Marists All: Issue #12 February 1990
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ISSUE # 12
February 1990
FROM GEORGE HOWARD ('70): I've hesitated in writing to Marists All
because I really didn't know what I wanted to say. I'm on the faculty of the
department of psychology at the University of Notre Dame. I feel like I've died
and gone to heaven. It is the most wonderful place I've ever lived or worked
(Sorry to have to break that news to Bayonnites everywhere.) Notre Dame would
be a first-class university even if it didn't have a football team ... and the team is
not bad.
I was attracted to the Marist Brothers because of my love of teaching. I continue
following that path in the company of first class students and facilities. Thus, all
failures to motivate and learn are mine alone. I often long for the good old days
at St. Helena's, where easy excuses for incompetence were all around; but, of
course, no one ever gave an excuse. Excuses would have been like fresh meat for
sharks like Decky, K0, Willie Maura, Jimmy Maher, Sarge, et al. If a young guy
even hinted at a teaching problem, it was like saying "Bless me father ..." in the
Vatican. Everyone was all ears. We learned more about teaching and education
in one dinner at St. Helena's than some faculty members do in a lifetime. After
twenty years of teaching, I still maintain that my best work was done at St.
Helena's. And why wouldn't it be? I've never taught in the company of a more
interested, knowledgeable, or enthusiastic cheering section of colleagues than I
had there. Thanks for the great start, guys.
Research and writing are a big part of any professional life now. Even though
they are acquired tastes, I've grown to like them. From time to time I am
"encouraged" to do my share of the administrative work here. I've done stints as
director of graduate studies and as chair of the department. Since I will never set
the world on fire as an administrator, I will always be happy to go back to my
first loves, and return to the ranks of the regular faculty.
Nancy Gulanick and I were married sixteen years ago, and we now have two
sons: John Gulanick (6 years) and Gregory Howard (4 years). The boys are a
handful. As many of you already know, the problem with having children a little
later in life (like 35 and up) is that we just don't have the energy we once had.
John is no problem in this regard; he is reasonable and mild-mannered., like his
mother. But Greg never stops. "A bath? Supper? Quiet time? Be serious, Dad!
There's five minutes of daylight left: Soccer balls to be kicked! Worms to be
captured! Fences to be climbed! I'm outta here!" Greg's worst offense is that he
reminds me of me ... thirty-seven years ago. Every evening at dusk you can see
me chasing Greg down the street, losing more ground with each day.
Despite the fact that I'm a terrible correspondent (see, it took me until issue #12
to get this to Gus Nolan), I manage to keep in pretty close touch with Bill
Lavigne, Kevin O'Neill, Phil Ouelette, Jimmy Shroeder, and Berkey (through
Lou Holtz). But I must thank Gus and Dave for Marists All. Every issue is a
fresh crop of memories of good times and good friends. If any Marists ever find
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themselves snowbound in South Bend, I hope you know you have an open door
at: (17044 Hampton Drive, Granger, In. 46530; 219-272-6645).
Remembering TERRY McMAHON ('56): Excerpts from a eulogy given by
Tom Murphy ('51)
He was known familiarly to many as Terry and to others as JJ; and there were
two passions in his life: his family and his teaching, Although long gone from
the family hearth, Terry remained close to his family through the years of trials
and triumphs, sorrows and sweetness, through births and through deaths.
Although a bachelor, Terry was a family man; he cared for all the members of
his family, and he loved them dearly.
Terry's second passion was his teaching. He took a dead language, Latin, and
made it come to life. He loved the classics. He quoted from them, he read and
reread them, he believed in them. On one occasion during a particularly long
dialog with him, when I inevitably asked what difference the subject made, he
ended the dialog with the statement: "I am human and what concerns humanity
concerns me." The quote not surprisingly was from a Latin author named
Terence.
More than a man of his family, more than a teacher, Terry was a unique
individual. He had a singular talent for description and for turning a phrase in his
conversations. He could burst the bubble of pretense, and he enjoyed a good
laugh, a good party, and good companionship. Like all of us he had his flaws and
he suffered; but he was not bitter. He accepted the hand life had dealt him, and
he had the capacity to laugh at himself.
In the latter years of his life it became apparent that Terry had chosen to live his
life on his own terms. He found his own vision of where it was at. His values
were solid and Christian. In the last half dozen years, Terry chose to become a
daily communicant. To visit the sick and bury the dead was part of his spiritual
repertoire. I find it edifying to reflect that two weeks before his own death, Terry
managed to visit Br. Kieran Thomas Brennan, who was dying at Calvary
Hospital. Terry's last words to Kieran were that he would remember him at Mass
and Communion; he then joined in singing the Salve Regina for Kieran.
I want to make this short and simple, something Terry would appreciate. I am
very grateful to have been given this opportunity by Terry's loved ones to say
these few words. I am proud to have been able to call Terry my friend, and to be
called a friend by him.
FROM BR. TOM PETITTE ('64): Excerpted from a letter to friends: The
memory of the beautiful Jubilee Liturgy in St. Ann's Church, Lawrence, on
October 22nd will never fade. I could never begin to thank everyone who helped
to make the celebration of my 25th anniversary such a memorable one. To see
the poor, the middle-class, those successful in business, religious men and
women, young and old, all gathered together praising God for His great gift of
Jesus to our world was for me a glimpse of what heaven must be. How happy
Jesus must have been to see us singing and laughing as we marched through the
city with candles to St. Joseph's Community Center. Your generosity to me is
very humbling. I thank you for your material gifts, but most importantly I thank
you for your prayers, hugs, kisses, and affirmation. It is this Jesus living in you
that makes difficult days possible, discouraging times appear filled with hope,
and tired times rejuvenated. Your gifts are being used to help the poor in ways
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that we do not have funds for at the Lazarus House. In your name I have the
great joy of bringing the love of Jesus to those who so often are unloved and
forgotten. (Box 408, Lawrence, MA. 01842; 508-689-8575)
FROM BR. LEONARD V0EGTLE: Greetings, once again from Rome, where I
returned on the 10th of November after the recent meeting of all provincials in
Brazil. The Superior General gave a very powerful keynote address on the
challenges facing us between now and the turn of the century. We really got into
the subject of which way we should direct our ministry, in the light of the signs
of the times and the needs of the poor. En route to the meeting all spent a week
in a Third World Country in Latin America; even those from poor countries in
Africa and those from devastated countries like Lebanon found their visits an
eye opener and a moment of grace.
The weather is chilly, in the 40's some days, and the house has no heating
system: fuel is expensive in Brazil! So we experienced a bit of the life of the
poor. I kept warm with the translating, both simultaneous and word processed.
Yet it wasn't all work and no play. There were bus trips every Sunday to different
scenic spots in the area, usually including a big meal in some town where the
Brothers have a school. We also visited the Pontifical Catholic University, run by
the Marist Brothers, in Porto Alegre. The university has 100 acres, 25 thousand
students, a 600 bed hospital attached to the school of medicine, a free clinic that
treats 1200 people a day, and a free dental clinic with about fifty chairs occupied
all day long.
During my stay in Brazil, I certainly heard much about the problems of the
South American continent: the usual mix of extreme wealth in the hands of the
few and great poverty as the lot of the poor, the result of years of local
mismanagement and corruption, and of dominance by First World business
interests and governments protecting their investments. In Brazil more than half
the population earn only the equivalent of $80 per month. The currency has been
devaluated twice in the past couple of years. Inflation is about one percent per
day. The young man who cut our hair during the meeting charged 7.50 cruzeiros
at first; a week later it was Cr 10. There were a lot of familiar faces at the
meeting ... James Benedict (Zimbabwe)., Cajetan "Cagey Joe" Joseph (Malawi)..
