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Part of Marists All: Issue #9 May 1989
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ISSUE # 9
May 1989
URGENT: Our mail has fallen off noticeably since the last issue of Mrists All.
One reason no doubt is that I failed to repeat my home address in the last issue;
sorry. I hope that is the only reason for the slow down and that we are not
running out of people who are willing to share their news with us. To keep the
newsletter going a little longer at least, you are the one who must write. Do so
today: Write to David Kammer, 107 Woodland Drive, Harwinton, Ct. 06791;
203-485-1652.
SUPERIOR GENERAL GETS INTO CHINA: ..
written by Br. Charles Howard, S. G., and taken from FMS ECHO, a newsletter
out of Rome.
"At a conservative estimate I have flown more than 150,000 kilometers over the
past twelve months, but flying into mainland China was something very special.
In Shanghai I was able to spend two days with our three Brothers who live
together in a single room about half the size of my office in Rome, and share a
bathroom and a very small kitchen with three families in the same building. On
both days we were able to discreetly draw the curtain and join with a visiting
priest to celebrate Mass, at the end of which the Brothers renewed their vows
together.
In the north of China there are ten Brothers, and all but one of them were able to
come to Peking so that I could meet them. What a joy it was for me to thank
them, in the name of the Institute, for their remarkable witness of fidelity. One of
the Brothers, a man of 80 years, had come all the way from Mongolia. When we
visited him at his family in Peking, his grand niece, a child of eleven, sang for
us. The songs? The Salve Regina and the Veni Sancte Spiritus, all in Latin.
The Brothers arranged an excursion, and we visited not only the Great Wall, but
also the Ossuary where the remains of some of our Brothers rest. We also visited
several places which used to belong to the Brothers. It was a day for memories,
joyous and sad. It is a pleasure to send greetings to the exiled Brothers of the
Province of China, some of whom have been particularly helpful to their
confreres in the mainland. Special greetings also to those Brothers, now
scattered throughout the Institute, who worked in China prior to being asked to
leave in the late forties and early fifties. Thank you for the generous efforts to
sow seeds that are still bearing fruit. I left China with a great sense of joy at
having been in contact with men of quiet heroism.
FROM ED CASHIN ('46): As always I enjoyed reading the latest Marists All. It
reminds me of the newsletters we used to send around telling what was going on
in each house. I like Leonard's idea about regional gatherings. Augusta would be
a nice spot, so would Savannah or Charleston. Ann and I had a great trip to
England and Scotland. I am writing about a Scot who came to our Georgia as
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one of the first settlers, went back to his ancestral home when revolution started.
(3412 Woodstone Place, Augusta, Ga. 30909; 404-736-1561)
FROM BILL MURPHY ('40): It was a terrible coincidence, and a moment of
great sorrow to me to see that the news of Terry Jones' death accompanied my
piece in the last issue of the newsletter. I had not known that Jones had died; it
was a blow to say the least. Hope you can keep Marists All going; it is a good
thing. (1321 North Franklin St., Milwaukee, WI 53202)
FROM BR. PAUL AMBROSE: It was recently during the holidays when the
Brothers were home and I remained here with the house boys to attend to my
work, that I came across the last issue of Marists All ... and decided to write. I
had thought of writing several times, and had already written to congratulate Gus
and Dave on their initiative and efforts, and assured them that I fully endorsed
those efforts.
After reading through that issue twice and enjoying what the contributors had to
offer, I could not help thinking of how pleased the Founder would be of the
loyalty of all these Marist associates. This new aspect of our Marist Spirit, this
loyalty to an inheritance, are an effective tribute to our Founder which deserves
to be recognized during the anniversary celebration in his honor. Needless to
add, a number of Christmas greetings from some of the Marists All members
came as wonderful surprises.
I am here at 75+, and quite happy about it. Our men are doing a terrific job; after
only two years at work our ninth grade and twelfth grade students who took the
public national exams, all passed. This is a unique result in this area and in this
country. The credit belongs to the small crew we have at work here.
I work for the Bishop and spend my weekends with the monks enjoying the
reminiscing that often takes place. I am able to be of help in many ways, making
reservations for the plane, picking up and delivering their mail, and running
errands for them on my trips. I get fresh fish for them, and they get fresh meat
for us. I feel very much a part of my community and would not like to be full
time with the Bishop or have to give up community weekends with the troops. I
am convinced that we are on the right road, doing a bang-up job, and when I see
the postcard of Champagnat smiling, I feel that he has good reason to be happy
with our Pleebo Mission. Do keep us, and this Old Fogey in your prayers! (P.O.
Box 5774, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.)
FROM GENE (Philip Damian) DONNELLY ('46): It has been more than twenty
years since I decided to express My Marist way of life in a more secular mode.
The last twenty years have been filled with the ordinary ups and downs.
However, I would be amiss if I did not convey some of the super-ups. Marrying
Adrienne and being a father to two beautiful daughters, Maribell and Paulette,
has definitely been the highlight of the last twenty years. Our younger daughter
is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut. She is majoring in English and
plans to become a TV script writer; maybe she'll even become an English
teacher. Our older daughter and her husband, Luigi, live nearby. They were
blessed with a beautiful baby girl on December 15th. We are happy to announce
that the Marist community continues to grow in wisdom, grace, and numbers.
The latest member was baptized Daniella Nicole on February 26th. She is our
first grandchild. We hope she is the first of many.
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I work for the Board of Education in Norwalk, Connecticut, as a guidance
counselor, a position I have held since leaving Marist. My wife, a former
Sparkill Dominican, is a science teacher in Stamford, Ct. Both of us look
forward to reading each and every copy of Marists All; thank you for the hard
work.
I have managed to keep in touch with a number of members of the Marist family
through our yearly picnics, through the newsletter, and by phone calls and visits
with Ziggy Rancourt. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of the many happy
memories and beautiful friendships of years gone by, when I was privileged to
live with such outstanding men. (1 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, Ct.
06902; 203-323-5421)
FR0M ALBERT (Leonard Vincent) JEAN ('41); I've been an avid reader of
Marists All, and 1 must apologize for not getting in touch sooner. Thank you for
prompting me by your "urgent" note.
Musing over the past :January 1959, I started 291/2 years of teaching at
Brookline High School in Mass.July 2nd, 1960, I married my wife Pat, and three
years later our only child, Albert, was born, an answer to our prayers at St.
Joseph's Shrine in Canada. In fact, he was born exactly a year to the day after
our pilgrimmage to the shrine. Eventually he completed his high school at
Central Catholic in Lawrence and graduated from the University of Vermont in
Medical Technology.
For the past thirty years all of my activities have centered in and about Boston
and in my home town of Dracut. Starting in 1959 under a grant from the
National Science Foundation I took courses in Modern Math at Boston College
over a period of five years.I also took courses at Merrimac College, Boston
University, and participated in the Harvard student-teacher program. Pat worked
for the IRS.
When I moved from Lowell to Dracut in 1964, our parish had just been
established. I volunteered to teach classes in religion and was appointed
coordinator for our CCD program, a position I held for about ten years. During
the same time frame Pat and I were privileged to become cursillistas. Social
activities were not wanting. My son joined scouting ... so did daddy ...
and.eventually I became training leader for scoutmasters for the Greater Lowell
Council. Also for fifteen years now, I've been a member of the United States
Power Squadron, a boating organization of sixty thousand members, ideal for
one who loves boating and fishing.
