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Transitions:
Addresses expired, digests returned: Paul Gaudutis of Odessa MO,
Ken Grawe of Quincy. Allan Wolter of Santa Barbara (at St Bonaventure
University for summer 2001). Pete D'Orazio of San Francisco.
Discontinued by request: Rev. Lawrence Robotnik of Bellevue, Ky; Tim
Healy of Indianapolis; Ray Wiemer of Northbrook, Ill., Len Piechowski of
Memphis.
Transfers to e-mail: Don Blaeser (Trailblaeser of com) moved to St.
Gratian Friary, 5536 S. Edgewood Ave., Countryside, IL 60525 - [stgratian of com]
with Jim Hoffman, Dennis Koopman, Kieran Kemner, Leon Biranek, and Jim
Walton.)
Found: Charles and Marilyn Neuman; 2439 Brandenberry Court; Arlington
Heights, IL 60004-5165; (847) 398-6265;
Forwarding expired but addresses found: John Waldren now at 3183
Linwood Ave., Cincinnati OH 45208-2954. Ed Dean now at 10201 Champions
Circle, Franklin TN 37064. Died: Tom Hackman of Danville, Illinois. Bob House
of Monroe, Wisconsin (died 6/11/01). Juvenal Carlson , Ray Crone, Paul
Zoderer, Bill Beyerink and Most Reverend James Ryan.
Moved: Don Blaeser, Trailblaeser of com has moved to St. Gratian
Friary, 5536 S. Edgewood Ave., Countryside, IL 60525 - [stgratian of com].
Mark J. Braun, from Alola Street Indianapolis to 8344 E. Jay or Fay Street,
Mesa, AZ 85208. Ed Dean now at 10201 Champions Circle, Franklin TN 37064.
Charles Faso now at Dwelling Place with Paul Lachance OFM, Clarence Klingert,
OFM, 2437 W. Augusta Blvd. Chicago IL 60622, 773/276-3386. Tom Higgs, 1640
Cedarwood Drive, Apt. 333, Westlake, Ohio, 44145 Phone (home) 440-835-8929,
Phone (work) 440-835-7569, e-mail: GROG7737 of com or Thomas H. Higgs of gizer. Jim Martorana: new email address.
Jim Tye's new eddress: jtye of na.com. John
Waldren is now at 3183 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati OH 45208 OH 2954. Vince
Zimmerman ) Ph: (217) 793-3567. 512 Five Forks Dr. Springfield, Il. 62707.
Contributors: Charlie and Irv Bloss, Mark (Bro. George) Braun, John E.
McMahon, Bob Dougherty, GK Katoski, Tony Lutz, Richard Lohkamp et al. If I'm
failing to note anyone, I apologize and appreciate you.
May 2001 Chris Reuter sends his Corpus Christi Chicago monthly parish
newsletter to some of his classmates. This announcement proclaims his moving
on --and the parish was later given back to the diocese: I've not made it a
secret that I will most likely be leaving Corpus Christi in July of 2002, a
little over a year from now. That will make 14 years as pastor of this
church, which is a record in modern times, especially for a religious.
Diocesan pastors ordinarily move on after 12 years. I trust that this will
not come as a shock to anyone. It is every bit as normal and predictable as
death and taxes. I hope you will regard it as a normal growth experience for
all of us and not as a rejection. I'm hoping to join a new Franciscan
fraternity we will establish in East St. Louis, Ill. It is in Bishop
Gregory's Belleville diocese. It's a desolate and impoverished community, and
I want to do prison ministry. You can help me with your prayers.
1 May 2001 Jack Bartz: Re the DD31 PICTURE of the Diaspora Reunion in June
2000. Some of the names for people have faded from memory. So, you can hold
your first DD contest, asking people to submit the names of whom they think
are in the photo.
3 May 2001: Joe Smith sent Gael a small envelope with this date and next to
it in my work pile is an equally small sheet with a "Prayer for a New
Society." It begins:"All-nourishing God, your children cry for
help/Against the violence of our world: /Where children starve for bread and
feed on weapons; /Starve for vision and feed on drugs; /Starve for love and
feed on videos; /Starve for peace and die murdered in our streets. /Hear the
prayer of all your starving children. Amen." -- It's a longer, beautiful
prayer from a good source. Cards may be ordered from Pax Christi USA, 532
West 8th Street, Erie, PA, 16502. Tel: 814/453-4955.
6 May 2001 Dan Tanna: (tannads of com) Gael! Du bis correct ein mal zeit?
Thinking about you today and marveling at your stamina keeping us all
connected all these many years. You did damn good, Gael!! I'll drop you a
line soon. Would do it now, but it's 10:34 on a "school" night. Pax
et Bo!!!
7 May 2001: Bartz: Zeke: Thanks for the comments about the information you
have at hand from the 2000 Reunion. However, I am not keeping up with
addresses any more like I used to. I just don't have the time for it, so I
rely on your list and the DD to get communication out about events like the
reunion. So, thank you for keeping the lists as current as this peripatetic
pack of "kind classmates and interesting companions" will furnish
you. Anxious to receive the upcoming to DD31. Thanks for your work, as
always, Zeke and Jack Brennan. Jack
7 May 2001 Dan Dolesh: My full address is 29575 Hidden Valley Dr., Orange OH
44022, Phone-440-349-1422 (h) 216-464-3666 (w) e-mail: ddolesh of com I am
going to build a place in Ft. Myers Beach possibly some time this summer.
Hopefully we can use it for some future conveniat. It will have a swimming
pool and be about 1/4 of a mile from the beach. Need the market to go up a
little bit before I can move on this, however. Not very Franciscan, is it?
Been a long time since I have seen you, Gael. Looking forward to when we can
do that meeting. Have been corresponding with Charlie Faso and a couple of
other guys. Let me know next time there is a Diaspora Digest. Probably a
mistake for me going to e-mail on that. I lost my favorite bathroom reading.
Now I am stuck with National Geographic and "How to Sail." Don't
know if I can take any more articles on King Amen-a-ho-ho and the pyramids
and you can't really learn to sail out of a book. Hope your life is full of
peace and good things.
8 May 2001 Tom Higgs to Jack Bartz: Thanks again for contacting me. My
reaction to the Reunion (and I believe I speak for my two classmates, also)
was definitely favorable, in that you took the time to even plan such a gathering.
We had hoped for more of a reunion of old classmates. It was nothing against
the people who were there but the only person we had ever met before was the
provincial (he graduated 3 or 4 years before me from St. Joe's high school).
But we did have the common bond of having lived in that excellent building. I
believe a part of me died when they tore St. Joes down. It was wonderful to
go through your collection of pictures at the reunion, even the ones of the
building coming down. It gave us some closure to an important chapter in our
lives. Another thing not in common was that the rest of you were ordained and
we never went much beyond high school in the seminary system. So the three of
us went off into the neighborhood of new homes in search of remnants of St.
Joe's. Of course we found none but the memories will always be there. I hope
you didn't feel like we didn't appreciate your offer of dinner but I think we
all felt a bit like we were crashing your party- I mean, you men were
classmates and went through so much together and we were from the final years
of St. Joe's. But if you hadn't had that reunion, 3 graduates of the class of
'69 may have never gotten together. We had a wonderful time and if you should
ever schedule another one I would love to attend. If I can be of assistance
in locating some of the latter-day graduates of St. Joes, please let me know.
I have moved in the last week and my new address is: Tom Higgs, 1640
Cedarwood Drive, Apt. 333, Westlake, Ohio, 44145 Phone (home) 440-835-8929, Phone
(work) 440-835-7569, e-mail: GROG7737 of aol.com Thomas H. Higgs of energizer.
15 May 2001: Dan Mazar to Jack Brennan: Received the email and snail mail
versions of the Digest today. Helluva a gestation period! I am amazed that
you and Zeke can keep this all together. Good on ya. Glad to see some new
correspondents. To refresh your memory, we met at T-town when I was in 6th
class and you and Zeke were in Theology. We stopped to visit after seeing the
novices before we entered. Eric Kahn drove us down from OLA in Quincy. We
were the first lay class there. Anyhow, you had been making wine and we were
drinking down in the old record room in the cleric rec room area. I recall it
being painted in dark colors. I recall you, Zeke, and Cullan Uhlinger. When we
did our novitiate, you and Zeke did make mercy calls on us novices. Probably
to see if we were having as miserable time as you guys did. I was down there
last fall to visit with Cal Giesen. We did a quick tour of the novitiate. I
flashed back and broke into a cold sweat. Cal got me a cold beer and I was
restored to sanity. Almost was an out of body experience. That is where we
met. Hope all is well in the Inland Empire. Thanks for the good work. Your
reward will be in heaven. Pax [JB replies: My memory runneth not to those
particular events. But don't take it personally - I am 66. Back then, I was
in my early 30's. I am honored to be remembered so fondly by the Cowboy. And
I hope he's right about the reward.]
17 May 2001 Paul Feldhake: [cpfeldhake of aol.com (wife's) for emergencies
and not for regular mailings. He didn't hear about Zoderer's funeral until
too late because my letter to him bounced. GS] I thought I would mention that
on Feb.1, 2001 Tom Fox, ofm and the other Friars at Sacred Heart in Indy hosted
a get together for former Friars and seminarians. Some of the fellows had
left from Westmont and Novitiate. They had a prayer meeting, an introduction
session and a meal. It was very pleasant. The Friars were most gracious and
hospitable. By the way, Sacred Heart Church suffered an overnight fire a few
weeks ago that damaged the sanctuary. I'm afraid that the only one of GK's
peg dates that I remember is the Zama, O Zama one. I do enjoy reading some
history and biographies. A couple hours reading a good biography and
listening to music make for a more pleasant evening than TV. I just finished
reading the life of one of the Birmingham ministers who was fighting for
civil rights through the years that I was engrossed in philosophy and
theology. Our son, Ralph, has been teaching science at a local high school
these last three years. It's been great having him nearby. This summer he is
getting married and moving to Ithaca, NY. We are happy for him and we will
miss him very much. Celia is still teaching pre-school and has committed for
the 01-02 school year. I think a lot about retirement these days, but when I
do the math, the numbers don't quite add up. Peace.
17 May 2001: Jack Bartz; Re: St. Paschal's Friary Housing Proposal Gets A
Lift, by William Grady, Chicago Tribune, 4/19/01
17 May 2001: Jack Bartz; Re: Peabody Mansion (Mayslake Retreat House).
Mansion Restoration Supervisor Leaves for New Job Opportunity, by John Chase.
Chicago Tribune, 5/14/01 (These articles are printed elsewhere on this site.
-Br. Jack H.)
17 May 2001 Len Piechowski (1976-Memphis: MedicStud of aol.com): Gael, thanks
for sending Diaspora, but you can take me off your list. It's a great
publication but I really don't know too many people appearing in it. - Len
20 May 2001 Fr. Lawrence R. Robotnik (Casimir-1962): Thanks so much for
faithfully mailing me the DD. I certainly remember a few of the names and I
wish them well. But since most of the notes leave me in "the dark,"
perhaps you could stop sending them to me and besides save your postage and
printing. - I will be retiring from active pastorate July 1, and will be
living at another rectory and helping out where and when needed. Thanks
again, and God bless you all.
20 May 2001: Tom Lenz: I just read the DD. On page 13 I see Cowboy's class
photo. I think the friar at the bottom left or third row is Alois Gabrus, no?
That 66 in the brick walk was put in by me, Vos, Dauwalter and couple other
masons after completely re-bricking the circle something we did to pass the
time away. We re-pitched it perfectly to keep the water off of our new
open-toed sandals. It also helped us to avoid those nasty particular
friendships that Fr. Leonard warned us about. Was it Steve Robbins and Bob
Scheel who were sent home in a hurry after being found together in their
cell? On another subject, I'm seeking an annulment from the RCC to get
married again. I met a nice dance partner named Mary and she's seeking an
annulment too. I met her in a group called Crossroads that I helped to get
started. It's for single folks over 40 and sponsored by the diocese of
Buffalo. I started the ballroom dancing, volleyball and biking small groups.
I still do about 12 bike tours a summer. Last week Mary and I went to Bike
New York and joined 35,000 other peddlers to tour the five boroughs of N.Y. I
hope there's more news about St. Pete's anniversary activities in DD. Maybe
Cowboy will bring the VO. In two weeks I'll be the defendant in a lawsuit.
One of my tenants is suing me for bad air. He thinks he got sick in one of my
apartments. The guy was a slob, had a dog that died there, smoked pot with a
friend of mine and left the place owing me two months rent. He'll probably
get a couple thousand from my insurance for having late onset asthma while he
was my tenant. My current project is renovating a 6-store commercial
building, bought at foreclosure, in North Buffalo for $20,000. Buildings are
a bargain here we need more people everybody is leaving. This area lost 10%
population in that last 10 years. Happy trails from Tom (Anslem, Wizard)
Lenz. [JB replied: Tom, as I write this, the news is that Buffalo has 7 feet
of snow! I hope you've been able to use your wizardry to dig out and everyone
is OK.]
20 May 2001: Marilyn Stahl: Hi, Jack. Gael sent me the printed copy of DD31
and I finished reading it this morning! Whew! It's always a thrill to read
about you all, but it would never happen if your threesome didn't make it
happen. Great work. I just look at it with joy and say, this is the Church.
Thanks for all you do (and are, but of course). It was kind of eerie to read
what you wrote in '99 (the Lillith concert, for example). Amazing how time
passes by. We'll soon be in the sixth month of '01. Wishing you and yours all
the best always. [Marilyn, your dear brother deserves all the credit. You'd
think he would tire of editing, but he seems to love doing this for all of
us. JB]
21 May 2001: John Behl: : I'm finally catching up
a little with the rest if the world; here I am. When I received DD #31,
figured I should let you know that I can receive future copies via the net. I
have been roaming around the DD home page and checking out pictures and the
elder friars' chitchat. I just finished participating in a Habitat for
Humanity blitz-build here in St. Louis 15 houses in 15 days. I was a house
leader for the Christian Brothers high school. They didn't have anybody to be
there every day and lead the effort. A fresh crew of 20-25 boys and a couple
teachers or parents would show up each morning. It's the closest I've come to
the experience of herding cats. Both of you take care of yourselves and
thanks for all you do to keep the fraternity in touch.
23 May 2001 GK: His letterhead updates his address: Gene Katoski OFM,
(1939-Gentil), 100 Stardust Dr., Sherman, IL 62684-9763, (217) 496-2066 and
writes: What a pleasant surprise. For a whole year I did not receive a copy
of the famous Diaspora Digest. So I presumed that it was defunct. Then, in my
mail yesterday, I received a very large reborn DD. I read it - every word,
from beginning to end. And I enjoyed the very first words: "This issue
is dedicated to GK ... who contributed much." Thanks for the very kind
words. I am enjoying my retirement here in Illinois. I was raised in Iowa,
but spent many years teaching in Illinois (18 in Mayslake and 7 in Quincy).
Then 24 years teaching history at Padua High School in Parma, Ohio.
Altogether, 55 years of teaching. I expect to spend my remaining years here
in Sherman, Ill., about 98 miles north of the capital, Springfield, at Our
Lady of Angels, Villa West. Thanks again. I hope this finds you and Susan
holy, healthy, and happy. May God bless you two always. All ways. (Enclosed
$5 for postage of DD to this old Friar. Gene Katoski, ofm, formerly Fr.
Gentilis Kwiatkowski!
24 May 2001: Chuck Faso: Jack, thanks for the photos. We are advancing in
"grace, age, and wisdom." I turned 60 in January, so I am catching
up with you all. That means that my Classmate Pat Evard who lives in Portland
OR is 69 years old. Seeing the photos reminds me that I have not seen those
guys in many a year - pre-white hair. Mine is quite gray. Ever onward! John
Barrymore said that we only get old when we let our regrets take the place of
our dreams. So dream on, beautiful dreamer. After 21 years, I left St.
Peter's two years ago and now travel the country and beyond as a full time,
itinerant preacher. I love it! Parish missions, retreats ... wherever two or
three are gathered in any one's name, I am ready to say a few words. I live
west of the Loop on Augusta (1000 North) and Western with two Friars, Paul
Lachance of the Montreal Province and with Clarence Klingert. We rent a
little 115-year-old house together in a Ukranian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican
area. From June 17-24, 175 of us will be in St. Louis at a hotel for an All
Province Assembly, a year before Chapter next June. Something new we are
trying for the first time. Mario, chairman for the steering committee
planning this assembly, asked me to facilitate the prayer and liturgy. And on
we go only 300 of us left these days. No novices to make profession this
June. But three novices starting in June. I am off to Kansas City in a few
minutes for a Baptism. Greetings to all the guys. Good to be in touch.
Pictures do say and unleash a thousand words. Thanks again. Are you dancing
or choreographing any these days, O Shepherd of Amahl's friends? [ You refer
to my performance in "Amahl and the Night Visitors" in Cleveland.
Val Messerich was not at all impressed. And, yes, I am dancing as fast as I
can to the chagrin of my children: "Daaad, please!" JB]
24 May 2001: Bev Bruninga. [... I don't think you'll regret a reaffirmation
of how connected we are to those of distant centuries or ideologies from us.
Bev just got back from Cuba last month. She does love those faraway places
(distance and mentality) and keeps finding our shared threads to them. She's
lived them in her mind, then her feet take her there. But Iran and Samarkand
were more deeply embedded than most. Something about Genghis Khan and
Tamarlane and her -- goes far. GS] Got home last night and felt like I had
been on an expedition and felt SO glad I had done it. Unbelievably, Iran was
wonderful in all ways but two -- the traffic is indescribable, and the
clothing was a minor irritant. The people were so friendly and happy to see Americans.
There were lots of tourists there from Italy, France, Germany, Japan and
other places but no other English speakers did we find. How we look different
I don't know but we were constantly approached by people wanting to take our
pictures and wanting to have their pictures taken with us (with their cameras
of course.) We have been brainwashed about the country. It was nothing like
what we expected. No one we met likes the mullahs, you can get anything on
the black market, including alcohol, prostitutes, American movies. Our guide
had seen and liked all the shoot-em-ups, knows and has tapes of all the
current music. It was truly amazing. All street signs are in English and
Arabic, the museums all had their labels in English and Arabic and English is
compulsory in school. We saw teenagers holding hands (I thought touching the
opposite sex in public was a no-no and some men apologized for not shaking
hands with Susie and me, but some did shake hands freely.) We all fell for
our guide and when he left us at the border, he hugged and kissed Joe and
said he would have to shake our hands, but Susie and I hugged him anyway.
Probably embarrassed him. Nothing third world about Iran. 2500 years of
culture. Their shrines, and they are shrines, are to their poets and writers
and scholars, including Omar Khayyam, and not their generals and politicians.
The architecture you think of as Islamic, Moorish, came from there. The Arabs
who conquered and brought Islam were tribal nomads with no culture, so what
was Persian is what spread thru the Islamic world. Like Greece the best is
there. Uzbekistan is altogether different. Soviet, third world, poor,
struggling. But ah, the moonlight in Khiva and the full moon in Samarkand.
Just being there was enough for me, altho there was much to see and enjoy and
appreciate. Joe took a picture of me sitting on the block where Tamerlane's
throne stood. Altogether a wonderful experience. Even the bathrooms in Iran
that I dreaded were for the most part very clean, even tho there really is no
toilet paper. Altho Joe said the men's rooms weren't so nice. The water in
Iran runs thru underground channels built by Cyrus and Darius (we saw Darius'
grave) from the mountains. 30,000 channels. And the water was wonderful. We
filled our bottles at the public fountain everywhere. Enough. I have much to
do.
25 May 2001: Don Blaeser: Hi Gael and Jack, Not sure of your division of
labor re: Diaspora Digest, I'm sending this to both of you. Thanks for your
recent issue of May, 2001. I've read most of it now, which is a kind of newsy
endurance contest. Thanks. Just a little update on myself... First of all,
I've joined the hi-tech age and am now on-line. So please add me to your
address book, saving the cost of mailing the Digest in the future, and perhaps
saving even a tree somewhere. My e-mail address is Trailblaeser of aol.com . Secondly, I've moved. In
June, 2000, I completed 7 years on the novitiate staff at the interprovincial
novitiate in Cedar Lake, IN, and have moved to St. Gratian Friary, 5536 So.
