Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, 1998
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Co-editors: |
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Gael Stahl (Ernest-1960 "Zeke")
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Jack Brennan (Ternan-1960) |
Every issue we lose a few of you on the fringe who fail to send me their new addresses. With DD 24 we lost Rev. Paul Richard and Ernie Fresques. Several were returned by the PO with the new addresses so I could resend them.
Note my new e-mail address. It is no longer gbstahl of juno.com but gaelbstahl due to a lapse of Klugheit. You can also send attachments there. - Gael
You will note many references below to Conveniat 98, which we held at our cabin on the Pend Oreille River in Northeastern Washington from July 17 to July 20. I include them, at least in the email version, because they contain other interesting, heart-singing sharings. - Jack Brennan (JB)
10 April 98 Gene Katoski: What a pleasant surprise! To receive an epistle from my voluble Irish Seminarian, some time between 1953 and 1957, when I was Subrector at St. Joe's Hinsdale, Westmont, Mayslake.
I think I knew you for only a year and then you either quit or went to the Novitiate. Which? But I remember you would drop around my office by the lower study hall for some friendly chat.
Received your letter this morning. I enjoy receiving the DD. That was certainly a friendly invitation to travel to your cottage for a vacation. But I must remind you that, even though I'm 80 years old, I'm still Chaplain of the Poor Clares on Rocky River Drive, just a few blocks from OLA. (Did you study Philosophy there?) I'm contemplating my annual vacation this June, because I will spend it with my 82-year-old sister in Waterloo, Iowa. Our parish, St. Mary's (I was raised by German Franciscan Priests and German Franciscan Sisters) is celebrating its Centennial.
So I must sadly say "No" to your very kind invitation. Will you say "Hi" for me to any Diaspora that accept your invitation? The 18 years I spent at St. Joe's were some of the happiest years of my 60 years as a Franciscan.
God bless you and yours always and all ways! Fraternally, GK.
[I was at Mayslake from 1956 thru 1959, on thru ordination in 1966. Never thought of myself as "voluble." ( A possible synonym: logorrhea?) Always thought I was a mix of gregariousness and introversion. Around you, GK, I guess I was the former. I shared your letter to all gathered at the Conveniat. They all say "Hi" to you. We all remembered your great dateline of events in history. If you still have it, we would love to see it again. All I remember is Zamo O Zama. (202 BC. Scipio defeated Hannibal in Zama - now part of Africa - ending the 2nd Punic War). I guess I am voluble. JB]
10 April Dan Mazar: Thanks for your kind invitation to spend some time in the Inland Empire. However, my vacation schedule has been planned since late last year. The outfit I work for does things that way. Unfortunately, none of the windows offered can work for me. Nonetheless, I shall have a snifter of cognac in honor of this chapter of mats. [Should be "Chapter of Maps." JB] I do hope you get a great number of folks to come out your way. Thanks again for thinking of me. I look forward to more epistles in Zeke's Digest. Pax et Bonum.
12 April 98 Julian Woods: (To Brennan re Conveniat 98) ...As you know, I live in the same town with Gael and Susan, who put out the Diaspora. Gael simply talks to me on the phone. He put in the latest news about me. I see you are up to date - including my new wife's name, Winifred.
It so happens that I misplaced the last edition of the Diaspora. So I don't remember for sure how much is in there. I just heard from one of my few living classmates, Fr. Jason Kommer, OFM. I had written to him when I learned that he was no longer at the parish where he was pastor for 17 years. He wrote back to tell me that a clique in the parish made up lies about him. His bishop did not back him up, so Jason resigned. He presently lives with another classmate, Fr. Medard, at St. John's in Joliet. Jason said that Fr. Medard told him about what was in the Diaspora about me. Jason said he is sad for me. I wrote back to ask him what he is sad about??
He must be under some impression that I left the Church. Actually, I enjoy being active in my parish. Father Breen, the pastor, is the finest priest and pastor I have ever known. Just this Holy Saturday, he baptized 15 people and had Confirmation for a total of 50 people. They all just finished the RCIA program. Besides, there are converts coming into the parish every week during the year. We all know how rare this is.
After my dear wife, Pat, died - after 7 years with Alzheimer's - I wrote two letters to our Bishop Kimec asking to discuss the possibility of being re-instated. Over two months went by. No answer.
Meanwhile, I started to baby-sit this 2 year old girl, whose mother is black. I was just doing this as a favor while she was working (Midnight to 8 AM). I'm crazy about all children. I've always felt strongly about the crime of allowing children to starve - and other crimes of abandoning women after making them pregnant.
I gradually learned more about the girl's mother - an illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone in West Africa. She had married an American who completely disappeared after the birth of this girl. This lady was in horrible debt. All these circumstances combined to my getting more acquainted and more interested in helping. Finally, Winifred was able to get a divorce "in absentia."
I talked this over thoroughly with Fr. Breen - then made my decision and we were married by a judge in court in Nashville. I refused to go through the canonical process of "annulment." I simply did not believe in it. Also, I'm convinced, like the rest of us, that the condition of celibacy is simply wrong. Finally, it was an opportunity to make a statement against racial prejudice.
To be honest, it has not been easy. There are hundreds of differences between Winifred and me. However, I am happy to be in a position of learning and of adapting to an unselfish life. Never too old to learn. ...Fraternally.
13 April 98 Bob Hankey: Thanks so much for your generous offer. I'm sorry, but I wouldn't be able to accept this year. I'm all occupied this summer during those times. Fraternally.
13 April 98 Sarah Waukau: (Bro. Marvin's wife): I'm writing concerning a letter you sent to Marvin about camping out in Washington. My husband, Marvin, passed away last September 21, 1997. We still are in a state of shock. He was mowing the lawn and came in to rest, sat down and was gone. My eighteen year old son was with him. He had no pain and went very peacefully!! We have the hard part of learning to live without him. I has been very difficult.
Thank you for the invitation. He would have been very glad to hear from you...Take care. Sincerely, Sarah, Nathan and Susie. [Those gathered at the Conveniat sent Sarah a sympathy card. JB]
14 April 98 Ray Konrath: (To Brennan re Conveniat 98) ...I am a school teacher. I will be in Austria for two or three weeks at the end of July and the beginning of August. ...I work for "Cubs Care," a charitable organization funded by the Chicago Cubs. We are involved in Revitalizing Baseball in the Inner city. [Acronym = RBI.] [Ray's address is 5540 South Monitor, Chicago, IL 60638; phone: 312-284-6968.]
15 Apr 98 Jack Christensen: ...[Jack's busy summer schedule follows:] we have to drive to Indiana U to pick up Jennifer (#3 kid); fly to Baltimore and drive back with #2 kid, Kate; Maggie Doyle's wedding - Mel's oldest and my godkid and I'm doing the vocals. Kate leaves for summer in Brussels doing something that costs a lot of money and maybe to be visited for a week by Mom and Dad; Susan and Jennifer to Boston for a direct marketing convention Suz has to attend; my 50th from grade school in Joliet - 25 out of 39 have promised attendance so far; our 25th anniversary - some sort of celebration squeezed in when offspring are available; my Joliet Catholic High class annual golf outing; another family wedding in Naperville the same weekend as the QU Alumni gathering.
I think that does it so far. Anyway, it [Conveniat 98] sounds lovely and I hope some of the troops make it out to visit. While I think of it, a photo of Mooney and yours truly the day of investiture showed up recently - my, we were young, had hair and were thin.
One of these days, the Christensens will be on line, but do not hold breath. In the meantime, remind me to take the time to relate how my beloved Kate (who is as Irish looking as possible) managed to be at a cocktail party with President Clinton and a restaurant with Monica Lewinski.
...Our two weeks [in Ireland] were magical. God Bless and Keep the Faith.
16 April 98 Mary Zangs: Every time I read a book by Sharyn McCrumb I think of you guys (Susan and Gael). So thought I'd send one. If and when you get sick of reading philosophy, you can take a break with a little light mystery. Hope all is good with both of you. [We love her, but had not seen that book. We both loved it. Thanks.]
18 Apr 98 Dick Lohkamp: ...We would really like to accept your invitation... we have a family reunion planned for the summer... It all sounds so inviting! Sincerely.
18 April 98 Chuck Faso: To Brennan. Much Easter peace to you and your family! I just finished an Interprovincial retreat in Glenview. Richard Rohr, ofm preached. Great!
Bob Pawell was on the retreat. Believe it or not, your name came up and several other names from your class. Thanks for the invite for June 27th. But I cannot make it this year. Unless I can come back with some pledges for St. Peter's Capital Campaign. My job now, after 8 years as pastor of St. Peter's is Chairman of the $5 million dollar Capital Campaign for St. Peter's. From now til June 1999. After that I will be free, I hope.
I am planning on being then a full time itinerant preacher. Already I preach many Parish missions, days of recollection, etc. I had to cut back this year because of the campaign. I hope to win a Lotto or two and be out of here. I also lead groups of people on Pilgrimage: 15 times to the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine, not Italy or Ireland), also Ireland and Italy, France, China - wherever. After almost 20 years at St. Peter's I moved out when Tom Aldworth (49 yrs old) was named pastor two years ago. I now live with Clarence Klingert and Paul LaChance in a house near Damen and Division. All that to say - thanks for the invite. At this time, I don't think so. Sounds like a good time!
P.S. Today I received an e-mail from Phil Pavich, ofm, from Medjugorie - he is still there hearing 3-5 hours of confession each day.
20 April 98 Jerry Voss: Thank you for the invitation to spend some time in the beautiful state of Washington. It sounds great, but I regret that I must decline this invitation. Unfortunately, we have too many other activities for the summer and cannot be away for a period of time. This sounds like it could be a wonderful experience. Gratefully.
21 Apr 1998 Dick Korn: First of all, Madeleine and I have been concerned about the safety of those of you in the eastern suburbs of Nashville after last weekend's tornado. I've also been hoping that the friars and the others that I know in that part of TN are OK.
We are fine. Madeleine has recently been named chair of the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice of the Episcopal Church and foresees long, fruitful hours of coordination and travel in that capacity. Besides our regular jobs in administration and teaching, I will also spend three hours each of the next nine weeks participating in the Columbus Citizen Police Academy to better understand local law enforcement and its relationships with the citizens.
In August we hope to visit the Amazon and Rio. Mike Kellett was with us in January to prime us on some of the conditions and events along the Amazon and the Tapajos. Later this week I hope to speak with Greg Joeright, the current vicar provincial of the Vice-province of Sao Benedito, when he briefly comes to the Cleveland area. I outline the following itinerary in the hopes that some of the friars in the Santarem environs and others here mentioned may contact us and/or be able to help with a few steps on our journey.
We plan on going via Manaus where Mike Kellett and Frank Probst are living with Brazilian student friars. From there, in late July, we want to be with Paul Zoderer and/or Maury Hawickhorst at the patronal feast of Sant Ana in Itaituba. After a boat ride down to Santarem we will see old haunts in which I lived and worked there. Edilson and the friars will hopefully help us over a hurdle or two. I'd like to ask Jim Tye and Bob Link if they could contact us about places to stay and ways of cutting costs in the Santarem. Friends in Belem are in place for a stay at the mouth of the Amazon but a contact person or two in Rio would be appreciated since I'm unable to locate my buddy Genesio (Leonardo) Boff in the Cidade Maravilhosa. Any other Diaspora readers out there who can offer insights into ways to do this kind of a trip? If it goes well, I'll be glad to guide others in future years.
24 Apr 97 (sic) Arnie (Ted) Wieser: [I found this letter recently, and while I thought it had already been printed in a DD, I can find no evidence that it was.-GS] Arnie says: For a long time I have wanted to share the following info with our Franciscan family concerning our former fellow member, Ed Gaia. Until recently I had decided to edit quite severely the article about him in the Kingman Daily Miner, his local "Scandal Sheet." However, after finally finishing perusing the last DD (all 65 pages thereof). [That was an earlier DD, #21.] I concluded that the parameters for writing now lie somewhere between nothing and infinity.
