Christian Brothers
Today
Fall 2015 ● Vol. 21 ● No. 2
1
Know someone who might make a good Christian Brother?
Let the Brothers know.
Contact: Br. James McDonald, CFC
815 272 7742
[email protected]
On the cover: A woman and her child in Canto Grande, a poor area of Lima, Peru, where the Christian Brothers have a school. Original photo
courtesy of Edmund Rice Development.
© 2015, Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Foundation. Christian Brothers Today is published by
the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Please direct letters, inquiries or changes of address to:
Editor – Christian Brothers Today
260 Wilmot Road
New
Rochelle, NYBROTHERS
10804
CHRISTIAN
TODAY
[email protected]
Colleen F. Noonan, Director
Br. Anthony Murphy, Development Consultant
Br. Dominic Murray, Development Associate
Br. Karl Walczak, Development Associate
Spring 2014
2 Nancy J. Mathiasen, Development Associate
Thomas A. Lesser, EdD, Editor and Publications Consultant
Message from the Province Leader
Dear Friends,
This past July, I had the privilege of traveling with a contingent from the Iona
Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY to Lima, Peru on a father-son mission
trip. While in Lima, we visited orphanages, built homes for the poor and visited
with local families living in extreme poverty. It was an eye-opening experience
for all who participated, as it brought to light the plight of the poor and
marginalized in this under-developed Latin American nation. I am happy to report that this past year, twelve
Christian Brother schools from throughout North America had similar experiences as part of the Christian
Brother Immersion Program.
In March 2015, our Province Leadership Team launched a new initiative entitled Mission Frère with the hope
of being faithful to the call of our Congregation to become more engaged in advocacy, to work more closely
with the materially poor and to revitalize our Brotherhood in North America. With this in mind, during the
2015-2016 year, we will be exploring ways of being in solidarity with the people of Haiti, the poorest nation
in our Western Hemisphere, as well as with the people of Harlem, NY, the place in 1906 of our first Christian
Brother ministry in the United States. In June, we hired a recent graduate of Iona College (Mr. Benny
Rivera) to help us in recruiting lay volunteers and to assist our Province vocation coordinator in promoting
new vocations to our Brotherhood. In September, we appointed an Edmund Rice Christian Brother North
America Advocacy Coordinator (Mr. Sean D’Alfonso) to assist us with the task of promoting advocacy
throughout the Province.
In late August, Tropical Storm Erika ravaged the Caribbean island of Dominica in the West Indies with heavy
rains, strong winds and devastating mudslides that destroyed roads and shut down the tiny island’s modest
airport. Thankfully, our Christian Brother residence in the Capital City of Roseau was not severely damaged,
nor was St. Mary’s Academy where our Brothers minister. However, many of our students and their families
have been greatly affected and are now scrambling to return to some sense of normalcy.
With this issue of Christian Brothers Today, I would ask that you join with our Brothers and all who are
inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice in praying for all those to whom we minister, but most
especially for the people of Peru and Dominica who remain in need of much prayer and assistance. Please
pray as well for the success of our Mission Frère initiatives as we attempt to get them off the ground.
God bless,
Bro. Kevin M. Griffith, CFC
Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America
Province Leader
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
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Fall 2015
Edmund Rice Network Services encompasses vibrant opportunities for engagement in the building of
a more just and compassionate society, being fully present to those most in need, and giving voice to
the voiceless. We invite you to consider four ways you might collaborate in this graced and joy-filled
effort.
Christian Brothers Lay Volunteer Program
Year-long service in a context of Community,
Prayer, and Reflection with the Edmund Rice
Christian Brothers in North America.
Mission and Immersion Experiences
Short term service projects in poor and
marginalized areas in the United States,
Canada and abroad.
Associate and Vowed Membership
with the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers.
Campus Affiliates
Prayer experiences, service opportunities
and social gatherings for college and
university students from Edmund Rice
Christian Brothers Schools.
For more information contact:
Benny Rivera, Coordinator
260 Wilmot Road
New Rochelle, NY 10804
Cell: 516 589 1229
[email protected]
Photo: gig_nyc
Four High Schools, One Mission
From January 26 to February 9, the Edmund Rice Mission Group did a mission in Diamante, Entre
Rios. This was the first time that four different school groups participated in this mission: Cardenal
Newman (Buenos Aires), Stella Maris (Montevideo), Fe y Alegría 26 (Lima) and Mundo Mejor
(Chimbote). In all there were 120 young missioners involved which included students and past
students from the afore-mentioned schools.
The mission to Diamante for me was a unique experience, for all that I lived and
because it was the first time that I did a mission. I am convinced that on a
personal level, it helped me to grow in many aspects, especially in being more
grateful; to see another reality helps you realize how much you must thank God
for what you have.
I was impressed by the warmth of the people of the Diamante community when
they met us. It created in me a tremendous feeling of belonging: they treated us
as if we were born in the town. They listened and respected all we came to
share. I felt very loved by these amazing people, and they passed on to me a lot
of human values. They are people who live in circumstances which we are
perhaps not used to; some live in critical conditions, with many tragedies.
However, I felt the spirit of these people wanting to move ahead; the will to confront life´s everyday problems.
In terms of the human group “doors into the mission”, the bond of friendship that was formed between the
missionaries was impressive. Many did not know each other and we still felt like brothers or friends. The truth
is, the mission environmental made me feel an enormous happiness. I could feel the presence of God among
us all, with the joy that we did things and especially when it came to prayer. It is an experience that one has
to live; many times it is difficult to put into words what has been lived. But in general, I felt fulfilled, full of
enormous happiness, which affected all the persons who went and with whom I lived.