Edgewood Ave., Countryside, IL 60525. There are six of us here, the others
being: Dennis Koopman, Kieran Kemner, Jim Hoffman, Leon Beranek, and Jim
Walton. I am now full time in preaching ministry. Dennis Koopman (my
classmate) and I give parish missions together, and, I might say, do a darned
good job. In fact, Art Feldman and his wife attended the one we gave at St.
James Church in Glen Ellyn, IL, during the Fourth Week of Lent this year, and
were very complimentary to us. Each of us also gives retreats, etc. I'm
really enjoying this new ministry and the new community. Even being brand new
on the preaching circuit, there's enough to keep me busy, and yet there's
enough "down time" to play golf and have dinner with friends, etc.
People often ask me if I miss the novitiate. You can guess the answer: No.
But I do miss the friends I made in Indiana, and also singing in the
Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus. But I do still pick up my trumpet from
time to time and play for some ceremony, such as Solemn Professions,
Ordinations, etc. It's fun! It's good to hear what everybody is doing. Take
care, and try not to lose this for a year!!![How about for 6 months? It's
worth waiting for, don't you think? Thanks for the update. JB]
27 May 2001 Anton Braun Zeke, I just completed reading the
Digest, #31 and I feel inspired to respond to all the good and interesting
items that crossed my experience from then till now. All those years and what
the Disporites are doing with their lives. I wish to share what I am doing
with mine. As was visually noted in DD 31 I married Jan in July of 1999 with
Mike Mooney officiating. It was the best life decision for this guy who just
turned 60 a couple months previously. Upon figuring out the years, I spent 24
years in the Order and then 17 years as a single person finding my way. Then
along came Jan and she helps me set the course for the rest of my years. She
has lots of energy and determination and creativeness to add to the mixture.
Recently she was watching me involved in one of my carpentry projects as I
walked from he garage/shop to the basement, since I have tools in both
places. She observed that I could be a lot more efficient if I were to have
all my tools in one place. Thus began the plans for building a new shop in a
new garage. Presently that is taking place and we hope to have this structure
for me to work efficiently in the near future. I appreciate very much all the
effort and energy you and all the folks put into the DD and I relish reading
it each time. Jan and I are both active in our parish, St. Andrew the
Apostle, with ministries and the Christ Renews His Parish program. We see it
as an effective vehicle in getting people to know one another in our small
parish community. I do a weekly communion service and lecture at Sunday Mass,
Jan is a distributor of Communion. She has two adult children and Chris, our
daughter will have a child in December and that will bring us into grand
parenthood. A whole new dimension for us. Life goes on. Carry on. I shall
keep in touch. Thanks for all you do in communicating with us. Pax et Bonum.
Anton
27 May 2001 Dan Tanna : Gael, Looking at the photo, Bob
Hoffman (one of us Quincy guys) is at a 135 degree angle ( i.e. south
southwest) of Danny Dolesh's right eye. Got it? Or, to the left of Andy
Knoll's right ear. Great picture! But I don't think - if fact, I know - Pat
Krull isn't there. She and Jerry were with Sharon and me who, unfortunately,
arrived at the Conveniat after the photo had been taken. But my late arrival
did give Ray Konrath's "Hey Turtle" hoot added verve and elation.
As you may or may not know, when Leon Wemhoff described my foot speed on a
basketball court as having the velocity of a turtle, Ray pledged to remind me
of it for the rest of my life. And, I might say, he has succeeded honorably.
I felt right at home. Thanks again to you and Jack! Dan
Mayslake Photo: [See DD web page and/or hard copy first page.] [Gael had sent
the e-mail DD group his and Jack Bartz' attempts to identify those in the
Portiuncula conveniat photo of June 2000. He wrote: Here's what I come up
with. Maybe Cowboy and those who were there can help: Left to right: John
Doctor, provincial minister. Dick Korn, Ralph Seidl and Rita Seidl. Next is
someone I recognize him but forget his name - Bob Willford?- Jerry Klein,
Dennis Koopman, Charlie and Irving Bloss, unknown male (Jerry Hiller?), Tom
and Berta Leenerts, Jim Tye - in shadow, Maria Tye or Jean Griffin??, Dan
Dolesh (next to Tye back row), Cullan and Lannie Uhlinger (front row), Andrew
Knoell (between Dolesh and Uhlinger), Ray Konrath (back row), Dennis Griffin,
unknown male, Bob Feltman (back row), Barb Feltman, Pat Krull??, John Laker,
Dan Mazar, Tom Lenz and Mary, Jim Zangs (behind them), Cheryl and Jack
Bartz.]
27 May 2001 Paul (Josaphat) Stubenbort Gael! Thanks
for the photo update and keeping me informed. I'm spending this summer in
Alaska again and hope to connect with Bill Cardy and Joe Hemmer. I've been in
touch with Bill. You or someone else asked about info on Mike Clarahan. He
says he will get in touch himself. Pax.
28 May 2001 Charlie & Irv Bloss: I just finished DD#31; always a delight.
And tearful reflection as I learned of my classmate, Cy Wagner's death.
Several years ago, I remember being in Chicago visiting my in-laws, and
seeing Cy's "escape from the Congo" plastered on the front page of
the Chicago Tribune. Cy reportedly crawled out under a building and got away
just ahead of the troops, which would have had no qualms about killing him,
as they shot up the building he was escaping under. In talking with him
later, he made little of his notoriety. Cy had a heart of gold and a laugh to
fill any room; a simple farm kid from Mt. Sterling, Ill. I did not know he
was in ill health. I'll miss him. [Cy dined and wined me when I visited Memphis,
was doing dialysis at home for his failing kidneys, and was not one to
concern me with his health, but assuring me of a good welcome and
hospitality. He was one of St. Francis early followers reborn after 800
years. He's somewhere listening and saying, "Hey, what can I do for you,
now?" Thanks for your classmate-appreciation, Charlie. We wanted to be
reminded. - Gael] I must thank Steve Yonick for his update. Altho I only knew
him in brief passing memories, he made a lasting impression as a true friar. I
remember his visiting theology in T-Town about '65 or '66, I think, back from
Jerusalem. His words about the Israeli-Palestinian turmoil were insightful
and prophetic 35 years ago, and ever true today. The Palestinians remain dis-
empowered and homeless. The conflict continues. Steve enchanted us with his
organ playing. What a magnificent talent. My wife, Irv, and I are off this
week for 15 days in Spain. My sister-in-law is from Spain originally and will
be our "tour guide." Madrid to Morocco and back, with friends,
relatives, and good times anticipated. I'll probably tread in a few friars'
footsteps along the way, some no doubt noble and esteemed, and some not so.
Here in Minneapolis, I connect periodically with Bob Hankey, Phil Eiden, John
Knorr, and Ollie Stocker. I would love to eat meet Ben Skonieczny's daughter,
Amy, who I understand is now at the University of Minnesota. Ben was a year
ahead of me, and returning from Brazil joined our class. What a spirit of
adventure and hope. I think of Ben and miss him. And haven't seen Kay for
years. Hello Kay! Gael and Susan, my heartfelt gratitude for your devoted
efforts in facilitating our connections from various hinterlands. [And thanks
to you and Irv from us for your help.]
28 May 2001: Jack Bartz: (More on Mayslake Retreat House) Mansion Work To
Continue Despite Loss Of Supervisor, by Brian Boyle, The Doings Newspapers,
5/24/01 [I omitted the information which was repeated from the article in 17
May above. JB] ...Jerry Bulifant's last day at the Peabody Mansion was May
11. ...The DuPage County Forest Preserve Commission recently awarded $2.6
million in contracts for the mansion restoration. ...The project is moving
along, thanks to hard workers like Bulifant and the forest district staff,
said Commissioner Olivia Gow (R-2, Elmhurst). "But it is still a blow to
lose someone with that kind of professionalism and knowledge," she said.
...Bulifant was a perfect fit for the property, said Audrey Muscled, a member
of the Oak Brook Historical Society. She has watched the mansion story unfold
for the past 10 years. "He (understood) the important of the historical
integrity of the project," Muscled said. The Mayslake Landmark
Conservancy, the fund-raising and advisory group dedicated to keeping the
mansion a historic treasure, recognizes that it will take time for the forest
district to find Bulifant's replacement, David Fichter, the group's
president, stated in a letter to forest district officials. The conservancy,
therefore, has offered its services to help oversee the restoration project,
Fichter stated. "Certain conservancy's members have significant
professional background in the areas that would be required to manage the
pending project," he wrote. Forest district officials, however, have
other plans on how to handle the mansion project following Bulifant's
resignation, spokesman Bill Weider said. "From an operations standpoint,
there's staff at Mayslake capable of taking reservations and dealing with
public events," Weider said. "As far as construction, the (forest
district) staff will coordinate and maintain the contracts. Also, there are
management systems in place to take care of maintaining the grounds."
The forest district now will conduct an extensive search to find Bulifant's
replacement.
28 May 2001: Richard Lohkamp: Attached are two files, copies of an article
that a friend of Joan and me clipped from a Chicago area paper. You may
already have seen it, but in case not... [They are above from Jack Bartz. JB]
We enjoyed the last DD. Missed you last summer. Best to you and Susan.
29 May 2001: Dan Tanna: Gael & Jack!!! Yes, I did received DD31 - a la US
Mail and email. Don't know why the email version bounced back, Jack! We've
experience some weird stuff on our emails lately. Actually thinking about
going to another address, i.e., Tanna26 of home.com. It is a Comcast
concoction (we think its a DSL line???) but not sure. Tannads of msn.com has
been the address these many years. Gael, as Fr. Gildard will testify,
geometry was not my bag. Now Jerry Krull could make it look so easy!!! (I
gritted my teeth and grrrrrrrrd inside many times as my beads of perspiration
on my brow contrasted with Jer's cool, calm, collected - almost automatic
-absorption of angles, theorems, corollaries, parallelograms, and so on and
so forth.) But I meant to say 185 degrees from Danny's right eye instead of
135. I actually reflectively realized it driving to work last Friday morning.
And now that I look at the photo again and recognize the Uhlingers, Bob
(Butch) is one row behind Jack and Lannie and to the left of his right ear.
Got it! I certainly understand how a 135 degree bearing would take you in the
wrong direction. [Huh? JB] Jack, see any good movies lately? [Yes,
"Buffalo 66." It has special relevance since we were ordained that
year. JB] Sharon and I extended the celebration of our 6th anniversary and
Memorial Day holiday weekend by taking today off and taking in a matinee -
"Bridget Jones' Diary." I am a Zellwiger fan!!! Back to the grind
tomorrow!!! Hey, Guys, thanks again for everything. Much more later on!!!
31 May 2001: Chuck Faso: (Form letter) Peace and Everything Good! I have been
on the road preaching parish missions and retreats since January 3. These
four months concluded after Easter with 23 people to New Zealand and Australia.
It was wondrous. We were overwhelmed with glaciers, fiords, millions of
sheep, a ballet at the Sydney Opera House, and even snorkeling at the Great
Barrier Reef. Many people ask about my trips and pilgrimages of the future.
So for you and for other people you know who want to travel, check the
following web link: for places I plan to go. Also you will find there
the names and phone numbers of the three travel agents with whom I am
working. These summer months have some time for me to visit the art museums,
to catch up on reading and piano practicing, and to visit family and friends.
Hope we see each other soon. Blessings on you and your families. My e-mail
address is: cfaso of frchuckofm.org Disregard all other e-mail addresses to
me.
31 May 2001: Luis Runde: Jack: Good to hear from you, and the great long
Diaspora recentissima... Sorry I cannot help with photo: for one thing, my
simple machine would not enlarge enough to clarify any faces. Say a prayer (I
know you believe in em..) for our chapter/assembly, June 17 is the opening. *
Motivation: even with our declining numbers and turning over parishes etc. to
others, We want to be a vital part of the church. Good. ** Specific
motivation: we are "not to continue to engage in Crisis management as a
style of life." Wish us good luck in this goal; but I ask, if neither US
Govt nor business can do it, how can followers of Francis?? You see, I still
have a cynical streak. .. But hope springs forth eternally. Peace & all
good.
Late May 2001: Rosemary Wickham called from the Franciscan Sisters
Motherhouse in Dubuque. Rosemary was superior of the Franciscan nuns at
Corpus Christi Parish and grade school in Chicago in the late 1960s and known
to many student friars during summer programs and active friars also. Mooney,
Stachura, and I were stationed there at the time and in love with her and
she's a longtime participant in Diaspora Digest. She called me the day before
Gwen (whom we knew from those days) left for her trial to say Gwen and her
sister - also a nun but older - might be doing federal time. I asked Rosemary
to write it all up for DD after the trial. I haven't heard so I will quote
this article my sister Marilyn sent me. "Make the World Safer, Send a
Nun To Jail" by Stephanie Salter, June 14, 2000, San Francisco Chronicle
IT MIGHT be fine and dandy with some of you that the government of the United
States has thrown the book at an 88-year-old nun and her 68-year-old kid
sister, who is also a nun. Then again, maybe you don't even know about this.
Last month, in Columbus, Ga., U.S. Magistrate G. Mallon Faircloth apparently
decided to make the world safe from religious women of conscience who
peacefully trespass on federal property -- specifically, the military
training facility at Fort Benning formerly known as the School of the
Americas. He sentenced Franciscan nun Dorothy Hennessey, 88, and her younger
sister, Gwen, 68, who is also a Franciscan nun, to six months each in federal
prison -- the maximum possible penalty. Since 1990, when Maryknoll priest Roy
Bourgeois and a handful of other protesters showed up at the gates of the
school (recently renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security
Cooperation), it has been targeted by tens of thousands of demonstrators.
Every October, adults, students and little kids gather at the entrance to
Fort Benning to decry the school's deadly role in Latin American politics and
to demand its closure. Some of the protesters -- more each year --
"cross the line" and trespass onto the grounds. Usually, they carry
coffins and name placards that represent the people who've died at the hands
of SOA graduates. The Hennessey sisters were among several thousand who
crossed the line last October and got arrested. So were two other nuns from
different orders -- Elizabeth Anne McKenzie from the Sisters of St. Joseph
and Miriam Spencer from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Faircloth slapped
them with the maximum six months in prison, too. McKenzie is 71, Spencer, 75.
Proving that he is an interdenominational kind of guy, Faircloth also sent a
Quaker couple from Ohio -- Bill Houston, 72, and Hazel Tulecke, 77 -- to
federal prison. Like the nuns, Houston got the max, but Tulecke received a
break: only three months. Altogether, 26 peaceful trespassers were sentenced
by the judge. Most (21) got the max, but two got off with a few years
probation. One man from Mississippi, Steve Jacobs, received two 6-month
sentences. Merciful magistrate that he is, Faircloth told Gwen Hennessey that
she didn't have to report to the federal pen at Pekin, Ill. -- the nearest
prison to her order's Dubuque, Iowa, motherhouse -- until after she
celebrates the 50th anniversary of taking her vows. He also offered the older
Dorothy the option of serving her sentence under "motherhouse
arrest" in Dubuque. According to the National Catholic Reporter, Sister
Dorothy told the judge, "No thanks" because she is not an invalid
and wanted to be treated the same as her 25 co-defendants. Two of 15
Hennessey siblings, Dorothy and Gwen told the Reporter that their peaceful civil
disobedience was a kind of activist memorial to their late brother,
Franciscan friar Ron Hennessey. He served for 34 years as a missionary in
Latin America and was friends with Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero.
Romero's 1980 assassination was master-minded by graduates of the School of
the Americas. Like their fellow convicts, the Hennessey sisters said they
weren't looking forward to jail, but they planned to make the best of it.
Said Dorothy: "If there's time left after we get out we might want to go
into prison ministry." Just knowing that those two women will be off the
street for six months should really make us all sleep better at night, don't
you think? c 2001 The San Francisco Chronicle
May 2001 WEORC news: Marty Hegarty passed the editorial torch on to John
Horan, Bob Backis, Bob Motycka (circulation), and about "20 men and
women to fill Marty's considerable shoes. If interested in joining the work
of the new guard, contact John Horan at 773/743-8157."
1 June 2001: John Miller (Hans):We found out yesterday that Sandy has breast
cancer. Fortunately, they found it at a very early stage, but there is some
concern because she does have other areas of calcification that may be
precursors. Thus there is some debate whether she should have a simple
mastectomy or lumpectomy. We saw one surgeon today, and will see another next
week, for a second opinion. But really they leave it up to you, and just
outline the options. This is much like handicapping horses, except your life
is at stake. At this time, we're OK, but with my pending retirement, selling
one house, our move to another state, building another house, it adds a bit
of extra "excitement." Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks.
2 June 2001 Vince Zimmerman – Vzimmy of aol.com: Thanks for your efforts at
forwarding the DD. I've read it and enjoyed it muchly. We moved in July of
'99 to this new house we built out in the woods. Mooney has happened upon us
once since then and enjoyed our hospitality. Karen (23) and David (18) both
thought he was "cool" -- "One of them old Hippies!" The
new phone number is (217) 793-3567. I'm off work for several weeks here
because I had my left hip replaced. (I misplaced the old one.) Luke Tupper
convinced me to jog in 1967 and I did so until the hips wore out. I'm doing
well, though. Surgery was 5/24, went home 5/27 and I'm on crutches already.
The Lord has this sense of humor -- all the things I figured I wouldn't have
to think about in life have become part of my life. David "came
out" last year, and has been dragging Barb and I into the world of the
gay. He is so much happier that I can see the blessing of this all. He
graduates Sunday from the local Catholic high school. He has given them a run
for their money but I have to say that they stayed with him. And Karen has
taken up cocktail waitressing. It was great to see Anton's picture in the DD.
I'll have to send my congratulations. Anyway, thanks again for your efforts.
Hope all is well with you and Susan.
5 June 2001 Ray Wiemer: Dear friends, Please feel free to remove my name from
your mailing. I know so few of the people mentioned, and do not think it is
worth your effort to keep me on your list. Thank you very much.
12 June 2001 John McMahon: I was at St. Joe's from 1943-49, and left at the
end of novitiate in Teutopolis in 1950. I was introduced to St. Joe's
Seminary by Tony Lutz (Hi, Tony) in 1942 or 1943. I taught in the public high
schools for 40 years in Illinois and California. My classmates were Fr.
Juvenal, Fr. Barry, Fr. Lambert, Jerry Etzkorn (Hi, Jerry), Fr. Gale White,
Fr. Bob Pahler, Fr. Gratian who died a few years back. All wonderful men.
They and all the Franciscans inspired me in my work as a teacher. I am still
curious to find Richard O'Connor, who was Frater Flannan and Joe Moog, both from
the Chicago area. If any of you know their addresses, please send them to me.
Meanwhile, each Sunday, I attend my parish church, the Mission San Diego de
Alcala, found by Padre Junipero Serra in 1769. One Sunday, I went out to
congratulate the little Franciscan on his excellent sermon. As I got close to
him, he began to look familiar. To my surprise and pleasure, he turned out to
be Fr. Ken Kiefer from the Sacred Heart Province, one year ahead of me in
class at St. Joe's in 1943! We've been meeting ever since on Sundays. I have
loved the Franciscans all my life and am happy I cannot escape them. May God
bless your work. - John "Lefty" McMahon
15 June 2001 Anton Braun Zeke, I trust you are well,
wherever you are. I mentioned to Mooney about those [Sky Chaney on Mt.
Everest] letters, but have not heard back from him, so I will let that rest.
News: Bob House passed away on June 11. He was ill for quite some time and
his body finally gave out that day. The funeral was yesterday, June 14 in
Monroe, Wis. The pastor, Fr. Umhoff, did a very appropriate job speaking of
Bob and his life work of providing hospitality. I recall the many time I have
benefitted from that gift of his, all the way back to 1953. You have, as
well. May he rest in God's peace.[Bob was married to Anton's sister Marion.]
