Bro. Tom Wendorf is attending the World Youth Day celebrations in Krakow, Poland, as part of the delegation from the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC).



Tom is participating in the Vocation Caf� for English-speaking participants. Sometime during the week, there will be a gathering of all Marianist pilgrims from different countries.



The event will be capped, of course, by a visit from Pope Francis. Let's pray that this gathering be safe and a source of enlivened faith for all who attend.



As you may be aware, Fr. D'Cruz Nicholas from the District of India has been in the United States for about four years. He completed a course in counseling at the University of Dayton while living at the novitiate. For the last 18 months, he has been on exclaustration, serving in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has been helpful in their outreach to Nepalese and Bhutanese residents.



About six months ago, Nicky petitioned the Holy See to be dispensed from his perpetual vows and to become incardinated in the Diocese of Sioux Falls. That process was completed on July 13. You may wish to read my letter to the District of India, announcing this transition. We wish Nicky God's blessings and a fruitful ministry, having been well formed by his Marianist life.



The Region of Eastern Africa will celebrate its Golden Jubilee on Aug. 15 in Nairobi. Marianists first went to Eastern Africa in the early 1960s to direct mission schools for dioceses in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia. The countries' foundation dates differ; the Aug. 15 date was chosen to encompass them all.



Bro. Steve Glodek and Fr. Bill Behringer will represent the Province at this happy event. Steve will present the members with an icon of the Beloved Disciple on our behalf, along with individual pictures for each of the African brothers. He will also read a letter, announcing a significant gift for their ministry endowment that has been raised through our "Join Her Mission" campaign. Congratulations and best wishes to these brothers!



On Aug. 20, the Province of Meribah will celebrate its 40th anniversary, honoring at the same time its jubilarians of 50 and 60 years. Let's remember these fellow Marianists during their jubilee and pray for their continued fidelity, growth in faith, and an increase of good and strong vocations for their province. Congratulations to Bro. Tim Driscoll and Fr. Tom Cardone, who recently began service as provincial and assistant provincial.



On Saturday, we will bid farewell to Bro. Cletus Behlmann at a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Louis. Grateful for his life and vocation, we entrust him now to the love and mercy of our Lord and the care of our Blessed Mother. Let's pray for him and for all of our brothers who are ill.



Please join me in sending Fr. Larry Mann our fraternal best wishes and congratulations as he marks year 100 on Aug. 1.



What a shining example of fidelity, zeal and humanity. You have our love and prayers on your special day, Fr. Larry!



Best wishes today to Fr. Manuel Cort�s as he celebrates his birthday.



Manolo, we are grateful for your witness and service of leadership. You have our prayers today and for the year ahead.

Salve Community director

The Provincial Council has appointed Fr. Bill Meyer as director of the Salve Community in St. Louis for a first term of three years.



Bill replaces Bro. Tom Wendorf, who is moving to Dayton in early September.  

Pati Krasensky will resign as associate director of NACMS and director of the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative (MLFI) as of Aug. 1.



Pati has worked for the Province for nine years and has been a Marianist Affiliate for many years.



Working out of the Marianist Center in Philadelphia, Pati designed and implemented programs on Marianist heritage and spirituality. She also provided outreach programs and ongoing formation for familieswho attended retreats at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, New Jersey.



As director of MLFI, which is sponsored by the Marianist Family Council of North America, Pati coordinated the formation of numerous cohorts of persons interested in starting Marianist Lay Communities.



Pati is moving to live and work in upstate New York. We thank her for her enthusiastic and competent service, and we promise her our continued prayers.