Marcos Rodríguez, ex student of Stella Maris
The mission in Argentina apart from being the first time I left my own country
and the first time I acted as a missionary, has been one of the most significant
and satisfying experiences of my life. It was difficult for me those first days
because it was hard to fit into a group of 80 young missionaries, but it was a
challenge that I was soon able to fulfill. I would never have imagined knocking
on doors to talk to people and each morning I did that, the experience was
different. Some of the stories I will never forget: that morning when I listened
to Maria, José and the woman Lucy, and the way they opened their hearts to
me made a deep impression on me. I feel that we had fulfilled a basic need of
the people during these home visits to be listened to, valued and
accompanied. This was the basic need that we were able to meet during
those days.
I am impressed how we were able to establish such strong bonds with adults and especially with the children
so much so that saying good-bye provoked a great sadness. All the lived realities, the faces that are in my
mind, the smiles of the children, the stories that I keep in my heart have filled me with joy and were what I
took away with me from the mission. I made many friends in the town of
Diamante, magnificent people who offered me their help and friendship.
Paola Miranda. Ex student of Mundo Mejor.
Excepted from: LATAM, January-February 2015
(newsletter of the Christian Brothers’ Latin America Region)
Peru - Young People Making a Difference
Joining hands across oceans and continents
Many school groups come to Lima in Perú each year to participate in an immersion programme.
They get involved in various activities in Canto Grande, a poor area of Lima where the Christian
Brothers have a school. They assemble pre-fabricated houses, paint homes, organize sports
activities in the school, and help women in such tasks as peeling broad beans for hours, sharing the
work of the poor and learning how they are exploited when they receive a pittance for their labour.
The groups also visit homes for sick and abandoned children, where they give their assistance on a
few days. And they visit places of religious and historical interest where they imbibe something of
the Peruvian culture and the spirituality of the people.
The aim of the experience is to enable the young people to see the world
through the eyes of the poor and to raise their social awareness, with the
hope that they will continue to serve the marginalized in their own place
when they return home, now and for many more years. Groups come
from across the Americas and around the world.
Brother Paul Hendrick, who directs “The Life Centre Project” in Dublin,
describes the students of the project on his web profile as follows: “…
some students are hyperactive. For many, it
is their first time in a house. Many come out of
situations of real poverty… some have had horrific lives. They are
often drop-outs or have been expelled from schools.” Paul showed them
a DVD of the Brothers´ work in Peru, which included coverage of a group
from Iona Prep College, New Rochelle, on an immersion experience in
Lima. The students of the Life Centre were touched by the poverty of the
people portrayed in the DVD. They responded in a very generous
manner and organized some events to raise a thousand Euros to
construct a timber house for a marginalized family in Canto Grande, Lima.
The family of Julio Diaz was selected to receive the house, a family that left poverty in the Andes to
seek a better life in the city, only to encounter more poverty there. The construction was done by a
group of five senior students from Cardinal Newman College, Buenos Aires, led by Guillermo
Bullrich, a past pupil of the college and now a young member of staff. Guillermo reflects on the
experience:
“The entire immersion experience had a strong impact on me and it is difficult to single out important
moments as it was a very intense week. I was very content on the day that we built the house, not
just for the construction of a house for the family, but also for the work and dedication of the group.
The next day when we were in the school, I looked up at the house, the highest on the hill. I looked
at the roof and perfect timber walls and I felt very emotional. I frequently stopped what I was doing
and looked up at the house. I saw something complete, something beautiful, and I reflected that a
group of young men – myself being one of them – had helped to change the hard reality of a family
up on the hill.”
Christian Brother Paul Keohane
Original published on: www.edmundrice.net
J.S. Paluch 28th Annual Vocation Seminar
As a Board Member of the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association
(CAVA) I was privileged to be invited to be a guest at the J.S. Paluch
28th Annual Vocation Seminar held in Chicago IL at the O’Hare Embassy
Suites August 17 -19. I was most impressed with the Keynote speaker
Frank Donio, SAC who reflected on the rewards and challenges of
collaboration and its importance to all Church ministries.
It is fundamental that Collaboration be Christocentric. Our conversation
must be a “trialogue” one that always includes Christ. At the core of our
Baptism it is essential that we live a Christ centered mission. As people
we should be constantly struggling to discover Christ and to what or
where He is calling us. Our faith must be rooted in action where there will difficulties, conflict and
uncomfortableness.
The Holy Spirit is or should be the Centerpiece to be our guide as we struggle with trying to find out
what we are being called to. How can we collaborate to work with discerners to find out their
calling? There is much to learn in this regard from Pope Francis in his encyclical Evangelii Gaudium.
Can we get beyond “we have always done it this way?” There is power in hanging on to what was
and not on to what can be. How are we living our prayer/spiritual community life? Are we living
authentically the life style that we advertise on our brochures and website? We need to accompany
others. Who are we serving? If nothing good happens can we call ourselves to live and witness the
compassion of Christ? Perhaps we need to focus of the example of the Pope washing the feet of the
prisoners.
For our part if we live our life in communion with the Holy Spirit then it is God’s work. We live in
encounter with Christ at an apostle as a missionary. It is our time together and it is an opportunity, a
gift where we regularly spend our time building up each other. We must remember that it is God’s
work and we need to go beyond what was to what is the future.
Christian Brother Jim McDonald (seated, second from right)
Edmund Rice Camp - 2015
Iona Preparatory School
Iona Prep hosted its annual Edmund Rice Summer Camp the week of June 29th-July 3rd.
After six years at the Upper School this year’s camp was held on the campus of the Lower School.
