Our Marist Legacy

Lunching with several members of the class of '48 yesterday, I was not only impressed but uplifted by the enthusiasm with which the now octogenarians spoke of their Marist experience at Central Catholic from the years of 1944-1948. You'd think that they were still students here, the word-pictures of the Brothers and what they gave their students were so vivid, humorous, and even astounding, as well as inspiring. Two of the men became chemical engineers and spent their whole lives with chemical firms thanks to the forceful impact of Brother Terrence, to some a "terror" at the time, but in hindsight, a "treasure". In those days the "chem lab" was just another classroom with a few test tubes and beakers (dirty at that!). Yet on went these two to higher education and life with a solid foundation in their major fields and their spiritual formation. I recently came across an old photo of the entire school reciting the rosary in front of the statue of Mary, which graced the circle in front of the Auburn Street school and now stands in the courtyard to the left of the main entrance. Prayer in community was a large part of a Central education, and still is, in many ways.
We are now in process of insuring that this spiritual formation continues to build on the legacy so firmly entrenched in the life of Central Catholic from the beginning. We are discussing and studying ways to insure that when our students graduate, they are "faith-filled disciples with a strong sense of God and a personal relationsihp with Jesus, Mary and Saint Marcellin, fostered through religious formation, a sacramental life and prayer". We want this not only for our students, but also for our faculty, parents, alumni, and friends. It is my hope that during this academic year, we will have taken some clear and concrete steps in this direction. More to come on this soon.
Bro. Rene

The Eternal Purpose

In writing to the Ephesians, St. Paul uses this phrase, "the eternal purpose", (Eph 3: 11) which is like a STOP sign. Whoa, what's MY purpose in life? God does have an eternal purpose for each of us. Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, sold millions of copies, verifying that not only are people searching for purpose in their lives, but also confirming that knowing our purpose and working from it as a foundation, satisfies the hunger for meaning and the drive for happiness that are in all of us.
Tonight, several Central Catholic students will attend a St. Andrew's Dinner, an event featuring Cardinal Sean, priests and seminarians who will share the stories of how they found meaning and purpose in the priesthood. The hope is that the listeners will be stirred to ask themselves what will give purpose and meaning to their lives. For some it will be the priesthood, for others, it might become clear that the answer lies elsewhere, but the search should never stop.
St. Paul goes on to say that the eternal purpose is accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, "in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him." (Eph. 3:12). Boldness of speech and confidence through faith. Don't we wish! May our reflections on Jesus lead to imitation, and thus will come the longed-for purpose, boldness and confidence.
Bro. Rene

Patron Saints

Today being the memorial of the North American Martyrs, among whom is my patron saint, Rene Goupil, I am moved to reflect on the place these patrons can play in our lives. Named after my father, I was not aware until grammar school when the sisters talked about St. Isaac Jogues and his heroic companions who were martyred for their efforts at bringing the Gospel to the Mohawk, Huron and Iroquois tribes of what is now northern New York state and Canada, that among the "companions" was a layman, intending to become a Jesuit (and admitted to vows before he died), named Rene. How proud I was to know that I was, after all, named after a saint. Little did I know how I would actually follow in his footsteps when I lived for 14 years on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, and did what he did: taught children their prayers and catechism. No tomahawk for me, however, thanks be to God.
"Rene" means "reborn" in French. Many are the times I have felt re-born when through grace I have risen to new levels of experience and undrstanding of what it means to follow Jesus.
My middle name, David, was given to me after my grandfather, but I have come to love David the King, Psalmist, sinner and penitent. Sometimes I feel like a king with the great favors God has given me, and from the influence I have on people. Our family name, Roy, means "king" in French so these feelings are, in a sense, justified.
I chose Paul as my confirmation name, after my oldest brother, Paul, and St. Paul. Again, little did I know that I would be a traveling missionary and the author of many an epistle somewhat in the fashion of this great saint.
For me, my patrons are very real models and templates of who I am and am yet called to be. I have learned a lot from them and pray with them daily. I would suggest that you take time today to reflect on your name, your patrons, even Google them to learn more about them, and thank them for their lives and the example they have set for you. Let me wish you a happy feast day!"
Bro. Rene

