News From the General Administration - Society of Mary

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1 Via Latina 22 News From the General Administration - Society of Mary BRO.. STEVES TEVE O NEIL TO COMPLETEOMPLETE 10 YEARS AT UN; BRIANRIAN REAVEYEAVEY WILL REPRESENTEPRESENT MARIANISTARIANIST NGO # 226 Nov B ro. Steve O'Neil, SM, the primary representative of "Marianists International," the Marianists' non-governmental organization (NGO) at the United Nations in New York City, will complete 10 years of service in late December Effective Jan. 1, 2014, Brian Reavey, USA Province assistant for justice, peace and the integrity of creation, will begin his work as the main representative for Marianists International. Brian will continue his Bro. Steve O Neil Mr. Brian Reavey current position from St. Louis, traveling to New York City one week per month to sustain the NGO and U.N. engagements. This reorganization allows the Marianists to continue their NGO status while exploring ways to increase engagement with brothers and sponsored institutions internationally. "This transition honors Bro. Steve's hard work and depth of relationships and networks at the U.N.," said Fr. Paul Marshall, Assistant for Temporalities for the Province of the USA. "The strong foundation he laid will allow the NGO to flourish for years to come. It provides a unique opportunity for Marianists to continue advancing justice on a global level." FR.. ANDRÉSA TOCALINI APPOINTED TO A SECOND TERM AS REGIONAL SUPERIOR OF ARGENTINA ongratulations to Fr. Andrés, Tocalini, SM, the current regional superior of Argentina who has been reappointed for another three- C year term. We thank Andrés for his service and pledge our support and prayers for his future leadership. Fr. Andrés Tocalini, S.M.

2 # 226 Nov Page 2 MARY,, PEACEP EACE AND JAPANAPAN COMEOME TO FOCUSOCUS DURINGURING THISHIS YEAR S MARIANISTARIANIST DAY OF PRAYERRAYER Concelebrated Eucharist held at the beginning of the Marianist World Day of Prayer in the chapel in the Archbishop s Residence (with Nagasaki Archbishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami presiding) Baptiste: Marianist World Day of Prayer Pilgrimage to the Chapel of the Atom-Bombed Maria in Nagasaki, Japan Blessed with fine autumn weather, and not a cloud in the sky, this year s Marianist World Day of Prayer events were held at the Urakami Cathedral and immediate vicinity in Nagasaki. This city is known for the Kirishitan (the underground Christians) and its martyrs to the faith as well as the fact that along with Hiroshima, it was one of the two cities in the only nation in the world devastated by the atomic bomb. n October 13, 2013, members of the Marianist O Family around the world turned their attention and their prayer towards the image of the Atombombed Maria in Nagasaki, Japan. With a fervent call to work toward a more peaceful world, we prayed to and praised our God who always hears the cry of those ravaged by violence and hardship. We rededicated ourselves to cooperating with Mary in her saving mission, and we celebrated the family spirit which unites us as a Marianist Family. Here, we share with you the account of the day s events, as they occurred this year at the atomic bomb s ground zero Nagasaki, Japan. This account was sent to VL22 by the SM Regional Superior, Fr. Aioki Isao Jean- The pilgrimage group gathered for prayer in the Chapel of the Atom-Bombed Maria in the Urakami Cathedral. (Note: although churches in Japan are generally referred by their locations, Urakami Cathedral is officially the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception ) The day began with a 9:00 a.m. Eucharistic Liturgy held in the Archbishop s Residence located near Urakami Cathedral. Archbishop Joseph Mitsuaki Takami presided; and 32 members of the Marianist Family of Korea who had arrived in Nagasaki the day before, 19 members of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, 18 members of the Society of Mary, 10 members of the Japanese Marianist Lay Communities and the single member of the Alliance Mariale, a total of 80 individuals, participated. After the Liturgy, the Archbishop spoke to the pilgrimage group in Meeting Room One in the residence regarding his own journey The World Trip of the Atom-Bombed Maria Statue from the Vatican in Rome to UN Headquarters in New York. This was immediately followed by the very graphic experiences shared by Mr. Akira Fukahori who on August 9 in 1945 himself became an hibakusha a victim of the atomic bomb. At 12:20 p.m. the group moved across the street to the dining room of the Nagasaki Catholic Center for a combination lunch and sharing among the participants from Korea and Japan. Songs by the Korean Pilgrimage group, the young singing voices of the Vietnamese sisters and candidates, and the recitation of a Chinese poem in a Japanese way ( shigin ) by a member of the Society of Mary, coupled with the presence of Fr. Pablo Rambaud from Spain gave this gathering of the Marianist Family, though brief in length, a very international flavor.