Each day we hosted a total of at least ninety campers and counselors from the Upper and some
from the Lower Iona schools. Our campers, nearly fifty in number, came from parishes and schools
in the New York City area, including St. Frances of Rome and Our Lady of Grace Parishes in the
Bronx, Sacred Heart Parish in Mount Vernon, Holy Name Parish in New Rochelle, and the Little
Swan Program in Mount Vernon.
Activities during the week included an ice breaker to begin each day, basketball, arts & crafts,
kickball, water balloon toss, a Lego center and a water slide. This year’s camp was enthusiastically
led by Br. Lucian Knaap, assisted by Br. JA Reynolds, Br. DT LeJeune, Br. RW Harris, and Mr. Tom
Straehle. The delicious lunches were prepared by many parents from both the Upper and Lower
School campuses. The Moms were most generous with their time, energy, and talent. Joe’s Deli in
New Rochelle supplied the lunch meat used to make sandwiches that were sent home with each
camper at the end of the day. Dr. Marco Caruso, a 1991 graduate of the Upper School, supplied
lunch from a local deli for over 100 people. The Shirts were donated by Liebman's, the uniform store
in New Rochelle.
After the campers went home, the counselors spent a half hour reflecting on the day with Brother
Lucian. They recalled the blessings of the day and talked about what they could do differently for
the next day.
On behalf of Iona Preparatory School, Br. Lucian would also like thank the counselors leaders of the
camp for the week: Nick Fioriello, Frankie Adipietro, Marco Bonaiuto, and Anthony Capasso who all
did an outstanding job along with the other counselors from both the Upper and Lower Schools.
Christian Brother Lucian Knaap
Christian Brothers’ Ecology Retreat
This year’s Christian Brothers’ Ecology Retreat took place at Jericho House, June 29 to July 5.
What an opportune time for this year’s retreat as it focused on three of the main Catholic theologians
(Hildegard of Bingen, Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry) who have provided the spiritual
underpinnings for Our Way Into The Future and Pope Francis’s Encyclical, Laudato Si.
The retreat was led by a Sister of Charity, Maureen Wild, an outstanding facilitator, a dedicated researcher, and committed ecologist. Sister Maureen invited the dozen participants in a contemplative
study of the lives, writings and impact of the three aforementioned mystics, visionaries and prophets.
Retreatants were nourished and nurtured by: prayer, conferences, liturgy ritual, silence, reading, and
reflection.
Jericho’s beautiful natural setting of forest, lake and wetlands provided a complementary living canvas throughout the retreat. As the retreat moved towards its conclusion, all were encouraged to continue to live out the experience through their life choices that enabled them to model right living with
people made poor and with the whole Earth community.
Originally published in the June ERCBNA Province Newsletter
New Ministry in Ngaramtoni, Tanzania
Early in July, the formation team in Arusha, Tanzania discovered a new ministry site at Ngaramtoni
(about 60 miles, 100 km, from Mt. Kilimanjaro) in which the Brothers’ Postulants can volunteer. They
are able to minister in a temporary home (Plaster House) for young children with disabilities (e.g.
children with harelip and other physical disabilities, who are awaiting an operation.)
The centre is administered by an Australian, Mrs. Sarah, who works in conjunction with the Lutheran
hospital, from whom the ministry receives some funding along with help and aid from other
charitable groups.
Every Wednesday, after sharing with the children in English classes and seeing their positive
response to the Postulants, presence, it dawns on them that they are sharing Eucharist with the
children. It is such a great opportunity to be with these children, who, united by their disabilities, form
a joyful family into which the Postulants feel welcomed.
Adapted from: East Africa District Newsletter,
August 31, 2015
Yachay Wasi Institute
For some thirty years our Institute has worked to make education for Peruvians a pleasant,
interesting and values-centered experience. Our work began in 1982 at Colegio Nuestra Señora del
Pilar, a private school in Arequipa run by the Christian Brothers. Three science teachers, Betty
Barbachan, Juana Loayza and Brother Jim Glos, had a vision about making science teaching better.
What they hoped to accomplish was a paradigm shift from an intense memory-based learning
system to a new methodology in which their students actively participate in the learning process,
using hands-on materials, manuals with written learning guides and cooperative group dynamics. By
applying this new thrust they hoped to form students with a high level of self-esteem and
competence, along with a healthy attitude toward themselves, their neighbors and the Earth.
Professor Hugo helps a student group.
At first the results were mildly positive, the students
participated more in classroom activities, got better
grades, had much improved classroom conduct and
evaluated their science classes as interesting and
enjoyable experiences. Some of the teachers of other
subject areas made similar changes in their teaching
techniques, which helped to create a cumulative impact
in the school that went beyond the initial vision. Student
participation in extra-curricular activities (debate,
oratory, science fairs, pastoral experiences, sports,
etc.) gradually began winning prizes for their
participation. And an interesting, encouraging and
unexpected result, was that the graduates were doing
much better in university entrance examinations, some
occupying the highest grades among all the other
postulants.
We wondered if this vision can become a reality in the brothers’ school, why not share it with others.
Thus the next step was to do workshops for teachers of other schools, first just in the city of
Arequipa and then in other parts of the country (Cusco, Puno, Lima, Chiclayo, Moquegua, ILO,
Moyobamba, among others). The evaluations of the teachers in these workshops were always very
positive. After a number of years in this missionary effort, the three teachers decided to begin a
non-government organization (NGO) based in the city of Arequipa, under the name “INSTITUTO
PARA LA INVESTIGACION PEDAGOGICA YACHAY WASI”.
