Bro. Joe Kamis, Bro. Augustus Surin and I arrived in Rome last weekend. We began the meeting of the General Leadership Assembly on Sunday evening and spent Monday listening to reports from the units of the Society of Mary. There were many common themes: vitality of community life, reception of the General Chapter, aging in some units, collaboration and the need for good formation.

On Tuesday, we listened to the report of the superior general and will address the report from Bro. Max Magnan, assistant for education, on "Assuring the Marianist Identity of Apostolic Works." Much time also will be devoted to the proposal from the General Council regarding the restructuring of the zonal conferences. 

There are 29 of us, including three translators. The atmosphere has been positive and fraternal, and the food has been excellent. Thanks for your prayers for this important meeting. We are praying for all of you.

St. Al's 

On July 1, the parish of St. Aloysius was officially transitioned to diocesan leadership. Our thanks to Bro. Tom Payne for his help in packing, sorting, disposing and gifting 35 years of Marianist collectibles. Let's pray for our brothers from St. Al's who are moving to new assignments.    

India 

Fr. Chinnaiah Polishety from the novitiate community at Nirmal Deep, India, reports there are 17 novices -- eight first-year and nine second-year. He is giving a retreat for first-year novices for their entrance to the novitiate, followed by a "Promise Day" for the first-year novices this Saturday. Our prayers and best wishes to the novitiate community.   

Update

Bro. Bernie Hartman's trial has ended in Australia and his sentencing date is set for July 24. Please continue to pray for all involved in these proceedings.  

Fraternally,