Joachim Heng and John Lek (China), Cliff Perera (Sri Lanka), Renato Cruz
(Philippines), Pedro Anselmo (master of novices for three provinces in southern
Brazil), and of course Charles Bernard, a General Councillor.
I had three good weeks in the States before returning here: caught up with a few
friends (including Bill Reger, who was in from Wheeling to run the NY
marathon, which he did in a very creditable 3.11); got a clean bill of health; gave
a presentation on Champagnat at a Marist College conference; relaxed for a
week in Esopus, enjoying the silence, solitude, and fall scenery; and went to
Molloy class reunion.
Now I am catching up with the pile of mail on my desk, starting to revise my
translation of volume one of Champagnat's letters, and putting the final touches
on volume one of our province history. Steve Urban and Sixtus Victor are here
and in good shape; John McDonnell will be returning from Africa next Monday,
and Phil Robert from the States around mid December. Once Basilio's course for
masters of novices begins, Vic will join the staff as contact person with Italian
realities and as cooking instructor.
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Just got number 11 of Marists All, and it was as enjoyable as all the others. I like
the frequent reference to Champagnat and how much his spirit means to all of
us. The Marist Family Movement is sinking roots in a number of countries
already; lay friends of the monks, and certainly former monks, are finding great
inspiration and encouragement for their life and work in Marcellin's spirit and
spirituality. Who knows where it may all lead in time. Peace, joy, blessings!
(Fratelli Maristi; Piazza M. Champagnat, 2; C.P. 10250; 00144, Rome, Italy)
FROM BR. JOHN MALICH: Assistant Provincal Poughkeepsie ProvinceWe are
inviting the Brothers to join in a novena to our Blessed Founder to pray for the
cure of Celeste Cormier. Celeste is the thirty-two year old niece of Br. Joseph
Belanger and the daughter of Joe's sister Rita. Celeste is suffering with cancer
and it has come to a critical stage, so she and her family will begin a novena
using the following prayer to Father Champagnat:
0 Blessed Marcellin Champagnat, who during life met with so many
difficulties, and overcame them all by your great confidence in God
and in the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, deign to hear our
humble prayer. If what we beg of you conforms to the Will of God
and to the salvation of souls, obtain for us the grace of Celeste
Cormier's cure.
FROM DONALD GILLESPIE ('65): A number of people have suggested that I
write to you to get on the mailing list of Marists All. I attended Marist Prep in
Esopus and Cold Spring from 1962 to 1964, and recently have been catching up
with a few of the people I knew there. In fact, I've heard that the newsletter is so
interesting that I should try to get back copies. I'd appreciate your sending me
any back issues that you have. (52 Fremont Street, Harrison, N. Y. 10528)
FROM ED JENNINGS ('65): I've really enjoyed reading Marists All. In 1960 I
started out as a freshman at Archbishop Molloy High School, and have come full
circle. For the past fourteen years I have taught mathematics at Molloy, and it
has been a pleasure to continue working with so many friends and great people.
Would you please update my address: (86-15 Broadway, Elmhurst, N. Y. 11373;
718-699-1622).
FROM PAT GALLAGHER ('55): Just finished the latest Marists All and of
course I'm moved with nostalgia and memories of "those few good men." Had
my first book published: Behind the Uniform in both the United Kingdom and in
the United States. It's more a textbook on comparative policing. Things have
been going well, and life has been good! (Box 82A, Lincoln, Va. 22078; 703-
338-3904)
FROM BR. PETER CHANEL ('37): Many thanks for sending me a copy of
Marists All. I read it and pass it on. It's amazing to see how many who have left
made out so well, and the word Marist Brothers seems to touch them and bring
back good memories. Age is creeping up on us now. Leo Joseph is at Leeds
Terrace now; he's 94 years old. Ernest Mary is 89, with poor eyesight. Br.
Stephen Emile is in the nursing home; he's 85. I'm 71, and doing fairly well.
Danny is 70, and still doing the cooking. (26 Leeds Terrace, Lawrence, Ma.
01843; 508-686-7411)
FROM PAT KIELTY ('65): I love reading Marists All every other month or so.
Unfortunately I have no new news since last I wrote, except to request that my
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address be changed. Keep up the great work. (10140 Tanfield Court, Ellicott
City, Maryland, 21043; 301-461-7435)
FROM JERRY WORRELL ('61): Attached is our annual letter that goes to
friends. I thought I'd catch you up on things. It's amazing how present to me are
so many things from so long ago. For example, while everyone else has changed
to some font available on a word processor, your type reminds me of the pica
type that was used in postings at Tyngsboro. Perhaps I'm getting mellow,
nostalgic, or just old, but as the ice freezes on the pond and we go out and
desperately try to save it with neighborhood snowblowers, I'm reminded of
afternoons and evenings at Tyngsboro doing the same thing.
I was never a great skater and admired the older New England monks who could
skate so well. Now I find myself in their role. This week I took my kids skating,
and I purposely did not wear my school jacket. As a reward for trying to skate I
took each of my kids in turn for a ride on my shoulders and skated across the
pond for a while. Josh thinks we're quite the circus act and Rachel just squeels.
As we did so, some of the high school kids must have recognized me, because
they asked, was I not the "English guy" from Sandby. What irked me was that in
their voices were the implications that (a) "English guys" and (b) old guys just
aren't supposed to be able to skate that well ... And I thought back to the likes of
John Berchmans, John Francis, Mike Shurkus, etc. In one sense, I had become
them for those kids. I enjoy your mailings and regret that distance does not allow
me to be present at such events as the GMIC picnic. Please don't pay any
attention to the address on this stationery. My kids use all available paper for
water coloring, and I had to rescue this from them.It was my wife's
grandmother's letter paper, Either I use this or an old paper bag.
The world rushes by, days tumble in blurred weeks and months and we stand
looking over our shoulders wondering about time, ourselves, where we've been
and where we'll be. Sometimes we all feel alone and disconnected and look for
that thread of significance that makes it all worthwhile. That's when the smile or
the laughter or the unprovoked kiss of one of the kids becomes the most
significant thing in our days. The touch of two adult hands, the "Mommy, read
two chapters of Amela, pleeeeze!" are the things that cement us together. Our joy
in our children, each other, in sharing cups of coffee after the kids' baths, and
knowing that our friends are there ... are the things that count. The Worrell
family has a tradition of lighting a large candle each Christmas. It burns
throughout the season for each of our friends. It says that in this house is warmth
and light and most especially love. We share them with you now and throughout
1990. (13738 South 83rd Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462)
FROM CHARLIE KENNEDY ('59): My heart reaches out as I note the passing
of Ken Connell. I was with the Brothers for five years: one in Esopus, two in
Tyngsboro, and two in Poughkeepsie, and I knew Ken as a happy, out going
person. He was tall and he could play a good game of basketball. Presentor of
plays and actor, He played in "Brother Orchid" in Esopus and put on a Gilbert
and Sullivan show in Tyngsboro if I'm not mistaken. He, with Peter Walsh, knew
how to make the "machinery" go in a stage production. Kenneth is, I believe, the
second of my group to die, the other being Br. Phil Gilmary LaCroix.
I count blessings when I realize that I am 50 on November 20, and have the
blessing of a job, a wife, and a wonderful daughter. Our best goes out to all for
the coming holiday season and for the new year of 1990. (43-34 42nd Street -
Apt 1R, Sunnyside, N. Y. 11104; 718-786-6191)
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OUR ROOTS ... reads easily, good summary, pleasant reminder
MARIST BROTHERS IN THE WORLD AND IN THE UNITED STATES
Since the providential day of January 2, 1817, the Marist Brothers have spread
throughout the world, carrying the charism of Champagnat to the least favored
on our earth. At the death of the Founder in 1840 there were 280 Brothers
working in 47 establishments all over France and even in the South Pacific. Four
years later the total was 610 teaching in over 100 schools. The Falloux Law of
1850 greatly favored the spread of communities of teaching Brothers and Sisters.