I had the privilege, with Mary, of being asked to attend Ed's wake and funeral in Kingman, Arizona. This invitation was the result of the close relationship established between Ed and Rose and their three daughters and "Father Ted" during my 1960's sojourn in Memphis, Ed's home at the time.
Sorry, Joe Smith, but your wonderful daughters no longer could claim sole possession of my lap, since Ed's daughters also claimed that territory. (Just a passing thought: Can today's clergy feel relaxed in having little girls -- or boys -- sitting on their laps in today's world?!) I must add that I baptized Ed's youngest daughter in a Diocesan parish in Memphis. I mention this because somehow the entry was not made in the Parish records. Imagine my surprise (and consternation!) when I was requested to certify some 25 or so years later that I actually poured that saving water.
But back to my purpose in writing. HEADLINE: Ed Gaia -- one who cared -- dies at age of 70. Kingman lost one of its most well-known residents Monday, but Ed Gaia himself would tell you -- he's in a better place. An ordained Deacon, he spent almost every day the last ten years operating the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. In 1992 he received the Hon Kachina Award sponsored by Phoenix's Channel 12 for those who have a definite impact on their community and make personal sacrifices. ... Despite their different philosophies (can't you hear Ed "discussing" even now!!) Father Falance of St. Theresa's Orthodox Catholic Church and Gaia became close friends. "...He had one of the biggest hearts in this world." He hoped to one day open a soup kitchen. "Is recognition what I'm working for? No way!" said Gaia. He hoped to receive a better reward once he passed away. ... He died on May 8, 1995 in Kingman, Arizona. (End of article.)
I now feel honored to know he was my friend. I must admit I did not perceive these traits during our association during Minor Sem, Novitiate and Philosophy years. Did anyone spot this side of talkative Frater Peter? Could we be so bold as to borrow a quote from a very important Person of the Bible and say, "Tu es Petrus, et super hanc..." I'll never forget my last communication from Pete (Ed). He was the last of the five (I think) classmates we lost at OLA -- one-third of our bunch went just like that. I was given the "Pleasure" of picking up a few things left in his cell (I had to use that word at least once). On his desk was a brief note to the class remnants: "the ax has fallen for the last time.")
Requiescat in pace in aeternum. I'm closing now to reminisce just a bit longer... - Arnie (Ted) Wieser
29 April 98 Mel Mizicko: and his daughter Dawn joined us for lasagna at Peckerwood and stayed the night. Mel, the scamp, hadn't told me that Dawn had been going to Vanderbilt for the last three years. So when he came to help her put her stuff in storage and drive her back home, he took the occasion to visit. We talked until very late even though they had to get up very early to leave and get the rented van back to Chicago by late afternoon. He never wrote to say if they made it. But he did treat me to a great steak and eggs breakfast at Waffle House before they headed north on Friday morning. - It was a treat getting together again. And getting to meet and talk so long to Dawn. All of Mel's kids seem to be as bright as he is.
29 April 98 Mel Griffith: called and told Gael about his 8-day trip to Medjugorje. He had great chats with Phil Pavich. He lined up behind three others at Phil's confession box and observed that each one stayed a half hour. He got to Phil in 90 minutes. Phil's a very popular confessor. The word is that "he can read your soul" so he hears long hours, sometimes all night. He's a charismatic.
Phil wants to be added to the diaspora list. Address: St.. James Church, 88266 Medjugorje, HB Herzegovina, Bosnia via Split. Phone: 011-387-88651-333, fax 011-387-88651-444. Email: philpav of aol.com
Mel mentioned some Amsterdam lectures. He may have met Phil there. He said that the 68-year-old former assistant novice master of our 1959-60 class has a desire to go to the Holy Land if he ever leaves Bosnia.
Mb>2 May 98 Maury Smith: 40 years a Franciscan, 32 years a priest announces a sabbatical year. He will be spending the year at the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas, to learn Spanish.
3 May 98 Keith Eckrich: My mother, Florence E. Patchin, made her passage to eternal life April 30, three days after her 85th birthday. Her old age weakness forced her to leave her apartment for a retirement home in May of '97 but she soon had to enter a nursing home after multiple falls. About a month ago she weakened appreciably, stopped going to bingo and dining room and left her food trays essentially untouched. We believe she may have had small strokes which incapacitated her swallowing ability and on April 29 she was hospitalized for pneumonia, dehydration and anemia. Her lifelong prayer to die peacefully in her sleep was answered when she slipped from her coma into her life of rest with the saints. By a communication malfunction the local priest had not arrived as she was seriously weakening and so I was blessed with the opportunity to anoint her. The priest finally arrived, 40 minutes prior to her death as it turned out, and he seemed so embarrassed that we didn't have the heart to tell him about the previous anointing. "Grandma" went home twice blessed. I conducted her grave side service with family and close friends. She is buried at Our Lady Gate of Heaven cemetery here in Albuquerque. Her beloved granddaughter, Kristen, who had spent countless hours with her, in the beginning with grandma taking care of Kristen and in the end Kristen keeping an eye on grandma, made and placed on the her coffin a small bouquet of lilacs gathered in the backyard. It was Kristen's first death experience, and she handled it well.
Classmates, especially Anton Braun, might recall the homemade chocolate chip cookies mom used to mail to us at Mayslake: slow postal service resulted in a certain hardening of those delectables and Tony dubbed them as those "wonderful toll road cookies." I would appreciate your printing this notice for those who knew my mother. Peace.
3 May 98 Gael Stahl to Keith: My heart is with you. I remember your Mom well from a visit with you. How she used to touch up black/white photos, make them look colored or tinted. She was a fine woman, a good mom, and friend. Thanks for writing. - I close friend of mine died of hepatitis/cirrhosis of the liver/alcoholism today also. He was about 49. - Your mother had the better part of life. She was a gem. [AMEN. JB]
8 May 98 Bob "Butch" Hoffman: Your thought is a good one. My plans and vacation time are already spoken for. I go to Canada two weeks for fishing and it looks like I'll be getting to Portland in September for another week.
I'm always amazed at how time flies. Hell, you got to be getting to be an old man by now. It's almost time you think about relaxing and resting. [Now, now - no wise cracks about me turning 63 the end of September. JB]
I'm doing OK for an old man myself. I'm self employed for the past 7 years and have been the happiest in my life at it. I wish I did it sooner. Just didn't have the guts. Since I got divorced, I thought I didn't have anything to lose and it has worked out very well for me.
I do thank you for the invite. It's good to see people extend themselves. My best wishes to you and Gayle (whom I haven't met) on the gala. Peace and everything good to you.
17 May 98 Ed Schludecker: ...I am in my late 60s and have retired.Carol plans to retire in two years. We have a son who just completed his first year of college at Dayton University. If something happens in the Chicago area, I would like to be involved. [Stay tuned for details on Conveniat 2000.]
The priesthood continues to be a very big thing in my heart and soul. I have sent letters to Cardinal George and my pastor stating my desire to initiate a way that priests and laity can come together for mutual support by way of dialog and prayer and growing personal relationship.
Notice my change in zip code: 60526.
18 May 98 Bro. Jack Hardesty: We just had graduation this week-end [Quincy University] so things have been a little hectic here. We had the ceremony in the athletic field next to the friary under the big top -- a 3-mast tent -- which was erected for the occasion. Perfect weather.
18 May 1998 Wayne Nagel: So glad to find you
again. Got your email address from Solano Flores. Would like very much to be on
the Diaspora mailing list. Life is good for me, unlike the days at Corpus
Christi. Data: 561-335-0712,
I have just recently relocated to South Florida from the Chicago area. A major change to say the least. After spending my first winter in my life totally away from the cold, wild horses couldn't drag me back!
Have a lovely home on a half acre up against a nature preserve. PSL is less congested than a lot of Fla towns, but convenient to everything. Just North of Palm Beach where I teach Nursing at the community college. Just finished, gratefully, my first year there. Am in a tenure track helping to develop a new curriculum. A Challenge.
Am taking the summer for me to enjoy Fla and get settled. Still have pictures to hang and stuff to stuff. Living without a basement is a challenge. My son's children, 8 & 5 (Zak & Ali) will be here for two weeks so I get to do the fun things like go to Disney world. Am planing a 4 day cruise to the Caribbean sometime this summer, not yet worked out.
I was at Corps in the mid 60's. You are right about everything else you remember, the room, the wing etc. Adrian Fisher, Leo Geurts are my classmates. Don't think there are too many left.
I do stay in touch with Solano and Dan and David Rodriques and occasionally when I get black wire fever, call people like Ansgar and Howie Classen. I believe the spirit of Francis was much stronger than the organization. It's good to be in contact. Tell me about you!! [I'll do that by email. The others have heard it. By the way, we are the organization too. - GS] Looking forward to hearing from you.
20 May 98 Jack Brennan: Talked with Jerry Klein tonight. We talked about everything from Kierkegaard to the last time he said Mass. He has been married for three years and seems happy with his new wife, Theresa. We had some good laughs. He said that he really is trying to find a way to come to the conveniat, find the time and money. Let us move heaven and earth and his heart so he'll see that this is a good thing that will nudge him onto a higher plane of metaphysical union.
20 May 98 Kay Skonieczny: Thanks for keeping in touch. My Mexico trip is from July 17 to the 27th. So I am sorry that I will not make the Spokane reunion. But, I do appreciate being included and would definitely have come if this trip wasn't already planned. I am very much looking forward to the trip and to spending time with Amy. I'll let you know how it was when I return.
21 May 98 Kay Skonieczny: I will look forward to the article you are sending. ["God is more than two men and a bird." JB] I've also just got a copy of Sr. Joan Chittister's new book, "Heart of Flesh". Her theme is the spirit of the feminine for both men, women and the world -- it is wonderful! Gives me hope for the new century.
You honor me and Ben by asking me to write something to be included. Yes, Ben's wonderful spirit is now more a part of me than ever. What a gift to have shared his life and vibrant spirit so intimately. I will write something -- not sure when ... but will get it to you before the reunion. If you ever get down to this area or the bay area, please let me know. I would love to see you.
A favorite quote of mine from Joan Chittister that I read often -- "Tears give life to the grief of endings, give them dignity and give them honor. What was, was good. What is to come is mystery."
23 May 98 Kurt Hartrich wrote to Jack: Thanks for your e-mail that I received this morning. You are correct in that I will not be able to be with you in Spokane from July 17-21 since those are the precise dates that our Provincial Council will have its longer summer meeting in Wisconsin. Each summer we meet for almost a week in order to do an evaluation of the previous year, to pinpoint precise goals in the short term that need to be addressed, and to plan ahead for the coming year or even longer if necessary.
I'll be happy to write a letter to the group that is gathered, but I'll have to do that at a later date since there is too much on my plate right now. We are in the throes of finishing up personnel transfers for this summer, and I have to leave tonight for London where I will be attending the meeting of the Ongoing Formation Committee of the English Speaking Conference. I'll return to the office on Thursday afternoon so that I can get ready for the visit of our General Visitor, Richard McManus, of Saint Barbara Province, who will be conducting the canonical visitation of the Province beginning probably in November of this year in preparation for the Provincial Chapter in Quincy the week of June 20, 1999.
I'll be sure to make a note for myself that I write you again sometime in the month of June so that you'll have the letter in plenty of time for the gathering. I feel honored that you would want to have something from me since I still feel a real kinship with so many of [the diaspora]. I do hope that the next gathering in the year 2000 will allow all of us to plan for even greater participation.
Know that I think of you often. May the Lord bless you and keep you always. Fraternally.
