THE PHILIPPINES

The Foundation of the Philippines has been officially closed by Fr. Manuel Cort�s. The brothers probably will leave Davao by the end of September. Although they intended to stay until the end of the year, circumstances prompted an earlier departure. Fr. Pablo Rambaud will return to the Province of Spain and may have a short sabbatical program early next year at UD's International Marian Research Institute. Bro. Tim Phillips will return to the Region of Eastern Africa after a home visit in Cleveland. Bro. Oscar Kerketta has returned to India and Bro. Raimond Toppo will remain in Davao to complete work on a degree. Michael Ki will return to Seoul and prepare for his first profession.

 

REGION OF KOREA: NOVITIATE FORMATION  

Frs. Francis Chang and Dominic Park from the Region of Korea will be in Dayton in mid-October to confer with the Provincial Council and the novitiate formation staff about the possibility of Korean novices doing their novitiate formation in Dayton. The Regional Council of Korea has received the support of the superior general, but there are many details and issues to be resolved before a decision can be made. Francis and Dominic will stop in Honolulu to meet with the brothers about English language programs for future novices.

 

ARCHIVES/HISTORICAL DISPLAY  

On Sept. 4, Ed Brink and I met with Tom Mengler, president of St. Mary's University, and Becky Day, vice president - administration and finance, for discussion about the proposed consolidation of the Province archives at St. Mary's University. This project will include an historical display of the Society of Mary in the United States. This is a large project, one that will benefit from the good foundations we have at both current archives. We are planning for the next 5 -10 years and a possible "Heritage Display," preserving and highlighting the best of our history. If and when Fr. Chaminade is canonized, this will be a special place of interest and devotion.

 

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

 

Allison Hewitt, executive director of development, and Fr. David Paul have organized a fine leadership training/development program for young Marianists in developing units, scheduled for December/January. Approximately 12 brothers from India, Eastern and Central Africa, Mexico and possibly Korea will take part in this month-long program. Besides presentations on ministerial leadership and organization development, the brothers will be trained in developing strategic plans and sourcing local revenues. The program will take place in St. Louis and Dayton. Please welcome these brothers who come with interest and enthusiasm for this opportunity. Thanks to Allison and Dave for their leadership and creativity.

 

HAPPENINGS 

The Sponsorship Commission met for the first time from Aug. 23 - 25 in St. Louis. A report about that meeting will be forthcoming.

 

Bro. Steve Glodek led the West Pine staff in an interesting and helpful development day on Aug. 29. In his usual professional and insightful way, he challenged us to focus on our real business (mission) as an office serving the mission of the Province and its members. Thanks, Steve, for another fine program.

 

 

  

Bro. Ed Brink and I will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 11 to take part in the 75th anniversary of Marianist presence at Colegio San Jos�. This is a wonderful achievement, reflecting the efforts of many Marianist since 1938. The brothers at the community in San Juan and the leadership of the former New York Province deserve our hearty congratulations and best wishes on this happy occasion.

   

The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, housed at USC and directed by Fr. Jim Heft, will co-sponsor with the University of Dayton a symposium entitled "In the Logos of Love." This program will run from Sept. 20 - 22 at UD and will bring together outstanding scholars in contemporary Catholic thought. Visit the institute website for more information. I urge brothers to attend this stimulating exchange.

 

 

 

On Sept. 21, NACMS will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and Carol Ramey will mark the same anniversary as the center's director. Carol and her staff have provided a marvelous service to the Marianist Family, and I thank her most sincerely for her competence, professionalism and deeply Marianist heart. The day will be marked by a public lecture at 2 p.m. on the grounds of Mount St. John. Thank you so much, Carol!

  

 

PERSONNEL ISSUES 

Fr. D'Cruz Nicholas has requested a period of time, living outside of a community, to address issues important to him and to discern his future. Although this is an exception, the Provincial Council, in dialogue with the leadership in the District of India, has approved this request for the next 18 months. Nicky will serve in a parish in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, S.D., and will assist the Nepalese and Bhutanese refugees in that area. He will visit St. Louis and Dayton during this time. Let us pray for him and a hoped for return to the mission of the Society of Mary in India.

 

I have heard that questions remain about Hugo Bastida and what appears to some as unfairness or harshness from those working with him during the past year and assisting him during recent months. This is a complicated situation, but I can assure you that the Province has been fair, generous and supportive of him. In the end, he requested not to continue in the Society of Mary. If you have questions or if you hear of any unusual request for or by Hugo, please direct those to me. I'd be grateful for that assistance.

 

OUR BLESSED MOTHER 

Brothers, as many of our communities prepare for another academic/ministry year with meetings and community gatherings, let's ask our Blessed Mother, whom we will celebrate often during this month, to inspire us with zeal and love. Let us remember to pray for the brothers in the healthcare facilities and for our benefactors. Let us pray for one another and for our fidelity to Christ and love for the Society of Mary.

 

Fraternally,