The Hermitage no longer sufficed as general headquarters, and a larger property
was purchased in St-Genis-Laval in the suburbs of Lyons in 1853. This served as
headquarters until the anticlerical laws of 1901 forced a transfer to Grugliasco,
Italy. Since 1958 the generalate has been in Rome.
Under Br. Francois, first Superior General, the Institute spread beyond France to
Belgium and England. Br. Louis Marie succeeded Br. Francois in 1860; at his
death in 1879 the Institute counted some 3700 Brothers and 565 schools caring
for over 80,000 children, not only in France but also in South Africa, Australia,
and New Zealand, The Marist motto, "All to Jesus through Mary," and the
Marist greeting "Laudetur Jesus Christus, Et Maria Mater Ejus" were seen and
heard the world over. Today the Marist Brothers number some 6000 men, and
they work in over 70 countries.
The first foundation in the United States was made in Lewiston, Maine, in 1886.
By 1900 there were 60 Brothers teaching in six U.S. schools. The anticlerical
laws of France 1901-05 led to mass exodus, and many French Brothers joined
their confreres in the Americas. In 1904 the Brothers had four schools in New
England and four in New York City,. The most prestigious of the latter was St.
Ann's Academy in Manhattan; this school transferred to more spacious quarters
on Long Island in 1957 and was renamed Molloy High. Several pioneer French
Brothers returned to their homeland to fight in World War I. Nevertheless, the
new province of the United States, separated from its Canadian forebears and
canonically set up in 1911, continued to grow in personnel and establishments.
Mt. St. Michael was founded in 1926 in the Bronx; other schools flourished in
Savannah (GA), Haverstraw (NY), Manchester (NH), Lawrence (MA),
Wheeling (WV), Lowell and Haverhill (MA). Central Catholic High was opened
in 1935 in Lawrence, Mass. Training houses for candidates were established in
Poughkeepsie, Tyngsboro, Esopus, and Cold Springs.
After World War II there was greater ethnic and geographical distribution among
the Brothers and the schools. Candidates of Franco-American and Irish stock
were joined by many of Italian origin, as well as a few Hispanics and Afro-
Americans. New schools opened in Florida, Chicago, Texas, and Oregon.
Mission fields in the Philippines and in Japan were confided to the American
Marists, and several volunteered for work in Oceanica and Zimbabwe. In 1986
three men opened a new mission in Liberia. The work commitment also
changed; the Brothers now work primarily in high schools. And some engage in
other forms of service to the most abandoned and least favored: drug and alcohol
rehabilitation, juvenile deliquence, human rights in Washington (DC) and Pine
Ridge (SD); spiritual renewal for adults, CCD; apostolates among the very
poorest were opened in Mississippi and inner-city Oakland (CA). A growing
number of elderly Brothers continue their apostolate of prayer and suffering. The
U.S. province was split in 1958 with headquarters now in Watertown (MA) and
Bayonne (NJ). The Brothers in the United States now number 320, and they
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work in over 25 schools. (Taken from booklet issued at Champagnat Year
conference held at Marist College)
FROM BOB REYNOLDS ('55): Dear Fellow Marists: I'm Bob Reynolds, alias
Br. Kevin Robert or Kevin Reynolds. I feel like I'm in a Back-to-the-Future
movie as I write this letter. So many things have come and gone in my lifetime
both good and bad. After leaving the Brothers in 1967, I taught science at
Longwood Junior High in Middle Island, N. Y. My first year of public education
was a rude awakening. Then Bob Pita, class of 1951 I think, put in a good word
for me in Farmingdale, and the following year I switched to Howitt School
where I have been teaching science for the past 21 years. This year I'm a
guidance counselor. Would you believe that after 21 years I was the least senior
member of the science department, and when the enrollment went down, I lost
my job. Thank God I had certification in guidance and someone retired in that
department.
I've had a series of part time jobs including Greyhound bus driver, my own lawn
mower business, camp counselor, and I even owned my own summer camp ...
lost my shirt there! For seven years from 1982-1989 every Saturday I worked for
Federal Express delivering packages. At Federal, I met John Quinn, class of
1959 I think. All those jobs I've given up to pursue my "jock" connection. I now
coach soccer, basketball, and lacrosse on the seventh grade level.
I'm very happily married to a terrific girl that lived in the Bronx in the same
block as I did, and whose sister was in my class at St. Helena's elementary
school. My wife Pat is a nurse. We have four beautiful children. Todd (23) has a
job in an aerospace company in Bohemia. Gary (21) is in the Air Force in
Louisiana. Dean (18) is a senior at St. John the Baptist High, West Islip. And
Tracy (14) is a freshman at St. Anthony's High, Huntington, N. Y. My life
revolves around my family and my work.
I still stay in touch with Bob Pito, who teaches science at my school, and with
Jim Madden who teaches computer science at, C. W. Post. I met Jack Meehan
last year at a St. Patrick's dance, St. James New York. I've been to his house
twice where I've met Paul Stengel, Jim Friel, Tom Houricane, and Mike
Sheridan. There were other ex-brothers there, but I can't remember their names.
Many good memories were awakened when I read the letters from John Dunn,
Art Lavigne, and Bill Connelly. I hope to see and hear from some of these guys
in the near future. The Marist picnic was great! I'm already looking forward to
next year's picnic. Stay well, and God bless all. (75 Thomas Street, Brentwood,
N. Y. 11717; 516-273-0532)
FROM JIM GORMALLY ('65): I am writing to ask for your help on a reunion
effort being planned by myself and Michael Flynn, a fellow Marist. We are
interested in convening this summer up in New Hampshire near Mt. Washington.
The inevitable question is: Does anyone else in our group of 1965 feel as we do
that such a reunion would be a good idea? We have decided to write to everyone
who took their vows in 1966, both in the Tyngsboro and in the Esopus groups to
find out if there's any interest out there to go further. It would be helpful if you
would mention this in your next newsletter; invite the people in our group to
write to me.
On a personal note, I am happy with my clinical work and am touched by
people's trust. It is a real satisfaction to enter a person's life and spirit in such an
intimate way. My family is fine; my children are 10 and 8 and healthy; my wife
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recently published her first book. This part vacation at Thanksgiving was the
best ever with my family of origin. (806 East Franklin Avenue, Silver Springs,
Md. 20901; 301-587-6205)
FROM REV. CHARlES COLLINS ('57): I was in Pat Hogan's class. We entered
Tyngsboro together as postulants in July of 1956. I left the scholasticate at
Marist College and went to the seminary.I have been ordained 21 years and am
attached to the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island. I live in East Hampton
because I have terminal cancer. I was supposed to be in heaven by October of
1988. I have pain but keep going when I can. Please continue to send me news.
I'd love to know where my classmates are. (64 Dayton Lane, East Hampton, N.
Y. 11937; 516-324-7831)
FROM BR. THOMAS KELLY ... Sargodha Update: What was a three acre
pasture land two years ago, frequented by lumbering water buffalo and braying
donkeys, has now been transformed into another fertile development: one where
bricks, concrete and steel rods grow skyward by the day. The long awaited funds
that would allow us to start building were received from Misereor, an
organization of German Bishops, at the beginning of the summer, and our
building crews have been hard at work ever since. Our original projection was
that we would have twenty classrooms ready for the start of the new school year
in April, but plans have a way of changing. Without any advance notice, the
Punjab Government announced that the new school year for 1990 would begin in
January. So, we will utilize all available space for classrooms and will begin the
new school year with classes 5 to 9. We will put off classes K to 4 till the start of
1991.