18 June 2001 Bob Dougherty: Put enclosed $25 toward postage/paper that I've
"used up" for the copies of Diaspora Digest. Thank you for all the
concern and work that go into this endeavor. I have e-mail access now at work
so can I "go on-line?" I think that's the way everybody puts it. My
email address is: slhouse of ix.netcom.com - Have a good summer.
25 June 2001 Tony Lutz: My dear friend, Bob Wilson, said I have been trying
to save his soul. Yes, he has a soul and can be saved, but salvation,
conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit and not little ol' me. When St.
Bernadette of Lourdes was questioned by the civil authority, she said simply:
"The Blessed Mother told me to witness to her message. She never said I
was to convince you." Conviction comes from above to humble and
receptive spirits. A friend of mine is a retired professor of physics. He was
an atheist who made fun of us who prayed before an abortuary. One day his
studies led him to believe in God. Then he fell on his knees and asked for
faith in Jesus Christ. It was given to him instantly. The gift of faith is
free for all true seekers. Years ago I attended a Billy Graham crusade at the
Pontiac, Michigan Silver Dome. At it a dynamic gospel singer, Evi Tornquist, sang
this song: "If you want to go to heaven, say 'I do.'" And we all
answered: "I do." Yes, Bob, we all have to be like little children
before him who is the only "way, the truth, and the life." He is
waiting for that "I do." The Catholic Medical Association just
released a document entitled "Homosexuality and hope." It is the
result of a two-year study by a well-qualified task force that studied
current scientific facts and the practical experience of the task force
member. It addresses a positive program of providing help, support, and hope
for those homosexual persons who wish to live in union with the Catholic
church. Topics in the report are current myths advanced in the literature,
the early identification of same sex attraction and a treatment program that
would lead to goals that would allow full communion with our church. To get
the report contact the Catholic Medical Association at POB 757, Pewankee, WI
53072 or through its website at www.Cathmed.org. Another valuable study is an
issue of "Catholic Dossier," March-April 2001, entitled,
"Homosexuality Revisited." If one is open to truth, he will this
hard-hitting issue. [If I don't get a hard on reading it, I'm hitting them up
for a refund or two free issues. Gbs] Within the last year an evangelical Pentecostal
pastor Alex Jones from Detroit came into the Catholic church with many of his
congregation. You can get his great video conversion story, "No Price
Too High," from Saint Joseph Communications (1-800-526-2151). After I
sent a "Sacerdos Inactivus" the above cited material on
homosexuality, he wrote: "The statement of the CMA is a wonderful thing
and I cannot understand the bishops of this country and Canada give their new
almost squandered moral support to documents which are at best terribly
misleading and spiritually dangerous to those of our brothers who are
infected with this terrible problem. As an article by a priest published by
Catholic World Report openly stated: 'Our bishops themselves are now corrupt
as a group and there is therefore no hope that the church in the United
States can reform itself. Holy Father, please save us.' Those are powerful
words, Tony, but I must confess that I have come to the same conclusion.
[Isn't this what the New Testament calls the sin against the Holy Spirit? I
(we) can't be saved because I don't believe the Holy Spirit has the power to
save me from myself. Gbs] There are a few bishops who are trying to be truly
Catholic shepherds, but most are either indifferent and cowardly, or outright
heretics." The scene has changed drastically over the years. There is no
longer sin, personal responsibility and commitment. When asked by Raymond
Arroyo on EWTN what was the greatest need in America today, Pat Buchanan
immediately said: "Moral Leadership." Amen to that. My vacation
time this year was spent on the beaches of Costa Rica and in the Provence
area of France. While the weather and scenery of Costa Rica was wonderful, I
found out you don't drive at night and you can't go over 50 mph for fear of
potholes, heavy traffic, and no soft shoulders. Sue and I loved the great
fields of Provence with its neatly pruned vineyards, green and yellow fields.
As an artist, Sue wants to go to Venice above Nice where Matisse designed and
outfitted a chapel. He did this to thank Dominican Sisters who nursed him
back to health. Matisse designed everything, even the gorgeous vestments for
all the liturgical seasons. A great visit. Before we got to Venice, we
stopped at the town of St. Maximin where we stayed at a seminary turned into
a hotel. The seminary was connected to the large basilica of St. Maximin. St.
Maximin was one of the 72 disciples of Christ who came to southeastern France
with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. The bishop, St. Maximin, and St. Mary
Magdalen are buried in the crypt of the basilica. During the Middle Ages,
this was a famous place of pilgrimage. We stayed at Lourdes two days and
participated in all the services. Lourdes will help revive your faith. Never
saw more people in wheelchairs and on stretchers in my life. Then, up to
Nevers where we visited the convent where St. Bernadette Soubirous spent the
rest of her life, a Sister of Charity. Her incorrupt body is in a glass
casket in the convent chapel. She looks very lovely. On the way back to Paris
airport we stopped to see the Cathedral at Bourges. We liked its stained
glass windows even better than Chartres. On 13 June, I celebrated my 75th
with a surprise birthday party. Some old friends came whom I haven't seen in
years. My brother, a retired priest, came in for the celebration. Looking
back, I thank almighty God for the many blessings I have received and for a
joy-filled life. - Semper in Christo Jesu. [Thanks, Tony, for your stipend
"for all the hard work."] 26 June 2001: John Miller (Hans): Sandy
is scheduled to have her operation at Rush on July 17. It will be bilateral,
simple mastectomies, with reconstruction begun immediately. We trust things
will go well. Thanks for your support and prayers.
4 July 2001: Dennis Griffin: I respectfully submit another name to you for
the DD. Charles Neuman from the class of Carol Mizicko (two behind us) went
through to the point of solemn vows. He was at both Cleveland and Quincy. He
is in my parish, St. James'. His wife was in the convent, but I can't
remember which group or city. Charles and Marilyn Neuman; 2439 Brandenberry
Court; Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5165; (847) 398-6265; I
will forward anything more that comes my way. Peace and good to you guys.
Happy Fourth of July. [We used to call our honorable classmate "Dennis
the Menace;" now he's "Dennis the Dentist." JB]
17 July 2001: John Miller (Hans): Sandy's surgery today lasted about 6 hours,
but everything seemed to go well, according to both doctors. They are
checking lymph nodes just to be sure it has not spread anywhere else, but
they felt fairly certain it had not. She will probably be in the hospital
(Rush) until at least Thursday. ...When I left today, while she was still
quite "out of it," she seemed OK. My seminary classmate, Dennis,
spent the day with me at the hospital. He did it without my request, but I
certainly deeply appreciated his support, and it made the day easier for me.
I will now "crash," and hope to get a good night's rest, something
that has eluded me for some time. We want to thank everyone for their show of
support and prayers. This has been an amazing experience, and we have been
overwhelmed with the various expressions of support. We won't forget that and
hope we can "be there" for you as well, whenever you need it. Many
thanks! Pax et Bonum.
23 July 2001: Roberto Flores: from the HAPPY Foundation Archives: Archives
Director: Gene Elder (and don't you forget it.) (CNSNews.com) - The Catholic
Church once performed homosexual marriages, a religious historian will report
at Ireland's gay studies conference Saturday. The vows, prevalent between the
11th and 16th century, united homosexuals as "wedded" brothers for
life, Dublin academic Alan Bray told the Irish Independent newspaper.
"I'm sure this will create quite a stir both in the Catholic Church and
among gay people, but what I'm presenting is a way for both sides to come
together," Bray told the Independent. But the Catholic League says such
revelations are hardly new or true, and that Bray's report is simply a ploy
to rationalize same-sex marriage. Yale historian John Boswell made similar
claims based on the same medieval event: rites bonding a platonic
"brotherhood" - not a sexual relationship, said Catholic League
spokesman Patrick Scully. "This stuff has all been refuted before,"
Scully said. Same-sex couples participated in Catholic sacraments and were
buried together, and "sexual potential wasn't a bar to the
blessing," Bray told the newspaper. Scully dismisses any sexual
allegations. "It had nothing to do with physical, intimate or sexual
type of implications," Scully said. "What we're seeing here is the
radical gay agenda trying to legitimize same-sex marriage, and among the ways
they're trying to do it is revisionist history."
27 July 2001: Chuck Faso: (Form letter). Greetings from Chicago in the midst
of July. Peace and Everything Good! Already it is July 27. So I thought I
would send all of you in my address book an short update of this year since
January. 2001 has been a year of travel, preaching, and lots of firsts. I
began this year preaching in Hawaii for four weeks. Yes, I had to leave four
feet of snow and ice to preach four parish missions, three in Honolulu and
one on the Big Island of Hawaii. When Jesus calls, you have to go. Yeah
Jesus! Then I preached 13 parish missions in and around Chicago. I celebrated
Holy Week at the Cenacle Retreat House in Warrenville - a moving experience.
And will preach the Triduum there next year. On Easter Monday I traveled with
23 people to New Zealand and Australia. First time! Now I know what Awesome
truly means! Mountains and Alps and Rain Forests and Fiords and Millions of
Sheep - and that's just New Zealand. Australia: We visited Sydney, Cairns
from where we went snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, and finally
Melbourne. Leaned to say G'day, Mate! After a week in June in St. Louis with
150 Franciscan Friars for our first All Province Assembly, I have been in
Chicago reading and writing, preparing for the new season of retreats and
parish mission that will begin at the end of August in Philadelphia. I have
been to Jerusalem 20 times but had never been to Yellowstone National Park in
Wyoming. So on July 2, Eddie and Gwen from Dublin, Ireland and I began a 4200
trip to Big Sky MT and Yellowstone National Park. On July 3 we began our day
in Mitchell, South Dakota, town of the Corn Palace. Several hours later, my
1997 Ford Taurus with 59,000 miles decided to die - overheated to much that
the motor began a melt down. I sold what was left of the Taurus, rented a
car, and we continued on our journey. In the process, we met our first Native
American, Daniel Longshoulder from the nearby Sioux Reservation, the largest
Reservation in the country. He stopped on I-90 to help us three helpless
stranded travelers who were standing around a steaming engine. Blessings on
Daniel and his family. After an overwhelming drive through the Bad Lands of
South Dakota, we drove to Mt. Rushmore to see the fireworks display above the
heads of the Presidents. On through Wyoming. Then a visit to Devil's Tower of
Closer Encounters fame. Next - after 10 hours - we arrived at Big Sky MT. My
niece Joanna lives there. Six days in Big Sky. From there we visited
Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, white water rafting with Joanna as our guide,
and horseback riding. There really are buffalos, elk, moose, bears, Old
Faithful, and Grand Canyon, etc. Put Yellowstone on your list of places to
see. We drove out west on I-90 and returned through North Dakota on I-94. My
pilgrimages and trips this coming year include the Holy Land in September and
next April. Also trips to Tuscany, Costa Rica, Quebec, Slovenia and Croatia.
If you want any brochures on these trips, e-mail me. Hope you are enjoying
these summer days. Let's keep each other in prayer and plan to meet sometime
soon. May the Lord be above you to inspire you, beneath you to support you.
May the Lord go ahead of you to guide you, and be behind you to protect you,
and be along side you to accompany you today, tomorrow, and always! God bless
you - a lot!
28 July 2001 Dan Mazar to John Miller: Great news about Sandy!!! Isn't that
super! Just returned from Montana. Had a fine visit. Took a pilgrimage to
Whitehall and saw your new shrine. The roof is on but the gate was locked.
You are slowly becoming a Montana cowboy. Thrilled? COWBOY
29 July 2001 Miller to Mazar: Hank & Cowboy: Did you take pictures??
Attended the wedding of Dennis' oldest, Brian, last night. Sandy was
determined to make it, and she lasted about 3 hours. We saw Brian baptized,
as a new born, and now to see him married is quite a thrill. Saw Jim Ballard
and Joe Csotty. The four of us (Dennis, Jim, Joe and me) had our pictures
taken together to commemorate a rare meeting of 4 classmates. We talked about
you, and Jim did mention that he and the family may come out to Montana next
year. Dennis is also talking about it, but getting him to do it, is quite
another matter. But stranger things have happened, like Cowboy buying a
computer-- I'm still amazed at that. Sandy is still planning on coming out on
Aug. 15, mainly to do some final planning for the building. I will be holding
down the farm by myself. Have no one this year, as the young lady that
usually does it is pregnant and having problems. Hope to hear from you
sometime. Do open up your computer birthday greeting. It was meant especially
for you and Cowboy. I'm happy you realized it was a "pilgrimage."
The shrine of Sts. John & Sandy will have a poor box out on the road for
those wayward travelers who want to contribute. You could have gone in. The
contractor is keeping it locked because the idiot neighbor across the road
keeps leaving it open as he crosses his stock to BLM land, on which he grazes
his stock. He has permission, per sales contract, but if he's going to be an
idiot about it, he has to call the contractor each time he wants to cross.
He's the same asshole who let his rodeo bull get off his property, let him
roam for over a week on someone else's until the wife was attacked, whereupon
the husband shot the bull 27 times. He just couldn't understand this as it
was a "tame rodeo bull." They are now suing each other. It only
goes to prove that you never get away from fools and assholes. As to being
"thrilled," I hope so, as it's costing us enough! Glad you had a
good time. Hope you had a great birthday. I E-mailed both you a card, but I
doubt Hank will open it until Christmas. The news about Sandy is great, and
she is doing well. Have to take her to the plastic surgeon 2-3 times per
week, but we'll get through this. Be good. John
20 Aug 2001: Wilmar Engel: Zeke, Jack, As I was surfing the net, I came upon
Digest 31 and was astonished to find that something like this existed. I also
found a photo of some sort of reunion at Mayslake and recognized some people,
particularly Jerry Klein from our class. I read your 56 page article and recognized
many of the names. I have been living here in Tracy, Minnesota the past 40
years and retired from teaching two years ago. I would be very interested in
learning what has happened to all my classmates and would appreciate anything
you could do to help me make contact. I have a daughter who lives near
Chicago and have tried to find out if Jerry Klein still lived there but with
no success. I will anxiously be waiting for news of all of you. My e-mail is
engel of am-media.com A friend from the past, Shorty (Wimpy) Engel [We have
turned "Shorty" on to all the eddresses we have. JB]
Summer 01: Frank Flinn sent an e-letter with attached article he wrote,
"Whose Commandments? Which Version?" Frank is a court expert on the
legal definition of religion and on issues of church and state. In Tennessee
asprobably everywhere else, well-meaning church types who may not display
"the commandments" in their homes or churches but want a plaque in
every county courthouse thinking it will prevent us from having strange gods
before their god or taking their particular god's name in vain or not keep
holy their Sabbath or Sunday. Frank lists three different sets of the
commandments in the Bible (Ex 20:10-17, Deut 5:6-21, and Ex 34:11-26).
Moreover, Jews assert there are actually 613 mitzvoth (commandments) in the
Torah. Catholics and Protestants like the first two lists, Jews the third.
Whose translation gets the honors? There are now more practicing Buddhists
than Anglicans, more practicing Muslims than Presbyterians in the U.S. What
about the laws of the Buddhist Asoka or code of the Hindu Bodhisattva or the
99 Names of God of the Muslims? -- In Tennessee, a Chattanooga federal judge
finally has stopped the deluge of postings that mock our First Amendment
right to live in a country with a free-market religion industry without state
religion controversies like the eternal religious wars of the Near East and
Europe of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. This is personal curmudgeonry
on my part. You can contact Frank at: fkflinn of artsci.wustl.edu for the
whole article. And in compensation for inserting this here, I spare you the
Gael & Susan Christmas literary splurge of 2001.
4 Sept 2001 Jerry Voss: I am still alive and teaching school. I even have
Latin I, II, and A P Virgil. To keep me out of trouble I paint houses on the
side. Nice time for meditation. The reason for this note is a change of
address: Gerald L Voss, 2920 Terri Lane, Joplin, MO 64804. Angela and I have
been fine. Our eldest is married and has one son. Our son graduated from
Texas A&M at Commerce and is assistant manager at Lowe's in Mesquite,
Texas. Our daughter graduated from MSSC and is about to complete her master's
in nutrition from Arkansas. Our youngest will graduate from MSSC in December
with a degree in accounting and business management. It will be nice to have
them all out of college. Do keep up the good work. Good luck to all.
1 Sep 2001: Chuck Faso: (Form letter). Hello to all you, family and friends
on e-mail! Today I was going to send you all a message to tell you that I was
departing tomorrow Sept. 12 with nine people for a 12 days pilgrimage to the
Holy Land, both Israel and Palestine. Before I could send you that e-mail,
the horror of the attacks in New York and Washington happened this morning.
None of us, US and the world, will ever be the same because of this terrorist
action on our shores. Six of the nine pilgrims were to fly into Chicago today
for our flight tomorrow. Since all flights within the US and well as to and
from the US are canceled, we could not gather as a group. The insecurity of
the world stage at this time added to the reason for our decision to cancel
the trip. So I will not being going to Israel and Palestine, the Holy Land,
at this time. Let us remember in prayer those killed and wounded and their
families and friends.
24 Sep 2001: Wilmar Engel: Jack, I finally have my computer restored. A
little history! After I left St. Joe's I completed college at Minnesota State
University in Mankato and then started teaching in Tracy, Minnesota where I
have stayed 41 years. I taught French and traveled with students and adults
to Western Europe for 30 years and am still traveling with small groups of
adults. I have officially retired but return each morning to teach one
English class. I finish by 10:00 AM and have the rest of the day for myself
until my wife comes home at 5 PM. Do you know what has happened to our old
friend Father Valentine. The last time I saw him was at the first mass of Tom
Ess. I recently emailed Father Tom but his computer must not work either.
Could you possibly email me Jerry Klein's address. It would be fun to contact
him. We were very close friends at St. Joe's. I also attended his first mass.
I was unable to open the list you sent and I am not sure if it was the fault
of my computer or not. Hoping to hear from you. [I got Wil and Jerry Klein
connected as you can see below. JB]
3 Oct 2001 OFMs announced they'd leave two historic Memphis parishes. The
article in the Memphis daily newspaper hit me where it hurt. I often stayed
at St. Mary's and St. Thomas/St. Augustine parishes when visiting Memphis.
The numbers of our friars and diasporites are too many to mention, but the
hospitality of Jim Lyke, Carroll Mizicko, Brian Szorady, Maury Smith, Cyril
Wagner, Roch Pfeifer, and Ronan Foley, and Brother Guy Licht were part of my
life from 1970-2000. Apologies to a dozen others I'm failing to mention. [The
farewell celebrations at Memphis were May17-19, 2002. My old parish Corpus
Christi in Chicago was to be vacated by Chris Reuter and the OFMs June 2002.]
3 Oct 2001: Jack Brennan: Dear Zeke, Thanks for all the emails. The Latinisms
would make Julius Schott turn over in his grave. He was such a purist. You
forgot: "Quid est super, medice"; et "semper ubi sub
ubi." Of course, the ones you sent were much more sophisticated with
proper syntax and vocabulary. I was channel surfing the other night and I was
amazed to see a program called: "More than a game." What caught my
eye at first was a basketball team with "T-Town" printed on the
front of their jerseys. I watched for a bit and then I saw the name of the
team: "Wooden Shoes." That could only mean the high school of our
beloved Teutopolis!!! And so it was. I wouldn't swear to it in court, but I
think the year was 1991 or so. It was quite a good program about their run
for the State championship. They didn't make it to the finals that particular
year, but they made it to #2 the following year. I looked for familiar names
like Weber, Habig, Runde, Niebrugge et al, but the only name that rang a bell
was Koester. If the program runs again, I'll try to tape it and send it on to
you. You would like it. We are doing well in the American post traumatic
stress syndrome mode. It seems we are all evaluating the meaning of life all
over again. I hate the saber rattling I hear everywhere. That's why I was
happy to find some light and darkness in those pieces I sent you. It's almost
as if this will be our last chance to do something really Christian; I'm
afraid that we will not. My son faces the possibility of becoming fodder for
the Bush II killing spree that I fear. I may move to Nelson, British Columbia
to avoid that possibility. I am learning a lot more about Islam in the wake
of this tragedy. The things that I am learning are amazing and I am upset
that we did not learn about Islam when we were in the seminary. In
retrospect, I can see no reason why we didn't learn about it. It may have
made a difference for all of us Westerners to know more about that part of
the world. I like to think that you were up on it since you were such an
insatiable student of the esoteric. It really bothers me that the people of
our country really believe that God has chosen sides and that we are the
chosen ones. If we had had a broader view of the world and the role of
religion, we might have avoided a lot of grief. But alas, in our arrogance,
we thought only of silly things like the lineage of the popes and whether or
not we were descendants of St. Peter. I am but a small voice now. It feels
like there is little room for those of us who think that peace is patriotic.