Teachers interested in using the Yachay Wasi Project receive training in the use of the manual
guides and hands-on materials for each science theme. They are loaned eight sets of materials to be
used in small groups with the students in their respective schools. The students, using their manuals,
read and apply the indicated procedures, manipulate the hands-on materials, answer questions
related to their experience, form and test hypotheses and relate their experiences with the other
groups in plenary sessions directed by the teacher. After the plenary session, using his/her
knowledge of the subject matter, amplifies the theme being studied. When finished with the loaned
materials, the teachers return these to the institute, receive further training on a new theme, and take
a new set of materials to their schools. There is no charge either for the training received or for the
use of the hands-on materials. The only income that the institute receives from the schools is
generated by the sale of the manuals to the students at a price equivalent to US $12.
After more than twenty years of this procedure we can confidently say that it works! The evaluations
of the teachers, their students and parents, and of education authorities have been very positive.
The Yachay Wasi Institute is known, esteemed and respected both nationally and internationally.
And it works not just in the teaching of the natural sciences, but in other areas in which it has been
applied: mathematics, environment education, sexuality education, communication skills, pre-school
and primary school learning, etc.
There is another indicator that the Yachay Wasi Method is working, which has to do with recent
education policies taken by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. The Ministry is placing a strong
emphasis on what is called “rutas de aprendizaje” (learning paths). These paths include ideas like
the use of hands-on materials, sequential learning, cooperative group work, emphasizing the theory
of Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner, Harvard University), and that of Mental Operations
(Reuben Feuerstein-Israel), among others. We see a lot of congruencies in what the Ministry of
Education is promoting with what Yachay Wasi has been using since 1982.
Also a new measure is being used in science education in which the Ministry sends via Internet
learning guides to science teachers. These are to be copied for the students who use them in their
classes. The teachers who work with our institute have recognized in these guides something very
similar to the Yachay Wasi Method, but without the hands-on materials or the personalized training
on the use of the guides.
What can be intuited by these measures? Does it mean that the Ministry is copying what Yachay
Wasi has been proposing for some thirty years, or that our work in all these years has influenced the
Ministry? We would like to think so, but certainly cannot prove it. However, one thing is certain, if
what the Ministry is now promoting is an important and useful innovation, then we have another
guarantee that our work over these years has been valuable.
Christian Brother Jim Glos
New Development in Kanvilli Roman Catholic School
Kanvilli Roman Catholic School is one of the oldest schools belonging to the Catholic Church in
Tamale, northern Ghana. It has students from Kindergarten to Junior High school. The Primary
section of the school was established in 1961, while the Junior High School section was started in
1990. The system of basic education in Ghana is two years of Kindergarten, six years of Primary and
three years of Junior High School. The student population of the school from KG to JHS 3 is 547,
with 269 boys and 278 girls.
In response to the cry of our
brother and sister earth for
protection, the Edmund Rice
Advocacy and Environment
Control Club in Choggu has
embarked on an impressive tree
planning campaign at the Kanvilli
R.C. School complex.
This has been a dream-come-true
because it had been a long
awaited plan for the club to
beautify the school environment
and to protect the school
compound from wind disaster. It is
the belief of the club that they
have the responsibility and
privilege of bonding humanity to
the earth and to the universe at
large.
To carry out this new consciousness, the club has received 250 seedlings of three different trees
from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Tamale. This activity for the club marks the end of this
academic year. It is also a concrete and effective way of sensitizing and uniting the human family
here with the global community. It was a concern
for the group to acknowledge that we can only be
at peace with our mother earth when we are in
good relationship with her. The main aim of the
club is to spread its breaches to the surrounding
communities and to our sister schools around
Kanvilli. The group is composed of the upper
primary and J H S schools with young boys and
girls full of energy.
Adapted from Wan Pot News, August 2015
Christian Brothers West Africa District
Brother Raymond Philogene
Profiles of Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America
Dominica in the British West Indies is rich in natural beauty. While its citizens struggle with poverty,
they cherish a culture characterized by joy and neighborly concern. They welcome educational
opportunity and have been most appreciative of the decades of service of the Christian Brothers.
Brother Raymond Philogene is one who seems to be known to everyone on the island.
Brother has spent most of his years as a Christian Brother in
Dominica. Studies and teaching assignments had brought him to
the United States and Canada, from St. John’s, Newfoundland to
Vancouver British Columbia. Once back in the West Indies, he
briefly served at St. Joseph’s Academy in Antigua, and then began
an extended commitment to the families of Roseau, Dominica.
As principal of St. Mary’s Primary School, he had a major role in
opening a world of educational opportunity to generations of students. Their achievements have enhanced the reputation of the
school and contribute significantly to the development of the
country. In 2004, Brother Raymond, after several terms as principal,
was delighted to pass on the responsibility for the school to one of
his former students.
“What next?” was the subject of his discernment during a sabbatical
in San Antonio, Texas. Where might he now best direct his energies
in response to his call as a disciple of Jesus Christ and follower of Blessed Edmund Rice?
Brother Ray returned to Dominica to assume responsibilities in the Diocesan Family Life center.
Here he became fully engaged in the activities of the Alpha Center, providing educational
experiences for children with mental disabilities and supporting their integration in the society. The
Dominica Minster for Social Services, the Honorable Gloria Shillingford, recently noted that,
“Traditionally children with special needs were neglected, hidden and deprived of the opportunity to
attend school and socialize with their peers. It is institutions such as the Alpha Center which have
opened doors for them and paved the way for their integration into society and a corresponding
acceptance of them by said society.”
Mindful of the loving care Blessed Edmund Rice dedicated to his challenged daughter Mary, Brother
Ray is one of a number of Brothers and Edmund Rice Associates throughout the globe who have
enthusiastically accepted leadership roles in promoting special education characterized by
Presence, Compassion and Liberation.