When our classroom program is completed, we will start on the construction of a
hostel to accommodate about 100 boys, classes 4 to 10. Recently we visited a
Catholic boarding school about ten miles from here which caters to 150 boys and
girls, classes 1 to 5. The present state of that boarding school is deplorable. As I
walked through the place and spoke with the children in my faltering Urdu, I
could only think of Charles Dickens' picture of orphanages in London. The
dormitories have double-decker beds stacked so close together that there is very
little circulation of air. I imagine in the hot weather the children must swelter in
the unbearable heat. The dormitories are not very large rooms; I found it difficult
to calculate how so many children could fit into such a small space, until I was
told that they sleep two to a bed. The children attend classes during the day but
the classrooms have inadequate lighting, broken windows, and desks badly in
need of repair. There is no playing area for after-school activities, so the children
spend their "leisure" hours behind iron grills. We left with the premise that we
would take the 4th and 5th grade boys to our school as soon as possible.
(Catholic Church, College Road, Sargodha, Pakistan)
FROM JOE HORAN ('50): As always, I enjoyed the latest issue of Marists All.
It is a real treat to be kept in contact with all our Marist friends. Even classmates
whom we haven't heard from nor seen in many years are still close to us. The
bond gets closer as we get older. I am looking forward to the 40th year reunion
of our class of 1950; we are joining together with the class of 1951 for the
reunion.
My oldest daughter is now a Junior at Hofstra University and is majoring in
Psychology, both clinical and educational. She is accelerating her course work,
and plans to continue until she has her doctorate, about 21/2 years more. My
youngest daughter has also accelerated her studies and at 14 is involved in 10th
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grade Regents courses. So I have been blessed. (Box 158, Eldred, N. Y. 12732;
914-557-8755)
FROM BR. PATRICK LONG ('45): I am sorry to be missing all those wonderful
GMC picnics. I was back East recently for the March on Washington for the
Homeless. We took twenty-five homeless people, so they could voice their
feelings to federal government officials about low cost housing. Maybe next year
I would be East for the next picnic. I'd like very much to meet you all again.
For the last eight years I've been working mainly with Native Americans and
with the homeless. Right now I am going full tilt with the earthquake victims
here in Santa Cruz. We were putting out close to 3000 meals per day in the Civic
Auditorium. Then a heavy rain came and the roof started to come apart. We had
to move all the food, equipment, and people in the pouring rain to another large
hall. That shelter has since closed, so now we are serving food out in a field
every day of the week. Then at 6 p.m. our vans pick up the homeless and take
them to various churches who feed and house them for the night. We have an
emergency housing hotline going, placing homeless people in apartments,
rooms, motels, etc.
The downtown area of Santa Cruz was devastated by the 7.1 earthquake of
October 17th. Twenty-five large buildings collapsed or have been torn down
because they were too dangerous to use. Large tents have been erected so that
the merchants can have a decent Christmas season. The spirit of the people here
is remarkable; they are so determined to rebuild a better and more beautiful
downtown.
I'm not much for making appeals, but we do need all kinds of help, especially
financial. If you would like to help out, send a check to: Marist Brothers,
%Paddy Long, F.M.S., 328-B Union Street, Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060;408-423-
9687
FROM BR. HUGH TURLEY ('54): I have some sad news: Br. Leo Vincent Wall
died. Wally was 84, still playing tennis a little, still doing guidance a little. Of
congestive heart failure, in Florida, November 17th. We buried.him in the
Esopus cemetery after waking him in Miami and at the Mount where he had
spent so many years.
Wally had fewer and fewer answers to life's questions as he grew older. His
passing added bold accent to a conversation I recently had with Br. Peter Chanel.
Pete was visiting with us here in Chicago from Leeds Terrace in Lawrence. I was
sitting at table with him after the rest left, inquiring after the retired men at Leeds
Terrace. He ran down the list, smiling, seeing each one in his mind's eye, then
paused and said: "You know, Hugh, I took care of the old and sick monks in
Tyngsboro night and day, and on Saturdays and Sundays, too. They needed me;
there was no one else to take care of them. And I said to myself: "When I retire,
I will drive around and tour, and sit around and talk. I looked forward to it: and
now I'm retired, and there's no one to talk to, and who can come with me on my
trips?" I rested my head on my hand and silently asked myself: "Am I
postponing life?" God, it's good to talk with the old monks. They fear nothing,
not ever the truth.
I also learned recently of Joe Kelly's death. I knew Joe from the Mount. He
began his novitiate in 1948 with Julian Roy, Angus Wilkinson, and Phil Robert
Ouellette, among others. A man of many accomplishments and interests, Joe
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played a paramount role as principal of St. Joseph's High during our years in
Trumbull, Ct. Joe is survived by his wife Pat of 241 Locust Lane, Irvington, N.
Y. 10533. Hugh's address: (4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, 60655).
FROM RAYMOND (Paul Wilfred) BLANCHARD ('47): Always wanted to
write, but ... ... I noticed that today is a Marist feast day, founding of the
Institute, so I decided to write before going back to work this new year. Always
enjoy reading about the ones that I worked with. Too bad there isn't too much
news from those in my age group!!!
I started teaching in the Pittsburgh public schools in 1972 and was in a typical
inner city school. Didn't find it too tough, but certainly not the kind of teaching
that I was used to! Then in the early eighties the school board decided to retrain
all teachers "A la Madeline Hunter." Millions were spent to replace teachers for
eight weeks while they went to a center and received supposedly up-to-date
modern theory on teaching. From what I see they did not get their money's
worth! Most of the older teachers didn't change at all; some of the younger ones
did though, as did a few of the "problem teachers." The reason I got a good look
at these teachers is that I was one of those chosen to replace people for their
eight week stints. In the three years that I did that, I taught all the different high
school science classes, in all kinds of schools and labs. One good result was that
I found a reasonably good school and applied there. Now I am teaching in what
is called a "Traditional Academy," but don't let the name fool you; it is better
than the average city school though!
Am now starting my last six months of teaching. Retirement is just around the
corner. Since my wife and I both like to travel and camp, we bought an RV last
spring so that we can tour the U.S. and Canada. We had done a lot of camping
with an El Camino and a tent, but found that the ground is a bit too hard for the
old bones! This summer we tried the RV for an extended trip to the Blanchard's
family reunion in Canada. Put on about 7000 miles ... and loved it! We haven't
planned anything for this summer yet. We do know that we'd like to spend a bit
of time in the fall "following the leaves" as they turn in the New England area ...
maybe start in Canada and move down! We do want to go back to Europe again
... loved it the last time there. Too bad that when we were in Rome, there weren't
any Brothers that I knew at the Mother House. And while driving through
Switzerland I tried to show Rosemarie where the second Novitiate was, but
would you believe it, I couldn't find the place! I never thought that I would
forget how to get back to the house from downtown Fribourg! Things have
changed in twenty years. Keep up the good work. Would love to hear from
others! (25 Brickyard Road, Mars, Pa. 16046; 412-776-1391)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Our newsletter is sent to 39 Marist communities; fifteen
Brothers from those communities have written for the newsletter. There are 37
monks on individual apostolates; nineteen of them have written. The newsletter
goes out to 380 people who are not canonically attached; 31% of them, 117,
have written. Thus, to date we have had responses from 151 different people,
33% of 456 mailings. On occasion my mind wanders to those who were in
training with me, to those with whom I taught, to those who were my students, to
those I met at meetings, retreats, and celebrations ... and I wonder how things are
going with them; yet many are not even on our mailing list. Please do not
assume that we have the names and addresses of all your Marist contacts. And if
you are one of those who has not yet written, please do so soon! Write to David
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Kammer, 107 Woodland Drive, Harwinton, Ct. 06791, or to Gus Nolan, Marist
College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601
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ISSUE # 12
February 1990
FROM GEORGE HOWARD ('70): I've hesitated in writing to Marists All
because I really didn't know what I wanted to say. I'm on the faculty of the
department of psychology at the University of Notre Dame. I feel like I've died
and gone to heaven. It is the most wonderful place I've ever lived or worked
(Sorry to have to break that news to Bayonnites everywhere.) Notre Dame would
be a first-class university even if it didn't have a football team ... and the team is
not bad.