24 May 1998 John Miller: We're going back to Montana (late June), Bozeman and west of there, to look at land to buy for our retirement, which I hope is not far away. A mountain retreat sounds good to me, after being around Chicago for 31 years. Sandy was born here and feels the same. We plan to buy some acreage, and build when we are about ready to go. Other than that, have been busy winding up the school year. There is still much to do, reports to write, etc., but I'm ready for being away from it for a bit and just lead the country life. Best to you and yours. Have you heard from Diz Sexton? [Yes. His 17-year-old daughter Pascale came the second week of June for six weeks and his wife Catherine joined her at the end of June for three weeks. Susan took them to the mountains of east Tennessee and flew to New Orleans with them. Weather was hot until they left. The visit was marvelous. GS]
24 May 1998 Tom Shaugnessy: Jack, sorry I can't make the get-together. San Antonio is a little too far away. Our 1960 ordination class has met regularly every five years, and if Charles Strack gets us organized, we'll do the same in the year 2,000. Eleven left the order, others have died, and right now there are five of us in the active ministry. But we all feel that Franciscan bonding whether we're in active priesthood ministry or not. After six years of a very good but challenging ministry in St.. Louis at the Franciscan Connection, I am enjoying my first year at San Jose Mission here in Texas.
After reflecting on your invitation, many happy memories came to mind of your and Jerry Klein's time at Joliet along with several others. I think we helped to keep one another sane despite a rather conservative community. Before that I spent a summer at Corpus Christi with clerics from Teutopolis = Tom Vogel, "Chester" Zangs, and a lively group of others. Nick Baxter and I go out regularly for dinner or a show. He helps me keep the vow of poverty, because I always have to pay.
I wish I could visit with you all personally as I was able to do with so many when I was in St.Louis. But you are all in our prayers and hearts, as we feel that Franciscan unity with all of you. Fraternally, Shivers.
25 May 1998 Dennis Griffin (JB & GS classmate): On Sept. 16, 1967, Ternan Brennan married Jean and me at St.. John's in Joliet. Concelebrants were Christian Reuter, Anton Braun, Ernest Stahl and Keith Eckrich. In September 1992 Christian Reuter celebrated Mass for our 25th Anniversary. Barton Korn concelebrated. This was at St.. James' in Arlington Heights. Our three sons were the heavenly choir. In September 1997 for our 30th Anniversary we were not up for anything fancy. Our oldest son's rock band had a gig that weekend at the Beat Kitchen. Our youngest son (who also has a rock band) was helping his older brother as an additional musician for the gig. We bought a cake and took it to the tavern and celebrated with all the twenty-somethings. Two of our sons were playing in the rock band. To our complete surprise our third son had come in secretly from California and ran up on stage and did three songs with the band. All three sons together on stage again!
27 May 98 Mel Mizicko: I left Quincy College in 1968 with $500 very generously given me by the friars. After getting married to Melodie (it's obvious why we were meant for each other), and after a few months as a trainee insurance adjustor, I responded to an ad in the newspaper for a security guard for a special event. I responded, went in for an interview, was given a sidearm and sent to the International Amphitheater to guard the podium - it was 1968 remember. I was only there for the day before the special event started, but was transferred to the Conrad Hilton. Just think, I could have had a clean shot at old classmates.
Without a career it only seemed natural to head for California, which we did. Some of you visited us in our lovely mansion in Sand City, California. I started as a dish washer at the Dutch Inn Motor Lodge on the Monterey peninsula, but was quickly identified as a fast tracker and became assistant to the salad chef. About this time Adam was born and we headed back for Chicago - why, I'm not sure to this day, but rent free living with the in-laws could well have been the reason.
I went back to school at DePaul which granted me my Master's Degree based on my studies in Germany. I went into the PH.D. program and taught undergraduate philosophy. By this time Jason, son number two, was on the way so I also began working at Montgomery Ward, where I continue to work to this day.
Adam graduated from Berkeley majoring in art, lives outside San Francisco and presented me with my first and only known grandchild, Raven Noel, last December. Jason lives in Las Vegas and is Bell Captain at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel.
I finished my PH.D. curriculum and took my written and oral comprehensives. In the course of doing so I managed to alienate enough of the faculty that I hesitated to start working on my dissertation. My own laziness and disillusionment with the undergraduate students played a big part in what was not so much of a decision as a course of events. By this time, the strength of similar names ran out of steam and Melodie and I drifted apart as well.
In the early 1970s I had gradually moved from academics to motor cycle riding with a minor in more hours at Montgomery Ward. During this time, I also met Anna at DePaul and a deep love grew between us. After about 20,000 miles riding behind me on my Harley, we were married in 1974.
Our first child was born in 1975. Juliet lives in Missoula, Montana, works as a counselor at a home for disturbed youth, and attends the University of Montana, majoring in English. She dances a lot and plays in a rock band. She definitely made her way to the right place for herself.
After this four wonderful children somehow showed up two years apart. Dawn is a senior at Vanderbilt, majoring in Economics and Japanese. She spends her summer as a trading clerk at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange and intends to leverage her love for and skill in Japanese and economics for her career. How different they are, one from the other.
Tony graduated from high school in June of 1997, took a course at the local junior college, works as an office assistant for a lawyer, lives at home and will eventually set course for somewhere. Excellent electronic keyboard skills, plays in a band and hangs out with a really nice bunch of friends, formerly known as the Flounders, and Tyler's Mom (nobody knows why) but now unnamed. Their group is being eaten away by departures for college. I am waiting to see where this all heads.
Jennifer is a sophomore/junior in high school. She has inherited and fostered her mother's creative writing ability, studies hard and sheds a lot of light on the homestead. Alexander Charles, the baby is 14, 6'4", has flaming orange hair and plays a real mean hard metal guitar. He teases Anna mercilessly ( gets away with it, unlike myself) and would probably be in the team photo for friendliest guy in his junior high school.
Me, I'm still at Montgomery Ward, hoping the company will emerge from Chapter 11. Anna has continued to be her beautiful, generous self, and still puts up with me even though I am still much the same inward turned person you guys knew. She went back to school and got her nursing degree. She works in a psychiatric ward at St. Francis hospital in Evanston. Her biggest challenge is maintaining an orientation of whether she is at home at work given the behavior of those around her.
I would like all of you to know that, in spite of my silence, I do think of all of you often and read the Diaspora Digest over and over. All of you, but especially my classmates, played a big role in what I have become and what I think of myself. As far as institutions and religious externals, I have probably moved about as far away as possible.
My mother was very much aware of this and it pained her a great deal, but being truly religious she ultimately felt it was right for me to be true to my most inner convictions. As you are probably aware she passed away in March of 1997. The last part of her life was very difficult because of extreme disorientation. Fortunately, Carroll and I were both able to be with her just moments before she breathed her last.
Well, there it is kids. Gael threatened me in no uncertain terms if I didn't provide him some material. I really have wanted to at least let you know I was alive and share in return your sharing through the Diaspora Digest.
27 May 1998 Frank Flinn: Too busy to worry about age. I did not give 50 a whiff of thought. I may not even notice 60. Doing some new courses at Washington University, notably Religion and Science. Using original texts from Galileo to Richard Dawkins. My most recent publication is "Conversion: Up from Evangelicalism, or the Pentecostal and Charismatic Experiences" to appear in Conversion: Content, Content and Controversy by Cassels Pub. in London.
I got re-married last Summer to a lovely woman, Alice Bloch, who is professor of dance and choreographer at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. Joint Jewish-Catholic ceremony. We honey-mooned in Italy - Fierenze, then Sicilia, then Ravello above the Costa di Amalfi. Heavenly.
Ralph Ruiz called me recently. I will get together with him and Nick Baxter next time I go to San Antonio. You can start over, more than once! Peace to all.
28 May 1998 Wayne Nagel: This has been a wonderful experience for me to reconnect with so many brothers. Please be sure to get my email and address added to the Diaspora directory.
Wayne Nagel, 2625 SE Carthage Rd., Port St.. Lucie, Fla. 34952, ph: 561-335-0712, fax: 561-335-0351, email: WN0712 of aol.com
Have been off from school the last couple of weeks and have thoroughly enjoyed the conversations. Again, bring me up to date as to where you are at (in life and ministry) and with whom. Peaces.
29 May 1998 John Miller: I'm sorry not to be able to meet you'all! Since I know few of the brethren, and was only part of the group for a very short time, most would never recall who I was. That's just as well, as hopefully I'm a much more developed human being, and not as oppositional. I hope you have a great time, and Dan Mazar, "the Cowboy," is there to regale you with old stories and the latest version of the Province's doings, or is it undoings. I fear it's mainly the latter. My only friend left in the Order, Francis Jerome Gray, is getting old, but remains as faithful as ever. I hoped to model myself after him, but I fear I failed him and myself. His faith and faithfulness have remained, and he never fails to serve his Order and his God. Failure is part of life, and I'm still learning. Bless you all and remain true to yourself. Your brother, "Humble Hans."
30 May 1998 Chuck Faso: Peace and Everything Good from the center of the Loop, from St.. Peter's - the emergency room for hope and healing in the Loop.
I have been here for twenty years. One more year then I begin the next chapter of my life - an itinerant preacher on the road from coast to coast and beyond. I do much of that already. For the last two years and for one more I am chairman of the capital campaign for St. Peter's. The staff of four and volunteer committees of some 50 people are busy raising $5 million for St. Peter's: $3 « million for renovation of the building of St. Peter's ( worship space, meeting rooms and friary - 10 top priorities) and $1 « million for an endowment fund - to ensure the future.
Just writing to thank you for including me in your invites. July 18 I have a wedding of people I have known for 30 years. I will write a longer missive to the brothers gathering, including 3 of my classmate: Ray Konrath, Paul Langan, and Pat Evard. I wish I could be with you all - to remember, to laugh, to dream, to hear the stories....
Then I could ask all of you to make a gift or a pledge to St. Peter's. What I will do is send you our finally-off-the-press official Case for Support - 10 pages of the history and ministry of St. Peter's, why we need $5 million, questions to reflect on, and of course three pages on the many ways people can make a gift and/or pledge over five years. Maybe you could all do a group gift. the commemorative plaque could read: from the 1998 Conveniat, Jack Brennan (alphabetical listing). Or some other creative name!
I wish I could be with you all also for the reason I could bring the music for Amahl and the Night Visitors and you could dance again and choreograph those attending as the Shepherds and Shepherdesses! Maybe a little slower and make the jumps not so high! Off to a meeting this Saturday morning with the 50 pilgrims that will travel with me to the Holy Land on June 21. This will be my 16th trip to Israel and Palestine. Shalom! Salaam! Peace!
31 May 1998 Jerry Etzkorn: Love our retirement here in Fairfield Glade. Linda designed a fine house for us.
Have continued working with Allan Wolter, first on an English translation of Scotus's Metaphysics in 2 volumes. After that, we collaborated on collating the manuscripts for Scotus's Parisian lectures, never been published and one more two-week session should do it.
As Zeke can tell you, we're on our way back to the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University for the Summer in an effort to salvage what is left of the Scotus Project which I directed from 1983-1995 and was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities who also supported us for the Ockham and Wodeham projects with uninterrupted support for 25 years [no other institution has received that kind of help from the NEH]. The NEH terminated the present grant period in medias res and the project at the Franciscan Institute has been demolished by one Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, who should be a charter member of Power Addicts Anonymous. He fired my successor, Fr. Romuald Green, OFM and told the rest of the team that their services "were no longer required!" There was also considerable dissimulation and possible financial legere-de-main. Before the team is dispersed, we hope to get two volumes of Scotus's Logical Works ready to print. Both the US and international academic community are puzzled, angry and sad at this turn of events. The president of Bonaventure and the Board of Trustees have done NOTHING, not surprising for the "good old boys" club. I think you can appreciate how sad we are to see the efforts of Steve Brown, Gedeon Gal, myself and my colleagues who have built up the research team since 1967. We were regarded as a model for those doing critical editions of medieval texts. And now, thanks to Carrozzo (fools rush in...) the future of the edition of Scotus's philosophical works is highly questionable.