Since last June we're both retired. We had a new home built in Wesley Chapel,
Florida, where we now reside. Blessed with good health and still young at 65,
we greatly enjoy our retirement and thank God for his blessings. Needless to say,
my training as a Marist has permeated every moment of my life.(361 Brookline
Avenue, Wesley Chapel, F1. 34249)
FROM PETE (Peter Norbert) KUVEKE ('58): Surprise, surprise, surprise! This
is the voice of one across the Hudson, "calling" to say hello. How are you? You
have to remember me, Dave. Do you still have your blue baseball cap? Funny
how some things just pop to mind. Other than teaching with Rich Connelly a few
years back, you are the first contact that I have had with a Marist in many years.
Wow, what a surprise! I have a thousand questions to ask, but this is not the time.
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What a treat to receive the Marist family newsletter. I do hope you will send me
all your past issues.
I am presently teaching at St. Joe's High School in Montvale, N. J. I am married,
and my wife Sue is an associate professor of Special Ed at a New Jersey state
college. We live in farm country close to New Jersey and Pa. Needless to say. I
consider myself a "gentleman farmer." We grow enough for the year. I would
like to have pigs and cows, but my wife would have them in the house during the
winter. Besides, the dogs and cat would get grumpy. Now you know what
influence Tyngsboro had on a city boy.
I have just one address for an ex-monk: George (Martin Jerome) Conboy, 7752
N. Haselson Place, Tucson, Arizona, 85704. Would you by any chance have an
address for Br. Tom Delaney? I know this note is short; I have to go to class in a
few minutes. I truly hope that we can meet some day. Take care; you and all the
monks are in my daily prayers. (24 Conklin Road, Warwick, N. Y. 10990; 914-
986-1056)
FROM RICH ( Gilbert Donateur) CONNELLY ('52): Have received the past
several issues of Marists All. Like so many others, I much enjoy seeing the
names of old friends and reading their narrations. I'm proud to be added to that
list. It's been longer than I realized; we get caught up in our lives and loves and
then twenty-five years have passed.
I left Wheeling after spending 1960-64 pleasurable years there. Prior to W. Va., I
was at the Mount from 1954-60 where I began teaching at the ripe old age of
nineteen. We sure learned rapidly under the tutelege of Athanasius Norbert, Pat
Magee, Vinnie Dominic. Good years with experience that's lasted for the twenty
five to follow. I've been in several schools with other orders; no one can touch
the Marists in education.
So sorry to hear of Joe Damian's passing. He was like a father to this fourteen
year old, along with Brothers Simeon and John Berchmans, in Tyngsboro of
1948 and St. Ann's Hermitage in Poughkeepsie in 1949-51. Enjoy seeing the
names like Bernie Woods, Pat McNulty, Harry Henky, Des Kelly in Pakistan,
Frank Gallogly. We're sure all over the place. Hear frequently from Leonard,
who even prior to Marists All kept the Marist lines of communication open ... for
which I'm very grateful, Sorry I missed the wing-ding at the Mount last summer.
Hope not to miss the next one. Has anyone heard of the whereabouts of Bill
Rowe? I spent a few years with Bill in Wheeling.
I have spent the last twenty-five years in secondary education, five teaching and
twenty in administrative positions. Love it! I married my wife Margaret in 1968
and lost her in 1977. When Margaret passed away, she left me with three
beautiful daughters, ages seven and eight. Now they are nineteen, and the twins
are 18. They're a source of unending love and pride; they have endured the last
18 years with a repressive, overly protective father, whom they adore and who
loves every minute of it. We've done just fine together, getting on with our lives.
Thank God, for there were moments! I look forward to Marists All ... keep it
coming. (816 Newcomb Road, Ridgewood, N. J, 07450)
FROM JOE (Eugene Michael) HORAN ('50): Now that we have a
communication medium in Marists All, it is possible for each of us to share with
one another what's happening. Since receiving the first newsletter, I have been in
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commurication with several classmates. It is amazing that though the years have
spread the personal feelings of friendship we established have remained very
close. I have contacted Rich Jambor in Japan. I informed him that I will be going
to Japan this April. We have planned to spend a few days together. It has been
years since we last met, so the reunion will be great.
In writing to others it was suggested that perhaps the class of 1950 would like to
have a reunion, 40 years, in 1990; are you interested, any particular month,
would we focus our meeting around Marist College., etc. You could send your
thoughts on to Gus Nolan.
After retiring from education I have been doing educational consultant work in
all aspects of education, presently for an educational computer company. My
wife enjoys her job as a middle school principal. We share all educational
happenings. My two daughters are doing well in school. With winter here we are
skiing often and enjoying the outdoors. Class of 1950, think about getting
together to celebrate the forty years; (Box 158, Eldred.. N. Y. 12732; 914-557-
8755)
FROM THE MARIST WORLD: The Bulletin of the Institute is now a modern,
multicolored publication entitled FMS MESSAGE, issued in the various
languages of the congregation. It is printed and mailed from the monks' major
publishing house in Zaragoza, Spain. The last issue, number 4, January, 1989,
celebrated Champagnat year ... 200th anniversary of the founder's birth and the
150th anniversary of his death ... by interviewing several Brothers who have
devoted themselves to researching Marist history, among them: Br. Juan Maria,
one time director of the international house of studies at the generalate, a
Spaniard; Br. Gabriel Michel, a past secretary general, and Br. Paul Sester, the
present general archivist, both from France.
On occasion we hope to take items of interest to the readers of our newsletter
from FMS MESSAGE and also from FMS ECHO, a newsletter put out by the
general council. We are grateful to Br. Philip Robert Ouelette for getting us onto
the mailing lists of these two publications.
BR. PETER ADRIAN known to many of us affectionately as "Pete the Greek,"
was among six Brothers who celebrated jubilees at the generalate last January
22nd; it was Pete's 75th: Peter is Italian by birth, went through the international
novitiate, and spent much of his religious life in the United States, where many
of us knew him as procurator at St. Ann's Academy. Some twenty-five years ago
he returned to Rome; he has lived at the generalate serving as receptionist,
mailman, and specialist in papal blessings. His fluency in all the major languages
has made him ideal for the job ... pronto Pierre:
BR. JOHN LEK ('60): Br. John Lek is now provincial of the Province of China.
He was born in Singapore, December 27, 1940, and it was there that he made his
juniorate. He went to the novitiate in Tyngsboro in the USA. After his first
profession in 1961 he was sent to the scholasticate in Poughkeepsie. His
apostolate began in Sibu, Malaysia, and he moved then to Kowloon, Hong Kong,
and Singapore. He made his final profession in 1966 and attended university in
Singapore, and later the Pastoral Institute in Manila. He was teaching at Maris
Stella High School in Singapore, when he was named Provincial in May of
1988.
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BR. CLIFFORD PERERA ('59): Br. Clifford is the provincial of Sri Lanka. He
was born in Sri Lanka, November 21, 1940. He did his novitiate in Tudella,
making profession in 1960. He did his university studies in Poughkeepsie and in
Honolulu. He began his apostolate in Negombo where he was teacher, then
Director, and Superior of the Scholasticate. From 1979 to the end of the General
Chapter in 1985 he was Provincial. He now begins another mandate as
Provincial in December of 1988. In the interim Br. Remigius Fernando was
provincial; he also did his studies in Poughkeepsie in the mid-sixties.