I was attracted to the Marist Brothers because of my love of teaching. I continue
following that path in the company of first class students and facilities. Thus, all
failures to motivate and learn are mine alone. I often long for the good old days
at St. Helena's, where easy excuses for incompetence were all around; but, of
course, no one ever gave an excuse. Excuses would have been like fresh meat for
sharks like Decky, K0, Willie Maura, Jimmy Maher, Sarge, et al. If a young guy
even hinted at a teaching problem, it was like saying "Bless me father ..." in the
Vatican. Everyone was all ears. We learned more about teaching and education
in one dinner at St. Helena's than some faculty members do in a lifetime. After
twenty years of teaching, I still maintain that my best work was done at St.
Helena's. And why wouldn't it be? I've never taught in the company of a more
interested, knowledgeable, or enthusiastic cheering section of colleagues than I
had there. Thanks for the great start, guys.
Research and writing are a big part of any professional life now. Even though
they are acquired tastes, I've grown to like them. From time to time I am
"encouraged" to do my share of the administrative work here. I've done stints as
director of graduate studies and as chair of the department. Since I will never set
the world on fire as an administrator, I will always be happy to go back to my
first loves, and return to the ranks of the regular faculty.
Nancy Gulanick and I were married sixteen years ago, and we now have two
sons: John Gulanick (6 years) and Gregory Howard (4 years). The boys are a
handful. As many of you already know, the problem with having children a little
later in life (like 35 and up) is that we just don't have the energy we once had.
John is no problem in this regard; he is reasonable and mild-mannered., like his
mother. But Greg never stops. "A bath? Supper? Quiet time? Be serious, Dad!
There's five minutes of daylight left: Soccer balls to be kicked! Worms to be
captured! Fences to be climbed! I'm outta here!" Greg's worst offense is that he
reminds me of me ... thirty-seven years ago. Every evening at dusk you can see
me chasing Greg down the street, losing more ground with each day.
Despite the fact that I'm a terrible correspondent (see, it took me until issue #12
to get this to Gus Nolan), I manage to keep in pretty close touch with Bill
Lavigne, Kevin O'Neill, Phil Ouelette, Jimmy Shroeder, and Berkey (through
Lou Holtz). But I must thank Gus and Dave for Marists All. Every issue is a
fresh crop of memories of good times and good friends. If any Marists ever find
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themselves snowbound in South Bend, I hope you know you have an open door
at: (17044 Hampton Drive, Granger, In. 46530; 219-272-6645).
Remembering TERRY McMAHON ('56): Excerpts from a eulogy given by
Tom Murphy ('51)
He was known familiarly to many as Terry and to others as JJ; and there were
two passions in his life: his family and his teaching, Although long gone from
the family hearth, Terry remained close to his family through the years of trials
and triumphs, sorrows and sweetness, through births and through deaths.
Although a bachelor, Terry was a family man; he cared for all the members of
his family, and he loved them dearly.
Terry's second passion was his teaching. He took a dead language, Latin, and
made it come to life. He loved the classics. He quoted from them, he read and
reread them, he believed in them. On one occasion during a particularly long
dialog with him, when I inevitably asked what difference the subject made, he
ended the dialog with the statement: "I am human and what concerns humanity
concerns me." The quote not surprisingly was from a Latin author named
Terence.
More than a man of his family, more than a teacher, Terry was a unique
individual. He had a singular talent for description and for turning a phrase in his
conversations. He could burst the bubble of pretense, and he enjoyed a good
laugh, a good party, and good companionship. Like all of us he had his flaws and
he suffered; but he was not bitter. He accepted the hand life had dealt him, and
he had the capacity to laugh at himself.
In the latter years of his life it became apparent that Terry had chosen to live his
life on his own terms. He found his own vision of where it was at. His values
were solid and Christian. In the last half dozen years, Terry chose to become a
daily communicant. To visit the sick and bury the dead was part of his spiritual
repertoire. I find it edifying to reflect that two weeks before his own death, Terry
managed to visit Br. Kieran Thomas Brennan, who was dying at Calvary
Hospital. Terry's last words to Kieran were that he would remember him at Mass
and Communion; he then joined in singing the Salve Regina for Kieran.
I want to make this short and simple, something Terry would appreciate. I am
very grateful to have been given this opportunity by Terry's loved ones to say
these few words. I am proud to have been able to call Terry my friend, and to be
called a friend by him.
FROM BR. TOM PETITTE ('64): Excerpted from a letter to friends: The
memory of the beautiful Jubilee Liturgy in St. Ann's Church, Lawrence, on
October 22nd will never fade. I could never begin to thank everyone who helped
to make the celebration of my 25th anniversary such a memorable one. To see
the poor, the middle-class, those successful in business, religious men and
women, young and old, all gathered together praising God for His great gift of
Jesus to our world was for me a glimpse of what heaven must be. How happy
Jesus must have been to see us singing and laughing as we marched through the
city with candles to St. Joseph's Community Center. Your generosity to me is
very humbling. I thank you for your material gifts, but most importantly I thank
you for your prayers, hugs, kisses, and affirmation. It is this Jesus living in you
that makes difficult days possible, discouraging times appear filled with hope,
and tired times rejuvenated. Your gifts are being used to help the poor in ways
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that we do not have funds for at the Lazarus House. In your name I have the
great joy of bringing the love of Jesus to those who so often are unloved and
forgotten. (Box 408, Lawrence, MA. 01842; 508-689-8575)
FROM BR. LEONARD V0EGTLE: Greetings, once again from Rome, where I
returned on the 10th of November after the recent meeting of all provincials in
Brazil. The Superior General gave a very powerful keynote address on the
challenges facing us between now and the turn of the century. We really got into
the subject of which way we should direct our ministry, in the light of the signs
of the times and the needs of the poor. En route to the meeting all spent a week
in a Third World Country in Latin America; even those from poor countries in
Africa and those from devastated countries like Lebanon found their visits an
eye opener and a moment of grace.
The weather is chilly, in the 40's some days, and the house has no heating
system: fuel is expensive in Brazil! So we experienced a bit of the life of the
poor. I kept warm with the translating, both simultaneous and word processed.
Yet it wasn't all work and no play. There were bus trips every Sunday to different
scenic spots in the area, usually including a big meal in some town where the
Brothers have a school. We also visited the Pontifical Catholic University, run by
the Marist Brothers, in Porto Alegre. The university has 100 acres, 25 thousand
students, a 600 bed hospital attached to the school of medicine, a free clinic that
treats 1200 people a day, and a free dental clinic with about fifty chairs occupied
all day long.
During my stay in Brazil, I certainly heard much about the problems of the
South American continent: the usual mix of extreme wealth in the hands of the
few and great poverty as the lot of the poor, the result of years of local
mismanagement and corruption, and of dominance by First World business
interests and governments protecting their investments. In Brazil more than half
the population earn only the equivalent of $80 per month. The currency has been
devaluated twice in the past couple of years. Inflation is about one percent per
day. The young man who cut our hair during the meeting charged 7.50 cruzeiros
at first; a week later it was Cr 10. There were a lot of familiar faces at the
meeting ... James Benedict (Zimbabwe)., Cajetan "Cagey Joe" Joseph (Malawi)..
