball diamond in Tyngsboro. It seems to me that the people I left behind in
1969 have stayed exactly as I remember them - young, robust, living.As I see
myself daily in the mirror, only I have aged. John and Clem, why they are Willie
Lomin, "Somewhere out there, swinging on a star."
And the others - Spud Carroll, for example. I have only one recollection of Spud.
It was one of those summers at the Mount when we were studying. One night
late a powerful rain storm was going on in the Bronx, thunder, lightning, the
whole works. Spud and I stood in the hallway windows, outside the Barber
Shop, watching the display in awe.And great silence to the contrary, we talked.
Since he was older than I, and I had not lived with Spud, I really did not know
him, but that night I realized that I was sharing this storm with a gentle, quiet,
sensitive person. I have never forgotten that night, though it must have been 40
years ago. Rest, Spud.
From the time Bob Parker left the order till he died last October, he and I had
frequent contact and correspondence. I was always Gabe to him. He once told
me he had every letter I had written to him. Good Lord, there goes my chance
for canonization
I've been trying for the last 21 years to locate Neil Kelly. He left as a postulant in
December of 1949. He and I were friends. And one evening back in 1951 when I
was at St. Agnes, Neil stopped by the house on East 38th Street, and we had a
fine old chat. I haven't seen him since. I had some of Marist's best sleuths, Zig
Rancourt and Jimmy Ryan, on the case. Zig turned up the fact that Neil stopped
by the College in the early '70s and was then stationed at West Point. Apparently
he made the Army a career.
In a recent letter from Rome, Roy Mooney urged me to find a spiritual director;
heal thyself does not work. Well, in the state of Florida finding the sun is an easy
task - whoever invented retirement in Florida should be immediately raised to
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the altars, no questions asked - but a spiritual director in Florida? I've spent the
summer thinking about it, and lordy I found someone whom I respect
enormously. She's a retired minister. Her name is Gloria Merrill. Gloria radiates
gentleness, calm, wisdom, and openness. And I feel enormously at peace with
her. There's only one problem, Gloria doesn't know I've chosen her for this task.
And I've yet to figure out how to tell her the good news. I'll have to work on it.
Some day I would like to start a support group locally. This one will follow the
12 steps. It will be for people addicted to Religion. I bought and read a book
about this subject, written by an Episcopal priest from California, who is
addicted. This group I would like to house at the local Quaker Meeting House.
Only like Gloria, mentioned before, they don't know of their good fortune yet.
Prayers please.
Well, that's about it from the fifty yard line for now. I don't know, Gus, if this is
in the best stream of consciousness technique, but on this hot afternoon in
Florida, this is the best I can do. Be well, all! (1801 69th Avenue South, St.
Petersburg, Fl. 33712; 813-866-0438)
FROM PAT (Patrick Stephen) GALLAGHER ('53): Another interesting issue of
Marists All, one that prompts me to respond with a suggestion. Please keep the
issues coming on the same schedule; when I see them in the mail, they're the
first thing I open.
Around this time of year, when July 26th and August 15th come up on the
calendar, I reflect on years ago when it seemed in vast numbers we looked
forward to the two dates as important milestones: taking the habit, first vows,
and then final vows in August. This would have been forty years since the taking
of the habit in Tyngsboro!: But for over half that time I've been on my own,
separated from the old ties, and over the years I guess I'd have to say separated
from the Church. My wife refers to us as "retired Catholics." We haven't been
active in the church, partially because of barriers to a church marriage thirteen
years ago, and innumerable obstacles placed in our path to regularizing the
marriage. Yet Mary and I are both very spiritual, possibly she more than I, for
she meditates and reads ceaselessly. I have always retained the sense of
apostolate and cause orientation. The focus is different; the groups are older.
They're dressed in blue. We pursue our work with particular emphasis on vision,
commitment, ethics, quality service. I can relate all this to what I was involved
in with the Marists.
