Wayfinders: Where Curiosity Meets Faith
For many young people, high school is a time filled with questions like: Who am I? What do I believe? What is God calling me to do? A unique summer experience is helping students explore those questions through the lens of Catholic theology and Marianist Charism.
Now entering its fourth year at University of Dayton, Wayfinders is a four-day, one college-credit summer program designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Sponsored by the Marianist Foundation, it is a commitment to Marianist education and formation, presenting theology not only as something studied in a classroom but rather as a path for exploring how God is at work in our lives.
“I didn’t really have many thoughts about religion. It’s just not what I spend my time thinking about. So, getting four days to think more deeply about it opened my field of vision to be more accepting of the idea that religion can be an important aspect of my life,” said Ryan, former Wayfinders participant and mentor-in-training.
It’s an opportunity to openly ponder questions about God, faith, and life – topics sometimes intense or awkward for young minds to navigate. The program’s name itself points to a deeper purpose. Drawing from the Marianist emphasis on community and mission, Wayfinders encourages students to discern where God might be leading them and how their gifts can serve others.
“It’s a way to explore service opportunities, too, like going to Mission of Mary and Mount Saint John. You get a lot of different aspects through this program,” said Elise Abshire, Wayfinders mentor and UD grad student.
The sense of community that develops quickly builds bonds, too, as the teenagers realize their peers are also searching and wondering about their faith.
“You’re essentially celebrating your faith with people you care about,” said Wayfinders participant, Noah. Another participant, Eli, added that, “It was a sort of meditative time, but it was also fun because you had people your age to hang out with.”
For Dr. Timothy Gabrielli, UD Religious Studies associate professor and a leader of the program, Wayfinders reflects the Marianist commitment to forming the whole person. “We want young people to see that theology is a way of reflecting on their lives, their hopes, and how God is present in the world,” Gabrielli said.
While this program is hosted on the university campus in Dayton, OH, travel funds from the Marianist Foundation are also now available to help students from across the wider Marianist Family participate. Scholarships are available as well, so that expense does not become a barrier for interested students. The cost of the program includes housing in a residence hall, meals, materials, and college credit.
Click here to learn more and register. This year’s program in Dayton will be held June 5-8.
Click here to hear directly from participants and see some of the activities involved.
The program has proven to be such a success with lasting impacts that St. Mary’s University in Texas launched its own Wayfinders experience, which is now in its second year. Hosted by the St. Mary’s Center for Catholic Studies, high school students and college freshmen, too, are invited to join the four-day experience.
This summer’s San Antonio program will be held June 25-28, 2026, with registration sign-up starting soon.
In The News
Sixty Years of Quiet Impact
The halls of Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH, have been blessed by the steady presence of Bro. Robert Flaherty, for more than 60 years. Since 1964, he has walked alongside generations of students as a counselor, teacher, mentor, and Marianist Brother—accompanying every graduating class through moments of challenge, growth, and discovery.
Bro. Flaherty’s influence has rarely been loud or showy. Instead, it has been the quiet kind that shapes lives over time: a listening ear during a difficult moment, a word of encouragement before a big decision, or a gentle reminder to trust in God’s guidance. For countless alumni and their families, he has been far more than an educator. He has been a trusted guide and a living witness to Marianist values—faith, service, community, and a deep commitment to forming young people.
Now, after six decades of faithful service, he is retiring from Moeller. While the classroom doors may close behind him, the impact of his ministry will continue to echo through the lives of the “Men of Moeller” he has helped shape.
The Moeller community will gather to celebrate Bro. Flaherty’s remarkable legacy on April 1 – no joke! Students and faculty will honor him during an all-school Mass, followed by a reception later that afternoon, where alumni, colleagues, and friends can offer their gratitude in person. There will also be a livestream of the event available that you can click here to watch.
A scholarship established in Brother Flaherty’s name will continue his lifelong mission—opening doors for future students and nurturing the same spirit of character, leadership, and purpose that he has fostered for decades. Click here for more information.