Joachim Heng and John Lek (China), Cliff Perera (Sri Lanka), Renato Cruz
(Philippines), Pedro Anselmo (master of novices for three provinces in southern
Brazil), and of course Charles Bernard, a General Councillor.
I had three good weeks in the States before returning here: caught up with a few
friends (including Bill Reger, who was in from Wheeling to run the NY
marathon, which he did in a very creditable 3.11); got a clean bill of health; gave
a presentation on Champagnat at a Marist College conference; relaxed for a
week in Esopus, enjoying the silence, solitude, and fall scenery; and went to
Molloy class reunion.
Now I am catching up with the pile of mail on my desk, starting to revise my
translation of volume one of Champagnat's letters, and putting the final touches
on volume one of our province history. Steve Urban and Sixtus Victor are here
and in good shape; John McDonnell will be returning from Africa next Monday,
and Phil Robert from the States around mid December. Once Basilio's course for
masters of novices begins, Vic will join the staff as contact person with Italian
realities and as cooking instructor.
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Just got number 11 of Marists All, and it was as enjoyable as all the others. I like
the frequent reference to Champagnat and how much his spirit means to all of
us. The Marist Family Movement is sinking roots in a number of countries
already; lay friends of the monks, and certainly former monks, are finding great
inspiration and encouragement for their life and work in Marcellin's spirit and
spirituality. Who knows where it may all lead in time. Peace, joy, blessings!
(Fratelli Maristi; Piazza M. Champagnat, 2; C.P. 10250; 00144, Rome, Italy)
FROM BR. JOHN MALICH: Assistant Provincal Poughkeepsie ProvinceWe are
inviting the Brothers to join in a novena to our Blessed Founder to pray for the
cure of Celeste Cormier. Celeste is the thirty-two year old niece of Br. Joseph
Belanger and the daughter of Joe's sister Rita. Celeste is suffering with cancer
and it has come to a critical stage, so she and her family will begin a novena
using the following prayer to Father Champagnat:
0 Blessed Marcellin Champagnat, who during life met with so many
difficulties, and overcame them all by your great confidence in God
and in the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, deign to hear our
humble prayer. If what we beg of you conforms to the Will of God
and to the salvation of souls, obtain for us the grace of Celeste
Cormier's cure.
FROM DONALD GILLESPIE ('65): A number of people have suggested that I
write to you to get on the mailing list of Marists All. I attended Marist Prep in
Esopus and Cold Spring from 1962 to 1964, and recently have been catching up
with a few of the people I knew there. In fact, I've heard that the newsletter is so
interesting that I should try to get back copies. I'd appreciate your sending me
any back issues that you have. (52 Fremont Street, Harrison, N. Y. 10528)
FROM ED JENNINGS ('65): I've really enjoyed reading Marists All. In 1960 I
started out as a freshman at Archbishop Molloy High School, and have come full
circle. For the past fourteen years I have taught mathematics at Molloy, and it
has been a pleasure to continue working with so many friends and great people.
Would you please update my address: (86-15 Broadway, Elmhurst, N. Y. 11373;
718-699-1622).
FROM PAT GALLAGHER ('55): Just finished the latest Marists All and of
course I'm moved with nostalgia and memories of "those few good men." Had
my first book published: Behind the Uniform in both the United Kingdom and in
the United States. It's more a textbook on comparative policing. Things have
been going well, and life has been good! (Box 82A, Lincoln, Va. 22078; 703-
338-3904)
FROM BR. PETER CHANEL ('37): Many thanks for sending me a copy of
Marists All. I read it and pass it on. It's amazing to see how many who have left
made out so well, and the word Marist Brothers seems to touch them and bring
back good memories. Age is creeping up on us now. Leo Joseph is at Leeds
Terrace now; he's 94 years old. Ernest Mary is 89, with poor eyesight. Br.
Stephen Emile is in the nursing home; he's 85. I'm 71, and doing fairly well.
Danny is 70, and still doing the cooking. (26 Leeds Terrace, Lawrence, Ma.
01843; 508-686-7411)
FROM PAT KIELTY ('65): I love reading Marists All every other month or so.
Unfortunately I have no new news since last I wrote, except to request that my
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address be changed. Keep up the great work. (10140 Tanfield Court, Ellicott
City, Maryland, 21043; 301-461-7435)
FROM JERRY WORRELL ('61): Attached is our annual letter that goes to
friends. I thought I'd catch you up on things. It's amazing how present to me are
so many things from so long ago. For example, while everyone else has changed
to some font available on a word processor, your type reminds me of the pica
type that was used in postings at Tyngsboro. Perhaps I'm getting mellow,
nostalgic, or just old, but as the ice freezes on the pond and we go out and
desperately try to save it with neighborhood snowblowers, I'm reminded of
afternoons and evenings at Tyngsboro doing the same thing.
I was never a great skater and admired the older New England monks who could
skate so well. Now I find myself in their role. This week I took my kids skating,
and I purposely did not wear my school jacket. As a reward for trying to skate I
took each of my kids in turn for a ride on my shoulders and skated across the
pond for a while. Josh thinks we're quite the circus act and Rachel just squeels.
As we did so, some of the high school kids must have recognized me, because
they asked, was I not the "English guy" from Sandby. What irked me was that in
their voices were the implications that (a) "English guys" and (b) old guys just
aren't supposed to be able to skate that well ... And I thought back to the likes of
John Berchmans, John Francis, Mike Shurkus, etc. In one sense, I had become
them for those kids. I enjoy your mailings and regret that distance does not allow
me to be present at such events as the GMIC picnic. Please don't pay any
attention to the address on this stationery. My kids use all available paper for
water coloring, and I had to rescue this from them.It was my wife's
grandmother's letter paper, Either I use this or an old paper bag.
The world rushes by, days tumble in blurred weeks and months and we stand
looking over our shoulders wondering about time, ourselves, where we've been
and where we'll be. Sometimes we all feel alone and disconnected and look for
that thread of significance that makes it all worthwhile. That's when the smile or
the laughter or the unprovoked kiss of one of the kids becomes the most
significant thing in our days. The touch of two adult hands, the "Mommy, read
two chapters of Amela, pleeeeze!" are the things that cement us together. Our joy
in our children, each other, in sharing cups of coffee after the kids' baths, and
knowing that our friends are there ... are the things that count. The Worrell
family has a tradition of lighting a large candle each Christmas. It burns
throughout the season for each of our friends. It says that in this house is warmth
and light and most especially love. We share them with you now and throughout
1990. (13738 South 83rd Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462)
FROM CHARLIE KENNEDY ('59): My heart reaches out as I note the passing
of Ken Connell. I was with the Brothers for five years: one in Esopus, two in
Tyngsboro, and two in Poughkeepsie, and I knew Ken as a happy, out going
person. He was tall and he could play a good game of basketball. Presentor of
plays and actor, He played in "Brother Orchid" in Esopus and put on a Gilbert
and Sullivan show in Tyngsboro if I'm not mistaken. He, with Peter Walsh, knew
how to make the "machinery" go in a stage production. Kenneth is, I believe, the
second of my group to die, the other being Br. Phil Gilmary LaCroix.
I count blessings when I realize that I am 50 on November 20, and have the
blessing of a job, a wife, and a wonderful daughter. Our best goes out to all for
the coming holiday season and for the new year of 1990. (43-34 42nd Street -
Apt 1R, Sunnyside, N. Y. 11104; 718-786-6191)
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OUR ROOTS ... reads easily, good summary, pleasant reminder
MARIST BROTHERS IN THE WORLD AND IN THE UNITED STATES
Since the providential day of January 2, 1817, the Marist Brothers have spread
throughout the world, carrying the charism of Champagnat to the least favored
on our earth. At the death of the Founder in 1840 there were 280 Brothers
working in 47 establishments all over France and even in the South Pacific. Four
years later the total was 610 teaching in over 100 schools. The Falloux Law of
1850 greatly favored the spread of communities of teaching Brothers and Sisters.