Christian Brother Sean Moffett
The Umoya Project
The Umoya Project began in 2013 as a collaborative project between the Edmund Rice Network of
South Africa and St Michael’s Catholic Church in Rondebosch. Since then, it has grown dramatically
and over time has become extremely special to all those involved.
The Umoya project takes numerous volunteers to a Sisters of Charity home in Khayelitsha on a
regular basis to interact with the many residents in the home. The 70+ residents at the Sisters of
Charity home have various mental and physical disabilities and have little or no contact with their
families. The project plans activities with the residents in order to provide a space for them to have
fun and form positive relationships with the volunteers.
On the 1st August residents had a private screening of the Umoya Promotional Video as well as
other funny videos. While this was happening, volunteers were outside setting up a café setting
where residents were spoilt with snacks and drinks. On top of this, Influence Clothing for Africa
sponsored over 300 garments of clothing which were set up in a ‘pop up shop’ format. This meant
that volunteers created a shopping environment where clothes were hung up and accessories were
neatly organised and placed on different tables. For the first time in years, residents were able to go
‘shopping’ and could pick out the exact items of clothing that they wanted.
On the 15th August the residents requested a movie day. All enjoyed the hysterical talents of Leon
Schuster while enjoying popcorn and juice; all donated by volunteers. The day also included
attending mass with the Missionary of Charity sisters. Volunteers were incredibly moved to join the
sisters, barefoot, and on their knees as together we worshipped our Lord.
From ERNSA Newsletter, July 2015
Edmund Rice Network South Africa
Building Human Rights Capacity in the Philippines
The Christian Brothers community in Maasin, on the Philippines island of Leyte, act as consultants
for the Edmund Rice ministry staff who deliver three programs in Maasin, Bato and Palo (near
Tacloban). The programs which are based on a community engagement model address Child
Assistance and Livelihood Promotion, Community Based Rehabilitation and Youth Development
Animation
The community of four Christian Brothers in Kabankalan on the island of Negros, also work with a
group of colleagues to conduct three programs which benefit disadvantaged groups in the district.
The Child Assistance Program aims to enable students from poor families to remain in school, the
Informal Education program targets those who have dropped out of school whilst the Community
Engagement Program aims to empower local communities through gospel value based courses that
build confidence and develop leadership and problem solving skills.
Recently all the members of this Edmund Rice ministry team in Kabankalan joined with
representatives from schools, Catholic inspired NGOs and diocesan personnel in participating in a
symposium on human rights and advocacy conducted by Brian Bond at the Columban Fathers
centre at nearby Batang. Following the symposium the Advocates for Human Rights - Negros
Occidental (AHR-NO) group met with Brian and agreed to work together to co-ordinate the
preparation of a submission for the next UPR of the Philippines. A follow-up meeting was held with
the Edmund Rice Ministry team to reflect further on how advocacy and a rights based approach
could be incorporated into their ministry.
From Kabankalan Brian travelled by bus, plane and ferry to Maasin to conduct two further
workshops, the first for College students, and the second for the 17 members of the Edmund Rice
Ministry staff - social workers, welfare officers, educators, nurses and youth workers. Again the aim
of the staff workshop was to explain the work of ERI, and encourage the integration of advocacy
and human rights into the various ministries.
Originally published in the Newsletter of Edmund Rice International, July 2015
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CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
18
Fall 2015
Brother Daniel Denis Crimmins, C.F.C.
(1934 - 2015)
Brother Daniel Denis Crimmins, C.F.C. died on June 11, 2015 in New Rochelle. Brother was
born January 18, 1934 in the Bronx NY. He attended Sacred Heart
Elementary School, Rice High School and Iona College, where he
received his B.B.A. degree in Accounting in 1958. He continued with
graduate studies earning an M.A. in English at the University of Detroit
in 1969. Before entering the Christian Brothers Brother Crimmins was a
veteran of the United States Army.
In 1958, Brother Crimmins entered the Congregation of Christian
Brothers and made his First Profession of Vows in September of 1959.
He pronounced his Final Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience on
June 27, 1965.
As a Christian Brother educator, Brother served at St. Cecilia's School, Rice High School in
Birmingham, All Hallows in the Bronx, NY, Iona College, Catholic Memorial High School in West
Roxbury, MA and St. Mary's Parish, Jena. LA. Br. Crimmins also served as Councilor Eastern
American Province in New Rochelle from 1981-1987 and Christian Brothers-Santa Maria
Superior in West Park, NY from 1995-2001. In the Esopus area Brother was very engaged in the
project Reaping The Harvest.
Brother Lawrence A. Killelea C.F.C.
(1925 - 2015)
Brother Lawrence Alphonsus Killelea, C.F.C. died on June 15, 2015 in New Rochelle. Brother
was born November 2, 1925 in New York City. He attended St. John's
Elementary School, Power Memorial Academy, St. Joseph's Juniorate
and Fordham University, where he received his B.S. degree in Education
in 1951. He continued with graduate studies earning an M.A. in Religious
Education at Catholic University in 1958 and a Master's in Education
Administration at the University of Rochester in 1972.
In 1942, Brother Killelea entered the Congregation of Christian Brothers
and made his First Profession of Vows in September of 1944. He
pronounced his Final Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience on
September 8, 1951.
As a Christian Brother educator, Brother served at St. Cecilia's School, Iona Grammar School,
Cardinal Hayes High School, Power Memorial Academy, Bishop Kearney High School and
Essex Catholic High School. Br. Killelea also served as Principal of Power Memorial Academy,
Rice High School, Bergen Catholic High School and Consultor, Eastern American Province in
New Rochelle. Brother had been a resident of St. Joseph's since 2013.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
19
Fall 2015
Brother Walter Rudolph Younghans C.F.C.