BR. JOSEPH BOSSAERT who came from Belgium to show his art work at
Woodstock and at Marist College in the late sixties during the Marist Institute of
Theology days, helped design a new secondary chapel at the Generalate in Rome
while attending a Third Age Session there last spring. (Ed note: In our home we
have an original by Br. Joe: his first impression of New York on debarking from
the Holland-American line; we are in the scene as we were in the group that met
him at the dock.)
FROM KEVIN BUCKLEY ('66): Hello everyone.I join the chorus with a
sincere Thank You for the newsletter.I would like to read about more people
from my era. Where are Sean Mahoney, Frank McSweeney, Al McKee, Jack
Glackin, Rich Mundy, Mike Goldrick, Joe Bouchard, and Jim Cunningham from
the Bayonne days? John Ritchdorf, from our "I don't believe this place is for
real" Haverstraw days? Tom Hanlon, Bernie Jacques, and Izzy Sabeta from the
college? Dan Waters, where are you?
I taught at Bayonne from '69 to '74, and then left.I completed a PhD in
Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 and a postdoc in 1979-
80 in the department of Pediatrics of the University of Maryland School of
Medicine. In Maryland I ran into a colony of old faces in the Columbia area:
Tom Hunt, Pat Keilty, and Tom Kelly.
Married now (Ellen) with one son (Alex) plus one child due in August. Marriage
and family have been most positive; I feel like I am finally grown up, happy, and
very fortunate. Live out in the wild west, work in Metro Phoenix, but live in a
rural area on several acres of land. Get to NYC three or four times per year. The
national edition of the Times and the Wall Street Journal tide me over between
trips.
Work is another story. I am a Consulting Psychologist, independent. I have
worked on my own for nine years now. The advantages of self-employment
largely consist of calling my own shots and taking the consequences. The dark
side is variable cash flow, no sick days and outrageous costs of medical and
disability insurance. Work is largely child welfare and forensic/criminal
examinations and testimony. A child psychiatrist and I are the quality assurance
team that monitors psychiatric care for the foster children of the state of Arizona;
we pre-authorize services and attempt to intimidate the way an insurance
company does. Fun. I also evaluate premature, delayed and abused infants and
testify for the prosecution of the Attorney General as an expert on child abuse.
Work in the juvenile court with "kiddie felons" who murder and plunder. I also
teach a graduate course.
Also vice president of a computer consulting firm; we don't make much money
but have fun with systems development for professional clients. Planning on
getting out of the child abuse business, having seen too many autopsies of
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infants with subdural hematomae. Also waiting to win the lottery and move to
Ireland as a rich drop out!
My contact with guys who are "in" has been through communication with
Armand LaMagna (my son's godfather) and with Denis Hever. I don't write them
as often as I want, but these are friends with whom I can pick up after time apart
and not miss a beat. I also keep up with Woody Duke and John Reid. 'When I am
in the area, Armand, Chico, Maxie always make me welcome and a part of
things at their Newark home. The connection is still strong and important to me.
Damian (Tom) Melvin ('65) also was always there. Though we banged heads
living in Bayonne, we developed a great friendship later. I miss him and think of
him regularly. Still cannot accept that he has passed into the great void. The
strong example of commitment and non-material values, that the religious life is
all about, came through with him and with the Brothers with whom I have the
privilege to be involved now. Keep it up guys.
Love to hear from any and all and will reciprocate,eventually. If in the area, you
are always welcome. P.S. I am looking for a job; any readers have any
interesting proposals? (P.O. Box 357, Wickenburg, Az. 85358; 602-684-3539)
FROM BR. PHILIP ROBERT OUELIETTE, C.G. ('48): Hard to believe that
five months have passed since I saw you at Camp Marist during the summer. I
was happy to have the chance to catch up with news of the Greater Marist
Family. Shortly thereafter, I flew to Brazil where I spent the next four months
visiting one Province and all the formation houses of the five other Provinces. It
was a most enriching experience, and once again helped me appreciate the value
and richness of another culture.
When I returned to Rome in mid-December after an absence of six months, I
found on my desk the last two issues of Marists All. Some few nights later I
slowed down long enough to read them both through, and allowed the memories
to transport me back in time and enjoy seeing all those good people who had
been such an important part of my life. How pleased I was to read how well
everyone is doing ... how many continue to be involved in the work of the
Kingdom. Too bad I missed the June 6th centennial celebration two summers
ago; I am sure I would have met in person so many of these men.
I have been stationed in Rome since September 1985 and have four and a half
more years to go in my term as General Councilor. I am slowly getting adjusted
to Rome, even though I am here only twice a year for a period of six or seven
weeks at a time for a plenary session.The first two years were the most difficult,
having had to leave the American scene, the Brothers, my family and friends.
This past December was the first time I could honestly say that I was ready to go
back to Rome.
The months ahead promise to be most interesting, After spending a week in
Spain attending a meeting of the six Spanish Provincials, I will fly off to Japan
(one week) where I will visit the American monks, then Korea (two weeks), and
then to Mexico for two months. After a return to Rome in June, I will leave
again to visit all the monks in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. One thing is
certain, life is not boring
Thank you so much, and please extend my best wishes and thanks to Gus Nolan,
for all the interest you have shown in everything Marist, and for initiating this
wonderful newsletter, which has served to renew contact between so many of us.
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Know that Br. Charles Howard, S. G., enjoys reading every issue that comes in
and finds much consolation in the positive spirit that exists in the Greater Marist
Family. May I ask that you accompany me with your prayers in the months
ahead, (Fratelli Maristi, Piazzale M. Champagnat, 2, C.P. 10,250 00144., Rome,
Italy
FROM GUS NOLAN ('48): During the last football season George Howard
('67), now a professor at Notre Dame U. had occasion to tell Lou Holtz that he
knew Notre Dame 's staunchest supporter, a certain Br. John Berchmanns. That
started a process that led to a national championship. Needing three more
victories to go undefeated for the regular season, Lou wrote to Berchy: "Mary
pays special heed to your prayers. You must be praying overtime this year as we
have been protected from serious injuries. I know I can count on your prayers for
three more games. You have our sincere thanks and appreciation." Holtz got his
three games ... and one more. The last game, the championship Fiesta Bowl
game, I sat watching Berchy in action. He pretended it did not really matter; yes,
he'd even have a Manhattan. But great silence was hardly ever more seriously
observed. Every move by Rice, by Rocket Ismail, by the defense, was carefully
watched. Lou was even talked to. And Heaven was stormed and Mary petitioned
.., and finally Holy Mother the Church's favorite college was again champion.
And Berchy laughed, and had his second Manhattan ... and now awaits the '89
season.
FROM JERRY (Richard Gerald) DEVER ('55): After reading the lively accounts
of Marists and former Marists, some of whom I knew and lived with, I found
that I had to put pen to paper to write a few personal anecdotes. In 1969 after
leaving the Marists, I taught history at St. Agnes High School in Rockville
Centre until 1987. A number of former Marists worked with me there ... Mike
Kramer, Pat O'Neill, Charlie McNiff, Bill Kawaka, and Jack Redmond. In 1984 I
received a second masters from C. W. Post and became a guidance counsellor
after 25 years of classroom teaching. I now work for the N.Y.C. Board of
Education at J.H.S. 180, I enjoy my guidance position and work with some very
dedicated people.