On the brighter side, our "kids" are doing great: Kevin was just down here (graduated from Quincy in 1995) and is now working for Paychex in Rochester. Alan graduated last December from Indiana Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and already has a job in Pana, IL with the Essex corp. Karen decided not to continue college at SUNY-New Paltz in musical theater and is searching to find her way.
All the best to one and all and pray that we'll be able to do Scotus a favor even under the roof of the Franciscan Institute this Summer. We've applied to the NEH for an emergency grant to take us from July 1-Aug. 15. If successful, we should be able to get the 2 volumes of Scotus logical works ready to print. Pax et bonum!
31 May 1998 Jack Bartz to Brennan re Conveniat: Dear Jack, Thank you for your love note. The reason I have not responded to your earlier missives is that I thought from your "To:" list that they were directed mainly to your "fellow classmates and interested companions." Consequently, I assumed I was included among the elect because you had my address in hand.
At the present time, and probably into the future, I do not have plans to be in your area for the gathering in July. A little background, if you please. As of June 30th, I will be out of a job. What happened? Currently, as you may know, I am a Pastoral Associate, having been employed at the parish for three years. On Wednesday of Holy Week my pastor told me I was being replaced by a seminarian who was leaving Mundelein after his third year of theology (he's probably about 23-24 years old). Therefore, my last day is at the end of the current fiscal year, June 30th.
I have been contacting pastors in the area since that time and have found nothing, nothing, and nothing. I need one more year to vest in the pension plan of the Diocese of Joliet, so I would like to get a job in this diocese. However, I am not just interested in a job, but in a career. I fully expect that on July 1st I will be at the office, the unemployment office.
This is the reason there will not be any vacation traveling for us this year. Also, our daughter has been accepted as a second year student by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences (Boston), which will cost more than $25K per year.
I also need to get insurance coverage for the family and COBRA, as you known, is very expensive. So, I'm scouting out options for the post-June 30th period. I do hope you have a grand time at the gathering and continue to build up the community of those who share the tradition of St. Francis which has formed us so well in the past and continues to be part of our vision for the present and the future.
31 May 1998 Jack Brennan: (To Jack Bartz.) Thank you for your note. We will read it to those gathered at the river.
Sorry about you losing your job. When one is over 50, as I know your are, it must be really scary to lose your income. Have you checked in with Medard? Who knows, perhaps St. John's might have something for you.
You may remember that I was stationed at St. John's when I left. I was persona non grata in the diocese because during a day of recollection for the nuns at St. Joe's Hospital, I suggested that, instead of watching Mass on TV on Sundays, they might consider visiting patients in the hospital. One of the nuns turned me in to Bishop Blanchette and he called me on the carpet, accusing me of heresy. Didn't I realize that I would be depriving the nuns of (packs of) sanctifying grace? I said something about the spirit of Vatican II and Blanchette was enraged because, after all, he had been to Vatican II and knew more about it than I did.
Anyway, he then called Germain and told him he wanted me out of his diocese. Germain, bless him, told Blanchette that he would be happy to do that, but that he would also remove the 20 or so other friars who were ministering in the diocese. Blanchette backed down... I was so tickled about this story. Germain told me about it later when he came up to Joliet to try to talk me out of leaving the Order.
I am planning to attend Conveniat 2000 and will see you then.
31 May 1998 Vince Zimmerman: ...I guess I kept hoping things might work out. Then this week the hospital announced that JCAHO is coming on the 20th to the 23rd and we cannot be off those days. So I guess that decided it.
Jack, I do appreciate your sentimental side, and have enjoyed rapping with you about teens and other ideas. So I'd be glad to share a letter. I don't want it to be too long, since you'll all have to sit through this.
Since our 25th Reunion, not too much has happened except that we bought a beach house in Alabama, and recently sold it at a profit. Now we're planning on building a new house here in Springfield. "We" is Barb. My wife, Carol, continues to linger on in a nursing home in Quincy. She can no longer chew, so they give her pureed food. (You know, all beat up.) She can't walk either so they have to lift her to a chair and back to bed.
So life goes on with Barb, Karen (who is her 20 year old daughter) and David (who is now 15, and is convinced there is no God.) He likes to prove this about as avidly as I proved there was one. My major concern is that he tends to be self-centered, but then what 15 year old isn't?
I'm still at the psych unit at St. John's as a Social Worker. People who are suicidal get to stay three days. Others need to leave as soon as they can. The turn-over is fast.
I find spirituality is still important in our lives. David's questions do cause me to check out the "old wine skins."
I am sorry I can't make it out there. I'd always wanted to see the Washington area. I hope you guys all have a great time. Maybe in 2000? Thoughts and prayers.
2 Jun 1998 Zach Hayes: I want to thank you for your invitation to the gathering you plan for July. But I am sorry to inform you that I will not be able to be there because of prior engagements. (Even though I am now over 65 years old, I am not yet retired.) Will try to get a letter to you later.
3 Jun 1998 Zangs: OK! OK! Our new address: 945 N. East Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 - 708-524-4565. Thanks for the murder on the internet info. We are moving in spurts. Mary moves to Chicago on June 12 and Jim doesn't go until July 1 - but we are getting mail there already. It will be great to be back! Hope we see you before too long. Love, Jim & Mary.
5 June 98 Joe Smith: As a final footnote to the learned discussions on church, eros, ad ecumenism, I looked up Noldin-Schmitt's De Omnibus and find that indifferentismus qua talis and even as mitigatus (or semimitigatus) doesn't seem to cover my case in re ecumenism. Having actually experienced as organist what a number of upstanding denominations think and do, I value the differences, even as I see the "fragmentation" actually, diversification. Anyway, the hoary and hairy old theological (fortune cookie) wisdom from ancient days of scholastic categorizing of everyone and everything has long since become a curiosity. But I doubt these cheerful DD pages can sustain discussions better relegated to a conference. Or may I invite you to our next musical service at Presbyterian Church Glenview? Where they sing the Credo about the "apostolic and catholic church."
Anyway, as church musician, I've seen and heard a lot and, I believe, learned a thing or two. There's hope, if there's openness. Meantime, a cookout and "saufing" (German: "Saufbrueder") some brew sounds like a better idea over-all. Nescafe? Love that Tony Lutz! At least we know where he's at, unlike "fuzzy liberals." But, who is this theologian Buchanan, who keeps popping up? I don't find him mentioned in any concordance anywhere. (Maybe Fr. George Wettenkamps' notes mention him.) Shalom. Joe (good, bad, but not indifferent.)
6 June 98 Bill Dolan: sent his new address in Phoenix and a stipend to cover a fifth of the printer's bill, saying how much he appreciates getting DD.
6 June 98 Joe Smith: A final word (prompted by Langan's account). I love to walk on lonely beaches in all kinds of weather, especially along the South Shore of Lake Superior, gazing out over a grand expanse of waters looking toward the volcanic-formed North Shore. It is a "metaphysical" experience, especially "au naturel" - like the earlier Native Americans. It has been a rare spiritual experience to actually feel the "Great Spirit" breathing over the waters or thundering in a sudden rain squall. One ends up building a driftwood fire and reading the clouds and later the stars. Through all this there is not a word spoken. One listens instead. Gone the ceaseless and frantic chatter of the "secular" world, as well as the manic verbosities of institutional "religion."
It's a great symphony of nature; and man's petty concerns and even deital constructs seem absurd by comparison. As you drive on WI-53 north past Middle River you get a breathtaking view of the whole Lake basin opening before you, as you descend into it - to become part of it. One day (I hope my ashes can be strewn over those "divine waters," as I become part of a greater River of Life than ever conceived of by wordy theologians.) I believe the Native Americans knew these feelings long before we discovered it all. Their earth and "heaven" were not verbose castles in the clouds but contact with the vastness and depths of primordial waters and "conversion," talked about but hardly ever attained in the fantastic schemes of our current culture, with its petty needs and demands, even in what passes for "religion." The cosmic vastness of the experience surpasses and bypasses all that and our spirit catches fire from being finally open to the Great Spirit hovering over the waves and uplifting all thing things to a dimension we could never begin to imagine.
[Thanks for sharing that experience and epiphany, Joe.]
June Senior Friars Talk from GK: Matt Kiemen wrote: ... the best combination for friaries is a mixture of old and young ... Elder care facilities per se do not do this. ... Crowley, Texas, is especially good with "socialization with people outside the Friary community" but "the geographical location is the main hindrance, I believe, together with the workaholism which keeps friars in ministry beyond their time." ... Appropriate would be the erection of other care facilities in the back gardens of existing parish friaries ... because of the desire of our friars to stay close to work even if they can't do much of it.
Ages of my class profs with birthdays in June: Jovian Lang, 79; Nick Meyer, 73; George Windolph, 76.
7 June 98 Joe Smith: I noted recurrence of "diatribe" (re "the two") in DD24. I find this off-putting and insulting, if candid dialogue (First Amendment!) is being put in a bad light. It amounts to amateurish editorial graffiti, out of place in an open newsletter. Let us be who we are. Tony Lutz and I - at odds philosophically - are good friends of long standing (and long suffering). I think you owe everyone an explanation of "diatribe."
[Explanation: Diatribe has been used several times by writers to DD and was meant to be off-putting, given the context. I almost always "digest" the word out. "Dialectic" might be a word preferable to diatribe. Tom Shannon's (professed 1961) article in the April 10 Commonweal, "Cloning myths," is dialectic at its concise and reasoned best. If he sent it to DD, it would be diatribe (no, it wouldn't -- it is argumentative but not in the sense diatribe carries). While DD is a self-proclaimed "digest" I'm sure Commonweal reserves the right to edit for space also.
My main point is that this is a digest and Brother Brennan's Internet version is the "whole smear." If that's not enough, combatants can write each other directly. I have lots of interesting material to get in these eight short pages -- including the best and spiciest of your own comments. GS]
8 June 98 Bob Hickman: Thanks so much for DD#24. I always look forward to it.
Joe Smith and Tony Lutz should take their points of light on the road. I always enjoy reading their point-counterpoint.
Chuck Gunti had informed me that Fr. Tarsicius had made the ultimate journey. I remember him so well and all of his kindness. It had been several years before we had the extreme pleasure of crossing paths. That was when I went to Memphis for Chuck Gunti's 25th. After all of that time, he still remembered me and we had a great time reminiscing about the past. He pushed me with some resistance to an appreciation of classical music, which I have fostered throughout my life. Each time I hear Mozart or Brahms, I can't help but remember him in music class pointing out the key movements. His encouragement to get involved in music led me to get involved in the band. He was a kind man whose love for his vocation was very evident throughout his daily life. I am sure that the choirs of angels will be in good hands.
Everything is well in Huntsville. I hope to see Gunti in July. Last time I talked to him, he had transfer orders I believe to Oklahoma. He thought he might come by on his way.
Glad to hear that John Behl has moved on to retirement. John was in the class ahead of me and we were from the same part of Illinois. I wish him well.
I hope all is well with you. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
8 June 98 Herb Wheatley: Just finished reading the latest issue of Diaspora Digest. Concur wholeheartedly with Jerry Etzkorn's observation that you do a tremendous service for all of us who receive the Digest. Thanks to you and Gael for keeping the lines of communication open for all of us out here.
Before I forget again, let me just say I was saddened to learn that the dates chose for the Western get-together in Spokane are the same dates for my brother and sister coming to visit me in Portland. I had hoped to get there, but will be unable to do so now. Perhaps there will be another in the not too distant future. It would be wonderful to see and visit with so many people I haven't seen in years.
Something Ed Schludecker mentioned touched me. He was speaking about his time in the Order and the things in his life he simply could not talk about. I suspect there were a lot of us in the same boat. In fact, when I switched to the Province in Santa Barbara in 1971, I was so filled with anger and guilt that I was really thinking of leaving the Order at that time. I came out here to visit Pat Evard, my classmate, to tell him that I was planning to leave the Order. I met some of the friars out here and decided maybe I was being too hasty. I decided to give it a try and I am glad I did. Joining our here didn't solve my problems, but it did give me a place in which to begin to deal with them. Through the years I have continued my discovery of who I am and at 57 years of age realize that it's still not complete, but I am in a whole better place than I was so many years ago thanks to the 12 step program and some wonderfully supportive people along the way.