(1924 - 2015)
Brother Walter Rudolph Younghans, C.F.C. died on May 26, 2015 in New Rochelle. Brother was
born February 1, 1924 in New York City. He attended Sacred Heart
Elementary School, Power Memorial High School, and Fordham
University, where he received his B.S. degree in Elementary
Education in 1949. He continued with graduate studies earning an
M.S. in Secondary Education from Immaculate Heart of Mary College
(1954) in Los Angeles, CA and an M.A. in Spanish & Mexican History
from Universidad Interamericana in Saltillo Coahuila, Mexico.
In 1940, Brother Younghans entered the Congregation of Christian
Brother and made his First Profession of Vows in December of 1942.
His pronounced his Final Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience
on September 8, 1949.
As a Christian Brother educator, Brother served at St. Cecilia's Grammar School, All Hallows
High School, Cardinal Farley Military Academy, Cantwell High School, St. Lawrence High
School, St. Patrick's High School, Damien Memorial High School, Brother Rice High School in
Chicago, IL and Br. Rice HS Birmingham, MI, and Mater Dei Community in Bloomfield, MI.
Brother Michael David Lucas, C.F.C.
1943 - 2015
Brother Michael David Lucas passed away on August 26, 2015. Br. Lucas entered the
Congregation on July 3, 1961 and took his first vows on September 8,
1962.
His ministry and service to the people of God included: Bergen
Catholic High School Oradell, NJ), Palma High School (Salinas, CA),
Br. Rice High School (Chicago, IL), St. Laurence High School
(Burbank, IL), Br. Rice High School (Birmingham, MI), as a Councillor
and Deputy Provincial for the Western American Province, as
Councillor for the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America, and
Director of Initial Formation. In addition to teaching, Brother coached
basketball at many Christian Brothers High School
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
20
Fall 2015
Blessed Edmund Rice Society
The following were enrolled between February 1, 2015 and August 31, 2015 and in the Brother Rice Society
through Blessed Edmund Rice Prayer Cards sent by our benefactors in their names:
IN MEMORY OF:
Victoria Adamek
Deacon Richard Alexander
Mrs. Lnna Allar
Doug Anderson
Alvin Anderson
Richard Andronik
Milton Ang
Pacifico Antasuda
Alyce "Billie" Arden
Greg Atwood, O'Dea '64
Sadie Babula
Dolores Barnecut
Eileen Barreno
Jeanne Barrett
John Barry
Susan Barton
Dorothy Barton
Mary Battista
Ingrid Bayard
Grace Becker
Henry P. Bell, O'Dea '49
Philomena Benak
Keith Bernacki
Jack H. Blachley
Justice Hugo L. Black
Mary Blackmore
Madelyn Blazina
June Bork
Terry Brady
Helen Branciforte
James Brendich
Beau B. Brooks
Joseph Brosio ('77 O'Dea High School)
Rice High School Christian Brothers
Nancy Bruegler
Br. M. P. Burns, C.F.C.
Lila Burton
Denis J. Cahill, BRHS '79 Chicago
Jerome F. Cahill, Sr.
Janet Calkins
Sherry Calnin
Frances Campanile
Clyde
Anne Casey (mother of Br. John Casey, C.F.C. of the CLT)
Bernard J. Casey
John Cassidy
Tom Cavanagh
Joe Cavanagh
Martin Cavanagh
Louis Cella
Raymond V. Celle, O'Dea '46
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
Kathleen I. Celona
Ovidio Antonio Chavez
Marlene Chitkowski
Micha D. Christina
Thomas Clancey
My deceased classmates BRHS Chicago '62
Denis Collins
David Collins
Ralph Coluntuoni
Mary Comeaes
Dan Comiskey '56 Rice NY
Thomasina Condro
Michael Conlon
Mary E. Cooke
Carrie Coppola
Br. J.D. Cotter, C.F.C.
Mary Cower
Br.D. Denis Crimmins, C.F.C.
Br. P. Berchmanns Croke, C.F.C.
John Cross
John P. Curran
Br. D.F.Curtin, C.F.C.
Br. A. E. D'Adamo, C.F.C.
James Dages
Ms. Gina D'Ambrosia
Agnes Daunt
Stanley William (Bill) Davidson
Marjory Delaney
Edward DeRocco, O'Dea HS '46
James Douglas Deuchler, O'Dea '58
Margery Devine
Nicholas DiFabio
Ann Dillworth
DiMarcantonio Friends & Relatives
Tina Doherty
Patrick J. Dooley '52 O'Dea H.S.
Jackie Doornbos
Phillip Doran, Jr.
Mildred J. Driscoll
Mrs. Geneva Drumm
Raymond Drumm
John Dugan
Br. E. I. Duggan, C.F.C.
LaVerne Dunn
Joseph D. Dunne
Theresa Dwyer
Mr. & Mrs. Eder
Donald Edman
Edward Cardinal Egan
Susan Ellerbeck
Delbert M. Emerson, Jr.
21
Spring 2014
Carol Espinosa
Mercedes Espinosa
Coleepe Espinosa
Molimau Faima
Gabriele Falcone
Thomas Felzer '45 O'Dea H.S.
John Francis (Bud) Fennell
Agnes Ferick
Br. Francis R. Finch, C.F.C.
Gabriella Fiorino
Eugene A. Fitzmaurice, O'Dea HS '46
Joan Fleischacker
Bill Folger
Elizabeth Forbes
Virginia Forte
Marcella Foster
Banci Lu Foster
Partick Fowler
John Jay Fox, Jr.