In the Marianist tradition, education is not only about knowledge but about accompanying young people as they grow into the persons God calls them to be. For 60 years, Bro. Robert has lived that mission faithfully at one school, Moeller, and that in itself is a unique achievement. May Mary continue to guide, and God bless him abundantly in this new chapter of his life.
From Classroom to Commendation
More than four decades after he last taught in its classrooms, Bro. Tom Pieper will return to Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, OH, in a different role—this time as an honoree. The longtime Marianist educator was recently announced as a recipient of the school’s Praestans Award, recognizing a life of faith-filled service that continues to ripple through generations.
From 1967 to 1984, Bro. Tom was a constant presence at Purcell, teaching religion across all grade levels while immersing himself in student life. Whether moderating retreats, guiding the Marianist LIFE program, supporting the student council, or cheering alongside students at events, he built connections that extended far beyond the classroom.
“I put my heart and soul into whatever I would do, so that students would do the same and grow from the experiences,” Bro. Tom reflected. “To receive this award years after being away from the school means a lot to me…that the men and women, who are older now, remember the interactions and experiences we had together.”
That enduring impact is what this award celebrates. “His lifelong dedication to students and Marianist values continues to inspire all who encounter him. He remains a constant figure in the lives of many Purcell alumni by attending reunions and sporting events, and meeting regularly with former students for lunch,” said Director of Marketing and Communications Steven Bohné.
In honoring Bro. Tom as praestans inter omnes—“outstanding among all”—the school celebrates not only a remarkable past, but a living witness whose dedication continues to shape lives today. He will be presented with the award at a grand gala on April 25, 2026.
Bro. Tom currently continues his ministry at University of Dayton, accompanying students through Campus Ministry.
Gallery Display
A posthumous exhibit of work from Bro. John Lemker (1932-2024) is on display at the Edward A Dixon Gallery in Dayton, OH, until April 12, 2026.
Lemker was an acclaimed photographer whose images appeared in prominent publications such as Time-Life Books and International Wildlife, as well as anchoring the former Gallery St. John at Mount Saint John in Dayton. He considered his work “behind the lens” a form of prayer. He appreciated the natural beauty of God’s world and wanted to share that appreciation with others.
If you’d like to see more of his artwork, click here.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Before the Bell
On Friday mornings, something remarkable happens at Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis before the first bell even rings. As the campus slowly comes to life, hundreds of students make their way to the chapel—not for a required class or obligation, but by choice. They gather for weekly Mass or prayer services organized by Chaminade’s Marianist LIFE Community (MLC), a student-led faith group that has become one of the largest and most vibrant organizations on campus.
“I joined MLC during my freshman year,” says senior Alex Barnes ’26, “but became a very active member during my junior year.” At first, his participation was shaped by friendships and admiration for older students. “The CORE members at the time were people I looked up to and wanted to be more like,” Barnes explains.
MLC Core Members are juniors and seniors who serve as peer leaders having participated in Marianist LIFE (Living in Faith Experience), a weeklong summer retreat held in Dayton or California that connects students from Marianist schools and parishes across the United States and around the world. Throughout the year, they then continue their formation through retreats and small groups that help them guide their peers with authenticity and care.
For many students, the appeal of MLC lies in the way it creates space for faith without pressure or expectation. “For me, it is important to have a time dedicated to faith before my day begins as a way to center myself,” Barnes shares. “It is a great time to slow down and reflect on the week before.” Because attendance is completely voluntary, the atmosphere feels different from many other school activities. “Only the people who want to be there show up,” he says, “and this creates a great environment of people who are enthusiastic and excited to share their faith.”
The growth of MLC has been striking. This year, nearly 200 students arrive early to attend Friday morning Mass, with regular participation often exceeding 100 students.
“When other students embrace their faith and invite other students to do the same, then the formation in faith is shared—a community is formed—and bonds are created,” states MLC Moderator Dr. Andrew Schmitt ’95.