I forget who asked about a retreat with members of the Diaspora, but that sounds like a terrific idea to me. Maybe someday that could be pursued.
Was saddened to hear of Fr. Tarsicius's death in February. With all our modern communication between the Provinces, this death slipped past me. I remember Fr. Tarsicius was one of the first Friars I met when I went to the seminary in 1958. We'd gone early to help get things ready for the school year. I joined my class in college, so I was new to them and to the seminary. It was my first time away from home (Cleveland) and I was feeling somewhat lonely. Fr. Tarsicius met me near the music room and asked what my name was. When I said "It's Herbert," he said "Hurry-Bert" it shall be. With that he put his arms around me and said "Welcome to the seminary, Hurry-Bert." For him that would be my name for the duration.
I have always attributed my appreciation for classical music, and especially opera, to him. I remember how he would talk about various operas and how much I wished to see one just because he was so enthused about them. I also remember how disappointed I was not to be able to the opera in 5th year because I was among those campused for an indiscretion on the occasion of the college hike. When I did get to see La Cenarentola (sp?) the following year, I was excited. It may not have been the best opera for a neophyte, but it didn't matter. I could have appreciated any opera at that time.
Fr. Tarsicius was more that a mentor and teacher. He came closest to being "all things to all people" as St.. Paul would have said. And that for me meant he was my friend.
Was interesting to hear that Paul Langan, my classmate, is now a mechanic for United Airlines in San Francisco. When I think how many times I have passed through San Francisco via United on my was to Maui or Cancun or Puerto Vallarta - who knows he may have been working on one of those planes. Keep up the good work, Paul - I travel United a lot.
Best regards to one and all in the Diaspora. While I don't write that often, I do appreciate the connectedness I experience when I read your contributions to the Digest.
8 June 1998 Bill Bergman: Thanks, Jack, for DD 24. You are still an inspiration to me. You often coached me in the seminary, especially since you honored other people's emotional and spiritual sides, not just their intellectual prowess. I do look forward to our time together in July.
I read a great deal of DD 24 this evening. The articles on "Tots" were moving. He was a compassionate man, who had a passion for music, culture, the arts and was often unconditional in his love and support. He is one of my former teachers that I always remember. I am happy to hear that he is now at peace, listening to and singing with his choir of angels. I frequently remember standing around that piano practicing the next song, a man of such patience is an honor within our own memories.
My family is doing well. Monica will be finished teaching math at Voyager Middle School in the Mukilteo School District in two more weeks and looks forward to a restful summer. She is not only my wife, but my best friend. We love to travel, share, talk and go to good movies together, as well as various sporting events. We will be at Wapato Point outside of Chelan, WA from June 28th to July 05. If you guys want to come over for a while let us know. The units sleep up to seven and are most comfortable.
John, our son, just celebrated his first wedding anniversary with his wife, Elza. Elza is our adopted daughter, Felicia's birth sister! We adopted Felicia in Brazil 21 years ago and four years ago returned to find her birth family, birth mother and ten brothers and sisters.
Elza was Felicia's next oldest sister. We invited her to come and live for us for Felicia's senior year in high school. Elza attended high school as well. She and my son proceeded to fall in love. She returned to Brazil for nearly three years, while their love deepened "in absentia!" John is a very successful salesman and now works with Lexus of Seattle, owns his own Lexus and bought a home in Bellevue this past December. Elza is a nanny for a family that wanted their child to know and learn Portuguese.
Felicia, is now a senior at WSU and will graduate next May. She is in Delta Gamma Sorority and is the house manager and is majoring in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work and Psychology. She has also worked all vacations at Nordstroms in sales and is most successful in all that she does. We found Felicia at 15 days of age, weighing just over two kilos and nameless. We named her Felicia, which means happiness, which is what she is to so many.
Our other daughter, Michelle, adopted by us at age seven, who is Hispanic, graduated from Western Washington University August, 1997. She now works with AT&T Wireless in customer service. She just moved to her own apartment in April. She too has found her birth parents a few years back.
Our family commitments are important to Monica and me. We are learning now after twenty-five years of marriage, that "parenting" is truly eternal. We are now in the phase of unconditional love by "letting go..."
I continue my business, Bergman & Associates, Inc., as a "change agent coach" being a consultant, facilitator and trainer with various companies here in the Northwest. Lately I have been doing a great deal of creative development work. I continue my bi-lingual gift of Portuguese whenever possible.
You can include any of the above in the next DD, Jack. Also a request... I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and use a CPAP machine while sleeping. Do you think it better to stay at a motel? Camping is out for us! Suggestions? I am looking forward to seeing you, Carroll, Chris, Gael, Jerry (if he comes), Paul, Pat, John and the others that I do not remember as well.
I need to rest...talk to you later. Again thanks for all you and Gael do for the rest of us! Peace.
9 Jun 1998 John Miller: Another good edition, gentleman!! I'm glad you keep control of some of the rather vitriolic, tiresome arguments about what it means to be Christian/Catholic or whatever. I was surprised I was in this issue as often as I was, as I thought I had cut down on my writing, and recently have really had few "deep thoughts" and little of consequence to say.
Hope you all enjoy your summer. I'll be anxious to hear about the Brennan gathering of the brethren, and Gael's trip to Montana. Did you watch the Belmont?? What a race!! It was run in 2:29, 5 seconds slower than the hallmark Secretariat set (he would have crossed the finish line 25 lengths ahead of the first place horse), but it was still quite a race. I feel bad for the owners, trainer, and jockey of REAL QUIET, though, but they had the thrill of a lifetime. HH
9 Jun 1998 Tom (Leigh) Leenerts: Dear Jack, I am Thomas Leenerts, ordination class of 1960. I have been in Kennewick since 80; I make a living as a therapist, have doctorate in clinical psychology. Address: 2007 W 35th Ave, Kennewick WA 99337, Phone 509 586 2333, FAX: 509 582 6506, e-mail: TALPAX of aol.com
I am going to send this now and go to the phone. Please to here about the July reunion. Love and hugs, Thomas and Berta (my wife.)
10 Jun 1998 Jack Brennan to Leenerts: I do remember you, though my memory is fuzzy on guys who were not around our time. Max was our Master of Clerics, Tony taught at T-Town in my day. I remember Jonathan and visited with him a bit in 1991. Rayner I recall because he was Dan's brother. Dan was in the class below me and a good friend. Shivers and I were stationed together in Joliet; kept each other sane in those Vatican II days. Ansgar was Master of Novices when I was in theology, I think.
Thanks for the call and I WILL return the call when the graduation-end-of-school-wars are over here. I think that I have heard your name in the context of my work. I have been in practice here since 1973. We can discuss the wonders of managed care; I have some horror stories, as I'm sure you do. Pax et bonum.
10 June 98 Joe Smith: sent "final footnote for T.L." -- a quote from a 1995 review of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, part 2: "There are some problems: I find it regrettable that in the American English edition gender-exclusive language is used throughout the CCC, including the second part: "God and men" (#1071). I find it inexplicable that the Hebrew Scriptures are so often interpreted in a suppressive rather than affirming way: 'The wonderful works of God among the people of the Old Testament were but a prelude' (#1067), or interpreted in a typological (usually christological) rather than a literal sense: 'By this re-reading in the Spirit of Truth, starting from Christ, the figures are unveiled' (#1094; see 1093-96). With Nathan Mitchell (Worship 68:536-44) I find it curious that, regarding the Eucharist, CCC omits important principles and reverses the order of key elements. Contrary to other documents approved by popes ..."
10 June 98 Gael W. White: Enjoy receiving the DD and hearing about the guys I know. Especially, was moved to read Tom Aldworth's eulogy of "Tots." He was truly a remarkable person and Tom is a gifted priest, homilist, writer, and a great person.
I keep intending to send you a few bucks to cover some of your printing/postage stuff, so here's a little (one fifth of printing costs of a DD). Will send some more later as the Lord continues to provide.
The class of '56 will have a reunion up at Dittmer at the end of July. Not sure how we wound up in the St. Louis region in July, but there's always indoors and air conditioning. Thanks again for your enjoyable service. Fraternally. [I received a phone call from Gael White one morning before the Conveniat. He delightfully explained to me why he left the Franciscans and now ministers in a Texas diocese. To which I say, you can take the guy out of the Franciscans, but you can't take the Franciscan out of this guy. Fr. White, we would love for you to tell all of us your wonderful story. JB]
11 June, 1998: Charles and Margie Cantlon: This is a long shot because of commitments we have for Friday and Saturday the weekend of July 17th, but it would help to know where your cabin is located with respect to Spokane. We live in Ronan, MT and will be in Helena on the 18th at Gates of the Mountains, but if we can figure out a way to skip out on Monday it would help to know which direction you are from Spokane.
Chas (briefly, Xavier) 'N Margie Cantlon [Chas Graduated OLA '68/Margie graduated QC '69]
11 June 98 John Miller: Joe Smith and Tony Lutz (I know neither, except through their diatribes) "need a life." Anyone that says what Lutz said, is saying the same thing as was said during Vietnam: "My country, right or wrong . . . my Church. . .!" What bull!!! Too many lives/spirits are crushed by that kind of idiocy. There is nothing wrong with discussion and disagreement. It is healthy and produces growth. The sacrosanct, safe path is boring. The knights of the round table took their own individual paths through the forest to find the Grail. It was a path no one else had ever taken, and thus a quest to find the Grail (Christ) in themselves. May we all have the courage to do the same.
18 June 98 Nick Baxter: The mean spirited anger evident in R. Lutz' comments has no place in the Digest. His ad hominem comments about J. Woods are cruel. I enjoy the banter and humorous exchanges. Orthodox railing which takes sinister pleasure in the belief that those who disagree are headed to hell in a basket should be expunged. Gael, thanks for your rapid response. You do a terrific job. Spokane should be a wonderful experience. [I can't believe I didn't edit that -- thanks for calling me on it. It's getting harder to edit tastefully lately. Political correctness vs. First Amendment, etc. - GS]
18 Jun 1998 Jack Hardesty letter to Nick Baxter, copy to Gael: Thanks Nick, for your note of disagreement on the inclusion of the Lutz remarks in the last digest. I am not the proper one to respond to since I am not an editor of the Digest; however, as much as I may disagree or agree with some statements made, I will print what is approved and sent to me by the editors, Gael Stahl and Jack Brennan.
If I were sensitive, I would be equally offended by both Lutz and Woods. I find Woods most recent statements to be disagreeable to me - both when he says that he is "convinced like the rest of us, that celibacy is simply wrong." I also don't see the connection where he feels his refusal to go through with an annulment as a statement against racial prejudice.
I would, in most cases, report what is written and let the onus be upon the one making the statement. I do enjoy reading the different extremes within the diaspora. Say hi to my classmate Langan, if/when you see him again.
19 Jun 1998 Jack Brennan: Scot Kuhle dropped by last night with his son, Andrew, we had only a short visit. He is looking forward to the gathering. He hopes Klein will come and I promised I'd call Jerry again to see where he is.
23 Jun 1998 Kay Skonieczny: My plans have changed for July. It would have been great to have met up with your sister's sisters. However, my move has gone into high gear. My house sold before I even had it listed and the buyers want to be in by August 1st as they have children in school and want to get settled before September. So.......I now have to be preparing for that after being in this home for 20 years!!
And, I will have to find an interim place for 3 months before my new house is ready. All of this has me at times in a semi-panic state. Besides the logistics of all of this, there is, of course, a lot of emotion around all of it.
Anyway Amy and I have decided to do the trip next spring or summer....they do it about three times a year. It was just too much to pack into July.
So, my life continues to surprise and challenge me and I have to decide how I am going to respond. Ben would always say....all things are working together for my good. I repeat this often and know his strong spirit is with me through this next process of letting go.