The Hermitage no longer sufficed as general headquarters, and a larger property
was purchased in St-Genis-Laval in the suburbs of Lyons in 1853. This served as
headquarters until the anticlerical laws of 1901 forced a transfer to Grugliasco,
Italy. Since 1958 the generalate has been in Rome.
Under Br. Francois, first Superior General, the Institute spread beyond France to
Belgium and England. Br. Louis Marie succeeded Br. Francois in 1860; at his
death in 1879 the Institute counted some 3700 Brothers and 565 schools caring
for over 80,000 children, not only in France but also in South Africa, Australia,
and New Zealand, The Marist motto, "All to Jesus through Mary," and the
Marist greeting "Laudetur Jesus Christus, Et Maria Mater Ejus" were seen and
heard the world over. Today the Marist Brothers number some 6000 men, and
they work in over 70 countries.
The first foundation in the United States was made in Lewiston, Maine, in 1886.
By 1900 there were 60 Brothers teaching in six U.S. schools. The anticlerical
laws of France 1901-05 led to mass exodus, and many French Brothers joined
their confreres in the Americas. In 1904 the Brothers had four schools in New
England and four in New York City,. The most prestigious of the latter was St.
Ann's Academy in Manhattan; this school transferred to more spacious quarters
on Long Island in 1957 and was renamed Molloy High. Several pioneer French
Brothers returned to their homeland to fight in World War I. Nevertheless, the
new province of the United States, separated from its Canadian forebears and
canonically set up in 1911, continued to grow in personnel and establishments.
Mt. St. Michael was founded in 1926 in the Bronx; other schools flourished in
Savannah (GA), Haverstraw (NY), Manchester (NH), Lawrence (MA),
Wheeling (WV), Lowell and Haverhill (MA). Central Catholic High was opened
in 1935 in Lawrence, Mass. Training houses for candidates were established in
Poughkeepsie, Tyngsboro, Esopus, and Cold Springs.
After World War II there was greater ethnic and geographical distribution among
the Brothers and the schools. Candidates of Franco-American and Irish stock
were joined by many of Italian origin, as well as a few Hispanics and Afro-
Americans. New schools opened in Florida, Chicago, Texas, and Oregon.
Mission fields in the Philippines and in Japan were confided to the American
Marists, and several volunteered for work in Oceanica and Zimbabwe. In 1986
three men opened a new mission in Liberia. The work commitment also
changed; the Brothers now work primarily in high schools. And some engage in
other forms of service to the most abandoned and least favored: drug and alcohol
rehabilitation, juvenile deliquence, human rights in Washington (DC) and Pine
Ridge (SD); spiritual renewal for adults, CCD; apostolates among the very
poorest were opened in Mississippi and inner-city Oakland (CA). A growing
number of elderly Brothers continue their apostolate of prayer and suffering. The
U.S. province was split in 1958 with headquarters now in Watertown (MA) and
Bayonne (NJ). The Brothers in the United States now number 320, and they
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work in over 25 schools. (Taken from booklet issued at Champagnat Year
conference held at Marist College)
FROM BOB REYNOLDS ('55): Dear Fellow Marists: I'm Bob Reynolds, alias
Br. Kevin Robert or Kevin Reynolds. I feel like I'm in a Back-to-the-Future
movie as I write this letter. So many things have come and gone in my lifetime
both good and bad. After leaving the Brothers in 1967, I taught science at
Longwood Junior High in Middle Island, N. Y. My first year of public education
was a rude awakening. Then Bob Pita, class of 1951 I think, put in a good word
for me in Farmingdale, and the following year I switched to Howitt School
where I have been teaching science for the past 21 years. This year I'm a
guidance counselor. Would you believe that after 21 years I was the least senior
member of the science department, and when the enrollment went down, I lost
my job. Thank God I had certification in guidance and someone retired in that
department.
I've had a series of part time jobs including Greyhound bus driver, my own lawn
mower business, camp counselor, and I even owned my own summer camp ...
lost my shirt there! For seven years from 1982-1989 every Saturday I worked for
Federal Express delivering packages. At Federal, I met John Quinn, class of
1959 I think. All those jobs I've given up to pursue my "jock" connection. I now
coach soccer, basketball, and lacrosse on the seventh grade level.
I'm very happily married to a terrific girl that lived in the Bronx in the same
block as I did, and whose sister was in my class at St. Helena's elementary
school. My wife Pat is a nurse. We have four beautiful children. Todd (23) has a
job in an aerospace company in Bohemia. Gary (21) is in the Air Force in
Louisiana. Dean (18) is a senior at St. John the Baptist High, West Islip. And
Tracy (14) is a freshman at St. Anthony's High, Huntington, N. Y. My life
revolves around my family and my work.
I still stay in touch with Bob Pito, who teaches science at my school, and with
Jim Madden who teaches computer science at, C. W. Post. I met Jack Meehan
last year at a St. Patrick's dance, St. James New York. I've been to his house
twice where I've met Paul Stengel, Jim Friel, Tom Houricane, and Mike
Sheridan. There were other ex-brothers there, but I can't remember their names.
Many good memories were awakened when I read the letters from John Dunn,
Art Lavigne, and Bill Connelly. I hope to see and hear from some of these guys
in the near future. The Marist picnic was great! I'm already looking forward to
next year's picnic. Stay well, and God bless all. (75 Thomas Street, Brentwood,
N. Y. 11717; 516-273-0532)
FROM JIM GORMALLY ('65): I am writing to ask for your help on a reunion
effort being planned by myself and Michael Flynn, a fellow Marist. We are
interested in convening this summer up in New Hampshire near Mt. Washington.
The inevitable question is: Does anyone else in our group of 1965 feel as we do
that such a reunion would be a good idea? We have decided to write to everyone
who took their vows in 1966, both in the Tyngsboro and in the Esopus groups to
find out if there's any interest out there to go further. It would be helpful if you
would mention this in your next newsletter; invite the people in our group to
write to me.
On a personal note, I am happy with my clinical work and am touched by
people's trust. It is a real satisfaction to enter a person's life and spirit in such an
intimate way. My family is fine; my children are 10 and 8 and healthy; my wife
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recently published her first book. This part vacation at Thanksgiving was the
best ever with my family of origin. (806 East Franklin Avenue, Silver Springs,
Md. 20901; 301-587-6205)
FROM REV. CHARlES COLLINS ('57): I was in Pat Hogan's class. We entered
Tyngsboro together as postulants in July of 1956. I left the scholasticate at
Marist College and went to the seminary.I have been ordained 21 years and am
attached to the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island. I live in East Hampton
because I have terminal cancer. I was supposed to be in heaven by October of
1988. I have pain but keep going when I can. Please continue to send me news.
I'd love to know where my classmates are. (64 Dayton Lane, East Hampton, N.
Y. 11937; 516-324-7831)
FROM BR. THOMAS KELLY ... Sargodha Update: What was a three acre
pasture land two years ago, frequented by lumbering water buffalo and braying
donkeys, has now been transformed into another fertile development: one where
bricks, concrete and steel rods grow skyward by the day. The long awaited funds
that would allow us to start building were received from Misereor, an
organization of German Bishops, at the beginning of the summer, and our
building crews have been hard at work ever since. Our original projection was
that we would have twenty classrooms ready for the start of the new school year
in April, but plans have a way of changing. Without any advance notice, the
Punjab Government announced that the new school year for 1990 would begin in
January. So, we will utilize all available space for classrooms and will begin the
new school year with classes 5 to 9. We will put off classes K to 4 till the start of
1991.