From my "de profundis," however, I do notice some little beams of
light. It is not to be seen in the mainstream media but in the few
"letters to the editor" from mostly elementary school children who
beg us to think about what we are doing. Time will tell.
4 Oct 2001: Jim Martorana: Please note that this is sent from a new email
address anarotram of mediaone.net
5 Oct 2001: Jerry Klein: Jack, thought I would drop my usual Friday line or
two. I got your e-mail off the web as I was browsing the Diaspora page. I got
a letter from Shorty Engel - must be 40 years since I've had contact with
him. He said that you assisted. Thanks. I e-mailed him but it didn't go
through so I sent the e-mail via slow-mail. Like you, he's raised a few more
kids than I have. And like you, me and almost everyone else I know, he's in a
second marriage. In these terror-stricken days the State is losing tons of
money because all those Northerners are hunkering down. I think my job is
safe, but I'll know more after the special session next month. Like all good
Republicans, our Bush gave back to the tax payers a billion or two over the
three years and now is pressed to find enough to run the state. I retire, if
I last that long, in 5 years. If I recall, you're doing mental health
counseling and still at it? I missed seeing you and other classmates at the
reunion. It was all rather odd - like all reunions I guess. So much familiar,
but years spent apart. Hope you're doing well, in good health and enjoying
life. Very old friend, Jerry. [You are not that old; you are 4 years my
junior. JB]
6 Oct 2001: Jack Brennan (to Jerry Klein). So good to hear from you. It was
odd the way Shorty found us. I always liked him... I still remember the day
you came to Spokane and we spent time catching up. (1975?) Yes, I am still
doing counseling. I work half time in my private practice and the other half
at a hospital across the street from my office. It is a terrific mix. At my
private practice I can pick and choose the kind of patients I want to work
with and at the hospital, I have to take what comes. The hospital offers a
lot of excitement at times and it's fun working with the people there. I have
started a program for people with heart disease. I have it myself. In '83 I
had my first heart attack and in '92 I had a double artery bypass. Then in
'98 I had another "minor" heart attack. (I never thought I'd be the
type that compared physical ailments. It must be endemic to age.) My brother,
Phil, who is a retired fireman in New York, sent me a card for my 66th
birthday - honest - and told me that I was now old enough to pull my trousers
up as high as they will go and walk around complaining about the
government!!! My oldest, from my first marriage - Rebecca - has two children;
that makes me a grandfather. She lives in Redding, California. I don't see
her much, but I keep in touch a lot via phone and email. She is 32, divorced
and in love with a highway patrolman. Rachel is here and 19 years old. She has
finished high school and is unemployed as I write. She worked for awhile as a
waitress at a local restaurant. She is trying to find herself. I am so
insecure about connections with her that I don't seem to mind that she is
here. Gayle -my wife of 23 years - does mind her being here, but doesn't push
as hard as you might think. Michael is 16, learning to drive and a good
student. He is tall and used to live for basketball. He was on the middle
school varsity in the 7th grade and decided that skate boarding was the best
thing in the world. It is difficult to see him not use his talent at
basketball. He could have easily been an outstanding player; I like to think
he could have made the bigs. Your influence has helped me in this regard. I
remember a conversation or two that you and I had about the shallowness of
sports. Thanks. You may not even remember those specific times, but I do.
Scary, isn't it how people remember things we've said and how important it
turns out to be to them? Sarah is 13 and is in the 8th grade. As I write she
is at a friend's house. She is big time into basketball and the other day she
split a two game series of HORSE with her brother. She's a good kid. When she
was in the 6th grade, she was going to school in a program that required parental
involvement. We had to work in the classroom for at least 90 hours per
semester. One day, while I was helping in the classroom, she approached me
and asked if I noticed that Dario and Elizabeth had a crush on each other. I
looked at Dario and Elizabeth and saw nothing unusual. I told her that I
didn't know what she meant. She said, "Come on, Dad, you're a therapist;
look at them; do the math!" Gayle works at a local community college.
Her job is to schedule classes for people who want to enhance their education
and contribute to their credits toward degrees. She would rather be home, but
does the work to contribute to our retirement. However, I think that I will
retire three days before my funeral. How is your daughter? I hate to ask how
old she is, because it will shock me. Hope you and Teresa are doing well.
Really good to hear from you. Sorry I missed the reunion, but Rachel
graduated from high school that very weekend. I miss the talks we had during
our "formation years."
8 Oct 2001: Jerry Klein: Hey Jack, Monday morning and got your message. Good
to hear from you. I didn't know you had so many kids and so many with so many
years to independence. You got a lot of work to do. I'm not envious. I have a
16 yo step-daughter - actually 16 in a couple weeks and the needs are
endless. I can't imagine several! I like to think my biological daughter
required less but I'm sure that's a distorted memory. And I would never risk
saying it aloud. I'm almost finished raising Kate. I'm reminded of that.
She's 25 so you're getting up there, Jack. She's finishing law school at the
University of Florida. She got her mother's brains (I mean that)and has
already been offered a starting salary with an international law firm in
Washington DC...after she graduates. She did an internship there last summer.
I know, you're saying: Where did I go wrong? The goods news is that she's
very liberal, like her dad, and unlike her mom and most of the world these
days and her classmates. We never did much in the way of religion but she
claims to be a Catholic. See, more is less - a Franciscan thing. I didn't
give her anything to rebel against. Once in High School she stated that she
needed more structure and rules. I said that I can't watch her so she might
as well learn to decide to do what's right on her own. I don't recommend that
recipe for child rearing. I took note of your take on the current events. Not
surprisingly, I ( we libs) feel the same way. But I tend to think similarly
about criminals - where did I, or the world go wrong that this guy turned out
to be so bad? No one is much open to that sort of thinking anymore. And I'm
in the criminal justice business here in Florida for the last 12 years. With
Republicans in charge - Bush 2 no less. We've increased the juvenile justice
budget from 300 million 5-6 years ago to 600 to 700 million. Lots of little
prisons. I head a team that does audits of the juvenile justice programs in
NE Florida - about 100 of them. If they flunk. we come back again in 6
months. If they flunk again, the contract is pulled. We are not loved. I got
5 years to retirement, but like you, I have no desire to sit around or drive
around. But I may be worn out by then and ready for it. I didn't know about
your heart problems. You feel too much, Jack! I need to go for now. Let's
keep in touch.
21 Oct 02 Isaac Braun: Peace from Olindo, Brazil. First of all, thanks for
#31 of the Diaspora Digest. It s great to hear what those I knew (and those I
didn t know) are doing in many different ways to further the Kingdom of God.
It is also nice to see the Franciscan bonds which continue between the
ex-Franciscans. As we begin this letter the world situation is uncertain.
What we say one day might not hold the next. Needless to say, we were shocked
on Sept. 11 to see on TV the attacks on the World Trade Center and on the
Pentagon. The owner of the book store and print shop where I worked in 1985
and 86 is still recuperating his voice after the shock he had. You can ask:
How do you reduce terrorism? Why this terrorism in the U.S. From abroad you
hear various ideas. Shortly after these attacks, the president of the
National Council of Brazilian Bishops said he wants to counsel the U.S. to
make an examination of conscience to discover why they are causing so much
anger in the world. Some say it is the manner in which we in the States
exercise our various types of superiority in relation to other countries,
especially the poorer countries. If they say that one of the causes of the
attacks was a lack of support of the U.S. for a Palestinian state, we hear
that before the attacks the U.S. was already favoring a Palestinian state. We
can ask why the U.N. didn t take more of a role to negotiate peace between
Israel and the Palestinians instead of the U.S. having to take the main role
of calling together these leaders to negotiate. It s true though that our
country should be an instrument of peace also between the countries. Right
now on TV we saw a friar in Bethlehem showing bullet marks in the Church of
the Nativity. It was sad that in the city where the Prince of Peace was born,
they had to cancel the celebrations for his 2000th birthday because of the
opposite of peace. The American consulate in Recife published in English in
the local papers a letter of the State Department for the Americans abroad.
In general, we are to keep a low profile. The other day a suspected letter
arrived in the consulate. The police and rescue squad and sanitary inspectors
came right away and a police car spent the night in front of the consulate,
but we didn t hear any more about it. The people in general here are not
paying much attention to what is happening, though the TV and newspapers are
reporting a lot. According to recent statistics, Recife is the most violent
capital of Brazil, and even before all this Socorro doesn t rest at night
until she hears me come into the front yard about 11 p.m. Last January we
made a trip to the north of Brazil to visit Socorro s relatives. First there
was a bus trip of about 32 hours to Belem and then a very enjoyable five-day
trip to Manaus on a 300-passenger river boat. The owner of the boat is a
nephew and stepson of Socorro (she helped raise several nephews and nieces
before she entered the convent) she is also a state representative of the
State of Para. On the trip we visited a bit with Bishop Ryan in Santarem and
other friars in various cities. We even visited the small ranch on an island
in a lake where Socorro was born. To celebrate his fiftieth birthday, a
nephew killed a beef, and on the boat returning from there the women were
stuffing sausage. This year Kaline is in a school run by a Sister
Congregation but is having plenty of difficulty with the studies, especially
math. She is very intelligent, but doesn t like to study. We re afraid she
will not be able to continue in this school. The married priests continue
with the monthly meetings. Last month it was in our house. Through Socorro s
contacts, one of the theology profs from the Catholic U. in Recife helped
with a reflection on the Acts of the Apostles. He is called "Arthur the
Pilgrim." He finished theology, but chose not to be ordained. He has a
family and he and others at times make pilgrimages on foot like St. Paul did.
The Acts of the Apostles was recommended by the church for study this year
and next year. Today, there was another marathon or campaign of evangelizing
in a neighboring community made by the Legion of Mary, the group of
Evangelizers, and also the lay missionaries. About 1,150 home visits were
made to leave a message of the Word of God and an incentive to return to or
continue the practice of the faith. It might be of interest to some to know
that in November an exposition about Brazil will begin at the Guggenheim
Institute in New York. One of the main pieces is the large main altar of the
Benedictine monastery of Olinda, about five miles from us. The altar was
built about 1565, was restored, unmounted, and packed in special crates which
were waiting in the airport in Recife when the attack in New York occurred on
Sept. 11. Some judicial orders first prohibited the sending of it to New York
because it wasn t considered safe. Then, it was liberated. We already saw on
TV part of the altar mounted in New York. From New York the altar will go to
the extension of the Guggenheim in Paris. There was even talk of beginning an
extension in Recife. We ll close with the desire for a very blessed Christmas
and that the second year of the new millennium will be for all of you a year
of peace and the year in which the world will find the path of peace.
Fraternally, Isaac, Socorro, Kaline.
22 Oct 2001: Jim Tye: Hi all: I will no longer have an AOL address. My new e
mail address is : jtye of humana.com
3 Nov 2001 Robert Hankey: Gael, I really liked the Digest when you first
started it. I still have some issues from 1992. It was full of news about us
former friars. Now it seems taken up by few loudmouths who dominate the copy
and love to speak about "the old days" and carry on about their
theological differences of 40 years ago - stuck in a static rut. A couple
give us their autobiography, etc. [The latter is due to my preference for
hearing the 'stories' of the long lost fringe guys whom I haven't heard form
and I'd like more of that the little flowerlets of life that Celano would
have perhaps edited better. I do hope y'all will keep them coming. I'll try
to do a better job of cutting them down to a good bite-size, or mouthful,
size.] Gael's response to Hankey: Bob, sigh, I let it get to that. With the
last issue, I began to edit the long-winded, repetitious stuff out and have
sliced even more this time. I've asked Jack Brennan to keep it in the on-line
version for those who want the whole thing. Sometimes I'm a sucker for
travelogs but I've pretty much lost patience with giving equal time for
ideaology. Quick, stiletto snide remarks are OK by me, but paragraphs of it
shouldn't pass my Celano bullshit detector. The original focus was right
schoolmates sharing lives more than ideas (philosophy or theology. Thanks for
the reminder. Actually, I've noticed that the Celanesque strain is picking
up, especially with my classmates. I dig Isaac Braun's letters, for example,
and Juvie Carlson's letters from the hinterland about how daily life, the
Christian life, goes in northern Brazil. Such a fervency in hues and numbers.
8 Nov 2001: Jack Bartz: MAYSLAKE PROJECT GETS ANOTHER GRANT For the second
year in a row, a DuPage County senior housing complex will be the beneficiary
of a large federal grant to help it build housing units and provide rental
assistance at its Westmont facility. The Department of Housing and Urban
Development will award $10.2 million to Mayslake Village Inc., a retirement
complex with more than 700 residents. U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) announced
Wednesday. Rev. Larry Dreffein, president of the non-profit village, said the
award will cover the second phase of a two-part, 150-unit project scheduled
to start next April. The second phase is scheduled to begin in April 2003.
Biggert helped Mayslake secure an initial $8 million grant for the work last
year. The initial 74 one-bedroom units--as well as a two-bedroom manager's
unit--will replace 44 efficiency apartments built in the early 1960s. When
completed, the 150 new units will give Mayslake Village a total of 671,
compared with the current 640 units, which include numerous old efficiencies
scheduled for removal. Because of the popularity of the retirement complex
near Oak Brook, Mayslake officials recently capped the list of seniors
looking to rent units at 1,400. The wait for one of Mayslake's larger units can
run to more than a dozen years, officials said. Biggert said the Mayslake
experience shows the "demand for quality, affordable senior housing is
larger than ever." "Nowhere is this more apparent than in DuPage
County," said Biggert. A $2 million renovation of Mayslake's dining
room, chapel and offices was completed in 1996 using a combination of federal
grant money and private donations. And according to Mayslake officials, the
facility is the nation's largest HUD-subsidized retirement village in a single
location. The $10.2 million grant was the largest ever secured by Biggert and
one of the largest grants awarded by HUD under its senior housing
construction and rental assistance program, said Biggert spokesman Jeff
Trexel.
8 Nov 2001 Juvenal Carlson sent his annual letter along with a page from our
Digest #31 of May 2001, highlighting in yellow where he gloated his promise
to DD: "This is the annual lousy xeroxed letter to be glanced at and
then pitched. But, you will get it, like it or not, BEFORE THE YEAR 2002.
That gives me a whole year to do it. So that means you'll get two letters,
kind of back to back from this old Jungle Bunny." In the margin he
scribbled: "At the end of 2000, I promised a letter by the end of YEAR
2001. I'M STILL UNDER THE DEADLINE, so here it goes." After that
personal note to the Diaspora, his 2001 form letter continued [I quote it at
length because it is Juvie's last long letter. How we'll miss his annual
exuberance. He unexpectedly died two months later in January 2002. Born 1930,
he was only 72 and fully alive. GS] THE PAROCHIAL SCENE. As I've mentioned, I
am a Parochial Vicar. That means Number Two. Number One, our Pastor, has had
a very full year as Visitor General to one of the Franciscan provinces in
Brazil. He had to interview each friar and preside over the provincial
chapter. That took about three months. While on vacation in the States, the
pastor's father died. He was gone about two and half months. So old Carlson
takes over. THE DIOCESAN SCENE. Vicar General, again, Number Two. This year
our bishop was kind of all over the place. A month in the States, a month on
vacation, two weeks at the Brazilian Bishops' Annual Conference, a week at
the National Eucharistic Congress, three or four times in Para for meetings
of the bishops, and traveling to the interior for confirmations. So, Carlson
into the breach. It's a heck of a lot better than being Number One. THE WEE
ONES. They continue being their delightful wee selves. If one needs some
energizing, just spend a bit of time with them and one comes out
reinvigorated. They touch the lives of everyone around them the people who
work with them, the volunteers, and the university students. They all spend
about half the day squatting cross-legged on the floor helping them with their
"work," which means manipulating crayons and paper, playing and
running around with them in the open places, helping them pig it up four
times a day, giving them their two or three baths per day, bedding them down
on mats after lunch, and a thousand other things. As Jesus said, "Let
the wee ones come unto me." KEEP THE KIDS OFF THE STREET PROGRAM. Every
year the number grows. We've got between 700 and 800 kids in the Project.
We're even getting into computers; used ones that were donated. So we've gone
from remedial reading and arithmetic to computer science. The beauty of the
Project, besides helping the kids, is the support and interest of the parents
who accompany the Program step by step on what we're trying to do for their
kids. VOCATIONS. We've had ordinations to the priesthood and the deaconate,
plus a number of simple and solemn professions to the religious life. We've
got a pretty good number of young men who are listening to the Voice of the
Lord about what they should do with their lives. So the future looks
promising. Thanks and bless the Lord. We old gentlemen are getting shakier by
the day. SEPTEMBER 11. Surely the world will never be the same. I guess it
might be a moment for quiet contemplation for all of us. Where have we been?
Where are we going? How are we going to get there? What should we do? We're
listening, Lord. BRAZIL. The worries are here too. Not too much about world
terrorism or anthrax. It's more about recession, unemployment, and inflation.
Big city violence spreads. Political corruption is rampant, with no
significant convictions or sentencing. Drug use is spreading. And all the
stuff that goes along with these things. Despite all this, the poor are a
teeny bit less poor and the rich are much more nervous about the future,
wondering when the ax will fall. But, then again, Brazil is Brazil. We're
survivors. No matter what happens; soccer, samba, joy, humor, friendship,
hospitality, dancing, fun, faith, hope, love, sharing, and on and on the list
goes. Brazil will always be Brazil. I: JUVENAL, JOHNNY, JUVY, JUVIE; whatever
you want to call me. 2002 is vacation year. I've got to get the old spine
back into place. I had an MRI thing in the States in 2000. Conclusion,
scoliosis. Degenerating curvature of the spine, or something like that.
Operation: put a pin in or whatever. Three months of rehab. No way to do it
in 2000. Game Plan for 2002: back to the States right after Easter, get
operated on, do the rehab and maybe have a month to goof off or preach or
something. The rest of the stuff about J.J.J. is on the other side of the
page. Anyway, this old Swede does make life a fun-experience. That's about
the only thing I have going for me as a follower of St. Francis. No matter
whatever happened to Francis, he was happy and joyful. That means he was
having fun. Let's make this a Thanksgiving letter. If you don't get it before
Thanksgiving, it should be there soon after. The Lord gives and we thank Him.
I'm giving my thanks to the Lord for giving me you. Love, thanks and prayers
in the Lord and to the Lord who has given me YOU. P.S. I'll try, I don't
promise, to get a Christmas greeting off to you before Christmas. P.P.S. I
did it! I pulled it off! Miracle of miracles. P.P.P.S. Apologies for a
boring, boring, boring letter. [Boring? More like unforgettable. No surgery,
no rehab, no vacation visit from Juvie this year, no Juvie at his annual
class reunion. January 2002 was a busy necrology for us: Juvie (Jan 25), Paul
Zoderer (Feb. 11), and Ray Crone (Jan. 17) died in a two week period and left
an irreplaceable void in our province's Benedict of the Amazon Vice-Province.
