Basic

Marianist Brother Tom Redmond is a staff member at NACMS. He has been working for the past several years to adapt the Spirit of Saragossa Retreat--which has traditionally been a 30 day retreat centered on Marianist spirituality, Mary, and the Founders--into a retreat that people can do in their daily life. A major component of the retreat is meeting with a spiritual director. In this podcast, Patti Gehred talks to Bro. Tom about spiritual direction. What is it? Why is it important? How is it different from counseling or confession? Throughout the course of the interview, Bro. Tom shares insights into how we can respond to God's invitation to growth and deeper relationship.

Lay Marianist Maureen O'Rourke reflects on how she embraced her Marianist identity and call to serve her neighborhood. She talks about the Marianist PULSE volunteer program that she directs, how the Marianist Family has become part of her marriage, and she shares about the various Marianists who have played an important role in her life.

Lay Marianist Jessica González Uhlig is originally from Puerto Rico. She grew up knowing members of the Marianist Family but didn't fully know what it meant to be Marianist until she attended the University of Dayton. Now she helps with the formation of Marianist Educational Associates at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX. Listen to this episode to hear Jessica share some reflections about what the Marianist Family has meant to her in her personal, professional, and spiritual life. Originally recorded at the 2017 Lay Marianist Assembly in Dayton. 

Born July 26, 1897, in Wattens in the Austrian Tyrol, Jakob was the seventh son of Martin Gapp and Antonia Wach. He attended elementary school in his native village and pursued his high school studies in Hall. On May 24, 1915, Italy declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This same year, Jakob enlisted in the Austrian army. He was sent to the Italian front, where he was wounded and decorated for his courage. At the end of the war he was taken prisoner. He underwent a great deal of suffering during his captivity. During the war Jakob came under the spell of an idealistic socialism, which led to a crisis of faith. On August 13, 1920, Jakob entered the Marianist novitiate at Greisinghof (Austria).

Some of the people who participated in the MSP 2.0 program in the summer of 2018 share their reflections about Father Chaminade's Five Silences and how they relate to mindfulness in the 21st century. Hear a project that interests you?

Beth Garascia, as part of MSP 2.0, shares the importance of "silence of words" and "silence of passions" as they relate to family dynamics. Key to her understanding of Chaminade's Five Silences is her reflection on a special table and the family memories that occurred around it.

Diane H. Browne, as part of MSP 2.0, delves into the Hebrew notion of "shalom" as a backdrop into how Marianists can live mindfully in today's society. The essential tools for Browne are the true meaning of peace and Blessed Chaminade's System of Virtues, with special emphasis on the Five Silences.

Marg Van Herk-Paradis, as part of MSP 2.0, has crafted a model to examine Blessed Chaminade’s Five Silences. Of interest to Van Herk-Paradis is the circular nature of the Silences and the interplay between “stance” and "spirit.” Special emphasis is placed on those who minister to the People of God.

Mary Snyder, as part of MSP 2.0, examines life lessons that shape her thinking related to social justice and the need for "nonviolent communication" in today's society. Key to her examination is the practice of Blessed Chaminade's concept of "silence of passion" and the need for dialogue in today's society.

Linda Zappacosta and Brad Leger are good friends. Linda has been a lay Marianist for over 50 years; Brad is a "new kid," as he says, in the Marianist Family. Listen to Brad interview Linda about her life as a Marianist and some things she learned about God, herself, and Marianist community after her struggle with illness.