When our classroom program is completed, we will start on the construction of a
hostel to accommodate about 100 boys, classes 4 to 10. Recently we visited a
Catholic boarding school about ten miles from here which caters to 150 boys and
girls, classes 1 to 5. The present state of that boarding school is deplorable. As I
walked through the place and spoke with the children in my faltering Urdu, I
could only think of Charles Dickens' picture of orphanages in London. The
dormitories have double-decker beds stacked so close together that there is very
little circulation of air. I imagine in the hot weather the children must swelter in
the unbearable heat. The dormitories are not very large rooms; I found it difficult
to calculate how so many children could fit into such a small space, until I was
told that they sleep two to a bed. The children attend classes during the day but
the classrooms have inadequate lighting, broken windows, and desks badly in
need of repair. There is no playing area for after-school activities, so the children
spend their "leisure" hours behind iron grills. We left with the premise that we
would take the 4th and 5th grade boys to our school as soon as possible.
(Catholic Church, College Road, Sargodha, Pakistan)
FROM JOE HORAN ('50): As always, I enjoyed the latest issue of Marists All.
It is a real treat to be kept in contact with all our Marist friends. Even classmates
whom we haven't heard from nor seen in many years are still close to us. The
bond gets closer as we get older. I am looking forward to the 40th year reunion
of our class of 1950; we are joining together with the class of 1951 for the
reunion.
My oldest daughter is now a Junior at Hofstra University and is majoring in
Psychology, both clinical and educational. She is accelerating her course work,
and plans to continue until she has her doctorate, about 21/2 years more. My
youngest daughter has also accelerated her studies and at 14 is involved in 10th
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grade Regents courses. So I have been blessed. (Box 158, Eldred, N. Y. 12732;
914-557-8755)
FROM BR. PATRICK LONG ('45): I am sorry to be missing all those wonderful
GMC picnics. I was back East recently for the March on Washington for the
Homeless. We took twenty-five homeless people, so they could voice their
feelings to federal government officials about low cost housing. Maybe next year
I would be East for the next picnic. I'd like very much to meet you all again.
For the last eight years I've been working mainly with Native Americans and
with the homeless. Right now I am going full tilt with the earthquake victims
here in Santa Cruz. We were putting out close to 3000 meals per day in the Civic
Auditorium. Then a heavy rain came and the roof started to come apart. We had
to move all the food, equipment, and people in the pouring rain to another large
hall. That shelter has since closed, so now we are serving food out in a field
every day of the week. Then at 6 p.m. our vans pick up the homeless and take
them to various churches who feed and house them for the night. We have an
emergency housing hotline going, placing homeless people in apartments,
rooms, motels, etc.
The downtown area of Santa Cruz was devastated by the 7.1 earthquake of
October 17th. Twenty-five large buildings collapsed or have been torn down
because they were too dangerous to use. Large tents have been erected so that
the merchants can have a decent Christmas season. The spirit of the people here
is remarkable; they are so determined to rebuild a better and more beautiful
downtown.
I'm not much for making appeals, but we do need all kinds of help, especially
financial. If you would like to help out, send a check to: Marist Brothers,
%Paddy Long, F.M.S., 328-B Union Street, Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060;408-423-
9687
FROM BR. HUGH TURLEY ('54): I have some sad news: Br. Leo Vincent Wall
died. Wally was 84, still playing tennis a little, still doing guidance a little. Of
congestive heart failure, in Florida, November 17th. We buried.him in the
Esopus cemetery after waking him in Miami and at the Mount where he had
spent so many years.
Wally had fewer and fewer answers to life's questions as he grew older. His
passing added bold accent to a conversation I recently had with Br. Peter Chanel.
Pete was visiting with us here in Chicago from Leeds Terrace in Lawrence. I was
sitting at table with him after the rest left, inquiring after the retired men at Leeds
Terrace. He ran down the list, smiling, seeing each one in his mind's eye, then
paused and said: "You know, Hugh, I took care of the old and sick monks in
Tyngsboro night and day, and on Saturdays and Sundays, too. They needed me;
there was no one else to take care of them. And I said to myself: "When I retire,
I will drive around and tour, and sit around and talk. I looked forward to it: and
now I'm retired, and there's no one to talk to, and who can come with me on my
trips?" I rested my head on my hand and silently asked myself: "Am I
postponing life?" God, it's good to talk with the old monks. They fear nothing,
not ever the truth.
I also learned recently of Joe Kelly's death. I knew Joe from the Mount. He
began his novitiate in 1948 with Julian Roy, Angus Wilkinson, and Phil Robert
Ouellette, among others. A man of many accomplishments and interests, Joe
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played a paramount role as principal of St. Joseph's High during our years in
Trumbull, Ct. Joe is survived by his wife Pat of 241 Locust Lane, Irvington, N.
Y. 10533. Hugh's address: (4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, 60655).
FROM RAYMOND (Paul Wilfred) BLANCHARD ('47): Always wanted to
write, but ... ... I noticed that today is a Marist feast day, founding of the
Institute, so I decided to write before going back to work this new year. Always
enjoy reading about the ones that I worked with. Too bad there isn't too much
news from those in my age group!!!
I started teaching in the Pittsburgh public schools in 1972 and was in a typical
inner city school. Didn't find it too tough, but certainly not the kind of teaching
that I was used to! Then in the early eighties the school board decided to retrain
all teachers "A la Madeline Hunter." Millions were spent to replace teachers for
eight weeks while they went to a center and received supposedly up-to-date
modern theory on teaching. From what I see they did not get their money's
worth! Most of the older teachers didn't change at all; some of the younger ones
did though, as did a few of the "problem teachers." The reason I got a good look
at these teachers is that I was one of those chosen to replace people for their
eight week stints. In the three years that I did that, I taught all the different high
school science classes, in all kinds of schools and labs. One good result was that
I found a reasonably good school and applied there. Now I am teaching in what
is called a "Traditional Academy," but don't let the name fool you; it is better
than the average city school though!
Am now starting my last six months of teaching. Retirement is just around the
corner. Since my wife and I both like to travel and camp, we bought an RV last
spring so that we can tour the U.S. and Canada. We had done a lot of camping
with an El Camino and a tent, but found that the ground is a bit too hard for the
old bones! This summer we tried the RV for an extended trip to the Blanchard's
family reunion in Canada. Put on about 7000 miles ... and loved it! We haven't
planned anything for this summer yet. We do know that we'd like to spend a bit
of time in the fall "following the leaves" as they turn in the New England area ...
maybe start in Canada and move down! We do want to go back to Europe again
... loved it the last time there. Too bad that when we were in Rome, there weren't
any Brothers that I knew at the Mother House. And while driving through
Switzerland I tried to show Rosemarie where the second Novitiate was, but
would you believe it, I couldn't find the place! I never thought that I would
forget how to get back to the house from downtown Fribourg! Things have
changed in twenty years. Keep up the good work. Would love to hear from
others! (25 Brickyard Road, Mars, Pa. 16046; 412-776-1391)
EDITOR'S NOTE: Our newsletter is sent to 39 Marist communities; fifteen
Brothers from those communities have written for the newsletter. There are 37
monks on individual apostolates; nineteen of them have written. The newsletter
goes out to 380 people who are not canonically attached; 31% of them, 117,
have written. Thus, to date we have had responses from 151 different people,
33% of 456 mailings. On occasion my mind wanders to those who were in
training with me, to those with whom I taught, to those who were my students, to
those I met at meetings, retreats, and celebrations ... and I wonder how things are
going with them; yet many are not even on our mailing list. Please do not
assume that we have the names and addresses of all your Marist contacts. And if
you are one of those who has not yet written, please do so soon! Write to David
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Kammer, 107 Woodland Drive, Harwinton, Ct. 06791, or to Gus Nolan, Marist
College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601