My New Testament professor in theology, Callistus Langerholz of Holy Cross
Foundation died Feb. 16. He taught us the Pauline epistles in the Greek New
Testament at T-Town. I admired and liked him a lot. - Late newsflash: Former
Friar Bill Beyerink died in May at age 57. See below. Let's sing in four-part
harmony for them: Ultima in mortis hora. Filium pro nobis ora. Bonam mortem
impetra. Virgo, mater, Domina. GS]
10 Dec 2001 Frei Juvenal Carson OFM Juvie promised this letter above. It is
inserted here out of order, our last greeting from him. He sent a Christmas
card with a picture of a young girl with a spirited smile. Dressed in red,
white, with purple beaded wrist cuffs and intertwining purple hair strings
with a printed greeting from Juvie on a separate sheet proclaiming:
"First Week of Advent. Jesus' Birthday is coming! I saw this Wee one on
the back cover of the Brazilian edition of Reader's Digest. Here goes a
translation of what's on the card. 'In a small village of the Kikretum
Indians, in the south of the State of Para, a young leader of the Caipo
Nation permitted the photographer to take a picture of his little daughter in
exchange for the pair of shoe strings of the tennis shoes that the
photographer was wearing." I thought to myself, that's the spirit of
Christmas. Look at her eyes. Look at her cute little grin. That's what
Christmas is all about. Christmas: Simplicity: the shoestrings. Christmas:
Joy: the shining eyes and the cute little grin. What she is saying is: 'It's
Jesus' Birthday; be happy and simple.' Let's you and I try it. Joy and
simplicity." [Juvenal circled the last three words with red ink pen, and
drew an arrow pointing to his words printed in huge red letters: "Have a
glorious Christmas!" On the back of the photo of the Wee one he printed
large in black ink: "Dear Susan and Gael, From Santarem to Old Hickory,
Christmas prayers, blessings, peace, health and all that is good and holy.
You will be with us and we will be with you, Juvie" Weren't those the
last words of Jesus, too? "I will be with you all days." Thanks,
Juvie. We're counting on it.]
9 Nov 2001 Rosemary Wickham OSF now at Dubuque sent a thanksgiving card with
a note and account of her fellow nuns who were doing six months federal
prison time for their School of the Americas convictions: It's good to have
Dorothy Marie here. I'm enjoying my retirement. There is a wonderful group of
Sisters living here and I have family here so that is also good. I'm learning
to play bridge, but I still have much to learn. Greetings to Susan and all.
Rosemary's account: On July 16, 2001 we had a prayer service at the Mount
(the Franciscan sister's motherhouse in Dubuque) for Sisters Dorothy Marie
and Gwen Hennessey. The chapel was crowded with our sisters and the many
supporters from Dubuque. On July 17, they joined the other seven SOA
demonstrators at Peken Prison Camp. Sr. Dorothy Marie stayed there until Aug.
31 when she was moved to Dubuque because of ill health. She spent a month at
Holy Family Hall, our retirement home recuperating. She is now at Half Way
house in Dubuque, which she helped establish. There are mostly men in the
prison. A few of them are federal prisoners. Dorothy Marie spends each day at
Mt. St. Francis during services from Monday-Friday. On Saturday she comes to
the Mount for personal reasons and on Sunday for religious reasons. Every so
often the authorities check to see if she is at the Mount. Gwen will be in
prison until Jan. 14, 2002. She has a job that she does every day. She is
paid 12 cents an hour. Her one time to relax is when she walks three miles on
the track. It is a time to be alone. Gwen admits that the last half of the
time is the hardest. The continual blast of announcements over the loud
speaker is hard to take. It is never quiet and it is hard to be alone. Gwen
does have company and receives much mail. The guards complain to her out this
extra work. A few of our sisters are going to Fort Benning to demonstrate in
November. [Mike Mooney and I saw them two weeks later. GS]
10 Nov 2001: Gael Stahl: I told y'all about 10 days or so ago that I was
feeling terrible and I appreciate the concern you sent along. It was the
bronchitis crud, I thought, of last February or March. But it lingered too
long and breathing got harder to do. Last weekend, I didn't get out of bed
hardly from Friday 2 p.m. until Monday 7 a.m. and I missed a whole planned
day, Sunday, with Brad Keefauver and his mother from Peoria! But I couldn't
breathe. It's been a long terrible time. But yesterday, at 5:30 p.m., I
finally got a name to what's been wrong with me for the last 2 « weeks. After
examining my chest X-rays, blood work, listening to every part of my torso on
his stethoscope, giving me an EKG, my doctor got it down to either heart
failure or pneumonia. Thankfully, he eliminated the former. Just knowing what
it is (exactly what I told his nurse I feared it was last Monday afternoon,
when I begged to come in immediately. But Friday 2 PM was the soonest they could
see me). I've never had pneumonia before that I know of, but I figured that
gasping for breath and coughing all day long to urge breath up the tubes must
be related. I'm just happy, ironically, to tell you that I have pneumonia!
Not knowing, feeling I had something chronically perverse, was much worse.
(Anthrax and plague were the least of my suspicions.) I feel like I'm back
from the dead and Happy to know what I have and feeling hopeful again, May
you never get it, but if you do, may you know what it is sooner.
11 Nov 2001 Tony Lutz writes: Pax et Bonum. I used to be a member of CORPUS
and almost into C.I.T.I. (Chastity is the Issue) but found "Standing
With Peter" more congenial and orthodox. SWP is a fraternal group of
active and inactive priests who are trying to escape the spiritual doldrums.
Its address is Lawrence Mykele, POBox 2230, Brattleboro, Vermont 05303.
Recently, I ran into Archbishop Chaput of Denver at Washington-Dulles
Airport. He was on his way to the meeting of the U.S. Catholic Bishops
Conference. After I identified myself as an inactive priest, he asked me if I
ever thought of returning and invited me to write to him. It is interesting
that nearly 20% of those who have left are now back in the active ministry.
God's grace can pierce any defense. We were all shocked at the killings at
the World Trade Center and we have gone to war over it. At the same time, an
abortion is an unprovoked attack on innocent human beings. It is promoted by
means of a twisted ideology called "choice." The abortionists'
ideology runs so deeply that Planned Parenthood of New York City offered free
abortions following the disaster. And to show its patriotism, it handed out
red, white, and blue condoms. We can sing "God bless America" but
we had better mean that God give us the grace to return to the "The
Faith of our Fathers" and to rationality. I still am perplexed how any
readers of DD can defend homosexual acts a normal, healthy, and safe unless
it is their way of outing themselves obliquely. Throughout human history we
find almost unanimous worldwide agreement that homosexual relations are
unnatural. [Tony then argues at some length with quotes of Aristotle, and
says "Plato also clearly condemns homosexuality in his "Laws"
Is this the same Plato that has Socrates and his buddies in the Symposium -
Phaedo or Phaedrus - promoting their erotic enjoyment of the young boys
serving their wine? Montaigne's Essay #25 describes it at some length with
apt displeasure of this "Greek friendship" Tony says "every
major religion, the Dali Lama, Jewish law, New Testament, Koran, Hindu
tradition, C.S. Lewis, etc. forbid it. He says, "modern approval is
nothing but political correctness gone awry." He says to understand the
Islamic extremists, you must read the Koran as he is doing where you find
justification for terrorism.] Various interpretations of peace are there too.
What's lacking is no one has the authority to say one interpretation is more
authentic than the other. Islam has always spread by the sword. The greatest peace
movement will occur when we Catholics again listen to Christ who commanded us
to go worldwide and bring all into discipleship to the One Lord of Lords and
King of kings. May we all be able to say with St. Paul: "Non enim
erubesco evangelium" (Rom. 1:16) - Love in Christ. Enclosure: The
Standing with Peter Circular letter #13 Nov. 10 2001, is a three-page
exhortation to grow in patience, pray for those in Purgatory, to raise funds
to advertise in The Wanderer newspaper monthly, and Homiletic and Pastoral,
and Catholic World Report. The purpose of the rather large advertising
expense is "to help any priest who has left his calling to find his way
back to the life of grace," and for a Gregorian Mass Fund.
12 Nov 2001 Mark J Braun (Bro. George) writing from Indianapolis: Dear
readers, I am sending $25 to help pay for expenses. I have been remembering
all of you in prayers every day. My wife had a stroke and is in bad shape.
She is now in a nursing home. She was married before. She has two daughters
in Arizona. One of her daughters and her husband were here a little over a
week. She will be retiring in January. My wife and I will be moving to
Arizona in February. Her daughter, others, and I will be taking care of her.
That is better than keeping her in a nursing home where she doesn t care to
be. So, I am asking all of you to remember us in your prayers. Thanks a lot.
Merry Christmas to all and a happy New Year. [Mark, anything the former
Brother George asks of us, we ask the Lord to grant. Thanks for letting us
know. By the way, Mooney and I drew the duty of cleaning the jakes in
novitiate.]
13 Nov 2001: Jack Brennan: Dear Zeke, I'm glad that you are winning your
jihad with pneumonia. I had it in both lungs before I was one year old. And
that was - I'm not making this up - before antibiotics. Old Dr. Stenn came to
our house two nights running and nursed my symptoms all night. I probably
would not have lived otherwise. Anyway, good for you. I'm pleased that you do
not have heart disease. It's a bummer. Here we are, in our sixties,
discussing our illnesses. Who'd have thunk it? Feels like the world is
falling apart with the dual obscenities of war and terror. I feel for the
folks in New York who have certainly had their share of grief.
(Notwithstanding the World Series - that's a horse of a different color.) My
brother, Phil, retired from the FDNY five or more years ago. He told me he
was afraid to call the station for fear of what he would learn about his
brothers. We had another 4.0 earthquake on Sunday. I was just getting out of
bed at 8 AM. It is pretty scary. We all felt so vulnerable. They tell you to
get under a doorway, but by the time you get there, the quake is over. I
asked a geologist friend of ours what to do and he replied, "There is
nothing you can do but to try to enjoy nature at its best." Easy for him
to say. Not sure if you knew we had a series of them in June too. The
seismologists say that there is a fault that runs right down the creek that
runs past our house. (Hangman Creek). And just when we thought the world was
safe. Got your review of the new book on Francis from Commonweal. Thanks. I'm
sure I read the GK Chesterton version sometime in our formation years, but I
don't remember it. Next Saturday one of the chaplains at the hospital is having
a Father's celebration with a handful of dads. His wife is having their third
child in December and he chose to celebrate in this way. I think he's a
Presbyterian, but I'm not sure. Nice guy. I liked your quote about using your
brain or losing it. I can use all the help I can get to rationalize my
addiction to crossword puzzles. Gayle gets irritated with me on occasion for
doing them, but after 28 years I think she's getting used to me... Those are
a few of my joys and concerns. Happy that you are on the mend.
15-19 Nov 2001 Gael's SOA story: Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. Mike Mooney
(former Fr. Padraic/Patrick) drove into Nashville from Indianapolis on his
67th birthday, Nov. 15th, driving his home on wheels, a Toyota RV with the
words CATCHING PEACE across the back. Long-time peacemaker Charlie Fenton and
Tommy Mariah joined us for the Friday morning drive through Alabama to
Georgia for the annual protest and demand for the closing of the School of
the Americas (SOA). We found Mike's favorite camp ground full of
peace-seeking college students, got the last available parking spot, then
went to town to the Pax Christi group's evening ceremonies. Dan and Phil
Berrigan and Louie Vitale OFM (former provinical of the California province)
were awarded peace prizes. Dan couldn't make it in person and Phil was in
prison, but his wife Liz McAllister, his equal in doing time and raising
peace-loving children and friends gave a rousing, wonderful speech of
acceptance that brought us to our feet. I later hugged Liz, telling her the
hug was from Joan Burds (a long-time Diaspora Digester and Franciscan nun at
Corpus Christi in Chicago). The next time I saw her was when she was living
at the Liz and Phil Berrigan home in Baltimore, a center of peacemakers. I
visted her and Liz one evening about 1977-78 on a student recruiting trip to
Baltimore. After the awards, I ran into a friend of Catholic Worker and peace
radical Karl Meyer (now in Nashville), Mike Breamer of Marquette Park in
Chicago, who helped Karl move to Nashville a few years ago. Karl, who has
been in federal prison the past six months, gets out Nov. 22. A moving,
lovely letter to his grand daughter was published in the National Catholic
Reporter a few weeks ago. Mooney had it with us and we made it a group reading
during first pit stop in Alabama on the way to Columbus. On Saturday, we set
up his Peace Catcher RV at the best and most conspicuous spot at the entrance
to the stadium where the all-day peace rally took place Victory/Golden Park.
Soon, taking respite in the shade of the tree in the front yard of our Peace
catching home, was Lana Jacobs, one of the seven Catholic Workers of
Columbia, Mo. They have two houses of hospitality and a sizable meal program
among other things. Her husband Steve Jacobs was sentenced along with Karl
Meyer. He had been told six times not to return to Fort Benning so he's doing
a year at Leavenworth federal prison in Kansas and won't get out until July
17, 2002. Shortly afterwards, Patrick O'Neill, who lives with Karl in
Nashville, stopped by to say hello. Also, David Lawrence III, grandson of
that David Lawrence, the one who founded US News and World Report. DLIII,
also stopped. Among other things, he is a Seventh Day Adventist publicist. He
bent my ear for a good half hour about his efforts to get the the SDA more
engaged in their prophetic origins, rather than lapsing into just another
denomination. "If not, I might as well be a Methodist," he said.
That night, the huge white Jesuit tent was again set up along the Chatahoochee
River and the site of hundreds of us gathered for a moving liturgy. On
Sunday, the annual processional chant of the thousands of names of victims of
the graduates of the SOA (we call it the School of the Assasins), took place.
During it, we spotted the banner of the Joliet Franciscans and talked to
them. Rosemary, who is the sister of our Benet Fonck OFM and some other nuns
all knew Fr. Medard Buvala OFM, of course. I spotted some friars in brown
robes. Mark Schroeder of San Diego and Elmer Young of Portland knew our old
schoolmates Pat Evard and Herb Wheatley. They said Jim Hoffman and Mike
Cusato of Sacred Heart Province were somewhere in the crowd, but we never
spotted them. We saw about a dozen of the 5,000 in the procession crawl under
the fence along a creek and get handcuffed and arrested by MPs. More got
arrested later. Mark and Elmer of St. Barbara Province told me that Louie
Vitale was one of them. -- I also spotted Jud Weiksnar of Holy Name Province
in New York. He also war a habit. Since I'd received Rosemay Wickham's letter
not long before, I was especially happy to spot her fellow Sisters of St.
Francis from Dubuque in a group and I told them to be sure to pass on my
greeting to her. Just to give one example of how few the degrees of
separation are between friars and former friars, we stopped at a Popeyes
Chicken restaurant on our way out of town. Who was the woman in line next to
me waiting to get her order but Judy Yuslum, a social worker in New Orleans,
and her husband Pete. They were 15-year participants with Bob Pawell,
classmate of me and Mooney in novitiate. Bob founded Tau House in the French
Quarter. A small connection: I'd left Bob off on the Interstate to hitchhike
with a small suitcase when he was on his way to New Orleans about 1971 or so.
20 Nov 2001: Gael Stahl: Dear Jack, [Responding to Jack's letter of 13 Nov.]
thank God for your old Dr. Stenn getting you through childhood pneumonia.
I'll remember him at the next Ultima in Mortis for someone else. I was with
Mooney, Charlie Fenton and Tommy Mariah for the weekend at Fort Benning at
Columbus, Ga. Nov. 16-18. During the weekend, I the invalid began to
recuperate, quit sweating heavily all night, almost forgetting to struggle to
breathe as the water level in my lungs seems to be falling. I'm happily
surprised to hear you are a crossword puzzle buff. When did that start? I
don't remember you having that inclination. But you being a good word man, a
story man, an Irish man, why am I surprised? Keep it up. Thanks for
recounting your other "joys and concerns."How did the Fathers
celebration go? Sounded good. Thanks for hanging in there. Re the Digest, I
got a nice letter from Rosemary Wickham (she was superior of the St. Francis
sisters at Corpus Christi in Chicago when our gang was there) about Sr. Gwen
Hennessey who was there too, and her 80-year-old sister, also a Franciscan
nun, doing six months in federal prison for last year's SOA events. Also
received another wonderful Christmas letter from Juvenal Carlson. The traffic
has slowed down for the digest and I'm not complaining because I was too sick
to even publish the November Plugs and Dottles (newsletter) of our Sherlock
Holmes group and only one instead of two issues of the newspapers I put out
in my real job during October and November. [It turned out that the annual
Stahl Christmas newsletter also was delayed into January.] Tomorrow, Susan
and I drive to Columbia, SC to spend Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday morning with the Jim and Catherine Sexton and their two youngest,
Pascale and Jerome. They moved there in 1999 or 2000. The oldest daughter,
Caroline, is finishing up her college education and working in Paris. Go
catch peace.
23 Nov 2001: Paul and Geri Langan: new email address is: oceanvuetoo. of home.com
24 Nov 2001: Chuck Faso: (Form letter) Greetings from Tucson Arizona where
this evening I begin preaching a parish mission at St. Thomas the Apostle
Parish. I was here last year and the pastor said "Y'all come back!"
or however an Irishman from Dublin might say it. So I have returned to preach
at 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM with mass, and 7:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Topic
will be a mixture of Peace Prayer of St. Francis and What it means to be a
Catholic today. I am looking forward to see and hear what the Holy Spirit is going
to come up with through me, and the musicians, and the folks here. I know
none of us will be the same - hopefully. I hope that Thanksgiving was a
blessed day for you all with family and friends. I was at my mother's home
with my two sisters, my brother and his wife and family and some friends. We
had a very tearful shared Blessing prayer before the feast as we all shared a
blessing or two why we were grateful this year. I hope your life has been and
is blessed is with many of God's abundant graces. Peace to you and your loved
ones.
24 Nov 2001 Mark J Braun (Bro. George) writing from Indianapolis: Dear
readers, I am sending $25 to help pay for expenses. I have been remembering
all of you in prayers every day. My wife had a stroke and is in bad shape. She
is now in a nursing home. She was married before. She has two daughters in
Arizona. One of her daughters and her husband were here a little over a week.
She will be retiring in January. My wife and I will be moving to Arizona in
February. Her daughter, others, and I will be taking care of her. That is
better than keeping her in a nursing home where she doesn't care to be. So, I
am asking all of you to remember us in your prayers. Thanks a lot. Merry
Christmas to all and a happy New Year. [Mark, anything Brother George asks of
us, we ask the Lord to grant. Thanks for letting us know . GS.]
29 Nov 2001: Dick Lohkamp: Gael: You may remember George Rexing. We called
him Lee at Westmont and Russell in and after Novitiate. He was a classmate of
Jim Tye and me -- joined us in our fifth year at Westmont. Used to referee
varsity basketball games with Mike Boyle. He went to Brazil after his first
year in theology and spent the years after ordination teaching at the
seminary in Santerem. He left and got married in Brazil. He started a chicken
farm business on money borrowed from Chase Manhattan Bank in Brazil and went
broke. He paid every cent of the debt and then worked for Chase Manhattan
Bank in Brazil for 20+ years. He retired and moved to Long Island, NY taking
a position as president of a new business venture in NY for a Brazilian bank.
His story of his life in Brazil was truly fascinating. He did good things for
many people. Jim and I visited him at his house last March and had a great
time for three days. No hint of any problem for him. A few months ago he told
us that he had cancer of the lung and that it did not look good. The
attachments tell the rest. George, Jim, and I got together on Long Island at
George's house to figure out what we were going to do in the latter third of
our lives (when we grow up). George said: "I spent the first 30 going to
school, being a priest and teaching in Brazil; the next 30 raising a family,
working for Chase Manhattan Bank, and making many friends in Brazil, now I want
to figure out how to take the first two-thirds and do something good in the
last third." He was a good man and a good friend. I think the Lord will
recognize him. Best to you
Jim Tye's letter to Lohkamp with enclosure but not the original Portuguese:
Subject: Complete translation of letter from Carlos Rebelo, Nov. 29, 2001
Dick, I just received this e-mail from a Brazilian Judge named Carlos Rebelo.