3 # 226 Nov Page 3 so forth for the Nagasaki Marianist World Day of Prayer Pilgrimage. With part of the former bell-tower blown down the hill by the atomic blast in view, the group next climbed the steep slope to Urakami Cathedral and at 2:00 pm reached the Chapel of the Atom-Bombed Maria inside. With eyes fixed on the eyeless Atom-Bombed Maria statue enshrined in the center of a reredos made of Japanese cypress, the group prayed the Rosary. In mind were the two central themes of this particular day of prayer: the resolution never again to repeat the destruction wrought by the atomic bomb and the complex feelings regarding the merits and demerits of nuclear power plants caused by the explosions at Tokyo Electric Power Company s nuclear reactors in Fukushima. Group Photo taken in main part of the Urakami Cathedral. PRAYERRAYER INTENTIONS: Fr. Masahiro Tomiki, SM, offering his reflections at the end of the prayer service in the Chapel. Some of the participants from the various Marianist Family branches shared their experiences of the day. (Note: To Fr. Tomiki s left is the Atom-Bombed Maria statue itself and to his left a copy of the statute inspired by Murillo s Immaculate Conception) The differences in intonation and rhythm in the recitation of the decades of the Rosary alternately in Japanese and Korean made one sense all the more clearly that this was a Marianist World Day of Prayer. The singing of the Ave, Ave, Ave Maria made one aware of the solidarity and the shared consciousness that exists within the Marianist Family. Though brief, the summary reflections offered by the representatives of the various branches participating also led one to perceive the hand of God and Mary and also the intercession of Blessed Chaminade and Venerable Adele in the events of the day of prayer. Finally, with the twin intentions of the continued growth of the Marianist Family and of safe travel for those continuing their journeys in mind, the group prayed the Three O clock Prayer. The day s program ended with a Final Blessing and a commemorative photo taken in the Cathedral. We would like to take this opportunity to again thank God and all those who participated that day and all those who took part in the preparations and so forth for the Nagasaki Marianist World Day of Prayer Pilgrimage. Our brothers in India request prayers for the quick recovery of Mrs. Mary Nagamani N. who recently had an eye operation, and for Mr. Chandarao. K who is paralyzed because of a sudden, undetermined sickness. They are mother and uncle of Bro. Nittamaria Varaprasad, SM. Request submitted by Augustus Surin, SM, District Superior Your prayers are requested through the intercession of Blessed Chaminade for Fr. David Paul, SM, who has recently been diagnosed with a recurrence of prostate cancer. Request submitted by the Province of the USA Your prayers are appreciated for Fr. Manuel Cortés, SM, Superior General, who will undergo surgery for prostate cancer on November 4, Intention submitted by the General Administration

4 # 226 Nov Page 4 NEWSEWS FROM MEXICOEXICO Marianist world day of prayer: Three buses of Marianist laity and Marianist brothers from the states of Puebla and Queretaro met in the town of Apaseo Grande in the state of Guanajuato where the small but oldest lay Marianist group in Mexico hosted a pilgrimage including visits to three churches in their town. The day ended with mass and a renewal of consecration in the chapel of the venerated image of the suffering Jesus, and visitors enjoyed a generous dinner prepared by the local lay community. Catechism classes: Leo, a young accountant and volunteer catechetical teacher for several years begins the cycle of Saturday classes preparing children for first communion. This year there are morning and afternoon classes with about 90 students and 12 teachers. The classes are on the Marianist Community property and the children began their first classes learning about the Marianist family and the founders. Food and Clothing Aid: Bro Esteban Reyes Duran, SM, and helpers loaded a truck with food and clothing to take to small towns in the Mexican state of Guerrero severely affected by floods. Bro. Esteban accompanied the driver and remained in Guerrero several days to organize the distribution. A local family donated the use and time of the truck and driver for the cause. The Marianist community was a reception center for food and clothing for the week. G. JOSÉJ OSÉ CHAMINADEHAMINADE STREETTREET IN CADIZ,, SPAINS PAIN In response to a proposal from the Alumni Association of the Colegio San Felipe Neri of Cadiz, Spain, the city government has changed the name of General Rodriguez Bouza Street, next to the school, to that of our Founder. On Thursday, July 25, the feast day of Saint James the Apostle, the new nameplate of the street was solemnly installed. The event was presided over by the mayor s first deputy and other members of the city council. Also present for the occasion were many alumni, along with members of the religious community and the educational community of the school, all quite happy and grateful. The Province of Spain was represented by the Assistant Provincial, Bro. Rogelio Nuñez. The Marianist Family of Cadiz has thus made a step forward in closely linking the city with the Marianist charism, marking more than a century of presence there, and looking to the future with hope for the fruitfulness that such deep roots might produce.