In 1972 I married my lovely wife Mary.We have a wonderful twelve year old,
Michael John. Home is in Belle Harbor on the Rockaway Peninsula. Since we
are three blocks from the ocean, you will find us bike riding on the boardwalk or
walking along the beach in our free time. Mary has been an early childhood
teacher at P.S. 47 in Broad Channel. After 24 years of classroom teaching, she is
lookihg forward to being involved in Teacher Training for the N.Y.C. Board of
Education. Michael John is attending J.H.S. 180 in Rockaway Beach. We are
hoping that he will be attending Molloy High in 1990 to continue the Marist
tradition.
As a family we love to travel. One of our most memorable trips was our 8500
mile sojourn through the west in a camper for eight weeks during the summer of
1987. It was the trip of a lifetime.This year on a trip through New England we
visited Camp Marist. I was amazed to see how it has grown over the years.
While there we chatted with Brothers John Berchamnns, Al, and Raymond P. I
celebrated my fiftieth birthday in May of 1988, and among our guests were my
cousin Br. Luke Martin (Bob Reddington), and Brothers Richard Shea and
Declan Claude.
On July 2nd, 1988, I received a surprise telephone call from Laredo, Texas,
where I had taught from 1964 to 1967. Many of my former students were at a
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class reunion; they had a phone hookup over the P.A. system, and former
students spoke to former teachers. Among the Marist Brothers in attendance
were Brothers Philip Richard, Paul John, and Francis Butts.
Keep the letters comming, I enjoy them immensely and would like to make
contact with those in my group whom I've lost touch with over the years, (541
Beach 134th Street, Belle Harbor, N. Y. 11694, 718-474-4976)
FROM BR. THOMAS "Des" KELLY ('53): I received Marists All in the mail
today and was delighted to have the chance to catch up on news about many old
friends. A number of readers have at least written to us in Pakistan, but none has
decided to visit us, yet! Thanks for putting me back in contact with many people
with whom I have shared many great years.
In Sargodha we continue to build for the future. We have finally received word
from the Council of German Bishops that funds have been granted to cover the
construction costs of additional classrooms and science labs. Within two years
we should be able to accommodate 1,000 boys in classes 1 to 10.
Recently we came across a boy of thirteen who had been blinded in one eye in
an accident; we took him to an eye specialist and have arranged for an operation
in a hospital in Taxila. Your donations have helped give sight to the blind,
provided medical attention to a little girl with polio, and at least in one court case
we supported, have set captives free. (%Catholic Church, College Rd. Sargodha,
Pakistan)
FROM BR. CYPRIAN ROWE ('53): Since I am so disorderly, I'm always
straightening up. The good part of this is that I'm always running across copies
of Marists All. The bad part is that I stop to read them all over again, no matter
what else I should be doing. I really can't get over the sense of resonance, even
when I've had no direct experience of the writers. It is good. I'm here in
Baltimore, for now and for a while. Very happy with the clinical work at
Hopkins where, among other tasks, I deal with a marvelous corps of Black men,
who participate in a self-esteem group.Each of the men carries a diagnosis of
major mental illness. Their insights often astound me. I also teach at the
University of Maryland at Baltimore. The Josephites with whom I live are warm
men with a fine sense of community life; they have taken me and made me feel
"home." We live in a shaggy part of Baltimore which is just right, because I love
neighborhoods of Black people who, like those of my youth, are "just folks." If
things go as expected, Baltimore will be home for a while. However, we only
children are not always that much in charge.
Thank you for your notes about those who have died. Many of them were
important to me. I spoke earlier about resonance. The remembrance of those who
have gone to glory is part of that. Like Gregory Ballerino's comment on Mrs.
Shurkus's note regarding Mikes dying. Amazing it is: thoughts of passing on,
what and how, are so much a part of people my age. At the same time, I don't
think of myself as being so awfully far removed from the days of pines and
peonies and roses in Tyngsboro, and hiding from Nilus and the labor gangs in
Poughkeepsie. Yes, Barney Sheridan, I do take pride in every pillar at Marist
College. I take people on tours there, and identify it all as "ours" with a stress on
the "mine." A freshman at Marist now is the older of the two sons I adopted
during my days in Ghana; it seems only appropriate, since his father was the first
black graduate.
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It was a delight for me recently to get a letter from Frank Gallogly, OSA, '52. I
recall one day when we two were working on the project, and Frank told me that
he felt a call to the priesthood. Good memories of good people. At the same
time, living in a rectory has convinced me that I made the perfect choice in my
Marist Brotherhood. Marists All re-enforces that notion ... as I read I recall. It is
good. (St. Peter Claver Parish, 1546 North Fremont, Baltimore, Md. 21217)
FROM JERRY MESSINA ('43): Dear Mr. Nolan, Your name was given to me
by Brother Sixtus Victor, St. Mary's Manhasset. He mentioned that the
publication Marists All is available through you. Br. Sixtus and I taught together
at Central Catholic High.School in Wheeling during the 1940's; I'm interested in
information of "Brothers" during that period. Please include any information
regarding "get-togethers" preferably spiritual, including wives. (34 Patricia Lane,
Syosset, N. Y. 11791)
REST IN PEACE: Since our last issue, Br. Owen Cuthbert ('21) died at the age
of ninety-one in Mary Immaculate Nursing Home in Lawrence. And Br. Denis
Damian ('48) died at the Brothers' residence in Bayonne. Owen had been
stationed in Lawrence for many years and was probably the one most
responsible for the fact that St. Therese, the Little Flower, is the patroness of
CCHS there, Many will remember Denis for his years on the staff of the
juniorate in Esopus; in fact, he was Master of Juniors for several terms.
ESOPUS ELECTIONS: The provincial chapter of the Province of Esopus
recently elected a new provincial council for Br. Richard Shea's second term: Br.
Edmund Sheehan ('59) was elected vice-provincial. Others on the council are Br.
Vincent Damian ('52), Br. James Maher ('53), Br. Donald Nugent ('59), Br.
Raymond Pasi ('74), and Br. Stephen Schlitte ('77).
THE POUGHKEEPSlE PROVINCE will hold a general assembly of the entire
province at the Spellman Retreat Center in N.Y.C. from August 14 to August 16.
They will engage in long range pastoral planning under the guidance of
Passionist Fr. Cassian Yuhaus.
BR. KIERAN THOMAS BRENNAN: Kieran could use some of our best
prayers these days. He is presently undergoing aggressive chemo treatment.
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PROVINCE: Volume One, covering 1886 to
1911, will be out in the fall. Br. Leonard Voegtle, the principal author, is
presently working on Volume Two.
FROM BR. JOHN FRANCIS COLIBERT ('44): I was in Roosevelt Hospital in
December for shoulder surgery. I ran into Pat Fazzari, who left the Scholasticate
around 1960. It turns out he is the Director of Rehabilitation there. He would like
to be on the mailing list. His address: Patrick J. Fazzari, M.D., 425 East 58th
Street, New York City, 10022.
GMC PICNIC: All are invited to the annual Greater Marist Community picnic
to be held again this year at the Mount in the garth and ball field areas. It is
scheduled for Saturday, September 16th, from noon to 5 or 6 p.m. Bring your
own beverage and a pot-luck dish for a shared meal. More later.
ANOTHER REMINDER: Many people immensely enjoy hearing from old
friends through this newsletter. Many have already written; they would love to
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hear from you! Write to David Kammer, 107 Woodland Dr., Harwinton, Ct.