Carlos was a student at the seminary in Santerem and had George (Russell,
Rufino) Rexing as a teacher. When he heard of George's death he wrote to me:
"Thank you for the information on George Rexing's death. As you said in
your e-mail he was 'Good People.' More than that he was a great friend, a
personal mentor, since my time as one of his students, in the 1970s. He will
always remain in my memories and prayers. He always took care to help other
people and the Divine Justice will know to transport him to Divine Peace.
"I have already sent the notice of his death to many of his former
students from Santerem and to friends. I printed your message and will attach
the information to our next newsletter of the friends of Pius X
Seminary." From the Rexing Family: Dear Friends and Family / Caros
Amigos e Familia, We want to thank you for your calls, messages and prayers
on behalf of Dad. He passed away on Tuesday, November 27 at 5:40 pm from a
cardiac arrest due to respiratory failure and lung cancer. We will have
calling hours in New York City and Fort Branch, Indiana and he will be buried
on Monday, December 03 in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Branch where many
of our family members now rest. The details are listed below. Love.
4 Dec 2001: Gael Stahl: Monday morning I awoke wondering aloud to Susan whose
feast day it was. I thought Dec. 2 was St. Barbara's and Dec. 3 might be St.
Ambrose's. Will, our dear friend Carl Dauscha and his family know Dec. 3 now
is also the day Rhoda, Carl's long-time mate and spouse, and our friend,
entered the heavenly portals too. Rhoda won't be known to quite a few of you,
but I still want to celebrate her for a second because I've shared so many
other thoughts with you here. Rhoda's lungs have long been confining her to
her oxygen tanks and therefore to her home. So, while many of you know Carl,
who 28 years ago did yeoman's service helping us convert our little summer
cabin into a facsimile of a home, and has been here for us ever since, few
got to know Rhoda at our festivities out here on the lake. Susan and I were
able to get out to visit Rhoda a few weeks ago and say what we hoped were our
remote goodbyes but they were more timely than we expected. Yesterday, Carl
and his daughter Carla summoned me to her death bed and I did give her
blessings and prayerful best speeds on her way. But Carl could no longer keep
air in her lungs nor find a heart beat. Hospice, bless them, sent an
administrator to help them with the paperwork and soon the Anderson &
Garrett funeral home of Joelton were on the scene and taking her body for
final preparations. Sometime today, final arrangements will be made. Probably,
a viewing and small ceremony will take place Wednesday evening at A&G in
Joelton (there a Joelton exit off I-24 that we used when Carl's Papa was
buried from the same place a few years ago). There. I've told you. I wanted
to tell somebody about this woman. Let us praise -- and bury -- Rhoda
Harrison for she loved well. I can truly say that in all these years she has
been a joyful uncomplaining person. I get a cold and you hear about it.
Rhoda, would find a way to cheer you up between struggles for breath. May she
rest in peace and teach us much about how to live and die.
8 Dec 2001 Jerry Etzkorn's annual holiday letter: Talk about the 'Life of
Reilly.' We've had another wonderful year of retirement, a bit quieter than
some years. It's really delightful to have no meetings, no fixed schedule.
Did (of course!) do some traveling, beginning with a week on Hilton Head
Island during the 3rd week of January along with a couple, good friends here
in the 'Glade,' for golf, bridge, and dining. The same invited us to join
them at Fairfield Mountain, a resort in southwestern North Carolina not far
from the South Carolina border densest population of millionaires we're told
in the U.S. Just to get water and electricity up those mountains must cost a
fortune. In May, we went to the BIG International Congress of Medievalists in
Kalamazoo, MI, where Jerry didn't have to give a paper. From there on to
Rochester to visit with our son, Kevin, and 'check out' the house he had
bought and dropped down to Olean to visit with friends and so Jerry could do
some research at the excellent library of the Franciscan Institute. For about
10 years, Jerry has been working on producing critical editions of two
medieval Franciscan authors: Walter Chatton (died about 1333) and John Pecham,
who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1278 and died in 1292. Jerry
hand-carried 2 volumes of Chatton's text to Toronto in October and was
greatly relieved to have them safely in good hands and ready to print. He
mailed the Pecham text to the research center of the Franciscans in
Grottaferrata, Italy, and it will be printed this year. Fewer nightmares
about a hard-drive crash. In November, we invited Linda's Mom Rita and her
husband Phil to four days in Branson, Mo., for 3 shows, all of which were good
and each of us had a favorite. It's family entertainment and so the humor
(Thank the Lord!) is not smutty. Always thought that lousy comedians had to
stoop to cruddy jokes! There were in a couple of quick trips to Quincy and
St. Louis for family visits, and to see our son, Alan, in Richmond, Ind. Add
research trips to Emory University library, and a philosophy convention in
New Hampshire with a side trip to see friends in RI and you have our year
2001.
12 Dec 2001 Richard Lohkamp: Sent a season's greeting and hefty, beefy
stipend for DD. He wrote: Thanks for your responses on G. Rexing. John Doctor
[our Sacred Heart provincial] also responded immediately. He's a good man.
Enclosed is a token for DD. Best. Dick and Joan
13 Dec 2001: Jerry Klein: Hello, Jack. Been thinking about you. Hope this
finds you and your family doing well. We're in good health down here as far
as I know - you never really know. I keep reading those obit pages and
wondering how folks can go so young. By the way, and forgive me, I noticed
all those years of marriage you've had - 23 I think you said. She's got to be
a saint! We just had the state budget cut by over 1 billion. Juvenile
justice's hit was 60 million. HQ lost 108 positions - big big hit. I
survived. The legislature convenes for its regular session in January with
meat cleavers in hand again. Both houses and, of course, the governor are
republican so it's inconceivable that taxes would be raised. Come to Florida
- do Disney and help the state out. Kate graduates from law school on
December 22 at 9 am. Isn't that a strange time? ... I find it hard to believe
that Kate might no longer be on my payroll. For her Xmas and graduation she
wants an old couch that she grew up with redone. I like that touch of
nostalgia, but wonder about its deeper implications. My wife was not amused.
I was surprised that you remembered my comment about sports - made in
Cleveland, I believe. Of course, I don't live that comment. That was made
when I had values. I keep track of baseball and grieve over the White Sox.
Football mesmerizes me. I grieve, cuss and rant and rave over the Jaguars. So
you may want to get a new source. I like your kid comments and can tell that
they are your life. I also like that heart of yours, Jack. That counseling
profession has kept your soul intact. Keep in touch.
14 Dec 2001: Jack Brennan: (To Jerry Klein) Thanks for the note. Happy
Hanukkah; Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. You saw right through
us; our kids are central to our lives. You are also correct about Gayle being
a saint. Though, I would never tell her that; she will lord it over me, if
she figures that out! I took a sick day today, I think it's my second time in
as many years. Woke up with crud in my lungs and a runny nose. And damned if
I don't feel a bit guilty about canceling five sessions. I guess that extra
large Catholic guilt gland stays with me even at age 66. You will be
celebrating Kate's graduation from law school. Good for her, good for you.
You know my younger brother, Paul, and one of my older brothers, Dan, are
both attorneys. I don't hold it against them. Hope Kate will be successful at
practicing the law. It's an honorable profession if it's done right. I think
all three of our kids could be lawyers, they have won every argument I've ever
had with them! Right now, my 16 year old son, Michael, is not speaking to us
because we would not allow him to go snow-boarding last weekend. He got angry
with Sarah and punched a hole in his bedroom door. Good thing it was one of
those cheap hollow doors. I tried to connect with him by writing him a letter
telling him how painful the silence was. His response was titled: "The
go fuck yourself letter." I'm not making that up. I taught my kids to
stand up for themselves, since I was not allowed to do that. However, I did
not expect he would stand up to us with such vehemence. Oh well, if you can't
tell your father to go fuck himself, you might not be able to say it to
anyone. A friend of mine told me, "At least he's communicating his
rage." Ouch! More life: Our house sits in a river valley and our water
pipe comes down a very steep hill. The water meter is at least 300 yards from
our house. You guessed it, the pipe is leaking majorly somewhere between the
meter and our house to the tune of $300 a month. The pipe was lain in 1921
(to which the memory of this man runneth not). We plan to weep to the water
department and try to get some help from them. Fortunately, there is such
pressure in the drop from up the hill that we did not even realize we had a
leak. However, time is of the essence since leaks never improve, but always
get worse. We have asked four different plumbing companies for bids, but have
heard nary a word to date. My work continues well. I'm going to start an
"end of life" group with families who have a member with congestive
heart failure. I hope that when my time comes, I'll have it all figured
out!!! Agnosticism has its drawbacks, doesn't it? It would be very comforting
to face death with the kind of certitude some folks seem to have about life
after death. You are a greater man than I to read the obits. I close my eyes
past that page in the newspaper, unless I know someone who may have died. If
I figure this out, you will be one of the first to know. And that's the news
from Spokane, where the men are good looking, the women are strong and the
children either have a vow of silence or speak in VOX MAGNA.
18 Dec 2001: Francis and Elisia Roetheli: (Christmas letter, 2001) Christmas
is only a week away and once again the time of sharing and giving has come
upon us, and in this spirit we would like to share with all of you a little
bit about us and our lives with these few lines. First of all, the youngest
member of our family is no longer "little" Ronnie. We used to call
him "little Ronnie and his uncle was "big" Ronnie, But even
though he is only 14 years old he is now the tallest in the family, and has
even passed up his dad. He should have been finishing up the 8th grade and
going into high school next year in February, but he did not make it and will
have to repeat the 8th grade. He is still doing his swimming therapy twice a
week for a problem he has in his back and enjoys this quite a bit. He hopes
that he does not get over the back problem, which is a lot better, so soon
and has to take this therapy for a long time yet. His medical treatment has
turned into a very welcome pastime. Joel, now 19 years old, is finishing up
his first year in college studying Psychology, which he enjoys very much and
is doing pretty well in, even though it is a little rough on him as he
studies at night and has to travel an hour and a half each way, back and
forth, to and from the college. We are a little concerned with his heart
problem as maybe he will have to be operated on in January to change out a
defective valve in the heart. We will only know for sure if he will have to
be operated on now the end of this week or next week, depending on some tests
he will take. The doctor said that he will have to have this operation some
day, but he wants to hold off as long as possible as the valve they will put
in his heart is good for only about ten years and then he will have to go
through the operation again. Eddie, now 21 years old, studied Administration
in college the first semester of this year, but then he decided to hold off
for a while. He has been taking some courses here in town and also has been
hunting for a job, but so far without any luck. He is still undecided if he
will continue his studies in college the first semester of this coming year
or not. Elisia started participating in a group of ladies in the parish this
year and is enjoying this new activity very much. She was elected president
of the group and along with this she has become active in the planning and in
the celebration of special Masses for the ladies of the parish on Friday
evenings. She has been able to make quite a few new friends and is enjoying
all the activity quite a bit. One of the activities she is enjoying most is
the visits the group makes to families, homes and persons. Many times these
visits are very depressing because of the difficult circumstances they
encounter and turn into challenges and lesson about life, but other times
they are surprised by the positive spirit they find in the persons they visit
and come away thanking God for showing them a new outlook on life. Francis
has been kept real busy this year at work, as now the company has 27 boats
working here in Brazil, which is much more that the 10 boats they had a few
years ago. Some changes have been made in the administration of the company,
but right now it is hard to tell if these have been for the better or the
worse. He has had to put in a lot of overtime, but at least since July the
company has finally agreed to pay the overtime, which they were not doing
before. In July he went to New Orleans for a meeting that the company
promoted about a new computer program used in international purchasing and
stock control, and he was able to spend the weekend before the meeting with
his brother Ron in Washington, Mo. They had a short but nice weekend
together. In January, if Joel does not have to have the heart operation, we
are planning on going to Santarem, in the North of Brazil, to visit Elisia's
family and our friends there. If this works out it will be real enjoyable to
spend a little time up there. Elisia was there in July when her family had a
big celebration for her mother's 90th birthday. The whole family was able to
get together and they went out to the interior where the family used to live
for the celebration, which turned out to be a success. The boys were busy in
school at this time, so they could not go and Francis stayed here to take
care of them and the house. Just in case anyone would need or want to contact
us our address is: Francis & Elisia Roetheli; Rua Aime Borges Chaloup,
157; Miramar; 27943-540 Macae, RJ, Brasil. Our phone number has changed and
now is: 22-2772-1408,20 We always enjoy hearing from our friends and
relatives. We would like to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a New
Year full of God's blessings and the best of everything. During the Christmas
Mass we will be remembering each and everyone of you in our thoughts and
prayers.
18 Dec 2001: Jerry Klein: Jack, Thanks for the quick reply. I've wondered
from time to time what I might have done with a son. I think I would have
been awful to deal with. I've got two girls, and all the battles were and now
are with their mothers. And I mostly stay out of the fray. Good luck with
Michael. From time to time I thought it would be good for Kate to know other
kids raised by ex priests - sort of a small but unique club to help her
commiserate. I've learned in my present spousal relationship (to an Irish
person - wouldn't you know?) to argue and let it out. Something that might
have helped in my first go around. The f word isn't all that big a deal any
more! Still. Our parents would have sent us to heaven had we used it. Times
do change. I couldn't help notice your agnosticism statement. I think. Is
that a common occurrence for us who had an insiders point of view? I wish it
weren't so. If a healthy percentage of what we were brought up with is true,
I'm in trouble. Given my terrible religious example to Kate, I was
dumbfounded when she told me she considers herself a Catholic. Less is more.
My wife has never even been baptized. A rare, big Protestant Irish family.
When I told her she was a pagan she didn't know what that was! Interestingly,
tho her parents rarely went to church (Methodist, I think) her dad read the
bible every day and they had a deep affection for the Catholic Church.
Probably a Bishop Sheen thing. She started to take instructions when we got
married, but the priest who was giving the instructions reminded her so much
of me, she quit. All the mystery was gone! She said that the language he used
and the mannerisms were just like mine. After all these years. Anyhow, at
this time of year I try to get into the idea of a god plunking down on this
tiny speck in the universe - by a virgin birth, of course. It's so bazaar you
almost have to believe no one would make it up. So I wish you and yours the
best of this season. I still love it. And it's worth reflecting upon.
24 Dec 2001: Dan Tanna: Gael! The same to you and Susan...a joyful, safe, and
light-filled Christmas season. I am hoping to get something to you before the
next Diaspora. What a last quarter this one has been. Got fired (big mouth)
one week after 9/11! Walking around in a Dennis Miller "Low Grade
Trauma" I called my boss a bad name and categorized his issues as being
"bull shit"issues in light of recent events. So I am finally
getting back to doing "faith push-ups". Guess what! The truth set
me free. Sharon and I are packing the truck with Christmas plunder and
heading for grand kids (8 on tap, 2 more on the way). Fecund little ladies
these four beautiful daughters Sharon gave her life for. It'll be an all day
outing but worth it! Pax and Love!!!
25 Dec 2001: Chuck Faso: (Form letter) To all of my family and friends, from
China to Tel Aviv, from California to Florida, from Texas to Connecticut, and
to so many in the Chicago area. On this most holy day of Christmas, as all
the world waits for hope and healing, for a Star that will again invite our
hearts on a journey to the source of all Peace, I greet you from Chicago
Heights, from my Mother's home. May this feast be for us all a celebration of
hope that a world shaped by justice and peace will be a reality for all in
the new year. May each of us and our families and friends experience God's
love and strength, God's compassion and passion for life. Christmas is the
feast of God made visible in our flesh, God with our skin on. What a clever
God to be born as a baby, poor and so very dependent, that we might approach
our God with no fear, only with wonder and praise. Even in this year of great
loss and suffering, in a world wounded by war and fear, in this time of
distrust and economic uncertainty, may our hearts be filled with light and
gratitude. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great
light!" And so have we! I will be with my family until January 9, then
the preaching of 2002 begins. May our journeys in the new year bring us
together so we can share and rejoice together in God's many blessings. If
your travels bring you to Chicago, please feel free to visit the Dwelling
Place where Paul Lachance OFM, Clarence Klingert, OFM, and I live and share
our Franciscan life (2437 W. Augusta Blvd. Chicago IL 60622 (773-276-3386).
Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad! Froehliche Weihnachten! My
prayers and love are with you and your families this Holiday season.
25 Dec 2001: Mike Mooney: This ain't Santa Clause its Michael Mooney. Ho. Ho.
Ho. Thanks to your goddaughter I'm sailing away on a new Dell computer. The
thing is truly amazing. It talks to me . It sings to me. It comforts me in
difficult times. I really think I might figure it out. Anyway, brother, you
get my first virgin e-mail. Much love to you and Susun this Christmas
day.[Never thought you'd see the day did you, folks. But with Mooney on
board, just about every graduate of the 1959-1960 novitiate class we're in
contact with is now on-line, except possibly Tom Makowski, whom we've not
heard from on-line.- Gael and Jack]
26 Dec 2001 Dan Mazar: I have today received a new biography of Francis.
"Francis: A Saint's Way" by James Cowan. This a surprise. I know
nothing of Cowan except what is on the dust jacket. I will let you know what
I think when I have finished. It is published by Liguori and is 180 pages. So
far it is more psychological rather than facts and figures. So I wonder if
the author is projecting himself onto Francis. That has been known to happen.
31 Dec 01 Pete & Judy Yuslum of New Orleans sent Christmas card addressed
to: Dear Brother and Sister in Christ and St. Francis, greetings from the
deep South and the couple you met after the School of Americas protest and
gathering. We spoke to some of the Franciscans here but they were after your
time. We haven't spoken to Bob Pawell, but did receive his Christmas card and
annual letter. Would you like a copy, if you're not on his list? Anyway,
wanted you to know we were thinking of you and are with you in the struggle
for peace and justice. Peace, love and all good. P.S. Go Tigers (LSU) even if
we don't win the Sugar Bowl. [I remember they did just fine.]
End of the Year 2001: The Cantlons of Ronan, Montana sent their annual
six-page Christmas Eve newsletter. They're gearing back from (over) work a
bit and ratcheting up a notch their nudist activity at the Sun Meadow nudist
resort at Worley, Idaho, 30 miles south of Coeur d'Alene. The kids' and their
activities are grown up and maturing nicely – energetically, sometimes
feverishly, oozing talent. Jim and Mary Zangs sent card and Christmas letter.
Big news: a grandson from daughter Beth and her husband Morgan. Mary runs her
business, Handyman Central. Jim works for the Safer Foundation at a
work-release center. Luis Runde OFM sent his 2001 Christmas letter from St.
Peter's in Chicago where he works in the ministry for the Hispanics. There
have been 150,000 new people move from Mexico to Chicago in the past 10
years, bringing the total to 350,000. Most have their own parishes. He can be
reached at llrunde of yahoo.com. Carroll Mizicko OFM writes his annual letter
from Little Flower Church in Monroe, Louisiana. Carroll will be joining Chris
Reuter in the province's establishing of an African American Ministry
Resources and Training Center to offer guidance and mentoring to those
entering the African American ministry and be renewed themselves. It's in
East St. Louis with Bishop Wilton Gregory, head of the US Conference of
Bishops and in the news daily addressing church scandals. Joan Porche still
lives on far south side of Chicago. She doesn't miss driving into Chicago
five days a week to teach but seemed to enjoy a 14 hour drive to Arlington,
Texas on Dec. 17 with daughter Jeni and a friend to visit Joan's sister
Nancy. Jeni is suing the Illinois university where she was editor of the
newspaper for violations of 1st and 14th Amendment rights and
misappropriations of student monies. James will be released from prison in
August 2002. Joan is a part-time consultant with Chicago Public Schools
evaluating dating violence prevention pilot projects. Joe Hemmer's photos
continue to grace the newsletter of the province's missions of Northern
Alaska. They could use help, "a buck a month club"at bishop's
address: Alaskan Shepherd, 1312 Peger Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 Carol
Stachura's annual letter adds this note: Hope all is well. The Franciscans in
the area all stay in touch. A great support system for all of us. Think of
you often – always smile when I do! Blessing for such love. [Same to you from
all of us, Sweetie. For proof that Carol is from good stock, read on.]
Carol's family gathered to celebrate her mother's 90th birthday. She's a salt
of the earth type, alert and keeps abreast of current events and remains good
company. Carol's sister has a house on the main channel of the Mississippi
River in Bellevue, Iowa, where her Lyons clan gathers for magnificent views.
