In August, over 30 Xaverian Associates, Brothers, and guests gathered to welcome nine new Associates. The day of reflection, faith sharing, ritual, and meal took place at the Audubon Country Club in Louisville, KY with greetings and reflections by Brothers Cornelius Hubbuch and Michael McCarthy. The meaning of Xaverian spiritualty was expressed in the Fundamental Principles as all were invited to focus on how prayer, relationships, and service are essential elements of who we are. New Associates each received a cross, lighted candle, pin, a copy of the Fundamental Principles, and a book on prayer, each given as a reminder of the Brothers’ fraternal love and care for them. Welcomed with great joy were new Associates: Marty O’Toole, Ben Kresse, Rosanna Vessel, Kitty Wagner, Tom Malewitz, Henry Sadlo Jr., Dan Minton, Marty Carraro, and Marty Purcell.
Kentucky Xaverian Associates and Brothers convened in October at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville to welcome XBSS Formation Director, Dr. Ben Horgan, who now also serves as the new Director of the Xaverian Associates Program. Associates Mary Jefferson, Tom Malewitz, Alice Hession, Kitty Wagner, Gary Gruneisen, Joe Bergamini, Jill Tucker, Rosanna Vessels, Dan Minton, AJ Glaser, Karen White, and seven Brothers attended. Ben listened attentively to the hopes and dreams of present members.
In November, Mid-Atlantic Xaverian Associates hosted a day of prayer and reflection for Brothers, Associates, and friends of the Congregation at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, MD (pictured above). The joy-filled gathering of 18 Brothers, Associates, and friends celebrated being together in-person for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The efforts of Chuck Belzner, Jeannette Suflita, Mike Buckley, Kevin, and Carolyn Shearer helped bring the special day together.
In December, Brothers in Kentucky were hosted to a special meal in the home of Associate Marty O’Toole, his wife Nancy, and son Martin. Associates and Brothers in Kentucky also gather for a monthly shared prayer and listening session in the chapel at the Brothers’ residence at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville.
The Brothers are blessed by many supportive Associates that have become the hands and feet of the mission in meaningful ways.