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Institute for Pastoral Initiatives News

The Global Impact of the Marianists

By Taylor Tovey, Senior Education Major

A perfect ending to the day. To the week.To the twelve day pilgrimage in Rome. Sitting high above the city, on a rooftop building with the sunset glistening, a delicious evening meal and thought provoking conversations with Marianist priests and brothers.  Sounds like we're in Dayton, Ohio.  No, we're in Rome.

It felt like home I thought.   Wrapping up our pilgrimage, all fifteen of us, students in various disciplines at UD, were able to find some solace inside the walls of the Marianist Generlate. After four wonderful but busy days surrounded by people, our cohort was welcomed into the Marianist’s home. Upon arriving,we were greeted by the Superior General, Fr. Manuel Cortez, along with Fr. Dave Fleming and Bro. Mike McAward. It is funny how although we were in a different country and meeting new faces, we all found this Marianist house to be familiar, calming, and a place we could be ourselves.

The purpose of the visit was not only to continue with our Marianist charisms in a concrete way, we are all part of the Chaminade Scholars after all. The purpose was to take time in prayer and reflection after a very busy pilgrimage. We roamed the property, finding places to practice the gift of presence. Students found themselves walking the grounds, singing, and sitting in the chapels. Some even could be found lying in the grass, basking in the sun’s rays. It does not matter where exactly one landed, what matters is that in our own ways we found comfort within the Marianist walls.

In their home we were led to moments of authentic encounter with God. The Marianists have a simple style. The simplicity of their chapels showed a craftsmanship meant to glorify God and call people into worship. Moving from the larger chapel for weekend mass, the community uses a small chapel hidden towards the back. How beautiful it is they wanted it built in order to worship better with one another in community. This smaller chapel (see photo in gallery) contains works by many artists, but tells the story as Fr. William Joseph Chaminade did throughout his life. A simply beautiful work of art, surrounded by simple, beautiful stories. Sitting with the artwork we find the intentionality of the artists, a meaning to a space. A call for all others to become one with Christ.

"Students were encouraged to delve more deeply into discerning and reflecting upon the meaning of 'vocation' in their life," said Sr. Angela Ann Zukowsi, leader of the pilgrimage.

Hearing a fellow student express she felt at home affirmed my own feelings of the experience. Yes, we were able to speak to the heads of the Marianists in their own ways.  Yes we prayed, and yes we learned. More importantly perhaps is that all of us felt we were equals, all a part of the Marianist family just taking on differing roles. Although guests in a place, we immediately were made to feel comfortable. After time of reflection and introduction to the generlate, we shared – in the Marianist fashion - a meal. Food and conversation on the roof filled the darkening night sky with stories and laughter until it was time to leave. A quick look out into Rome as the moon danced across the sky we found another day passing, always different than before. Art, food, prayer and the Marianists, a beautiful way to end pilgrimage. A wonderful way to feel at home.

"My favorite part of Rome was visiting the Marianists and exploring their home," said Kelly Fuller, a Dietetics major, with a minor in Psychology. "There was beauty in nature and art. (see photo in gallery) Altogether it brought my entire experience on the pilgrimage together and helped me realize how to carry this experience with me once I arrive home."

Twelve days, Fifteen students. One pilgrimage.

Tayor Tovey is a rising senior majoring in Secondary Catholic Religious Education.   The twelve day pilgrimage was the culmination of a class called "Vocation and Arts" taught by Sr. Angela Ann, Director of the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives. The Chaminade Scholars are honors students who want to deeply explore faith, reason and vocation in an interdisciplinary community.  

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