My love to you both. I'll let you know my new address when I get to my temp place in August. Please keep me in your prayers during this time.
29 June 98 Tony Lutz: Pax et Bonum! I recently changed jobs with United Airlines. From reservationist rep I moved over to Washington-Dulles Int'l Airport as a customer service rep. Look at the United Counter in the main terminal for the oldest gray-haired smiling person around and that is I. If you can't talk to me just wave. God willing I should be there for two more years.
Gael wants to know whether it was Faith, Morals, or loss of prayer/spiritual life that led to my request for papal dispensation. The answer is simple. I am an ecumenical sinner, i.e., I cover the waterfront. I don't see how one can fail in any of the three possibilities without failing in all the ways. Any better ideas? [I had had no idea whatsoever, but you were accusing the rest of us of those, and I wondered which fit you since you were so comprehensive. - Gael]
In 1969, I asked for the dispensation through that wonderful man, Fr. Germain Schwab, OFM, for the ultimate reason - to save my soul. As a religious priest it became harder to preserve my eternal salvation. That was my thinking at the time.
I was mystified in reading Jerry Etzkorn's harsh judgment against Holy Mother Church. In putting together "The Catechism of the Catholic Church" there was the widest consultation and collaboration. Rome is often too tolerant of dissenting bishops and pastors. By their teaching (and lack thereof) and strange liturgical practices they seldom are corrected and clearly give scandal. When have you heard the hierarchy refuse Holy Communion to a dissident or condemn a Catholic politician who promotes abortion? My kind of bishop is Archbishop Pell of Melbourne, Australia, who preached the church's 2,000 year teaching on homosexuality and then received 50 gay couples before him. He refused them Hl. Communion but gave them his blessing instead. When he asked his seminary faculty to increase the classes on spiritual teachings/formation and they refused, he fired all of them. That is the action of a good shepherd.
It's no use of Joe Smith to talk about "nulla salus extra ecclesiam" and give it his twist. The clear explanation of this Church doctrine is given in the Catechism. All Church teachings come from Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the present official teachings of Peter in Rome. The authority of Peter and his successors is a big thing today. There are new books and tapes on the problem. There is "Jesus, Peter, and the Keys - A Scriptural Handbook on the Papacy" by Butter, Dahlgren, and Hess. Dr. Scott Hohn has his own powerful tapes on the papacy. He says of the above cited book: "This veritable compendium is simply staggering."
Joe gives the pagan concept on homosexuality and not the revealed Christian concept. What he gives is pure revisionism. Just look around our world and see the fruits of such thinking and behavior. While I have Bill Carroll's coauthored book on "Human Sexuality" it must be remembered that this is not the received Church doctrine but purely adventurous thought by a handful of modern theologians. It is not for guidance in or out of the confessional but something surfaced for discussion and classification. Rome (and Peter) is a safe authority to follow.
John Miller talks about the unbudging "organized, institutional religions." Here we are talking about the miracle of Christian faith. Either you have it or you don't. It is not divisible. It is based on the word of the Word made flesh and preserved fully in the church He founded and preserved in it in Christ's unique way. I was fortunate that in the '70s my wife and I joined an ecumenical prayer group in St. Claire Shores, Michigan. It was through hearing the word, seeing miracles, and prayer that we received special graces and developed a personal dedication and commitment to the Lord Jesus and to everything He taught. Our studies, going to a parish where the spirit-filled full gospel is taught, going on pilgrimages, etc., have done nothing but increase our faith. Faith is a free gift. You have to pray for it, ask for it, and study for it. It is also fragile and from experience know it can be weakened and even lost. Praise the Lord, my dear brothers in Christ.
P.S. Joe Smith should not make fun of John Paul II. Read his biography and encyclicals and you'll have great respect for him. Providentially he escaped death under the Nazis. At 19 years he taught himself Spanish so he could read St. Theresa of Avila in the original. Under difficult circumstances he earned doctorates in theology and philosophy. He has the prayer-life of a saint. That is a great man to be admired and not ridiculed. [A good shepherd would fire those who deny him and disagree with him? You mean like Jesus' reaction to Peter and Thomas? Recently, I told a friend of mine that I thought the greatest sin was to have absolute certitude about anything. His reply: "Are you sure about that?" JB]
30 June 98 Frank Coens (Friarfc of aol.com): Historical Marker Honoring Archbishop Lyke unveiled. On Wednesday, June 24, 1998, the Tennessee Historical Commission unveiled the Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM, Ph.D., historical marker. At the same ceremony, East Trigg Avenue received the honorary name: Archbishop James P. Lyke Boulevard. James Lyke was former pastor of St. Thomas Church where the marker is located.
Born in Chicago, Fr. James Lyke, OFM, was the first African American Catholic Priest to serve in Tennessee. Upon his request to his Franciscan superiors, he was assigned to St. Thomas (now St. Augustine) Church in Memphis in September of 1968 following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He served in Memphis until 1977.
He was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland on August 1, 1979 and became the fifth African American bishop as well as the youngest bishop in the nation. In 1991, Pope John Paul II named him Archbishop of Atlanta. At the time of his death on December 27, 19992, Archbishop Lyke was the highest ranking African American prelate in the United States.
At the dedication, Ernestine Dillard, who sang at the memorial service for the Oklahoma City bombing victims, presented a musical tribute to Archbishop Lyke. The marker was blessed by Bishop Terry Steib of Memphis.
1 July 98 Tony Lutz: In my last letter I forgot to share two items I came across. One is a book, "Letters to a Young Priest: From a Laicized Priest." The author is a formerly active priest, Fr. Grabner - Haider, a German. The book sells for $15 in hardcover from Roman Catholic Books, POB 2286, Fort Collins, CO 80522-2286. To get a flavor of this book here is an excerpt: "We rushed enthusiastically toward the world for we had felt stifled, we thought that the Church had treated the world in an over-negative manner. We failed to notice that we had embraced the world uncritically, without taking into account its manifold aspects. When at last our eyes were opened, for many it was too late."
Fr. Roy Ryland, convert from Anglicanism, has a tape on celibacy that is one of the best on the subject. It can be ordered from Catholic Answers, POB 17490, San Diego, CA 92177. Fr. Roy is married, a theologian, and a civil lawyer. He is doing a series of articles on the Eastern Orthodox Church for "This Rock" Magazine of Catholic apologetics and Evangelization.
I have yet to swim in my heated back-yard in-ground pool. Maybe if any of you visit I might be encouraged to plunge in. Just y'all come! Last year Sue went to an Eastern Orthodox Retreat House in Pennsylvania to paint icons. This summer she is returning there to do more icons. It is a very rigid discipline ancient art form. In Christo.
6 July 98 Joe Smith sent clipping: Journalist says Cardinal had sex with 2,000. Austrian journalist Hubertus Czernin of the magazine Profil, says the disgraced ex-leader of Austria's roman Catholic church had sex with up to 2,000 seminarians and monks.
Cardinal Hans Hermann Groer, 78, resigned his position in 1995 and recently left Austria altogether after a bishops' committee determined with "moral certainty" that he had had sex with some monks and former students, some of whom were underage.
"His sexual harassment began in the '50s, continued in the '60s, the '70s, the '80s and even in the '90s," Czernin said in dropping the latest bombshell. "The last case I know of was in 1996, when he was an old man and had already ben been kicked out as Archbishop of Vienna but had returned to his monastery in Lower Austria."
----- Joe's note: From Outlines, 7.1.98, Chicago. This guy was picked from obscurity (by JPII) because he was pro-celibate, and against contraception and married clergy! What else is happening in this closed and scary system? Pedophiles abound?
[Joe, thanks for the copy of "The Onion." Is it always in an April's Fool mode? Does its masthead quote, "Tu Stultus Es," mean "You're so vain you think this song's about you" - Carly Simon? The issue is one one of the cleverest things I've seen in tabloid format. - Gael)
12 July, 1998 Kurt Hartrich, O.F.M. (Provincial Minister, Sacred Heart Province): May God's Peace and Goodness be with you always!
I have been meaning to write this letter for several weeks, but either it slipped my mind or I got involved in a number of other things and just could not focus sufficiently. I want to take this opportunity to say a big hello to everyone who is present at the gathering there on the west coast. It sounds from the last issue of the Diaspora Digest that you were going to have somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 people who would spend a couple of days reviewing how your lives have gone over the last couple of years and renewing friendships all based on a common bond of Franciscan roots.
I spoke with Chris Reuter a few weeks ago and he was certainly excited about being able to be present. I how that he and Carroll Mizicko will be able to answer any questions about what might going on in the Province that has not been thoroughly enunciated in Minor Matters. We are pursuing some further studies about the ministry and the fraternal life of St. Peter's in Chicago with the hope that we will be able to pursue some fresh initiatives there. We also are continuing our long-range planning with the hope that we will be able to continue to both encourage new ministries or at least respond to contemporary situations and maintain those ministries that seem most viable both now and into the future. What we hope to also do in this process is to make sure that we do not end up with a number of very small friaries isolated one from another.
A large chunk of our time next time at the Provincial Council meeting in Wisconsin will be taken up with this latter point. We have had a small sub-committee trying to review our goals and objectives, our projected statistics, and the desires the Friars have mentioned as a way of planning for our future. Even though this process is so important, it is also frustrating because a number of things that happen on a day-to-day basis are totally out of our control. For example, just last week Wally Dolan came down with heart problems that eventually led to his having a heart bypass operation on Friday. That does not completely jeopardize our ministry at Padua in Cleveland, but it does point out that the health of the Friars can be frail and can be highly determinative of what we are able to do in the future.
I myself just came back from Memphis where I participated in the funeral. liturgy for Mrs. Lena DiCicco, Mario's mother. She was 98 years old and had led a very fruitful life. On the way back I spent the weekend at a parish at Portageville, Missouri, preaching for the FMU and now will be heading up to Minnesota, where Zach is giving a three-day theological workshop based on Bonaventure's theology for the Friars. We are anticipating having about 35 Friars present, so it should be a good opportunity for us to share some good stories and to get immersed in some good theology at the same time. By the very fact that Zach is giving the workshop, I think he will also receive a great deal of affirmation for his knowledge and scholarship.
Again, I want to thank you all for a way you keep in touch with one another and with the Province. I know you'll have a good time together. I do look forward to the gathering in June of 2000 when hopefully we can plan on an even bigger gathering in the Chicago area. You are all in my prayers. May the Lord bless you and keep you always. Fraternally.
15 July 98 Frank Coens: There's a whole new bunch of guys coming to Nashville, including Al Merz and Steve Suding. They will cover the universities on a team basis, from what I understand.
17 July 98 Marcia Ditter who co-hosted the T-town/Effingham reunion: Just a note to advise you I have moved from gorgeous, beautiful, quiet, peaceful, lovely, and all words one uses to describe "God's Country," a.k.a. Lake Sara. Too much running back and forth not to mention the yard work and cleaning a 4 br, 2-story home. I am sure you can relate to all that.
Am finally leaving the good old USA on 10/27 for Bangkok, Thailand. From there I will go to Ching Mai and then on to Chaing Rai where my father grew up. Will be researching the book I've been working on since I was a little girl. My father passed away June 11, which gave me my freedom. It was a blessing as he suffered from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's for many years. He was such a great example of courage and loyalty and certainly shaped my life as did my grandparents.
Hope you guys are havin' a great summer and that you'll stop next time you come this direction. I'm just off Keller Dr. less than a mile form second Effingham exit.
27 July 98 Jack Bartz: Started a new job today at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Naperville, IL. This is a very large parish and is the "mother" church of the city destined to become the second most populated in the state of Illinois.
I will again be doing RCIA, adult education offerings, Bible study group, baptism preparation sessions, stewardship (helping people discern their gifts to share with the community -- do you have any resources on this topic???), etc.