John & Bobbie Laker sent their annual letter. Joe, 20, didn't return to
Quincy U. Christine, 22, is in her senior year at QU. Angie, 24, returned
from NYC after working as a Vencentian Service Corp volunteer at Covenant
House and was headed for Costa Rica in February 2002. John is in his eighth
year as director of Living Independently Now Center. Bobbie works with the
poorest of the poor at Alton Mental Health Center as a social worker. A nice,
engaging account of their engaged lives. Reminds me of the Little Flowers of
Assisi.
3 Jan 2002 Jack Brennan: You are right about the vicissitudes of parenting,
Zeke. I work very hard at holding two equal truths in my heart: Parents are
to be praised because we do the very best we can with what we have. (Nemo dat
quod non habet.) And they are to be held accountable for their mistakes. When
my kids tell me what they think of my parenting, I take the advice of a good
friend: I listen, listen and listen. For self preservation, I make real sure
I am sitting down when they speak. I have heard about "This Much I Know
Is True" by Wally Lamb (that you've been reading). I think Gayle may
have it around here somewhere. I got a really great book from my sister
Noreen for Xmas: "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" by Studs Terkel. I
can't put it down. It's about death; he interviews a ton of people on the
subject and so far there is a pearl of wisdom from everyone of them. It's a
classic. My neighbor told me that Brian Lamb (Book Notes) interviewed him
about the book for three hours the other night. At work I feel really
fortunate. There's a guy I work with who is about 50 years old. He was trauma
surgeon for about 20 years and he decided to quit doing that, got a master's
in counseling and works with dying cancer patients now. We have a lot of
great conversations. He helps me with my cardiac patients and thinks I have
great instincts for counseling. His wife is also a doc. The other day she
mentioned to him that he has been a lot happier since he changed careers. He
replied: "Yes, I have, haven't I." She came back, "Yes, but I
don't think your happiness is worth 250K a year!" She's Irish, of
course. Michael now talks with us. We all went up to the ski slopes together
on Sunday. Gayle and I sat in the lodge reading and - I confess - doing
crossword puzzles. The ride to the top of the mountain was something. They
claim it is the longest gondola in the world. I believe it. It takes 20+
minutes to get to the top. I was really scared. I have never felt that kind
of fear of heights any other time in my life. But the view is so fantastic as
it went up, that I couldn't fully concentrate on my fear. Talk about mixed
feelings.
4 Jan 2002 Dan Mazar: Here are my random thoughts about the book you asked me
about. I have finished James Cowan's book, "Francis: A Saint's Way."It
is newly published by Liguori Press in Missouri. Cowan is an Australian
anthropologist. He has another book: "A Mapmaker's Dream." I know
nothing of it. The dust jacket praises it but that is what it is supposed to
do. It is more a meditation about Francis' influence on the author than
anything else. It certainly is not another pedestrian biography. Cowan really
tries to get a new understanding of Francis. His best thought is that Francis
used his time in the Holy Land to speak with eastern mystics to learn more
about his own mystical experience. That makes sense to me. He had to make
sense of ecstasy in order to give himself to it even more. However, I think
Cowan misses the essential fact of Francis. I think that Francis possessed an
incredible sexual energy and magnetism. And I think Francis knew it. He
projected such a magnetism that his followers were swept away by it.
Francis's unknown friend who stood with Francis was the first witness of his
conversion of the sexual energy to a love affair with God. Br. Leo certainly
saw it and breathed it in. I can think of no other power in a person that
would cause people to follow someone into such poverty and misery. And not be
miserable doing it. I was hoping Cowan would tackle this angle on Francis, his
first followers, and his relations with Clare. Sadly, the author really
didn't go there. Cowan wrote about Francis' asceticism. Here too, I think he
has the wrong end of the stick. My position is that Francis was such a
sensual/sexual person that he realized that he had to turn that sensuality
into a way to approach Christ. His solution was ascetic. He used that sexual
energy to transform himself in order to make himself completely to the power
of Christ. Cowan takes that position that Francis' asceticism is a via
negativa rather than a via positiva. (Of course, it is entirely probable that
I have misread his position. So, I did email him to query his thoughts.)
Personal quirk: calling friaries monasteries and friars monks tells me that
the author is missing it. He also maintained that the great Renaissance
artists had to leave home to do great work. I don't quite believe that. Just
two pebbles that get in my shoe. The book is well written. For me,
Kazantzakis still is the best at capturing the fire and search that Francis
was on. Cowan's book would be worth your while. I have not seen any other
reviews. Keep a sharp eye for a review. Hope I have piqued your interest.
Pax. [Mazar certainly did pique my interest. I went out and found another bio
and asked Cowboy to let me use his review for the Digest. He responded giving
me a rare OK to use letters exhibiting his thinking along this line.- Gael] 6
Jan 2002 Mazar Dan: Zeke: You are very kind in your response to my
meanderings and musings. Am glad I rang a bell or two. I doubt that Celano
would have used for a source. Placid Hermann would have shielded his eyes.
Well, have at it. If you get a response, please remember that an auto-de-fe
is not in my future. My best to Susan and every one else who is a Titan fan.
Pax,
7 Jan 2002 Vic Neshyba writes: Howdy, I'm here.
My email address is vneshyba of austin.rr.com ... don't know why it bounced
twice. As previously stated I attended St Joe's and graduated in 1965. Then I
went on to OLA. I left before going to T-Town for Novitiate and have stayed
in SFO. Currently, I am Executive Director for the Corporation for Affordable
Housing and Community Economic Development here in Austin TX. We provide very
low cost housing the truly homeless families who are in the lowest income brackets.
This is definitely not a for-profit venture. Did not realize DD was only for
active or former friars ... thought it Was anyone previously part of SHP.
[And, of course, you are right.] Let me know if you get this message. - Vic
Neshyba, 512-292-8040, Home 512-292-8856, Work 4615 Chesney Ridge Dr, Austin
TX (Gael's reply: Thanks for getting back and sharing the personal
information. I'll forward this to the other editor, Jack Brennan, with whom I
graduated from Westmont and we went to novitiate in 1959. I'll put you in the
data file and add you to so you'll get future digests. #32 should be out
before the spring equinox :-)) You are right, the digest is for anyone who
has been to Westmont on up. The date we use to identify most of us is the
simple profession date but any Westmont date is fine also. Some readers are
or colleagues who have studied and trained to follow St. Francis or who
admire him, or may be 'Sister Clares,' relatives or spouses or other friends
of friars.
8 Jan 2002 Ron Bissett (rbissett of chartermi.net is my cousin, a doctor, at
Gladstone, Mich.) Gael, I came across this Web site while preparing a sermon
for our small church, and thought it might interest you. It did. I pass it
on: http://www.coastnet.com/~stdavid/francisc.htm The Celtic Catholic
church/franciscans. Gael replied: Hey, Ron, this is terrific. I try to put
out the Germanic but Gaelic version of franciscanism, you might say, though
my best German friends are mostly Irish and Celtic so I changed the spelling
of my name.
8 Jan 2002 Keith Eckrich writes: [Keith and Helen caught up three years with
four newsletters for 1999, 2000, 2001]: Keith was a Y2K victim. Upon
rebooting on Jan. 3, 2000, his computer read Jan. 4, 1980. They have already
destroyed a 600,000-byte file because of it. But all in all, 1999 was a good
year. On his 60th birthday, he told his secretary with grim face that he had
breached the big "Five O" and she believed him. OTOH, his HMO
advised him he was of an age to have an annual sigmoidoscopy done by his proctologist.
Oh, well! His 13-year-old pronounced her parents no longer needed to drag her
around. She has discovered the Internet chat rooms. Keith's ax to grind that
year: electronic menus: "If you speak Hungarian, press 4, etc. We are
really interested in your call, so don't hang up, just wait 35 minutes until
we get damned ready to tell you why we can't do what you want." Keith
regularly presses 17 to see what will happen or pretends to have a rotary
phone. Happy news: "Now that I am on Prozac, I no longer need my
psychological, self-help book collection which has been cleansed of the
following off our bookshelf in our den: You can feel good all the time, Love
is letting go of fear, Stalking the wild pendulum, On the mechanics of
consciousness, One to one: understanding personal relationships, The
self-talk solution, The drama of the gifted child and the psychoanalyst's
narcissistic disturbance, The relaxed response, Shame: the power of caring,
Why marriages succeed or fail and how you can make yours last, Feeling good:
the new mood therapy, How to stubbornly refuse to make yourself miserable
about anything, yes, about anything, What to say when you talk to yourself,
and my favorite, How to thrive on rejection: a manual for survival. "I'm
not making these up: this is a real catalog of my last 30 years of
coping!" says Keith. He says he is happily pursuing his eternal weight
problem, discarded the "for a slimmer you" books in lieu of the
gym's treadmill and weight lifting. At last word, two years ago, he was on
the Dr. Atkin's book. He didn't like the movie "Being John
Malkovich" as much as Ebert [and editor Gael]. He's done a pastel
painting of Van Gogh's "Dr. Gachet" (which sold for $125 million)
that you can have for $14 mil. He's resumed stamp collecting after a two-year
hiatus and spent a few days sorting a treasure chest of 40,000 foreign
stamps. He's been into stamps since before we became classmates at age 14 in
1953. Helene's 1999 letter says Keith sold two of his pastels. She didn't
mention $14 mil. He's "a big muckety-muck section leader with the New
Mexico Symphony Orchestra." Their trips that year were to LA to see the
Van Gogh exhibit and the Getty Center; to Boston, Cape Cod, Philadelphia;
Durango, Colorado for white water rafting; Glenwood, NM for a guest ranch.
They planned to visit Ireland in 2000. That was half of that year's letter.
The other half was devoted to a wedding. The 2001 letter of Helene begins:
"Now I'm really behind. I'm sending four Christmas letters at
once." Helene says waiting for Keith's 2001 letter is what held her up
the last two years. K&H celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary with a
one-week Caribbean cruise out of New Orleans. Helene and 10 cousins went to
Africa for 2 weeks including a photo op (safari) to the Serengeti. Discovery
Channel never saw so many animals from A to Z including apes, wildebeests,
and zebras. Meanwhile, Keith was gliding over the mountains at Durango. In
August, he went to a stamp collectors' convention in Chicago and visited the
scenes of his past sins and crimes. [I'm betting we get the 2002 letter in
2005.]
22 Jan 2002 Janice Flach of Montrose, Ill., sent along an address I asked
for: Fr. Sylvano Pera, Our Lady of Angels Friary, P. O. Box 2153,
Springfield, IL 62705-2153. It was great talking to you. We did pass thru
again on our way home. Now I know why I'm not feeling up to par - I've been
in Nashville! [She had just read Gael's annual Christmas letter wherein he
whined about the Southern crud in 2001.] The flu bug is going around. Denis was
really sick over the holidays and I mean sick and he still isn't over it.
Coughs terrible and before we left Florida my girlfriend was coming down with
it and now I'm getting it and we are to go to Chicago and baby sit the rest
of the week. Poor grand kids! One is a baby, 11 months. Another is 4 and she
is grandmas girl!!! She stays with us every chance she gets. Loves it here.
Thanks for the address of Jack. I'll try to e-mail him and see what is going
on in his life. Our mailing addresses are: pjf of mmtcnet.com 15727 N. 2300th
St., Montrose, IL 62445. Phone: 217-924-4450. We still live at the same ole
place, except when we are at the woods. I inherited 94 acres from my parents
and we have made us a little camping site and go there whenever we can. Its lots
of work keeping it mowed and cleaned up, but good exercise for us and we love
it out there. Last year we took the camper out there and left it most of the
summer as we finally had electric installed. Before that we used a generator
and it was so noisy. We got new neighbors just a block away so thought we
better do something. The kids come out whenever they can. Ride horses, 4
wheelers, etc.
7 Feb 2002 Paul Stubenbort (PAULPATUSA of aol.com) Hi Folks! Pat and I will
be in North Carolina and Florida for the next two months. email: Stubenbort of
pocketmail.com, phone: 215 688 2119 (you can leave messages on the cell
phone.)
10 Feb 2002 Gael to DD list group: You know, I don't even know if our list
group is still active. They may have put it to rest due to inanition. Gael
Clyde Ebenreck replied same day (ebenrecw of pg.cc.md.us): Gael, the list
seems to still be active. Got this message at least. -- Clyde (who is happy
again a new relationship after divorce is true therapy).
11 Feb 2002 Gael: Good news, Clyde. We're elated to hear it and hoped for as
much. This should be a special Valentine's day for you.
11 Feb 2002 Richard Mayer: Gael, I got a call from Dick Korn that Paul
Zoderer died this morning at Barnes Hospital here in St. Louis of cardiac
arrest. Dick tried to call you but didn't reach you. I will get the details
of the funeral from St. Anthony's tomorrow afternoon and send them to you
ASAP in case you wish to send out a group e-mail. I've called Behl,
Christensen and Flinn and if the funeral is in St. Louis, we will attend.
More tomorrow. Pax [It turns out the funeral was at St. Roch's in
Indianapolis because of the fire damage to Sacred Heart parish. Quite a few
friars made it, Mooney reported. He got the e-mailing and attended.]
12 Feb 2002 Alan Hoffman: Gael, how kind of you to notify me of Paul's death.
He was a specialman, loaded with talent, humor, and great kindness. He honors
the name"Franciscan." And what a priestly heart! Now he is in the
company of his Lord, whom he served so faithfully for so many years. I
consider myself blessed that we shared so many happy years together
throughout our studies. I will miss him. But my consolation is in the
recognition that he is now at peace and can benefit all in a new way at the
side of his divine Master. R.I.P. Sorry I lost touch with everyone for the
past two years since my retirement from 32 years of administrative work in
education. To begin my Golden Years anew, my wife, Bernadine, and I moved to
North Carolina. We invited my older sister to come live with us three years
ago, and now we are known in family circles as "The Three Amigos."
To make a long story short, I have been battling some of the effects of
Diabetes 2 for several years. Before my retirement I had three major
surgeries in two years; that took a lot out of me and prompted me to retire
early. I have what they call "charcot" feet and this has kept me
from walking as much as I would like. But I cannot complain. The Lord has
blessed me with so many gifts and so many wonderful people. Reading, music,
gardening, meditation, prayer and travel take up most of my time. Of course I
still love all sporting events, but my health does not allow me much direct
participation. I am reminded of old bit of mountain wisdom: "Life is
like a roll of toilet paper. The closer we get to the end, the faster it
goes." Or so it seems. I turn 65 in June and will be traveling in Alaska
with my wife and sister for that landmark date. We try to travel somewhere
about every six weeks or so. Some are short, some are long. All are
enjoyable. While there is much ugliness and violence in the world, there is
also a great beauty and serenity to be experienced by the adventurous. My son
Kevin is now married, has a young son, Alex, in his first year, and they
still reside in Hot Springs, Ar. where he works in law enforcement with
juvenile offenders. Being a grandfather for the first time is a wondrous joy
for me! Is is such a special relationship. My daughter Karen completed her
doctorate and is now teaching philosophy at Hood College in Md. She loves
teaching and she loves philosophy. She also has a serious boyfriend who is
completing his doctorate at St. Louis University, her Alma Mater. For anyone
who would like to keep in touch with me, I can be reached at 6229 Creek
Breeze Rd., Charlotte, N.C., 28269, phone 704-947-9489. Please keep me posted
with the Diaspora Digest. Fond wishes to everyone.
15 Feb 2002: Mayslake Update: $4 Million Eyed for Rehab of Mayslake. John
Chase of the Chicago Tribune wrote: Nearly a decade after voters approved
borrowing $17.5 million to buy the Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook, the
DuPage County Forest Preserve Commission is looking to borrow up to $4
million to rehabilitate the 90-acre estate, although this time by dipping
into one of its own funds. Commissioner James Healy, who is overseeing the
project, said Thursday he will seek to use money from the district's
bountiful landfill fund. "We're looking for a one-time capital
infusion," Healy said. "And I think the best place to find that
money is the landfill fund. We want to get this done." But tapping the
$180 million landfill fund has become controversial in recent months.
Although some commissioners want to use landfill funds for various projects,
others fear spending the money could leave the district unable to pay for
environmental problems in closed landfills it owns-the reason the fund was
established. [Isn't Healy the name of one of the big horse farms in the area,
the other being the Butlers, back in the 1950s -- before and after -- when we
were there?GBS. [I think so. JB] ] See the Diaspora Digest Web Pages for the
rest of this story and other related stories.
20 Feb 2002 Vic Neshyba Gael, Thanks for adding my name to the address list
and email roster. Please add my zip code: 78749-1137 Weather down here in
Austin is simply gorgeous today! Reminds me of raking leaves around the
Mayslake campus on GK's work party.
26 Feb 2002: Jack Brennan: Enjoying the aphorisms and quotes you are sending.
It's interesting how at first I dreaded the idea of painting the inside of
our house. Once we get on a roll - pun intended - and we see the results,
it's great. I overheard Gayle telling you that you need to come out here. I
second the emotion. You guys would be flabbergasted by the cabin and the environs.
It was so primitive in May of 1980. I can't believe that was 22 years ago;
It's a strong memory having you guys here. We ordered the Mt. St. Helen blast
for your edification. Don't know if I told you that we have been having some
earthquakes here, starting last June? Gayle gets very nervous about it and
asked a geologist friend of ours what to do during a quake. His response:
"By the time you think to do something, it's over; you might just as
well stop and enjoy mother nature at her best." Re Paul Zoderer, I
haven't seen him since he came home for a visit from Brazil in the 60's. I
remember he started off one of his slide shows about Brazil with: "The
answer to a frequently asked question is: 'Yes, the natives do wear clothes.'
" He was a very fine man. To coin a phrase, he used to tease me
mercifully at Westmont, Cleveland and Teutopolis. We exchanged a few emails
last year and then we got busy with our lives... I missed him then, I miss
him now. I have seen Runde, perhaps that's what you were thinking about. He
and his dad came through here several years ago and we had a great time.
Gayle claimed that we stayed up til 3AM and that we were talking at the same
time. Luis told her that we had a lot of catching up to do and that we were
able to do it in half the time by talking simultaneously! Haven't written to
Klein in a few months, but when the painting is over, I'll have a lot more
time. It was good to hear your voice. Do you know that you still have a
Kansas accent? When you say "town" I can still hear it. You can
take the boy out of Kansas, but...
18 Mar 2002 Gael Stahl: Every newspaper I've picked up has picked up on this
scandal. this is the best I've seen. There's a pretty good short summary of
celibacy in the RC east and west in today's USA Today. This from New York
Times is about has complete as I've seen on pedophilia among the celibate
Mass sayers was in the NYTimes last Sunday edition. [ See:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/17/national/17PRIE.html?todaysheadlines ]
31 Mar 2002 Robert Hankey: [Gael s replies in brackets] I ask again. What
happened with the Diaspora Digest? Are you still putting it out? [yes] My
suggestion, if it s not coming out again, would be to let everyone know. [Of
course. I have a mountain of material to collate before completing that,
though.] Several of my classmates have asked me about it. I really don t know
what to tell them. [DD started out as a Christmas annual. It seems to be a
May annual now. I thought I d get it out at Christmas this year. Jack Brennan
had his editing done. But I still had a folder of material to be added to the
digest and am working on it (much too sporadically).] I think that when you
started the Digest was a gem of information welcomed by all. You did a great
job! However, the last few issues collapsed into a heap of "who
cares" rubbish and long-winded speeches from those who still live in the
past. [I told you when you wrote last November that I agreed with you. I m
delighted you are concerned about the delay in getting "a heap of 'who
cares' rubbish and long-winded speeches." I believe it was in the May
2001 issue that I said DD was in search of an editor who could get DD out
quicker until I have more time.] I m fully retired now and enjoying it. My
daughter, Laura ( a single mom) and her little daughter, Alexis), live here
at home. My son, Bobby, is a public school teacher and lives in his own
house. Carol has been dead for over five years now. I have a lady friend who
lives in Tucson, AZ, in winters and in Minn. summers. I was down to visit her
in Tucson a couple of weeks ago. She and I graduated from grade school and
high school together some 54 years ago (1948) we re both 70 now. She lost her
husband to cancer four years ago, and is the mother of six children. It s
nice to have an old new friend! My best to you and Susan. Bob [Thanks for the
update in your life, Bob. I m very happy that you are near to those so dear
and hope you build great friendships and other love relationships right up to
the point that Lady Jacoba of Rome (was that her name?) makes that last visit
to your Franciscan home in the diaspora. [Bless you for missing DD. Cowboy
Mazar and Jack Brennan are two others who prod me about my delays in
publishing. I can only apologize to all. I hope you have a gentled, balmy
spring and a resurgent summer. I hope you get to keep the Twins in your twin
cities. I m pulling for them to go all the way this year they just very well
might win it all. Brother Mooney and Judy are paying a visit to us tonight on
the return trip to Indianapolis. They want to watch Indiana play Maryland in
the NCAA final game with us tonight. IU has an exciting team that makes me
believe in miracles again.]