One of the highlights of the past year was getting back to the Marist College
reunion and spending two superb days reminiscing. Seeing Br. Paul Ambrose
after all these years, and having the group picture after the dinner. When I heard
about that earlier Donnelly Construction reunion and the group gathering around
the altar to sing the Salve, I really choked up. That was one announcement that
just slipped through, or I would have been there.
Lately I have felt a greater pull to Marist ties, and I was wondering what we
could do to become more involved. I know that many writers and readers of
Marists All have remained involved in many ways, but it seems there might be
something else we could do, "Some deed of noble note," as Tennyson said in
"Ulysses." Or maybe the Marist reunions, the GMC picnics, the newsletter are
enough; yet maybe there would be other reasons to rally 'round the altar' for
another Salve; (Box 82-A, Lincoln, Virginia, 22078; 703-338-3904)
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FROM CHARLIE (James Martin) SCOTT ('50): I have more than enough to
keep me active with teaching, writing, and administering programs at the
university. Anne continues to be very busy managing the box office of Madison's
Civic Center. In between, we periodically dash 235 miles north to oversee
construction of our vacation cabin. This is an old dream coming true. Hugh
Crowe, Ric Jambor, Frank Casey, (and Mike Sullivan) will remember my
fantasizing about such a place in a land of lakes and pine forests. "Lord, it is
good for us to be here. Let us build tents, one for Charlie, one for Hugh ..." Our
place is located on the north shore of Four Mile lake with 15 acres of woodland
and 250 feet of shoreline.
We are now represented by our kids in New York, Los Angeles, Jacksonville,
and St. Louis. It shouldn't surprise us, these Kinderwanderungs, since our
journey has taken us from New York to Afghanistan to Texas to Wisconsin to
Japan and back to Wisconsin.
Let me clue you in on the best kept secret in air travel: Midwest Express. You
board at LaGuardia, rest comfortably in wide leather seats, eat good food on
china plates with real flatware, drink wine from real stem glass, and in two hours
you are in Milwaukee and in Madison in one half hour more. (4737 Lafayette
Drive, Madison, Wi. 53705; 608-233-3995). Note: This is another part of the
letter Charlie wrote for issue #24.
FROM Gene (Kieran Matthew) CONNOLLY ('44): Not long ago Ziggy
Rancourt sent me some old copies of Chips, a literary magazine that was born at
Marist College in 1947 when I was a Scholastic. Among the early issues were
some poetry and short fiction that I had written. My wife and I had a gushy
twenty minutes or so reading through some of the poetry. It was a powerfully
nostalgic experience for me and one that gave Sally insights into our Scholastic
days. She thought that somebody Marist might want to reprint them. I thought of
Marists All.
I am sending along two poems, one of them, "Our Cemetery," because it
describes a few moments similar to those experienced by hundreds of others who
nightly visited that holy little place beyond the old Novitiate. Rereading it
powerfully reminded me of the special bond that still unites all of us who walked
through those cemetery gates. It might do the same for others. So do what you
like with these samples of mid twentieth century, mid-Hudson Marist poetry. In
the meantime, join me in a little prayer for Tarcy, who printed them and all such
things for us as we tried to be collegiate. (19 Bayberry Road, Danvers, Ma.
01923; 508-774-8158)
Chips, vol. II, #2 OUR CEMETERY Champagnat Day,
1948
It was an old-time custom, and I knew it as we stood
Along the pebbled pathway of the garden in the wood,
That every day at twilight, there should be a whispered prayer
For the wearied, cassocked soldiers, who in peace were resting there.
The air was scented sweetly with the perfumes of the Spring,
And I heard the voices, far away, of playing children ring;
A robin perched upon the wall, and seemed in silent awe,
To gaze in sweet enchantment, on the beauty that it saw.
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In innocence immaculate, the infant blossoms rose,
In jeweled benediction of this holiest repose.
The crosses stood as symbols of the gentle men at rest
The standards of the soldiers, the credentials of the blest.
The willow sighed so sweetly - oh, a soft and gentle sigh,
As it whispered "peace" and 'heaven" in its holy lullaby.
And a shaft of heaven's glory, just before it died
Was playing thru the treetops, on a statue's Wounded Side.