My office is in the old convent. There are still two old nuns living there in retirement. Nevertheless, I tell people when they call and come to the convent not to expect me to be wearing a veil. However, it might be an improvement if I did!!!
At least getting a new job should make some people happy, because now there is one less "bum" on the unemployment rolls. Peace and everything good.
[Gael replied that during his class' novitiate year of 1959-60, a man (Don Kenney) joined us as Frater Hubert. He didn't complete the year but went on to become a diocesan priest stationed at Naperville.]
28 July 98 Jack Bartz: Cheryl and I attended the Holy Week services at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville where Don Kenney is pastor. He is a little different (like most of your class), but spirit-filled. I didn't realize he had been in your class. The parish where I am located is downtown Naperville. St. Thomas is in the far western part of town.
28 Jul 1998 Jack Brennan: to Zeke, who [since he wasn't able to attend] asked for details about the chapter of mats at Spokane: I'll try to give you the flavor from my point of view, of course.
The following was posted on the wall:
July
16 through July 20, 1998
IRREGULAR SCHEDULE THIS WEEK:
[Novitiate names for Leenerts, Baxter, Pfeifer,
Kuhle, Mooney, Brennan, Reuter, Evart, Langan, Bergman, Mizicko]
Fr. Leigh - Ring Angelus
Fr. Tobias - Lead De Profundis
Fr. Stanley - Feed and water rabbits
Fr. Scotus - Clean upstairs jakes
Fr. Padraic - Clean Aula; don't forget to clean the food trough
Fr. Ternan - Clean downstairs jakes
Fr. Christian - Waker for Midnight Choir
Fr. Timeus - Weed flower garden outside of Choir
Fr. Scot - Keep Fr. Eugene awake during Midnight Choir
Fr. Lionel - Clean choir stalls; save snuff droppings in snuff can for Fr.
Master
Fr. Maris - Spiritual reading at dinner: "Why we should love the brethren,
Part 38."
I had a few signs. The driveway had a sign drawn by Rachel: "Pax et Bonum." On the front door I had "Jubilate, sorores et fratres." The beer and wine refrigerator had the sign "Propter gaudiam." Chris soon corrected that to read "Propter gaudium." The other refrigerator read "Ne potus noceat."
Chris and Carroll arrived first on Thursday. Chris was in great form. My kids thought that Chris and Carroll were a married couple. They wanted to know what they were like. I said that Carroll was quiet and sweet and that Chris was loud, obnoxious and sweet.
Then Nick, Paul and Geri came. What a trio. I fell in love with Nick. I really only met him a few times in the context of visiting Spivey. Nick talks a bit about returning to the ministry since he is semi-retired. Paul is a jet engine mechanic for United Airlines and advised us not to fly United if we knew what he knew. Geri, Paul's wife, spent a lot of time with Gayle and Gayle really liked her. At one point, Paul came over and stood next to me in the kitchen. I asked him if he needed something and he replied that he just wanted to be close to me.
I think then came Ron Pfeiffer. He drove up in his camper from Iowa. I would not have recognized him. He works for the State of Iowa as a nursing home, day care inspector, has three kids and 2 grandchildren. He had pictures to prove it.
Then came Tom Leenerts and his wife, Berta. From our email and phone calls, I thought that Tom would be stuffy. Quite the contrary. He was fun and interesting. Could be quite serious and when he told me that reality was what you make it, I accused him of being a solipsist. He said, "I'm sure, whatever that means." His wife was a woman from Argentina whom he met in California. She is a delight and works as a Reike massage therapist. Tom is a licensed psychologist. We did not talk too much shop.
I think Bill and Monica Bergman were next to arrive. I would not have recognized him on the street either. His wife is an ex nun from the Sisters of Charity. Bill was in many ways his old self with the teasing. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed him and told him that he and I were 500 times more mellow than we used to be. He cooked a mean Brazilian dish one night made of black beans. He works on his own as a consultant to business, doing work retreats and such. Gayle spent time with Monica and she had never been around the likes of us. I like her; she is good for Bill and they have a batch of adopted kids whom they obviously enjoy.
Pat Evard flew in and rented a car, as did Chris and Carroll. Pat looks exactly the same. I almost fainted when he told me that he was 66 years old. He stayed with us in the cabin and would have his light on late at night. I accused him of reading Office, but he assured me that it was just a great novel he was reading. He taught my kids some card games and they fell in love with him. His work is director of a soup kitchen type place in Portland. He told me that he would not have recognized me except that I came up to him and hugged him. He said, "I figured it must have been you."
Mooneys drove up in their RV with horns blowing. I dutifully reported my cholesterol level, and he approved. He had Geri Langan convinced that they had met before when, in fact, they had not. And as the Bard would say, he and Judy exited with a flourish - too soon, in my opinion.
Kuhle, being the closest, was last to arrive and last to leave. He helped us clean up and pack out. He brought his wife and 15 year old son, Andrew. Bill, Pat, Scot and I had a tender moment with Scot when he wept about not being able to say goodbye to his friends when he left the seminary.
We spent about three hours in a circle talking about the meaning in each of our lives. Mooney moderated that and it was very heart warming. I decided that the reason we bonded so well is that we had been oppressed together.
Everyone expressed his/her disappointment at you not being there. You were spoken of in terms of endearment. Several people thought that you were the inspiration that kept gatherings like this alive.
So passes another milestone in the lives of the Diaspora. I have merely touched on my thoughts here about each of these splendid people. I am still high from the experience. Rachel told me later that she had never heard me laugh so much.
Late Jul 1998 Bill Bergman: Thanks soooooo much. I am awake--no longer "sleeping." Denial is not the right word! I was pleased to renew our bantering friendship. You are a great man. Your wife, Gayle, is special and generous. Your children are open, kind and understanding. Your place on the river was Franciscan bliss. The humor, laughter, tears and special moments will be a fabulous memory for both Monica and me. Monica appreciated our weekend a lot. It was important for her, as in twenty-six years, this is really her first taste of this background of mine. She liked each of you.
We had a successful trip back. I walked in our door here at noon. We left at 5:30 a.m. One quick stop for breakfast and another rest stop. We made excellent time. I made my 1:00 appointment, a half day retreat with one of my companies. It went very well.
I tried to "GO" to the DD home page as you referenced, but got this message "The requested URL/~hardeja/digest/"Diaspora Digest, was not found on this server." Now what? I did get linked to Quincy College home page, which was interesting. [Note from Jack H.: the correct URL is: http://www.quincy.edu/~hardeja/digest/]
I did print out your list (18 pages!!!) of the Diaspora Mailing List. I will proceed from there in reconnecting and keep you informed. I do want to check in on some former/old classmates!!! Reestablishing a deep connection to a part of my life that was important was refreshing for me.
Thanks for taking on the awesome job of hosting this. I hope we changed the concept of "black beans" for Ron and Scot! My best to you and your beautiful family. Take care of your health and wealth! Peace.
Late July 98 Paul Langan: We are back in foggy Montara. Trip was great. We want to thank you and Gayle for all the work you did to make our reunion so pleasant. We will not forget the Conveniat you set up for us. Geri, Paul and Nick (Baxter).
8 Aug 1998 Jim Tye: sent Gael a new eddress in response to word of his own new one: Just heard from Lohkamp this morning, and we had a fine sailing trip in June on Chesapeake Bay. Last year Leenerts was with us. This year my son came along.
We talked a bit about JJ's [Laker's] book and had great time. Enjoy the Diaspora. Peace and joy.
9 Aug 1998 Dan Mazar: As I said on the phone, I stopped at T-town in June. On my way to St. Louis, I called Cal Giesen to see if he would be available for lunch. He was not burying or marrying so he had the time to visit. We took a tour of the novitiate. As most of you know, it has been turned into a museum covering both local T-town history and Franciscana. Every one of our old rooms was an exhibit. Of course, the place was not air-conditioned, so it was like the Guten alte Zeiten. Sweat and no breeze.
Highlights: A display of fems and tunic with the laundry number of 64. Any idea who they belonged to? Articles by Tom Vogel and Carroll Mizicko about closing the theology house and moving to Chicago. The great ugly statue of the scourging with the removable crown of thorns. One empty slot in the mortuary chapel (Tot Haus) available to the highest bidder. [You ARE kidding?] A stroll around the brick loop in the back yard.
My class spent the entire summer turning each brick over. A test of humility and obedience, I guess. The class of 1966 inlaid a 66 into the brickwork. That should be the class of Frank Coens, Hank Pfeifer, et al.
Brother Sebastian's kitchen just as it was 30 years ago. Cal and I chanting the Miserere and recalling the discipline on Wednesdays. Also, the Chapter of Faults.
Best of all was lunch with the community. Being a geezer, I can only recall a few names, to wit, Cal Giesen, Vitus Duchinsky, Silky Sylvano Pera, Lambert Leykam, Ted Bracco. My apologies to the other friars whose names have slipped away due to geezerdom. We had a wonderful lunch filled with good food and better company. The whole community enjoys the issues of the Diaspora Digest. They send their best regards to all.
On the way home, I stopped to have lunch with Ken Dobucki (Hubs) and his family in Springfield, Ill. We sent an e-mail to the Digest editor. [I got it.] Hubs sends a Pax et Bonum to all. I'm away to Europe this week for vacation. If luck holds, I'll visit with Dis Sexton. If not Burgundy, then the Loire Valley. C'est magnifique. [Is Hubs another Stachura appellation? - Gael]
Date?? - Ken Dobucki: This little note coming from downtown Springfield, Ill. Dan (Cowboy Mazar) is on the loose once again sharing good will and filling us in on the whereabouts of the diaspora. He mentioned that you folks were on e-mail. We decided to drop a note or two to say hi. He also mentioned that you have a home page also if so, send me info that I can partake. [Last time I looked, it's at the top of DD, Page 1. Download unabridged edition there, or Jack Brennan will send it to mdobucki of worldnet.att.net] Until later, pax et bonum.
10 Aug 1998 Bill Bergman: Thanks, Gael, for all that you have been doing the past number of years helping people stay in touch. Our reunion with Jack and others was great. Lots of laughter, stories, memories and other important catch-up. Peace, Brother. Our reunion with Jack [Brennan] and others was great. Lots of laughter, stories, memories and other important catch-up. Peace, Brother.
12 Aug 98 Pam Kimlinger: The last DD issue I can find is #23. Would you please send me DD24? Jeannie Gutchewsky came out to visit for a week and we had a very nice visit. We went to the Jay Leno show in LA. It was so hot waiting in line. We went to two Forest Lawn's. They were having the funeral for Robert Young at the one in Glendale and we saw all the TV trucks and vans there. We took a trip up to Monterey and went to the Aquarium. Fantastic. I had been there many years ago but the new addition is marvelous. The sea turtle and huge sun fish were great. We drove back down Highway 1 and saw some of the most spectacular scenery. It was a gorgeous day and the ocean was so many beautiful colors. We stopped at the New Comaldoli Hermitage outside of Lucia. The drive to it is up the side of a mountain. The view is spectacular!!! Rooms for self-directed retreats are $45.00 per night and includes meals. They are booked 6 months in advance. The retreats are silent. That's it for now. Peace and prayers. [Time magazine at the first of August had a great article on the popularity of retreats at abbeys and monasteries now. All have waiting lines. All cheap. A Camaldoli retreat place was mentioned.-Gael]
13 Aug 1998 Tom Leenerts: I have spent 20 minutes trying to write something to summarize my conveniat experience. I am getting no where. Perhaps my clarity of thought isn't there due to the Alaskan cruise Berta and I are leaving for tomorrow. I felt that each conveniat participant was extending a personal Pax et Bonum and deep acceptance to each and every one there. .......Sorry that the words just won't come together. Warm regards and love to you and to Gayle. Fraternally.
14 Aug 1998 James Tye: In reply to Gael's question, Dick Lohkamp is doing hospital and physician practice management consulting. But is still very interested in the Good News and he lives in New Jersey and works in Pennsylvania. He is very interested in the book by Benson Timeless Healing about the body spirit in medicine. Got me to read it, and it is quite fascinating.