Thomas Friedel
Agnes Friend
Kenneth John Fuller
James Partick Gaffikin
Br. Gerard Gaffney, C.F.C.
Chris Gallo
Mark Gaston
Donnie Gazzellone
Herbert Gearty
Erna Gies
Waldo Giffons
Wildo Giffons
Virginia Gill
Doris Glaum
Br. Gleeson, C.F.C.
Harold D. Glesner
Fr. Tony Gonsalves, OFM
Bernardo Gonzales ('60 O'Dea High School)
Bernard (Bernie) Gonzalez
Samuel Grayson
Ave Maria Green
Stephen "Steve" Clark Greenleaf
Elaine Griffiths
Br. Grondin, C.F.C.
Martin Joseph Groseclose
John Gschiel
Fred Hagen
Patricia N. Hagerty
John Hallal
Evelyn Hansen
Ronald K. Harlason
Jack Hart
James B. Hartog
Nick Hawk
Nellie Heffernan
Alice Hepburn
Carlos P. and Valentina R. Hernandez
Grac Heron
Fr. Ted Hesburgh
Br. Norbert Benedict Heuller, C.F.C.
Mary Hickey
Aileen T. Higgins
Mary Hill
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
Lee J. Hinch
Bill Holzman
Mrs. Hui
Br. Mark J. Hunt, C.F.C.
Rufin Iquin
Br. Charles B. Irwin, C.F.C. - Iona '45
Theresa Jackson
Nanette Eleanor Jakeway
Floss Jansen
Beth Jeffe
Floss Daunt
Br. T. J. Jensen, C.F.C.
Sandy Jergens
Kevin Johnson
Br. Charles B. Joyce, C.F.C.
Armin Jurkowitsch
Jeanne Just
Nancy Kalata
Julianne Kalata
Arkana Kapo
Michael Kearney
Br. James Kelly, C.F.C.
Walter J. Kelly, Leo H.S. '50
Br. J. Jerome Kennedy, C.F.C.
David Kenny
Patrick and Dolores Kiernan
Ethel Kieselhorst
Br. Lawrence A. Kilellea, C.F.C.
Br. J. Alphonsus King, C.F.C.
Joan Klien
Charles Kornberger
Mr. Frank Koshak
Louis Kossian
Gerald Laigo
David Lane
Grace Lang
Howard Lapple
Francis P. LaScala
Chester Lasik
Br. Peter Lawrence, C.F.C
Costa Lazzarette, O'Dea '57
J. V. Leddy
Mary P. Leitzel
Gertrude Loffaro
Charles Lombard
Arthur F. Long
Br. E. T. Lopez, C.F.C.
Paul Lucas
Br. Michael David Lucas, C.F.C.
Ed and Florence Lucas
Angelina Luciano
Thomas F. Lyons - BRHS '63
Chicago
Noreen Madden
Betty Madonia
Anna Magnusen
Veronica Maher
Krishan Malik
Louise Maloney
Thomas Mammand
Lauren Mandel
Beatrice Joelet Manice
22
Spring 2014
Kevin E. Manning
Ann Mara
Mrs. Mary Maraffino
Daniel Merkert
Maureen Markey
Martin Marshal
B. F. Martin
Amedee Maserjian
Br. Mark Austin Maus, C.F.C.
Winifred McBreatry
Delia McCadden
Joseph McCadden
John Patrick McCadden
Ronnie A. McDonald, O'Dea '42
Vincent R. McDonough
John McDonough
Vincent R. McDonough
Mary M. McGevna
James McInnis, Edmundian
Ann McGrath
Anne McGrath
Mike McIntee
Maureen McIntyre
Robert J. McIntyre
Neil D. McKenna
Katherine McMahon
Br. McManus, C.F.C.
Mary & Ed McNamara
Alyce R. McPartland
Tim McShane
John P. Meade
Joseph & Rose Mecca
Elizabeth Jane Meese
Nora Mescall
Anthony Tony Messina
Dr. June Micera
Lorraine Michorczyh
Marge Miller
Jess Miller
Pauline Ann Miller
Norman Million
Associate Mary Mitchell
Frank T. Modica
Br. John Brendan Moore, C.F.C.
Partick Morawaski
Edmund Eugene Moriarty
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
Kevin Moriarty
Richard Murphy
Delores Murphy
Michael Murphy
Sally Deacy Murray
James C. Muting, Sr.
Arthur Louis Nash
Dennis Newman
John Nicotra
Maria Nofield
Elizabeth Nolan
Tim O'Reilly - '57 Rice NY
Mrs. Mary Rose Orlando
Maurice O'Sullivan and Family
Gordon Patterson
Mary Peconella
Br. Carmine Pellegrino, C.F.C.
Willa Pennington
Br. David X. Perkins, C.F.C.
Leo Petkus
Jason A. Phillips
Walter Piekarz, Sr.
Raymond Pier
Regina Pier
Carol Marie Pieser
Stephen R. Pigott
Catherine Pitkethley
Karen Podgorney
Victoria Podgorney
Ernest Populus
Josephine Prola
Carolyn Quinn
Alberto Olivero Quintana
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Reinckens
Ada Joanne Reinleitner
Robert Robinson
Danny Rodes
The deceased members of the Roepke family
James Sheahan Rogers
Joseph Rolli
Ruth Rooney
Clement W. Russ
Theresa Russo, (mother)
Rose Rutkowski
Br. Sam Ryan
Edward Ryan
23
Spring 2014
Regina Reba
Francis Laurence Sack
Walter J. Sarieh
Br. Paul Sassone, C.F.C.