Click here to read the full story!
Marianist Moments
Baptismal Vows Blossom and Grow
L-R: Bro. Dan Klco, Sierra Reyes, Isaac Medina, Sophia Barrera, Juan Zapata, and Fr. John Thompson
As the Church celebrates the joy and renewal of the Easter season, a group of students at St. Mary’s University is living out that spirit of new life in a special way. Earlier this semester, they took an important step in their Marianist journey by making their Consecration to Mary, the first milestone in forming a new Marianist Lay Community.
For weeks, the students met regularly for prayer and formation, reflecting on Mary’s role in the life of faith. This time of preparation helps them deepen their relationship with Mary and understand how her example of faith and discipleship guides Marianists in living their own “yes” to God’s call.
Fr. John Thompson invited both the students and the congregation at Mass to participate in the renewal of their baptismal vows—the same powerful ritual proclaimed at the Easter vigil before the Baptism of catechumens.
This connection to the Church’s Easter liturgy is intentional. Throughout their formation meetings, the students reflect on how their consecration to Mary—and eventually their commitment as Lay Marianists—is not something separate from their Baptism, but rather a deepening of it. Their parents and godparents first professed faith on their behalf at Baptism; now these students are embracing that promise more consciously and intentionally.
In the light of Easter, this moment carries even deeper meaning. The Resurrection reminds us all that new life in Christ begins at Baptism but continues to grow throughout one’s life.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family
◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2022
Fr. Quentin Hakenewerth, 96, died on March 4, 2026, in San Antonio, TX, with 77 years of religious profession. He was a beloved spiritual director, author, administrator, formator, missionary, parish priest, teacher, and chaplain, who also served as the 12th Superior General of the Society of Mary (1991-96). He often expressed deep gratitude for his Marianist vocation, noting that his most rewarding life experience was “to discover the tremendous grace that God has given us through Blessed Chaminade in the Marianist Charism, and to have the privilege of living that charism – even so poorly – and to share it with others.”
Click here to read his full obituary.
Click here to see pictures of Fr. Quentin through the years.
Bro. Leo Slay, 94, died on March 19, 2026, in San Antonio, TX, with 76 years of religious profession.
His obituary is forthcoming; once completed, you will find it here.
Click here to see pictures of Bro. Leo through the years.
Good to Know
You’re Invited!
You’re invited to the national assembly of the Marianist Lay Communities (MLC-NA) taking place in Louisville, KY, July 23-26, 2026. These assemblies bring together members from all corners of the Marianist Family every three years.
Features include:
- Keynote discussions led by Prof. Natalia Imperatori-Lee (Fordham University) and master community builder, Graham McBain
- Interactive workshops on Marianist spirituality, community animation, and living our mission in daily life
- Communal prayer and liturgical celebrations, including Mass, and opportunities for shared spiritual reflection
- Connect with Marianists from across North America by sharing experiences, building relationships, breaking down silos, and strengthening our family
Click here for more information.
Mary, Way of Hope
The Patronal Feast of the Marianist Family was just celebrated on March 25, the Annunciation of the Lord. It was an opportunity to ask Mary to help us say “yes,” as she did. Saying yes to God – what a responsibility!
For Mary, it was a show of faith and love; for the Marianist Family, it signifies hope. The World Council of the Marianist Family (WCFM) chose this year’s Annunciation theme to be “Mary, Way of Hope.”
The WCFM, as it does every year, distributed a prayer and reflection guide. In part, it states, “As the Marianist Family commemorates its vocation to give thanks and celebrate the joy of giving. To keep in mind such generosity of the Lord, let us follow in the footsteps of Mary: in whom ‘hope finds its greatest witness’ (Spes non confundit, N° 24). Let the Magnificat burst forth in our hearts. Let us express our joy and gratitude to God for the wonders He has done in each of our lives and in our families. Let us sing this canticle of Mary with her, so that she may imprint in us the mark of her own full and active hope.”