His children are raised and out on their own and he is with his wife and they have a sail boat which Tom Leenerts, Dick, and I went for a week on last year. We were going to give your readers some meanderings on the subject we addressed but got lazy. Thanks for the interest.
Tom Leenerts had a great time out west at the conveniat.
18 Aug 1998 Kay Skonieczny: I was unable to find CBS Sunday Morning Show to catch the segment about the restorations at Assisi. I went to Oakland to spend the day with my daughter, Amy. I hope Jack Brennan was able to tape it for you. [I have it. JB] The first stage of my move is complete. My house sold before I had it listed so things moved fast. My new house is being built in the midtown of Sacramento, two blocks from St. Francis church. It will not be ready until late November or early December so I have moved into an apartment until the house is finished. My new address is 2329 Northrop Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825.
The move was a lot of work both physically and emotionally. After 20 years in a family home, there was so much stuff to go through. I am also moving to a smaller place so I am trying to simply my life. It feels pretty good. This is something that Ben and I had planned on doing so I feel like I am following through on something we were all set to do. Of course, the hardest part is to be doing all of this without him. In many ways it still seems so very strange that he is not here. But, I'm doing it, moving forward, even though there are still many moments when my feet and heart feel like lead.
I didn't make it anywhere in July. It took all my energy to get myself ready to move and then to move. So, sometime in the future I hope to still make that trip to Mexico with Amy. I'll look forward to hearing about the gathering in Spokane in your next issue.
20 Aug 1998 Don Awerkamp: Gael, I checked the phone books for Phoenix and is suburbs and had no luck getting an address for Ernie Fresques. Sorry. I was wondering if the question was just a way to get me to write since I do not even remember an Ernie Fresques.
At any rate, about the only change in our lives has been that our daughter Risa and I got our scuba diving certification off St. John's in the Virgin Islands. St. Johns is two-thirds national park and absolutely beautiful. The diving was awesome complete with enormous sting rays, countless other fish, beautiful coral, spiney lobster, squid, sea turtles, and even a seven foot long shark. Risa is now a sophomore in high school and a great scuba buddy. Barbara decided to stay on the beach.
Hope you are doing well. Would love to have a visit if you are ever out this way, Thanks for keeping in touch and doing the DD. Don
20 Aug 98 Nick Baxter: I cannot think of a more enjoyable gathering than the one for which you (Jack) were responsible. Exceptional company, great food and drink and peaceful atmosphere. Thanks again. I enjoyed the mix of active/inactive, male/female, younger/not-so-young. The days were relaxed and happenings spontaneous. Jack, your family is so warm and easy to be with. Thanks for the work that I know all of you did. I hope the $ worked OK. Paul Langan, his wife Geri and I drove 2,550 miles throughout CA.,WA., and OR. What beautiful country! I was reunited with a cousin in Seattle, after more than 25 years. The month I spent in the Northwest is one I will not forget. Back now in San Antonio. Doing some therapy, testing and just trying to accept the passage of time (tempus fugit) gracefully. Hard to believe I stopped "working for the man" and began "bridging" a year ago. I will go to El Salvador for a week with an ophthalmology team in October.
Hope to spend time in Costa Rico in January. May as well go/see what I can while brother ass holds out.
25 Aug 1998 Jerry Etzkorn: Two items for next DD.
1. To save what we could of the Scotus Titanic (the team assembled to edit Scotus's philosophical works had been fired by St. Bonaventure University, subsequent to the loss of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in medias res), Linda and I went back to Olean from June 1-Aug. 15. After the loss of the regular NEH grant, we applied for an emergency grant in order to prepare two volumes for the printer before the diaspora. I had worked on these volumes for about 5 years before retiring in 1995. But we got the job done! Scotus's Questions on Porphyry's five universals and Questions on the ten Categories of Aristotle (Opera Philosophica I) and his Questions on the Perihermenias, Questions on the Fallacies plus the Theoremata (edited by three of our German colleagues) should be out by the end of the year. The library director and staff at Bona's were very helpful and courteous; the administration of the Institute hostile! Strange, since they've lost the most prestigious projects that have ever hallowed the halls of the Franciscan Institute: the Ockham project, the Wodeham (brilliant student of Ockham) and now the Scotus project, editions which have brought international academic renown and fame to the Franciscan Institute and St. Bonaventure University.
2. During the last week of July, the novitiate class of 1949-50 (ordination class of 1956) celebrated their third reunion at the Dittmer retiro. Arrangements were made by Lambert (Bones) Leykam. Paul and Marilyn Shields and Kennedy (the dog) came from South Salem, New York and picked up Bob Pahler (pastor in Green Ohio south of Akron) on the way. Jerry and Linda came from Olean; Gael White from Mineola Texas (east of Dallas); Juvenal Carlson from Brazil; Lambert (transferred to the retirement village near Ft. Worth from Teutopolis) came up from Texas. Really needed hip boots (and not because of high water) for the whole five days. Made one rule which helped: Anyone who told the same joke twice (Shields and White go non-stop) had to do the dishes! Journeyed to St. Louis a couple of times and had a couple of rounds of golf. We missed Barry Schneider who was all tied up with his parish in Iron River, Wisc. Afterwards Paul and Marilyn drove to Wisconsin so that they could visit some of the Salvatorians with whom Paul had been associated before joining the Croatian Province. Gael White took off for Mineola and parts unknown (his travels make Marco Polo's look like staying at home!) Juvie had to earn his trip by doing the preaching tour for the missions. Jerry and Linda took Bob Pahler back to his parish in Green, OH and were treated to a day on the lake in Bob's boat before returning to Olean to finish the job on Scotus.
P.S. If any DD readers are in the Knoxville-Nashville area, please feel free to come on UP (we're on the Cumberland Plateau) at 239 Sheffield Drive, Fairfield Glade, TN (931-484-8889). We have plenty of room!
26 Aug 1998 Jerry Etzkorn: Here's an addendum to item 2 sent yesterday. It's from "Inside the Vatican" by Thomas J. Reese SJ on how to survive as a bureaucrat in the Vatican curia: Don't think. If you think, don't speak. If you think, and if you speak, don't write. If you think, and if you speak, and if you write, don't sign your name. If you think, and if you speak, and if you write, and if you sign your name, don't be surprised. (I wouldn't make it past day one!)
30 Aug 1998 John Miller: Cowboy Mazar stopped at the Farm today for a few beers and talk. He just came back from Europe, Brussels, Rhone Valley, and London, touring the Chateau's. It was good to see him. He had promised to stop by sometime during the summer, we called each other several times, but never got together until today. I couldn't get him to help me with doing stalls, but had fun talking while I worked. He claimed to be still "on vacation." Someday I'll get him to break a sweat for his beer. Humble Hans
31 Aug 1998 Richard Lohkamp: Thanks for your probe. I'm still in circulation and would welcome the internet version of DD. The last time we met was at the reunion in Indianapolis -- I forget the year. I don't believe that I was at the 1969 occasion (at the Mooney cottage) unless it was in Chicago at Mooney's (or some friend of his) apartment.
Perhaps some biographic update on me would be helpful. I finished my graduate work at Notre Dame in January 1970 and went to OLA in Quincy. I defended my dissertation and got the doctorate in January 1971, and subsequently moved to the College faculty residence. In all I taught at QC for three years leaving in December 1972. Seems the distant past now.
Through various channels including advice from Jim Tye, I landed a position, in June 1973, with a health care consulting firm in Princeton, NJ. I have been in this line of work since. We work with hospitals and doctors. The Chinese curse ("May you live in interesting times.") applies to health care.
Joan and I have been married since 1976 and have raised her four children through latter grades, high school, and college into career launches and marriage. We now have six who call us gramma and grandpa -- every one of them is a charmer in his or her own inimitable way. Joan is from the south side of Chicago, graduated from Xavier College and has been teaching 7th and/or 8th grade for 25 years. We have lived in Moorestown (a small town ten miles east of Philadelphia, founded by Quakers in the 17th century) for the whole time. We wouldn't trade any of the above for anything else.
For 20 years we have been sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. One of the "things we do." In addition to sailing with Joan and family, I have, in the past 5 - 6 years, taken some longer cruises with Joan's brother (a great guy, wonderful friend, business man, husband, father, grandfather), with my two brothers, with Jim Tye and Tom Leenerts a year ago, and with Jim and his son, Daniel, last June.
Sailing with Jim and Tom and with Jim and Daniel was special. If you can imagine a week on a 35 foot boat with a Ph.D. clinical psychologist, an incorrigible Irish democrat from the west side of Chicago who now manages Humana's Medicaid HMO in Chicago, a generation X bright young man with big dreams and accompanying intelligence, and a philosopher. We talked, played Disconfio (a Portuguese/Spanish card game that encourages mistrust of ones fellowman), and talked in Portuguese, Spanish, German, Greek, and English.
Jim remembers every Latin, German, Greek quote he ever memorized and puts them into the air with uncanny timing. I had not seen Tom since 1964 in Teutopolis. Tom has a unique perspective that combines his artistic, academic, Nebraska farm boy, and Brazilian backgrounds. The Chesapeake Bay with all its open water, its inlets and creeks for anchoring, its museums and history makes a great background for such a cruise. Joan's brother and I drank almost a bottle of gin (in the form of gin and tonic) one night at anchor.
One of the late DD's that you sent me included a reference from J. Etzkorn to the book J. J. Lakers had recently published. Having taught with JJ for a brief period, I knew that anything he had written would be worthwhile. I am indebted to Jerry for the reference and comment. The book was, for me, one of the pivotal things I have read. No matter what I do, I continue to have interest in philosophical and theological questions. Over the years, they have become less academic and more personal. JJ's writing fit my American pragmatism orientation and my personal interests. So, you see, the DD serves multiple purposes in multiple forms of life.
Joan and I could both quit going to our present places of employment at almost any time. I can't feature myself "retiring" but I could cease the present employment activity and turn to other interests.
Thanks for your perseverance in sending DD. Joan also reads it with interest. Best wishes to you!
31 Aug 98 Gael responds: Your thoughts about not resting but doing something different reminds me of something Gene Katoski put in the Senior Friars Talk that I read tonight. He had some thoughts about "The Third Age" being more meaningful and fulfilling and realistic than focusing on "Retirement." The term, he says, comes from French literature. The Univ. of Nebraska has a gerontological [course] "Planning and the Third Age." A workshop at Notre Dame is called the "The Third Age Potential." The Third Age Center is directed by Monsignor Charles J. Fahey at Fordham.
I like his definitions of the three ages. For example, "The Third Age is a time in which an individual is established in a way of life and has the opportunity to establish new roles, new relationships, new skills, and to be involved in new activities. The Third Age is a social, psychological, economic, and religious reality. Age 50 is a rule of thumb for marking off this age. It is not a chronological category."
1 Sept 98 Marcia Ditter: Happy Birthday, Gael. Hard to believe it is already September. The leaves have been falling all summer due to the locusts, but they are really falling now. I moved to town in June. I didn't expect to do that until next year, but I stumbled on a little dream house just suitable for one and fell in love at first sight. Am still impulsive - so bought it and sold the old one in three days. I'm nearly settled - about as settled as I ever get. Am leaving for Thailand on Oct. 27 for 20 days for fun and research on a book I'm writing, so I hope to be ready to be ready to start Xmas decorating when I return home sometime after Dec. 1. I plan to leave here by Oct. 15 en route to Jacksonville, Fla., to see my first great-grandchild who was born Aug. 3. She is Lelani Marie Reyes and I know she's as beautiful as her name implies. I can't wait to see her and spoil her. This is Beth's first grandchild so you can imagine how happy she is. She is still very petite and looks more like a newly-wed than a grandmother.
Celebrate in a big way on the 6th. Charlie Bloss has his on the 27th of Sept. but I have completely lost track of him. [Wrote about our