Mary Ann Sauvage
Joseph P. Savard
Patricia Maxine Schmidt
Mrs. Marge Schoenbeck
Daniel R. Schuh
Anthony Scottino
Carol Ann Segvich
Susan Sentowski
Marilyn Sentowski
Jaimie Serra
Cathy Pieronek Shedlak
Mrs. Emily Simms
Mr. Theodore Simms
Muriel Simnick
John Sims
Mr. Smale
Bogualan Sniosek
Vincent A. Sondej
Edward Spallone
Lorraine Ann Stefanski
Br. William Stoldt, C.F.C.
Robert Surrell
Bernice Swintek
Dolores Taylor
Thomas Thompson
Melissa Thorne
Cynthia Marie Tibbetts
Doris M. Tierney
John A. Tkachuk
Charles Toglia
Wu Su Jue Tong
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
Sr. Eugenie Topper
Elizabeth Torigian
Florence Toscano
Mary Ann Tracey
John B. and Elizabeth M. Tracy
Margaret Tufts
Agnes Layna Tumbelaka
Martin J. Tyler, Jr.
Lois Unger
Victor F. Unrich, O'Dea '46
Bob Unsworth
Luke Louis Vaccaro
Mr. Gerald Valk
Carmela Valluzzi
Joan Verrier
Harry Waier
Thomas Waldron, Edmundian
Josephine Walsdorf
Gen Walsh
Br. E. A. Walsh, C.F.C.
Bishop James E. Walsh, MM
Edmund W. Walsh
Begona Wearing
Leo Werlech, O'Dea '48
Margaret Whitty
Frank Whitty
Fred John Wiencek
Pamela J. Wilkinson
Catherine Wilson
Stella Wong
Veronica Woulfe
Br. W. Rudolph Younghans, C.F.C.
Otto Zaratone
John Zawadzki
24
Spring 2014
FOR THE SPECIAL INTENTION OF:
Max Ashton
Br. Kevin J. Barry, C.F.C.
Br. Gordon Bassett, C.F.C.
Br. Patrick A. Bechner, C.F.C.
Richard Thomas Bernacchi
Br. Kevin Bernard, C.F.C.
Maureen Betourney
Br. E.T. Beyer, C.F.C.
Annello Boate
Brother Rice High School - Chicago
Br. Broslin
All the wonderful Brothers
Brothers at Rice High School '59
All the Brothers at Rice High School
Brothers of Power Memorial Academy
Brothers of Brother Rice High School-Chicago
Burns & Cavanaugh deceased family members
Br. James Carr, C.F.C.
Br. E. Owen Carty, C.F.C.
The Casey Boys
Mrs. Jeanne Casey
Domenic Cetta
Br. J.B. Chaney, C.F.C.
Thomas J. Clarhe
Daniel & Alice Comiskey
Br. Terrence M. Connolly, C.F.C.
Br. S. Philip Considine, C.F.C.
Kenneth Cooper
Br. B. John Cullerton, C.F.C.
Br. Joseph A Cussen, C.F.C.
The Dadson Family
DeForeest Son
Br. H. Michael Delaney,C.F.C.
Br. Eugenio DeLorenzo, C.F.C.
Kyle DeVerna
Jane Doherty
Br. Patrick Dennis Dunne, C.F.C.
Louise Dykes
Neysa Finnie
Br. Charles S. Fitzsimmons, C.F.C.
Patrick G. Fowler
Michael J. & Evelyn R. Fox
Peter Froese and the FISA Staff
Lucy Gallo and sons: Evan Gallo & Dylan Gallo
Br. Francis A. Gammaro, C.F.C.
Br. John H. Greenan, C.F.C.
Michael Greenwood
Ralissa Nicole Guerra
Br. Thomas E. Guihen, C.F.C.
Kelsey Haines
Br. R. William Harris, C.F.C.
Patrick J. Henning, Sr.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TODAY
James Hodgson
Vernal Houlihan
Patty Houlihan
Charles Jacobs
Michael John
Susan & Fergus Kelly
Kilgore parents
Monica Kwiatkowski
Doug Lauson
Br. James Liguori, C.F.C.
Br. George G. Lindeman, C.F.C.
Br. Joseph Lips, C.F.C.
Katherine Martin
Vic Martin
Margaret and Patrick O'Hare
Br. J. Jeremiah McCarthy, C.F.C
Br. Joseph G. McKenna, C.F.C.
Frank Meyers
Morawaski Family
Dan Moric
Marnie Murray
Br. Donald D. Murray, C.F.C.
Mary Naliwajko
Peter H. J. Nelson
Br. Michael F. O'Donnell, C.F.C.
Br. John O'Keefe, C.F.C.
Anne O'Sullivan
Noel O'Sullivan
The O'Sullivan Family
Lorraine Paruzzolo
Br. William C. Penny, C.F.C.
Karen Podgorny
Rev. Robert Post
Br. J. Anthony Reynolds, C.F.C.
Rice High High School Brothers 1951-1954
Rice High School
Danila Rizzo and family
Br. Robert Jogues Roepke, C.F.C.
Micheal Roselli & Family
Msgr. Kevin Royal
Mary C. Russ
Michael Russo, Jr. (father)
Cam Slyvester
Maria Small
Robert & Marie Smaley
Br. J. Xavier Sullivan, C.F.C.
Br. C. M. Valdes, C.F.C.
Mark Wald
Br. James B. Walsh, C.F.C.
Br. William Denis Wright, C.F.C. &
Rice High School Teaching Staff
25
Spring 2014
I See In You...
Invite someone to consider becoming a Christian Brother.
A simple, sincere comment should not be underestimated.
“I see in you the qualities that would make a good Brother,
and I want to encourage you to pray about it.”
www.edmundricebrothers.org
Br. James McDonald, CFC
815 272 7742 [email protected]