On May 1, seven novices in the District of India will profess their first vows in the Society of Mary. They include Naiman Kerketta, Kuldeep Kujur, Issac Minj, Mathew Mullangi, George Soreng, Livens Peter Xalxo and Victor Xalxo.

The profession will take place at the Marianist Novitiate in Ranchi. The novices have chosen as the theme of their profession:

Even before I formed in the womb I have known you. Jeremiah 1:5.

Let's pray for these young men as they begin their vowed religious life. Thanks to Fr. Chinnaiah Polishety, Bro. Marianus Bilung and Bro. George Majhi who have accompanied these men during the last year. Fr. Chinnaiah is completing his first year as director of novices for the district.

From mid-June until the end of July, Bro. Steve Grazulis will be at the novitiate in Ranchi as a teacher and mentor. Thanks to Steve for his generosity and to the leadership in the Region of Eastern Africa for supporting this involvement. Steve will spend the first part of June in Cleveland visiting family.

Bro. Delmar Jorn currently is in the United States for medical appointments and for the renewal of his work visa. Bro. Mark Ormond, from the Province of Meribah, will be returning to India in late June to teach in the UD program at Deepahalli.

Bro. Tom Oldenski has just returned from India and will return there after his jubilee celebration in August. Tom will be the new director of the UD program at Deephalli since Fr. Ignatius Arulappen will be starting graduate studies at the International Marian Research Institute at UD in August. Thanks to all of these brothers, as well, for their help and support for Marianist life in India.

We celebrated "Administrative Professionals Day" this week.  This is a good opportunity to thank the people at the West Pine Office especially for their excellent service to the Province. Their support is generous and multi-layered!

Amid the numerous activities at this time of the year, let's be grateful for the life of Fr. Bob Backherms and remember to pray for one another.

Fraternally,

 

• Bro. Robert Flaherty for the Montgomery Road Community in Cincinnati.
• Bro. Gerry Mc Auley for the Coundon Court Community in Dublin.
• Bro. Michael Murphy for the DeSales Crossings Community in Cincinnati.
• Rev. Richard Villa for the West Ligustrum Community in San Antonio. (Richard has been acting director this past year while Fr. Rudy Vela was on sabbatical.)

• Bro. Roger Bau for the Governor's Island Community in Huntsville.
• Fr.  William Behringer for the Casa Maria Community in San Antonio.
• Fr.  David McGuigan for the Eldersburg Community in Eldersburg.
• Bro. Jeffrey Sullivan for the Meyer Hall Community in Dayton.

• Bro. Giancarlo Bonutti, completing six years at DeSales Crossings.
• Bro. Jim Contadino, completing six years at the Marianist Community in Dublin
• Fr. Lawrence Schoettelkotte, completing one year as acting director at the Montgomery Road Community.
• Fr.  Rudy Vela, completing six years at West Ligustrum.