I saw on plaques about me the names of men I knew,
And those of many others of whom holy legends grew.
I knew then that the fragrance in this holy vale of death
Was indeed the balmed enchantment of some watching angel's breath.
Oh, the atmosphere was holy, and not a tear was shed,
But my heart was wounded gently for these envied, happy dead;
And a soft and soothing longing stole then thru my weary breast
For the bliss of those about me - their eternal peace and rest.
In pussy-footed reverence, a new-born rabbit, sweet,
Sleepy, tip-toed thru the grass, on padded, baby feet.
Smiling, hushed, we breathed "good night," to those asleep who lay.
We softly closed the garden gate, and happy, walked away.
EDITORS' NOTE: This is issue #25 of Marists All: March 1987 to November
1993. Sincere thanks for your literary and financial support, and for your
encouragement! Of course, most of all we have an ongoing need for your letters,
Mail to Gus Nolan, % Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601, or to David
Kammer, NEW ADDRESS 476 Laplaya, Edgewater, Florida, 32141; 904-426-
6349.
GENERAL CHAPTER: The Marist Brothers convened in General Chapter in
Rome through September and October. The Chapter elected Br. Benito Arbues
of Spain's Catalogue province as Superior General and BR. SEAN SAMMON
('66) of the Poughkeepsie province as Vicar General, Delegates from the Esopus
province were Br. John Klein ('66), provincial, Br. Leonard Voegtle ('50), and Br.
Stephen Schlitte ('77). Going from the Poughkeepsie province were Br. Sean, as
provincial, and Br. Pat McNamara ('75). Other delegates of our acquaintance
were Br. Philip Robert Ouellette, C.G., Br. Renato Cruz, Philippines, Br. John
Lek and Br. Joachim Heng, province of China, and Br. Clifford Perera, Sri
Lanka. Br. John Malich will be acting provincial of the Poughkeepsie province
until May of 1994.
FROM BR. PATRICK EUGENE MAGEE ('43): I was pleased to hear, through
speaking with Hugh Turley, that the fall gathering at the Mount was a great
success. Received the newsletter this afternoon. An excellent edition, worth the
time to read, to reflect upon, and to pray over. I am certainly happy that the
response was most positive to your challenge, "Should this publication
continue?" I know that I enjoy reading it, and I look forward to each issue. I
usually reproduce sufficient copies to allow the Brothers time to read at their
leisure. Many thanks for keeping the Marist spirit and ideals alive and well.
(4300 West 115th Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60655; 312-881-6360)
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FROM REV. WILLIAM (William Mary) SEARS ('52): I have every intention of
attending the picnic at the Mount and renewing old friendships and recalling so
many fond memories. On June 5th my mom passed on peacefully at 93 years of
age; may she rest in peace.Give a call any of you who may be in the area: 813-
474-5217. Really enjoy the newsletter. Keep it rollin! (1745 Padre Lane,
Englewood, Florida, 34223)
LOST ADDRESSES HELP The following persons have at one time or
another been on our mailing list. Some have written. Can you help us with their
correct present address?
Bernier, Raymond (Albert Maura '53)
Challoux, Hubert (Hubert Joseph '26)
Corcoran, Thomas ('56)
Daly, Jerome ('62)
Falisey, Robert ('64)
Falkenstein, Tim (Timothy Leo '48)
Ferncord, Raphael ('34)
Flanagan, Rev. Michael ('50)
Ford, William ('61)
Fox, Edward ('55)
Gagnon, Ron ('67)
Gonzales, Rene
Goetz, Robert (Robert Baptist '44)
Gordon, Patrick ('61)
Gray, Ted ('63)
Hughes, Kerry ('63)
Jean, Albert (Leonard Vincent '41)
Long, James ('62)
Mahoney, Sean ('61)
Mullins, John ('55)
O'Connor, Robert ('67)
Ortuoste, Bernie ('59)
Rowe, William (William Gerald '55)
Sessman, Tom ('67)
Schneider, Charley ('67)
Shroeder, John ('61)
