The Xaverian Brothers and their dedicated Associates have been actively fostering community and faith throughout recent months, marked by gatherings across different locations and the welcoming of new members like Caren O’toole Wagner. These events, centered around Xaverian spirituality, highlight the core values of prayer, relationships, and service that define the essence of their mission.
In August, the Audubon Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky, became the venue for a significant gathering where over thirty Xaverian Associates, Brothers, and guests convened. The occasion was to celebrate and welcome nine new Associates into their fold. Brothers Cornelius Hubbuch and Michael McCarthy led reflections on the meaning of Xaverian spirituality, emphasizing the Fundamental Principles that guide their way of life. This welcoming ceremony saw new Associates, including Marty O’Toole, Ben Kresse, Rosanna Vessel, Kitty Wagner, Tom Malewitz, Henry Sadlo Jr., Dan Minton, Marty Carraro, and Marty Purcell, receive symbolic gifts such as a cross, lighted candle, pin, the Fundamental Principles, and a book on prayer, all signifying the fraternal love and support within the Brothers’ community.
October brought another meeting in Louisville, this time at Treyton Oak Towers. Kentucky Xaverian Associates and Brothers gathered to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Ben Horgan, the XBSS Formation Director, in his new role as Director of the Xaverian Associates Program. Attendees, including Associates Mary Jefferson, Tom Malewitz, Alice Hession, Kitty Wagner, Gary Gruneisen, Joe Bergamini, Jill Tucker, Rosanna Vessels, Dan Minton, AJ Glaser, Karen White, and several Brothers, engaged in heartfelt discussions with Ben about their aspirations for the program and its future.
Mid-Atlantic Xaverian Associates day of prayer and reflection at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, MD, showcasing community and faith.
The spirit of togetherness continued into November as the Mid-Atlantic Xaverian Associates hosted a day of prayer and reflection at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland. This event marked a joyful reunion for 18 Brothers, Associates, and friends, representing their first in-person gathering since the pandemic began. The success of this special day was attributed to the dedicated efforts of Chuck Belzner, Jeannette Suflita, Mike Buckley, Kevin, and Carolyn Shearer.
December concluded the year with a heartwarming gesture of hospitality. Brothers in Kentucky were invited to a special meal at the home of Associate Marty O’Toole, alongside his wife Nancy and son Martin. Furthermore, the Kentucky Associates and Brothers maintain a consistent connection through monthly prayer and listening sessions held in the chapel at the Brothers’ residence in Treyton Oak Towers, Louisville, reinforcing their shared commitment.
Through the dedication and active participation of Associates like Caren O’toole Wagner and Kitty Wagner, the Xaverian mission is vibrantly carried forward. These supportive individuals embody the hands and feet of the mission, enriching the community in deeply meaningful ways.