06791, or to Gus Nolan, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601.
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ISSUE # 9
May 1989
URGENT: Our mail has fallen off noticeably since the last issue of Mrists All.
One reason no doubt is that I failed to repeat my home address in the last issue;
sorry. I hope that is the only reason for the slow down and that we are not
running out of people who are willing to share their news with us. To keep the
newsletter going a little longer at least, you are the one who must write. Do so
today: Write to David Kammer, 107 Woodland Drive, Harwinton, Ct. 06791;
203-485-1652.
SUPERIOR GENERAL GETS INTO CHINA: ..
written by Br. Charles Howard, S. G., and taken from FMS ECHO, a newsletter
out of Rome.
"At a conservative estimate I have flown more than 150,000 kilometers over the
past twelve months, but flying into mainland China was something very special.
In Shanghai I was able to spend two days with our three Brothers who live
together in a single room about half the size of my office in Rome, and share a
bathroom and a very small kitchen with three families in the same building. On
both days we were able to discreetly draw the curtain and join with a visiting
priest to celebrate Mass, at the end of which the Brothers renewed their vows
together.
In the north of China there are ten Brothers, and all but one of them were able to
come to Peking so that I could meet them. What a joy it was for me to thank
them, in the name of the Institute, for their remarkable witness of fidelity. One of
the Brothers, a man of 80 years, had come all the way from Mongolia. When we
visited him at his family in Peking, his grand niece, a child of eleven, sang for
us. The songs? The Salve Regina and the Veni Sancte Spiritus, all in Latin.
The Brothers arranged an excursion, and we visited not only the Great Wall, but
also the Ossuary where the remains of some of our Brothers rest. We also visited
several places which used to belong to the Brothers. It was a day for memories,
joyous and sad. It is a pleasure to send greetings to the exiled Brothers of the
Province of China, some of whom have been particularly helpful to their
confreres in the mainland. Special greetings also to those Brothers, now
scattered throughout the Institute, who worked in China prior to being asked to
leave in the late forties and early fifties. Thank you for the generous efforts to
sow seeds that are still bearing fruit. I left China with a great sense of joy at
having been in contact with men of quiet heroism.
FROM ED CASHIN ('46): As always I enjoyed reading the latest Marists All. It
reminds me of the newsletters we used to send around telling what was going on
in each house. I like Leonard's idea about regional gatherings. Augusta would be
a nice spot, so would Savannah or Charleston. Ann and I had a great trip to
England and Scotland. I am writing about a Scot who came to our Georgia as
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one of the first settlers, went back to his ancestral home when revolution started.
(3412 Woodstone Place, Augusta, Ga. 30909; 404-736-1561)
FROM BILL MURPHY ('40): It was a terrible coincidence, and a moment of
great sorrow to me to see that the news of Terry Jones' death accompanied my
piece in the last issue of the newsletter. I had not known that Jones had died; it
was a blow to say the least. Hope you can keep Marists All going; it is a good
thing. (1321 North Franklin St., Milwaukee, WI 53202)
FROM BR. PAUL AMBROSE: It was recently during the holidays when the
Brothers were home and I remained here with the house boys to attend to my
work, that I came across the last issue of Marists All ... and decided to write. I
had thought of writing several times, and had already written to congratulate Gus
and Dave on their initiative and efforts, and assured them that I fully endorsed
those efforts.
After reading through that issue twice and enjoying what the contributors had to
offer, I could not help thinking of how pleased the Founder would be of the
loyalty of all these Marist associates. This new aspect of our Marist Spirit, this
loyalty to an inheritance, are an effective tribute to our Founder which deserves
to be recognized during the anniversary celebration in his honor. Needless to
add, a number of Christmas greetings from some of the Marists All members
came as wonderful surprises.
I am here at 75+, and quite happy about it. Our men are doing a terrific job; after
only two years at work our ninth grade and twelfth grade students who took the
public national exams, all passed. This is a unique result in this area and in this
country. The credit belongs to the small crew we have at work here.
I work for the Bishop and spend my weekends with the monks enjoying the
reminiscing that often takes place. I am able to be of help in many ways, making
reservations for the plane, picking up and delivering their mail, and running
errands for them on my trips. I get fresh fish for them, and they get fresh meat
for us. I feel very much a part of my community and would not like to be full
time with the Bishop or have to give up community weekends with the troops. I
am convinced that we are on the right road, doing a bang-up job, and when I see
the postcard of Champagnat smiling, I feel that he has good reason to be happy
with our Pleebo Mission. Do keep us, and this Old Fogey in your prayers! (P.O.
Box 5774, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.)
FROM GENE (Philip Damian) DONNELLY ('46): It has been more than twenty
years since I decided to express My Marist way of life in a more secular mode.
The last twenty years have been filled with the ordinary ups and downs.
However, I would be amiss if I did not convey some of the super-ups. Marrying
Adrienne and being a father to two beautiful daughters, Maribell and Paulette,
has definitely been the highlight of the last twenty years. Our younger daughter
is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut. She is majoring in English and
plans to become a TV script writer; maybe she'll even become an English
teacher. Our older daughter and her husband, Luigi, live nearby. They were
blessed with a beautiful baby girl on December 15th. We are happy to announce
that the Marist community continues to grow in wisdom, grace, and numbers.
The latest member was baptized Daniella Nicole on February 26th. She is our
first grandchild. We hope she is the first of many.
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I work for the Board of Education in Norwalk, Connecticut, as a guidance
counselor, a position I have held since leaving Marist. My wife, a former
Sparkill Dominican, is a science teacher in Stamford, Ct. Both of us look
forward to reading each and every copy of Marists All; thank you for the hard
work.
I have managed to keep in touch with a number of members of the Marist family
through our yearly picnics, through the newsletter, and by phone calls and visits
with Ziggy Rancourt. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of the many happy
memories and beautiful friendships of years gone by, when I was privileged to
live with such outstanding men. (1 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, Ct.
06902; 203-323-5421)
FR0M ALBERT (Leonard Vincent) JEAN ('41); I've been an avid reader of
Marists All, and 1 must apologize for not getting in touch sooner. Thank you for
prompting me by your "urgent" note.
Musing over the past :January 1959, I started 291/2 years of teaching at
Brookline High School in Mass.July 2nd, 1960, I married my wife Pat, and three
years later our only child, Albert, was born, an answer to our prayers at St.
Joseph's Shrine in Canada. In fact, he was born exactly a year to the day after
our pilgrimmage to the shrine. Eventually he completed his high school at
Central Catholic in Lawrence and graduated from the University of Vermont in
Medical Technology.
For the past thirty years all of my activities have centered in and about Boston
and in my home town of Dracut. Starting in 1959 under a grant from the
National Science Foundation I took courses in Modern Math at Boston College
over a period of five years.I also took courses at Merrimac College, Boston
University, and participated in the Harvard student-teacher program. Pat worked
for the IRS.
When I moved from Lowell to Dracut in 1964, our parish had just been
established. I volunteered to teach classes in religion and was appointed
coordinator for our CCD program, a position I held for about ten years. During
the same time frame Pat and I were privileged to become cursillistas. Social
activities were not wanting. My son joined scouting ... so did daddy ...
and.eventually I became training leader for scoutmasters for the Greater Lowell
Council. Also for fifteen years now, I've been a member of the United States
Power Squadron, a boating organization of sixty thousand members, ideal for
one who loves boating and fishing.