5 # 226 Nov Page 5 FMI/SM JOINTJ OINT COMMISSIONOMMISSION FOR THE CELEBRATIONELEBRATION OF THE 200TH ANNIVERSARYNNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATIONOUNDATION Last July, two members of the FMI, two members of the SM and a member of General Administrations of each met to share long-range ideas regarding the celebration of the 200 th anniversary of our foundations (FMI 1816/SM 1817). Members of this commission are Sr. Nathalie Requin (FMI-France), Sr. Juliana Mun In-Hye (FMI- Korea), Sr. Susanna Kim (FMI-GA), Bro. Dennis Bautista (SM-USA), Fr. Lorenzo Amigo (SM-Spain) and Bro. Michael McAward (SM-GA). The commission has presented ideas to the two GA s and over the next several months specific plans will be developed. As always, stay tuned for more information FMI AND SM GENERALG ENERAL ADMINISTRATIONS MEETEET IN ROMEOME It is common practice that from time to time, members of the General Administrations of the FMI and SM meet together in Rome to share ideas and plan events. The latest of these meetings was held on October 24, 2013 at Via Edoardo Jenner. Current news from each congregation occupied the first part of the meeting, while long-range planning for collaborative events, including our 200 th anniversaries, filled the second part of the meeting. Also in attendance for part of the meeting was Bro. Jack Ventura, SM, Executive Director of the International Center for Marianist Formation. WORLDORLD CONCILONCIL OF THE MARIANISTARIANIST FAMILYAMILY ANNUALNNUAL MEETINGEETING IN ROMEOME Members of the general leadership of all four branches of the Marianist Family meet annually at Via Latina 22 in Rome. This year s meeting was held from October 30- November 1. The group shares the news of each branch, as well as plans collaborative events, such as the World Day of Prayer. This was the final meeting for the current international team of the MLC, which will conclude its term of office at the International Assembly in Lima, Peru next January.

6 # 226 Nov Page 6 RECENT PUBLICATION FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION The edition of the International Personnel is due to be shipped in a few days. As usual, copies will be sent to Unit Administrations for distribution to the communities. ST.. MARYM ARY S UNIVERSITYNIVERSITY HOSTSOSTS INTERFAITHNTERFAITH PRAYERRAYER EVENTVENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH SANT EGIDIOGIDIO IN ROMEOME The Interna onal Prayer for Peace, was held on Oct. 1, 2013 in conjunc on with the 11th Annual Catholic Intellectual Tradi on Lecture Series, at St. Mary s University in San Antonio, USA. This was an historic gathering that invited community members of all faiths to join in a day of dialogue and conversa on. It was led by the Community of Sant Egidio in Rome. As the event was held in Rome, St. Mary s University hosted the North American event which occurred simultaneously. Thousands of people joined in this special event, which included dialogue, speakers and music, all with the common goal of promo ng worldwide peace and interfaith dialogue. G.A. COMMUNICATIONS ENT RECENTLY SENT Death Notices: # s Oct 19: Letter from the Superior General to all religious of the SM. Oct 17: Principal Characterisrics of Marianist Administration to Unit Leaders and Assts. for Temporalities. GENERAL ADMINISTATION CALENDAR Nov 18-29: AF and MAX visit the Sector of Brazil. Nov 27-29: MC attends USG Meeting in Rome. Dec 4-9: Marianist Works Meeting in Philadelphia (MAX).