Bearing Good News

St. Luke, author of the Third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles, physician and artist, is honored by the Church today. From his pen come a detailed account of the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus, and the intimate circumstances surrounding the birth of each. The beautiful hymns now chanted or recited daily in the Church's Morning and Evening Prayer, the Benedictus and Magnficat, come from this Gospel, as well as the pciture Jesus' healing ministry to the widow of Nain, and sinners, such as Zacchaeus and "the penitent woman who washed Jesus feet and wiped them with her tears. A compassionate, sensitive, yet determined and forceful Jesus emerges from his artistic strokes of literary genius. And the story of the young, vibrant early Church, which grew through the Holy Spirit and the preaching of Paul (accompanied at some points by Luke himself), serves as both history and inspiration.
Last Thursday I had the privilege to facilitate a retreat for 75 dedicated and prayerful teachers and staff at Catholic Central, a school ranging from pre-school to high school. They were eager to deepen their own prayer lives in order to be better "bearers of the Good News". Yesterday, Central Catholic hosted a massive but welcome "invasion" of interested parents and potential students at our open house, all eager to participate in the spiritual, academic, social and athletic opportunities we offer. The same Spirit that motivated Luke to write and Paul to preach, is very much alive in these two school communities, and further motivates and strengthens us to imitate all aspects of Jesus life and ministry given to us by Luke. Today, let us offer a prayer of gratitude for his contributions and our call to be bearers of Good News.... And yes, let us take a few moments to pick out a favorite passage for his Gospel or Acts, and use it as our "fuel" for the day. "The Lord sent disciples to proclaim to all the towns: the kingdom of God is very near to you." (cf . Lk 10:1, 9). So true.
Bro. Rene

Persistence

St. Paul admonishes Timothy, his young disciple and friend, to "remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim 3:14). He further emphasizes, "be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching." (2 Tim 4:2). As teachers and parents at this time in history, these words ring ever so true. As we look at ourselves, we see the need for persistence in our own prayer, in sticking to our own values, as time and convenience chip away at what we hold dear and "have learned from our infancy." How much more for the young in our care, whose roots are not as deep as ours, and whose lives are filled with more distraction and temptation than ours, it seems. The image of Moses praying with arms outstretched in prayer, so much so that in fatigue, they had to be held up by others so that he might continue and thus help Joshua win the battle below, is most apt. We need one another, we need community, a band of believers who will help us perservere in our prayer, and in our teaching. How good it is and how blessed we are to know that others hold the same values and have the same desire to teach the same truth as we! A church filled with believers and strivers, a school faculty bonded together by the common goal of making Jesus known and loved, no matter which way the wind is blowing, give strength and power to our individual efforts to be consistent and persistent. What a contrast to a world of broken promises and fickle alliances, and shifting values! "Trust in the Lord and he will help you." (Prov 20: 22b) AMEN!!!
Bro. Rene

Though the Mountains Leave Their Place

Isaiah writes, "Though he mountains leave their place/and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you; nor my convenant of peace be shaken,/says he Lord, who has mercy on you."
(Is 54:10). This verse was made popular by the St. Louis Jesuits twenty-five years ago, and is still sung at Mass as "Though the Mountains May Fall." When stress and pressure build to the breaking point, it is a good thing to remember those shaking mountains contrasted to the solid pledge of the Almighty, that God's love will always be there for us, even when we are at our worst. Most of the time, "our worst" is built up to frightening heights in our minds, and we project a situation that is worse than actual reality. We need "a sign", a reassurance from God, that indeed, his love will never end. It might come in a good night's sleep, or in the comforting word or embrace of a friend, but we need to hear and believe that we are loveable, and that God has pledged to remain with us forever. Despite what we think, imagine or do, the Holy One is faithful (cf. Hos 12:1) Let us turn our lives and plans over to him who refreshes, whose burden is light and whose yoke is easy. (cf Mt 11: 28-29).

I will be in Springfield, Ohio for the next few days, giving a retreat to 80 teachers in the Catholic Schools. Not sure if I will have access to a computer, or the time to write. Please pray for us on October 14. Thank you.
Bro. Rene

Courage

Sean J. Harrigan chose this quote to accompany his senior portrait in the 2008 Florentian: "Courage is fear holding on a minute longer." (Gen. George S. Patton). The night I handed Sean his diploma, it was announced that he would be entering the Marines, which he did in July. Little did any of us know what would then follow. In today's Eagle Tribune there is a marvelous tale about Lance Corporal Harrigan that is worth reading. Go on line and find it. It's the story of how he saved a fellow Marine who lost both arms and both legs after stepping on a land mine in Afghanistan. It will move you to tears. Harrigan responded with courage, daring, and the calmness that Marine training, and his home and Central education prepared him for, and lived up to the courage so aptly described by General Patton. In all humility, he did not look for headlines, nor fanfare, and in his typical "low key" manner shows the world what doing good, laying down our life for another, are all about. Let us pray for the courage to address our daily challeneges with the same boldness and courage, and let us pray for Sean, his family and for the young man to whom he gave a second chance at life, Marine Corporal Todd Nicely. A dear young friend of mine, also a Marine and platoon leader, landed in Afghanistan yesterday, Anthony Vercollone., to begin an 8 month tour or duty. Please pray for him and all those serving in the face of daily danger. Thank you.
Bro. Rene