Since last June we're both retired. We had a new home built in Wesley Chapel,
Florida, where we now reside. Blessed with good health and still young at 65,
we greatly enjoy our retirement and thank God for his blessings. Needless to say,
my training as a Marist has permeated every moment of my life.(361 Brookline
Avenue, Wesley Chapel, F1. 34249)
FROM PETE (Peter Norbert) KUVEKE ('58): Surprise, surprise, surprise! This
is the voice of one across the Hudson, "calling" to say hello. How are you? You
have to remember me, Dave. Do you still have your blue baseball cap? Funny
how some things just pop to mind. Other than teaching with Rich Connelly a few
years back, you are the first contact that I have had with a Marist in many years.
Wow, what a surprise! I have a thousand questions to ask, but this is not the time.
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What a treat to receive the Marist family newsletter. I do hope you will send me
all your past issues.
I am presently teaching at St. Joe's High School in Montvale, N. J. I am married,
and my wife Sue is an associate professor of Special Ed at a New Jersey state
college. We live in farm country close to New Jersey and Pa. Needless to say. I
consider myself a "gentleman farmer." We grow enough for the year. I would
like to have pigs and cows, but my wife would have them in the house during the
winter. Besides, the dogs and cat would get grumpy. Now you know what
influence Tyngsboro had on a city boy.
I have just one address for an ex-monk: George (Martin Jerome) Conboy, 7752
N. Haselson Place, Tucson, Arizona, 85704. Would you by any chance have an
address for Br. Tom Delaney? I know this note is short; I have to go to class in a
few minutes. I truly hope that we can meet some day. Take care; you and all the
monks are in my daily prayers. (24 Conklin Road, Warwick, N. Y. 10990; 914-
986-1056)
FROM RICH ( Gilbert Donateur) CONNELLY ('52): Have received the past
several issues of Marists All. Like so many others, I much enjoy seeing the
names of old friends and reading their narrations. I'm proud to be added to that
list. It's been longer than I realized; we get caught up in our lives and loves and
then twenty-five years have passed.
I left Wheeling after spending 1960-64 pleasurable years there. Prior to W. Va., I
was at the Mount from 1954-60 where I began teaching at the ripe old age of
nineteen. We sure learned rapidly under the tutelege of Athanasius Norbert, Pat
Magee, Vinnie Dominic. Good years with experience that's lasted for the twenty
five to follow. I've been in several schools with other orders; no one can touch
the Marists in education.
So sorry to hear of Joe Damian's passing. He was like a father to this fourteen
year old, along with Brothers Simeon and John Berchmans, in Tyngsboro of
1948 and St. Ann's Hermitage in Poughkeepsie in 1949-51. Enjoy seeing the
names like Bernie Woods, Pat McNulty, Harry Henky, Des Kelly in Pakistan,
Frank Gallogly. We're sure all over the place. Hear frequently from Leonard,
who even prior to Marists All kept the Marist lines of communication open ... for
which I'm very grateful, Sorry I missed the wing-ding at the Mount last summer.
Hope not to miss the next one. Has anyone heard of the whereabouts of Bill
Rowe? I spent a few years with Bill in Wheeling.
I have spent the last twenty-five years in secondary education, five teaching and
twenty in administrative positions. Love it! I married my wife Margaret in 1968
and lost her in 1977. When Margaret passed away, she left me with three
beautiful daughters, ages seven and eight. Now they are nineteen, and the twins
are 18. They're a source of unending love and pride; they have endured the last
18 years with a repressive, overly protective father, whom they adore and who
loves every minute of it. We've done just fine together, getting on with our lives.
Thank God, for there were moments! I look forward to Marists All ... keep it
coming. (816 Newcomb Road, Ridgewood, N. J, 07450)
FROM JOE (Eugene Michael) HORAN ('50): Now that we have a
communication medium in Marists All, it is possible for each of us to share with
one another what's happening. Since receiving the first newsletter, I have been in
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commurication with several classmates. It is amazing that though the years have
spread the personal feelings of friendship we established have remained very
close. I have contacted Rich Jambor in Japan. I informed him that I will be going
to Japan this April. We have planned to spend a few days together. It has been
years since we last met, so the reunion will be great.
In writing to others it was suggested that perhaps the class of 1950 would like to
have a reunion, 40 years, in 1990; are you interested, any particular month,
would we focus our meeting around Marist College., etc. You could send your
thoughts on to Gus Nolan.
After retiring from education I have been doing educational consultant work in
all aspects of education, presently for an educational computer company. My
wife enjoys her job as a middle school principal. We share all educational
happenings. My two daughters are doing well in school. With winter here we are
skiing often and enjoying the outdoors. Class of 1950, think about getting
together to celebrate the forty years; (Box 158, Eldred.. N. Y. 12732; 914-557-
8755)
FROM THE MARIST WORLD: The Bulletin of the Institute is now a modern,
multicolored publication entitled FMS MESSAGE, issued in the various
languages of the congregation. It is printed and mailed from the monks' major
publishing house in Zaragoza, Spain. The last issue, number 4, January, 1989,
celebrated Champagnat year ... 200th anniversary of the founder's birth and the
150th anniversary of his death ... by interviewing several Brothers who have
devoted themselves to researching Marist history, among them: Br. Juan Maria,
one time director of the international house of studies at the generalate, a
Spaniard; Br. Gabriel Michel, a past secretary general, and Br. Paul Sester, the
present general archivist, both from France.
On occasion we hope to take items of interest to the readers of our newsletter
from FMS MESSAGE and also from FMS ECHO, a newsletter put out by the
general council. We are grateful to Br. Philip Robert Ouelette for getting us onto
the mailing lists of these two publications.
BR. PETER ADRIAN known to many of us affectionately as "Pete the Greek,"
was among six Brothers who celebrated jubilees at the generalate last January
22nd; it was Pete's 75th: Peter is Italian by birth, went through the international
novitiate, and spent much of his religious life in the United States, where many
of us knew him as procurator at St. Ann's Academy. Some twenty-five years ago
he returned to Rome; he has lived at the generalate serving as receptionist,
mailman, and specialist in papal blessings. His fluency in all the major languages
has made him ideal for the job ... pronto Pierre:
BR. JOHN LEK ('60): Br. John Lek is now provincial of the Province of China.
He was born in Singapore, December 27, 1940, and it was there that he made his
juniorate. He went to the novitiate in Tyngsboro in the USA. After his first
profession in 1961 he was sent to the scholasticate in Poughkeepsie. His
apostolate began in Sibu, Malaysia, and he moved then to Kowloon, Hong Kong,
and Singapore. He made his final profession in 1966 and attended university in
Singapore, and later the Pastoral Institute in Manila. He was teaching at Maris
Stella High School in Singapore, when he was named Provincial in May of
1988.
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BR. CLIFFORD PERERA ('59): Br. Clifford is the provincial of Sri Lanka. He
was born in Sri Lanka, November 21, 1940. He did his novitiate in Tudella,
making profession in 1960. He did his university studies in Poughkeepsie and in
Honolulu. He began his apostolate in Negombo where he was teacher, then
Director, and Superior of the Scholasticate. From 1979 to the end of the General
Chapter in 1985 he was Provincial. He now begins another mandate as
Provincial in December of 1988. In the interim Br. Remigius Fernando was
provincial; he also did his studies in Poughkeepsie in the mid-sixties.