1 Apr 02 Jack Brennan wrote Bob: [I ve edited out some overblown praise of my
past efforts. GZ]. I agree with your feelings about some of the articles and
I speak from a place of one who reads those articles only 2 or 3 times each.
His task is much greater than ours including transcribing some very long
hand-written letters. I am grateful to him for taking a lot of time out of
his life to type and edit it. I will remember forever the wonderful prose
about your journey to find Spivey s home and relatives. That s what Zeke and
I call "a real heart singer." That s one of the reasons I remain at
Zeke s side nay, several yards behind to keep plugging away at this labor of
love. There s some good stuff in the next issue of DD ... Fraternally, Jack
8 April 02 Mark J. Braun (Bro. George): When I was in Indianapolis I sent you
a post card informing you of my new address, but it could have got lost. I am
enjoying Arizona. The palm trees, cactuses, and mountains are nice. My wife
had a very bad stroke. It only affected her head. No other part of her body.
Her mind was affected very much. She doesn't remember having the stroke,
doesn't remember being in the hospital or nursing home and she doesn"t
remember how she got to Arizona. We left Indianapolis Ash Wednesday and got
here the following Saturday. I would appreciate prayers from all of the
readers for my wife and for me. Thanks. I"ll remember you in my prayers
every day. Peace and everything good to all. P.S. My wife s health is
improving.
Mid-April 2002 Gael to Bob Pawell: Bob, I ve praised your account of the
history of Tau House that you founded in New Orleans to many, but I ve not
told you, I bet. That Minor Matters history of Tau House in the Quarter was
magnificent. So glad you took the time to do it. Very sophisticated,
sensitive, decorous writing (as a professional editor I saw where you as
writer could have gone wrong, personalized it, made it all about you but you
avoided the traps.) Fine work from the nonliterary historical aspects too.
Just super. [I asked Bob to send it to me and as soon as I make sure it
transmitted OK, I"ll make it available to all my classmates and others
interested in reading Bob s long but probably still too short to include
everything and everybody in one account. Since this diaspora digest was born
at Tau House when Susan and I ran into Chris Reuter who was visiting Bob
Pawell there during a trip to New Orleans in the early 1980s. We exchanged a
couple of addresses of classmates we were in contact with and it evolved into
an annual letter that by 1984-1985 became the Diaspora Digest with upwards of
300 readers. We re nearing our 20th anniversary. Hard to believe. I am not
sure if the 2002 issues of Minor Matters with the two-part history of Tau
House can be found on the Province s web pages.
18 Apr 2002 Chuck Faso: Hello from Bixby, Oklahoma - just south of Tulsa OK
where I am preaching a parish mission. Yesterday I received a phone call from
my sisters, Mary and Polly. They informed me that during this past week, our
mother's health has declined. The visiting nurse suggested Hospice be called
in to help in my mother's care. We have started the process of interviews and
then the daily visit by someone on the staff of Hospice from St. James
Hospital in Chicago Heights. My mother has been in a wheelchair for four
years after several strokes and episodes that shut down her body functions. Fifteen
times the ambulance took her to the hospital. Twenty minutes after arrival at
the hospital, mother would always come to. During the last month, mother eats
less and there is little communication. So I ask for your prayers for my
mother, Isabel Faso, for my sister Polly who cares for mother full time, for
my sister Mary who lives upstairs, works full time and assists Polly every
day. Pray too for my younger brother Joe who has been on dialysis for kidney
failure since December; he is having a very difficult time. Pray for me too.
Thank you and God bless you!
28 April 02 Keith Eckrich to Dennis Griffin and his classmates in 1959-60
novitiate class when Chris Reuter s Juno eddress went kaput: The friars have
discontinued their service to Corpus Christi, and Chris is packing to depart
in June to join Bishop Wilton Gregory in the Belleville Diocese. Perhaps
Chris has discontinued his computer email, but that does seem unlikely since
he will be there until June. His phone is 773/285-7720.
April 2002 WEORC newsletter: Rape of children by priests the recurring
scandal in the Church Weorc is a Gaelic word for WORK and a sizeable group of
former active priests out of Chicago that for decades have helped help
resigned priests and religious find new careers. Among fringe friars who have
been involved are Tony Lutz of D.C. and Jack Bartz of Chicago. WEORC
estimates there are 850 resigned priests serving in the Chicago metropolitan
area, 430 of whom are involved with WEORC. (Write to WEORC of aol.com or call
773/743-8648. Check www. marriedpreists.org for a link to the WEORC web
pages. WEORC sent a letter to all priests of the Chicago Archdiocese on Holy
Thursday that I d like to include here because there is no way DD is the
medium to handle the complexity of our feelings about the hierarchy s
mishandling of the pederast and pedophile unmarried priests they reassigned
without warning to work among the unsuspecting youth. The various OFM
provinces haven t been immune from child molesters and even our own wouldn t
care to have us name names, any more than the various dioceses would.
Fortunately, it seems to be a problem of 15 years or more ago. Small comfort,
but not the comfort jailing a few bishops (provincial counselors) would have
brought. I hope we ll keep our Digest a treasury book of personal stories of
a more uplifting rather than crime bustin genre. Let s let the letter of
WEORC speak to and for us friars in this time that sears souls. This Weorc
letter addressed to the active priests and brothers and sisters still
struggling in the front lines speaks for us and to us. Go to
www.marriedpriests.org then click on WEORC then click to April to read the
complete letter. This is summarized and shortened here. "The word from
WEORC since last we spoke" These have been difficult days, most painful
of all for you who continue your dedicated service as priests while trying to
sort out your thoughts and feelings about the pedophilia scandals in Boston
and elsewhere. "We write to express our admiration for you and our strong
support. We were ordained with you. Many of you shared our struggles as we
wrestled with the painful decision to leave the active ministry. In many
cases the friendships that we formed in the seminary have continued despite
the different paths we have followed. Today many of our families and we are
nurtured spiritually by the insightful homilies you give and the prayerful
liturgies over which you preside in the parishes we attend. Our first message
to you is deep gratitude. You re a significant people, you so crucial work,
you are not marginal or irrelevant or outdated. Not functionaries or
sacramental machines. As people in the pews at the weddings, funerals,
baptisms, and reconciliations at which you preside, we can testify that these
are indeed peak moments in our lives. We appreciate your visits to hospitals
and nursing homes, your personal notes, your visits at a wake, your letters
in the parish bulletin that focus on the ways I which the Gospel intersects
with the ongoing events, challenges, and opportunities of our modern world.
We appreciate your listening at meetings that fill your schedule, your
shepherding of a flock which can be polarized, contentious, demanding, or
critical. None of us are perfect in the pews, the priest at the altar, the
hierarchy, in the Vatican, or Pastoral Center. So often, you are the ones
caught in the middle of so many conflicting voices from the church above and
the church below. The issue of pedophilia raises many complicated questions.
Countless reports in the media as well as personal conversations have been
instant analysis, quick fixes, draconian solutions, bureaucratic fumblings,
as well as insightful commentaries. How do we as Church help past victims,
protect children, protect priests from false or unsubstantiated accusations,
deal with destructive stereotypes about priests and the priesthood, deal with
the financial implications, the assaults on our credibility? The honest
questions and less honest innuendoes about the relationship between celibacy
and pedophilia? How do we as priests or lay people deal with our personal
needs for intimacy, companionship and closeness? How do we continue to focus
on the magnificent joy of being heralds of the Good News of the Gospel and
not be immobilized by the bad news about pedophilia? Many of us left the
active ministry because we discovered that while we had a vocation to the
priesthood that we loved, we did not have a vocation to celibacy. Many of you
have remained because you were able to meet that challenge better than we.
Some of you have experienced celibacy as a gift that frees you for ministry
and is a profound sign of your dedication to God and to the people of God.
Others of you experience celibacy as a painful burden personally and as
something regretted and unappreciated by your people. Many of us, and our
people, are confused and offended by a Church policy that welcomes married
priests when they are former Protestant clergy but resists them when they are
Catholics. And yet, despite all of this, you courageously and patiently
persevere in your vocations. We salute you. We admire you. We thank you.
During the first millennium, the vocation to celibacy and the vocation to
priesthood were two separate charisms. In the second millennium they remained
separate in the East but were linked together in the West. Perhaps, with the
shortage of priests and the increasing unavailability of the Eucharist in
many areas, the Holy Spirit is nudging the Church back again in this third
millennium. Who knows what the future will hold? However, while we are
waiting, you are the ones who are holding everything together, especially in
the parishes where God s people gather Sunday after Sunday. We are not being
overly dramatic when we say that without you, as individuals and as a
presbyterate, it would all fall apart. If lay people will lead the Church of
the future, you are the ones who will train them and help them through the
transition. If the Church of the future is to be led by a new kind of
priesthood, you are the ones who will bridge the past, present and future.
These are extraordinary times. This is not what we expected when we were
ordained. We, your brothers, promise to do our best in our own ministry as
lay people. We pledge to assist you and support you in whatever way we can.
However, we realize that you are the key actors in this drama as it plays
itself out. Like the apostles in that boat in the storm on the Sea of
Galilee, you may sometimes feel that you are about to capsize. It may seem
that the Lord is asleep in the stern of the boat. But your faith in the
Paschal mystery which we celebrate this Holy Week consists in knowing in the
deepest part of your being that you are not alone, that the storm will end,
and you and we and all of us will survive. So we salute you. We admire you. We
thank you. We love you. Sincerely, Bob Andorka, Bob Backis, Paul Flaherty,
Marty Hegarty, John Horan, Stan Kedzior, Bob Motycka
4 May 2002 Gael wrote to verify Jerry Klein's mailing address to send him an
article that purports to explain how in physics nothing is something and
that's why there is something rather than nothing according to the
inflationary evolution theory. That was the question he and I and others
spent eight years in philosophy and theology trying to answer. It was in the
Discover magazine in April. I also asked for "the best five books you've
read recently?"
6 May 2002 Jerry Klein: Gael, Good to hear from you. That address is ok. I
don't know anyone who would be interested in the article on something -
besides me. People I associate with don't ruminate along those lines. You
guys had a terrible storm recently; the fires are starting so there's the
familiar smoke smell we all got used to from a couple years ago, this time
from the Okefenokee Swamp. Books? I don't think that I ever finish one.
Mostly, if I read a book, it's a chapter here or there from a dozen different
books - lots of mid-life stuff, mental health and substance abuse stuff as
part of my job and part of keeping up with my CEUs for mental health
certification. I started getting the National Catholic Reporter and
Commonweal - for the first time ever I think - part of my interest in the
current scandal (celibacy, married priests, sex - what a mess) but also the
liberal Catholic viewpoint on issues esp. war and peace in the world. I'm
usually out of step with the prevailing wind. For example, I view the
Palestinian/Israeli conflict as a David/Goliath thing - guns vs. tanks - than
a terrorist/victim thing. Along with that I devour the New York Review of
Books, Harpers, Newsweek, and the daily newspaper. Right now at my desk, I
have The Hidden Jesus (by Donald Spoto), Before. Its Too Late (Treadway's
book working with substance abuse families), Awakening at Midlife (by
Brehony), The Heart of the Soul (emotional awareness by Zukav), Emotional
Alchemy (by Bennet-Goleman), Up From Eden ( old - a transpersonal view of
evolution by Ken Wilbur, Think (Intro to Philosophy by Blackburn), The Best
guide to Meditation (Davich which I haven't touched yet!). There are others.
And the same odd assortment at home. I bounce around, but stay close to
philosophy, theology, psychology and politics. And I can't imagine anyone
with a similar bent! My daughter gives me the political books. By the way, it
excites me to know that she will clerk for the liberal Florida Supreme Court
Justice, Barbara Pariente, starting June 3. I feel I got a liberal mole in
there. But, I got to go. Keep in touch. Enjoy your thought on things, as
always.
15 May 2002 Tony Lutz: Sent a four-page reprint of "The Biglietto Speech
of John Henry Cardinal Newman and the Modern Crisis of Faith" by Father
Gerald E. Murray, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Manhattan, NY. His
doctorate in canon law is from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
The article appeared in The Catholic Answer," pages 56-63. The remarks
of Murray were made on the 200th anniversary of JHN celebrated at St. Patrick
s Cathedral in New York City. The Biglietto speech was Newman s comments on
the day he was raised to the cardinalate in 1879.
24 May 2002: Tony Blasi, a researcher in religious anthropology at Tennessee
State University in Nashville, called Gael with regard to using the names and
addresses of all the fringe friars in the diaspora. He says he has done a
study of his own former group, the Brothers of the Holy Cross to study how
those who left the community continued the charism of the congregation. Blasi
says he and Joe Zimmerman OFM would like to do a similar research project on
former members of our province. I ve decided to update the data file he got
from the diaspora Web pages in the province s Web site. I notice that listing
is rather out of date and am updating it for Blasi. I will include my updated
listings at the end of this issue. Let me know of any corrections and other
updates still needed. When I ve made a final edit, I send the update to Jack
Hardesty to replace the listing on the Web. If we cooperate and Blasi and Joe
do a good job, it could be an interesting piece of work to examine.
27 May 2002 Jack Bartz reports that former Friar Bill Beyerink died this past
Friday, May 24, of an apparent heart attack. He was 57 years old. Bill was
originally from Sioux City, Iowa, and entered the novitiate in 1965. He made
solemn profession in 1969 and was ordained in 1972. He was stationed first at
St. Augustine s in Chicago and then in Cleveland at St. Anthony s, OLA, and
Saint Jude s. He began a leave of absence in 1993 and then left the Order and
was laicized in 1996. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St.
Boniface Church in Sioux City. [In the 1988 provincial catalog of friars,
Bill s photo is between Dennis Koopman and Bill Cardy, two regulars in these
pages.]
11 Jun 2002 Jerry Etzkorn: As far as I know, Gale White s snail mail address
is: 4306 Walnut Hill, Lane, Dallas, TX 75229. His email address is: geewhy2
of worldnet.att.net His phone number is 214-357-4312. We re having our class
reunion here during the week of July 21-28. We ll greatly miss Juvenal! When
are you and Susan coming for a visit? We re only 100 miles away! [Thanks,
Jerry. That s a whole lot more updated info than I had. Juvenal s death was a
huge jolt for me too, and I m not even a classmate. If the stars are right, I
might come up to Fairfield Glade and take a class photo of you guys and gals.
If not, please take one and send it to me (jpg or a print, macht s nichts).]
12 June 2002 Paul Stubenbort: Just wondering what s up. I mean...the church
as we knew it is coming to an end. If there is another issue of DD in the
offing I would just like to add this nugget: "The institutional church
cannot solve this problem because the solution would require a systemic
change in the institutional church. And the church does not have the will or
the vision to make a systemic change." The question for us to ponder is,
"Why doesn t the church have the will or vision for such a change?"
You may wish to capitalize the word "church" in the above, but I
think it appropriate to leave it small. With all the years of experience,
education and talent in our group, I should think many would like to jump in
on this. (Josaphat - 1952). [I can imagine vocation recruiters are looking
for other work. Imagine the church as we know it without unmarried male
priests. What do you see? GZ] 14 June 2002: Mark Braun to Tony Blasi: "I
like Arizona, the mountains, palm trees, cactus and other trees are nice.
Please remember my wife in your prayers. She had a very bad stroke. Thanks. I
will remember every one in the province in mine. 18 Jun 2002 Pat Feehan Gael,
(My mailing address is:) 2103 25th Street. We've been down several weeks with
the KLEZ virus which we got repaired/removed yesterday so we can resume
emailing!! Latest news--Kelly & I adopted a daughter from China in
January. We both traveled there and found it a wonderful experience. Maggie
is 28 months old and a definite delight. This is our first child.
24 Jun 2002: Mayslake Update from Jack Bartz: FRIARY HOUSING PLAN GETS
BACKING. SENIOR FACILITY IN OAK BROOK MOVES FORWARD. By William Grady,
Tribune staff reporter, 5-21-2002.
(Complete article is reprinted elsewhere on the digest pages. -JH)
2 July 2002 John Miller: After seven months, QWEST has finally installed our
home phone! (406)287-9307 - FAX (406) 287-9308 - Our cell phones continue to
be: (406) 491-3885 or 3886.
2 July 2002 Tony Lutz: Pax et bonum. I miss Diaspora Digest. The greatest was
not on the emotional level but the chance to exchange ideas on levels that
kick some brain cells. God bless.
12 July 2002: A federal magistrate judge imposed sentences on 37 activists
charged nfor their participation in nonviolent civil resistance at Ft.
Benning during last November s vigil. Twenty-nine human rights activists were
sentenced ranging to prison time ranging from three to six months. Seven
received six months probation. Fines ranged from none to $5000. I
haven"t check yet to see if former Provincial Louie Vitale was
imprisoned (Gael).
15 July 2002: Brennan: Today is Gayle s and my 24th wedding anniversary. For
some strange reason, the DD32 stiff you sent me became legible, I think.
[We"ve had horrendous software problems with this issue. GZ)] We just
this weekend got our water pipes all replaced. If you recall, we live in the
Latah Valley and our water comes from about 1,000 feet up the hill to the
west. The cost of fixing it all is almost 14K! Fortunately, we are sharing
half and half with our neighbor. Gayle will be 50 next week and I always get
in a tither around her birthday. I feel totally inadequate to the task of
getting her something she likes. She told me not to worry; so I won t. [I
can"t believe you and I are the only fringe friars with that problem.]
16 July 2002 Jack Bartz sent death notice of Bishop James M. Ryan: Age 89,
beloved son of the late John W. and Sarah, nee Corrigan, dear brother of
John, the late Elizabeth "Elsie" (the late Joseph) Mortimer,
Vincent W. (Catherine) and Elmer F. (Mary Margaret) Ryan; dear uncle of 14
nieces and nephews. Franciscan of the Sacred Heart Province. Ordained to the
priesthood June 24, 1938, ordained bishop April 9, 1958. Bishop of Santarem,
Para, Brazil. Visitation Sun-day 2 to 9 p.m. at Beverly Ridge Funeral Home,
10415 S. Kedzie Avenue. Wake Service 7 p.m. Lying in state Monday 9 a.m. at
St. John Fisher Church, 10234 S. Washtenaw, until Mass of Christian Burial 10
a.m. Entombment in the Cathedral Church of Santarem, Para, Brazil. In lieu of
flowers, memorials to Hales Franciscan High School, 4930 S. Cottage Grove,
Chicago, IL 60615 appreciated. 773-779-4411. Sign Guestbook at
chicgotribune.com/obituaries. [Bishop Ryan was an exceptional guy with an
incredible memory for people's names. (Like Germain Schwab.) Tiago was from
my parish in Chicago - St. Gabriel - a true Irish ghetto. I was MC at his
first mass as a bishop in 1958. I did not see him again until 1991 (33 years
later) at the 25th anniversary of our ordination. When he saw me, he yelled:
"It's Jack Brennan from St. Gabriel's!" JB]
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