DISPATCH FROM INDIA
I am writing this from Bangalore, India, where we have finished the first annual retreat for the brothers of the District of India. We began on the Feast of the Visitation and concluded with the renewal of vows of the temporary professed and the celebration of the district's silver jubilarians: Bro. Victor Sahayaraj, Bro. Arokia Doss Mullai and Fr. Santosh Tudu. The group also celebrated Bro. Larry McBride's 50th jubilee of profession.
As I did in Malawi and Kenya, I shared with the 53 participants the "Pillars of Marianist Life": baptism, transformation into Christ, faith, the three vows, stability, Marianist community life, and developing an attitude of gratitude and a spirit of joy.
The brothers on retreat held a touching memorial service for the deceased Marianists of the last year. Their testimonies for Bro. Richard Joyal and Fr. Joe Lackner were most heartfelt. Both Marianists had a profound impact on the growth and development of the District of India. They are deeply missed.
Thanks to the many brothers who supported these retreats over the past five weeks. I am very grateful. I will return to St. Louis this Saturday and look forward to clearing my desk! I have prayed for you often during these holy days.
Bro. Tom Giardino and Mr. Savio Franco are in India conducting the second session of the "Kairos" program for community and ministry leadership, many of whom were on this retreat. A third and final session of this fine leadership training is planned for later in the year.
Fr. George Cerniglia and Bro. Michael McAward are leading the second of the district retreats and are expecting about 45 participants. The District of India continues to grow and develop, to face growing pains and challenges aplenty, and to deepen the Marianist life and mission in this part of the world.
DISPATCH FROM ROME
Bro. Sean Downing has arrived in Rome and, after attending to immigration and visa formalities, will join the other first year seminarians in an intensive language program in Verona, Italy. He will be joined by Bro. Mariandu Belevendiran from the District of India and Bro. Bernard Ombima from the Region of Eastern Africa. We continue to pray for Sean and the other new members of the seminary community. Bro. Lester Kaehler, vice rector of the Chaminade International Seminary, will be in the United States from June 7 until the end of July.
DISPATCH FROM FRANCE
Fr. Eddie Alexandre, provincial of the Province of France, asks for volunteers to assist in the community and school which the Province of France serves in Tunis. Read his letter. This Marianist presence has been there for a long time, living and witnessing in a predominantly Muslim country. In line with the documents of the recent General Chapter, Fr. Eddie asks for international help to maintain this religious presence in Tunisia. If anyone in the Province is interested in pursuing this, please contact me.