BR. JOSEPH BOSSAERT who came from Belgium to show his art work at
Woodstock and at Marist College in the late sixties during the Marist Institute of
Theology days, helped design a new secondary chapel at the Generalate in Rome
while attending a Third Age Session there last spring. (Ed note: In our home we
have an original by Br. Joe: his first impression of New York on debarking from
the Holland-American line; we are in the scene as we were in the group that met
him at the dock.)
FROM KEVIN BUCKLEY ('66): Hello everyone.I join the chorus with a
sincere Thank You for the newsletter.I would like to read about more people
from my era. Where are Sean Mahoney, Frank McSweeney, Al McKee, Jack
Glackin, Rich Mundy, Mike Goldrick, Joe Bouchard, and Jim Cunningham from
the Bayonne days? John Ritchdorf, from our "I don't believe this place is for
real" Haverstraw days? Tom Hanlon, Bernie Jacques, and Izzy Sabeta from the
college? Dan Waters, where are you?
I taught at Bayonne from '69 to '74, and then left.I completed a PhD in
Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 and a postdoc in 1979-
80 in the department of Pediatrics of the University of Maryland School of
Medicine. In Maryland I ran into a colony of old faces in the Columbia area:
Tom Hunt, Pat Keilty, and Tom Kelly.
Married now (Ellen) with one son (Alex) plus one child due in August. Marriage
and family have been most positive; I feel like I am finally grown up, happy, and
very fortunate. Live out in the wild west, work in Metro Phoenix, but live in a
rural area on several acres of land. Get to NYC three or four times per year. The
national edition of the Times and the Wall Street Journal tide me over between
trips.
Work is another story. I am a Consulting Psychologist, independent. I have
worked on my own for nine years now. The advantages of self-employment
largely consist of calling my own shots and taking the consequences. The dark
side is variable cash flow, no sick days and outrageous costs of medical and
disability insurance. Work is largely child welfare and forensic/criminal
examinations and testimony. A child psychiatrist and I are the quality assurance
team that monitors psychiatric care for the foster children of the state of Arizona;
we pre-authorize services and attempt to intimidate the way an insurance
company does. Fun. I also evaluate premature, delayed and abused infants and
testify for the prosecution of the Attorney General as an expert on child abuse.
Work in the juvenile court with "kiddie felons" who murder and plunder. I also
teach a graduate course.
Also vice president of a computer consulting firm; we don't make much money
but have fun with systems development for professional clients. Planning on
getting out of the child abuse business, having seen too many autopsies of
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infants with subdural hematomae. Also waiting to win the lottery and move to
Ireland as a rich drop out!
My contact with guys who are "in" has been through communication with
Armand LaMagna (my son's godfather) and with Denis Hever. I don't write them
as often as I want, but these are friends with whom I can pick up after time apart
and not miss a beat. I also keep up with Woody Duke and John Reid. 'When I am
in the area, Armand, Chico, Maxie always make me welcome and a part of
things at their Newark home. The connection is still strong and important to me.
Damian (Tom) Melvin ('65) also was always there. Though we banged heads
living in Bayonne, we developed a great friendship later. I miss him and think of
him regularly. Still cannot accept that he has passed into the great void. The
strong example of commitment and non-material values, that the religious life is
all about, came through with him and with the Brothers with whom I have the
privilege to be involved now. Keep it up guys.
Love to hear from any and all and will reciprocate,eventually. If in the area, you
are always welcome. P.S. I am looking for a job; any readers have any
interesting proposals? (P.O. Box 357, Wickenburg, Az. 85358; 602-684-3539)
FROM BR. PHILIP ROBERT OUELIETTE, C.G. ('48): Hard to believe that
five months have passed since I saw you at Camp Marist during the summer. I
was happy to have the chance to catch up with news of the Greater Marist
Family. Shortly thereafter, I flew to Brazil where I spent the next four months
visiting one Province and all the formation houses of the five other Provinces. It
was a most enriching experience, and once again helped me appreciate the value
and richness of another culture.
When I returned to Rome in mid-December after an absence of six months, I
found on my desk the last two issues of Marists All. Some few nights later I
slowed down long enough to read them both through, and allowed the memories
to transport me back in time and enjoy seeing all those good people who had
been such an important part of my life. How pleased I was to read how well
everyone is doing ... how many continue to be involved in the work of the
Kingdom. Too bad I missed the June 6th centennial celebration two summers
ago; I am sure I would have met in person so many of these men.
I have been stationed in Rome since September 1985 and have four and a half
more years to go in my term as General Councilor. I am slowly getting adjusted
to Rome, even though I am here only twice a year for a period of six or seven
weeks at a time for a plenary session.The first two years were the most difficult,
having had to leave the American scene, the Brothers, my family and friends.
This past December was the first time I could honestly say that I was ready to go
back to Rome.
The months ahead promise to be most interesting, After spending a week in
Spain attending a meeting of the six Spanish Provincials, I will fly off to Japan
(one week) where I will visit the American monks, then Korea (two weeks), and
then to Mexico for two months. After a return to Rome in June, I will leave
again to visit all the monks in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. One thing is
certain, life is not boring
Thank you so much, and please extend my best wishes and thanks to Gus Nolan,
for all the interest you have shown in everything Marist, and for initiating this
wonderful newsletter, which has served to renew contact between so many of us.
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Know that Br. Charles Howard, S. G., enjoys reading every issue that comes in
and finds much consolation in the positive spirit that exists in the Greater Marist
Family. May I ask that you accompany me with your prayers in the months
ahead, (Fratelli Maristi, Piazzale M. Champagnat, 2, C.P. 10,250 00144., Rome,
Italy
FROM GUS NOLAN ('48): During the last football season George Howard
('67), now a professor at Notre Dame U. had occasion to tell Lou Holtz that he
knew Notre Dame 's staunchest supporter, a certain Br. John Berchmanns. That
started a process that led to a national championship. Needing three more
victories to go undefeated for the regular season, Lou wrote to Berchy: "Mary
pays special heed to your prayers. You must be praying overtime this year as we
have been protected from serious injuries. I know I can count on your prayers for
three more games. You have our sincere thanks and appreciation." Holtz got his
three games ... and one more. The last game, the championship Fiesta Bowl
game, I sat watching Berchy in action. He pretended it did not really matter; yes,
he'd even have a Manhattan. But great silence was hardly ever more seriously
observed. Every move by Rice, by Rocket Ismail, by the defense, was carefully
watched. Lou was even talked to. And Heaven was stormed and Mary petitioned
.., and finally Holy Mother the Church's favorite college was again champion.
And Berchy laughed, and had his second Manhattan ... and now awaits the '89
season.
FROM JERRY (Richard Gerald) DEVER ('55): After reading the lively accounts
of Marists and former Marists, some of whom I knew and lived with, I found
that I had to put pen to paper to write a few personal anecdotes. In 1969 after
leaving the Marists, I taught history at St. Agnes High School in Rockville
Centre until 1987. A number of former Marists worked with me there ... Mike
Kramer, Pat O'Neill, Charlie McNiff, Bill Kawaka, and Jack Redmond. In 1984 I
received a second masters from C. W. Post and became a guidance counsellor
after 25 years of classroom teaching. I now work for the N.Y.C. Board of
Education at J.H.S. 180, I enjoy my guidance position and work with some very
dedicated people.
In 1972 I married my lovely wife Mary.We have a wonderful twelve year old,
Michael John. Home is in Belle Harbor on the Rockaway Peninsula. Since we
are three blocks from the ocean, you will find us bike riding on the boardwalk or
walking along the beach in our free time. Mary has been an early childhood
teacher at P.S. 47 in Broad Channel. After 24 years of classroom teaching, she is
lookihg forward to being involved in Teacher Training for the N.Y.C. Board of
Education. Michael John is attending J.H.S. 180 in Rockaway Beach. We are
hoping that he will be attending Molloy High in 1990 to continue the Marist
tradition.
As a family we love to travel. One of our most memorable trips was our 8500
mile sojourn through the west in a camper for eight weeks during the summer of
1987. It was the trip of a lifetime.This year on a trip through New England we
visited Camp Marist. I was amazed to see how it has grown over the years.
While there we chatted with Brothers John Berchamnns, Al, and Raymond P. I
celebrated my fiftieth birthday in May of 1988, and among our guests were my
cousin Br. Luke Martin (Bob Reddington), and Brothers Richard Shea and
Declan Claude.
On July 2nd, 1988, I received a surprise telephone call from Laredo, Texas,
where I had taught from 1964 to 1967. Many of my former students were at a
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class reunion; they had a phone hookup over the P.A. system, and former
students spoke to former teachers. Among the Marist Brothers in attendance
were Brothers Philip Richard, Paul John, and Francis Butts.
Keep the letters comming, I enjoy them immensely and would like to make
contact with those in my group whom I've lost touch with over the years, (541
Beach 134th Street, Belle Harbor, N. Y. 11694, 718-474-4976)
FROM BR. THOMAS "Des" KELLY ('53): I received Marists All in the mail
today and was delighted to have the chance to catch up on news about many old
friends. A number of readers have at least written to us in Pakistan, but none has
decided to visit us, yet! Thanks for putting me back in contact with many people
with whom I have shared many great years.
In Sargodha we continue to build for the future. We have finally received word
from the Council of German Bishops that funds have been granted to cover the
construction costs of additional classrooms and science labs. Within two years
we should be able to accommodate 1,000 boys in classes 1 to 10.
Recently we came across a boy of thirteen who had been blinded in one eye in
an accident; we took him to an eye specialist and have arranged for an operation
in a hospital in Taxila. Your donations have helped give sight to the blind,
provided medical attention to a little girl with polio, and at least in one court case
we supported, have set captives free. (%Catholic Church, College Rd. Sargodha,
Pakistan)
FROM BR. CYPRIAN ROWE ('53): Since I am so disorderly, I'm always
straightening up. The good part of this is that I'm always running across copies
of Marists All. The bad part is that I stop to read them all over again, no matter
what else I should be doing. I really can't get over the sense of resonance, even
when I've had no direct experience of the writers. It is good. I'm here in
Baltimore, for now and for a while. Very happy with the clinical work at
Hopkins where, among other tasks, I deal with a marvelous corps of Black men,
who participate in a self-esteem group.Each of the men carries a diagnosis of
major mental illness. Their insights often astound me. I also teach at the
University of Maryland at Baltimore. The Josephites with whom I live are warm
men with a fine sense of community life; they have taken me and made me feel
"home." We live in a shaggy part of Baltimore which is just right, because I love
neighborhoods of Black people who, like those of my youth, are "just folks." If
things go as expected, Baltimore will be home for a while. However, we only
children are not always that much in charge.
Thank you for your notes about those who have died. Many of them were
important to me. I spoke earlier about resonance. The remembrance of those who
have gone to glory is part of that. Like Gregory Ballerino's comment on Mrs.
Shurkus's note regarding Mikes dying. Amazing it is: thoughts of passing on,
what and how, are so much a part of people my age. At the same time, I don't
think of myself as being so awfully far removed from the days of pines and
peonies and roses in Tyngsboro, and hiding from Nilus and the labor gangs in
Poughkeepsie. Yes, Barney Sheridan, I do take pride in every pillar at Marist
College. I take people on tours there, and identify it all as "ours" with a stress on
the "mine." A freshman at Marist now is the older of the two sons I adopted
during my days in Ghana; it seems only appropriate, since his father was the first
black graduate.
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It was a delight for me recently to get a letter from Frank Gallogly, OSA, '52. I
recall one day when we two were working on the project, and Frank told me that
he felt a call to the priesthood. Good memories of good people. At the same
time, living in a rectory has convinced me that I made the perfect choice in my
Marist Brotherhood. Marists All re-enforces that notion ... as I read I recall. It is
good. (St. Peter Claver Parish, 1546 North Fremont, Baltimore, Md. 21217)
FROM JERRY MESSINA ('43): Dear Mr. Nolan, Your name was given to me
by Brother Sixtus Victor, St. Mary's Manhasset. He mentioned that the
publication Marists All is available through you. Br. Sixtus and I taught together
at Central Catholic High.School in Wheeling during the 1940's; I'm interested in
information of "Brothers" during that period. Please include any information
regarding "get-togethers" preferably spiritual, including wives. (34 Patricia Lane,
Syosset, N. Y. 11791)
REST IN PEACE: Since our last issue, Br. Owen Cuthbert ('21) died at the age
of ninety-one in Mary Immaculate Nursing Home in Lawrence. And Br. Denis
Damian ('48) died at the Brothers' residence in Bayonne. Owen had been
stationed in Lawrence for many years and was probably the one most
responsible for the fact that St. Therese, the Little Flower, is the patroness of
CCHS there, Many will remember Denis for his years on the staff of the
juniorate in Esopus; in fact, he was Master of Juniors for several terms.
ESOPUS ELECTIONS: The provincial chapter of the Province of Esopus
recently elected a new provincial council for Br. Richard Shea's second term: Br.
Edmund Sheehan ('59) was elected vice-provincial. Others on the council are Br.
Vincent Damian ('52), Br. James Maher ('53), Br. Donald Nugent ('59), Br.
Raymond Pasi ('74), and Br. Stephen Schlitte ('77).
THE POUGHKEEPSlE PROVINCE will hold a general assembly of the entire
province at the Spellman Retreat Center in N.Y.C. from August 14 to August 16.
They will engage in long range pastoral planning under the guidance of
Passionist Fr. Cassian Yuhaus.
BR. KIERAN THOMAS BRENNAN: Kieran could use some of our best
prayers these days. He is presently undergoing aggressive chemo treatment.
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PROVINCE: Volume One, covering 1886 to
1911, will be out in the fall. Br. Leonard Voegtle, the principal author, is
presently working on Volume Two.
FROM BR. JOHN FRANCIS COLIBERT ('44): I was in Roosevelt Hospital in
December for shoulder surgery. I ran into Pat Fazzari, who left the Scholasticate
around 1960. It turns out he is the Director of Rehabilitation there. He would like
to be on the mailing list. His address: Patrick J. Fazzari, M.D., 425 East 58th
Street, New York City, 10022.
GMC PICNIC: All are invited to the annual Greater Marist Community picnic
to be held again this year at the Mount in the garth and ball field areas. It is
scheduled for Saturday, September 16th, from noon to 5 or 6 p.m. Bring your
own beverage and a pot-luck dish for a shared meal. More later.
ANOTHER REMINDER: Many people immensely enjoy hearing from old
friends through this newsletter. Many have already written; they would love to
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hear from you! Write to David Kammer, 107 Woodland Dr., Harwinton, Ct.
06791, or to Gus Nolan, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12601.