Click here to see the full guide with the canticle and prayer intentions to help guide us throughout the year.
JOIN US!
Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist Ministries across the United States.
New listings include:
Chaminade University (HI) – Director of Campus Ministry
Chaminade University (HI) – Campus Minister
Purcell Marian High School (OH) – Principal
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School (OH) – Assistant to Principal and President
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
Marianist Encounters Newsletters from the Marianist Family Encounters Project
Sharing Our Marianist Stories podcast from North American Center for Marianist Studies
All Things Marian podcast from the International Marian Research Institute
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
Region Update #102 from the Marianist Region of India
FatherSide Chats is a web video series featuring Fr. Gene Contadino. Discover new episodes every Tuesday about a variety of topics. Click the graphic to view episodes. Click here to read more.
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FamilyOnline Submissions
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A Saint’s Story Renewed—Thanks to Chaminade University Science
Students Emma Rosales and Samantha Casarrubias, Dr. Carlos Gutiérrez Ayala, and anthropologist Vincent Sava
At Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH), the Marianist tradition of educating for service, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation is not just a motto—it is lived daily. That mission took on extraordinary significance as the Catholic Church entrusted the CUH Forensic Sciences Unit with a sacred task: helping recover and preserve the remains of Saint Marianne Cope, beloved caregiver of those with leprosy at Kalaupapa, HI.
Chaminade’s Forensic Sciences Unit—founded 30 years ago and recognized as one of the most innovative programs in the Pacific—was uniquely prepared for the challenge.
Under the guidance of forensic anthropologist Vincent Sava, the team is using professional-grade forensic techniques to sift soil, identify bone fragments, and honor the saint’s remains with the reverence they deserve. Students are working side-by-side with faculty, gaining a hands-on experience found at few universities.
This collaboration stands as a testament to Chaminade’s deep commitment to serving the Church and the people of Hawai‘i.
Bishop Silva, President Lynn Babington and Gutiérrez Ayala Carlos
During a recent visit, Bishop Larry Silva, along with Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington, witnessed firsthand the precision and care being brought to the project. Their visit highlighted the university’s unique role as a Marianist center of learning dedicated to forming both the mind and the heart.
Director of the Forensic Sciences Unit Dr. Carlos Gutiérrez Ayala described the work as “a profound educational moment,” giving students a chance to combine scientific training with a spiritual and historical responsibility. “This is the kind of experience,” he said, “that shapes not only careers, but character.”
With each soil sample examined and each fragment preserved, CUH demonstrates what it means to be a Marianist university in action: uniting intellect with compassion, and academic excellence with service to others.
A Legacy Continued Through Science and Faith
Saint Marianne—beatified in 2005 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012—devoted her life to caring for those abandoned by society. She was a German-born American Franciscan nun who traveled from Syracuse, NY, to the Kingdom of Hawai’i in the late 1800s to help build the medical infrastructure. She’s most famous for her work tending to the spiritual and medical needs of leprosy patients at Kalaupapa, Moloka’i. Now, Chaminade students carry forward her legacy through their meticulous work. The bone fragments recovered will be shared with parishes across Hawai’i, allowing communities to honor the saint who once walked among them.
Click here for more information about the CUH Forensic Sciences program.
Additional photos linked here. Media coverage linked here.
In The News
From the Heart to the Future
University of Dayton (UD) President Eric F. Spina announced he will retire in June 2027, closing an 11-year chapter marked by steady leadership, student focus, and a renewed emphasis on the university’s Marianist mission. In a message on his From the Heart blog, Spina said the decision followed “months of reflection, prayer, and conversation,” calling it “without a doubt, the hardest thing I have ever done.”
“Dr. Spina’s successful decade-plus as president has brought transparent leadership, stability, and inspiration,” said Deb Tobias, chair of the board of trustees, noting his impact on philanthropy, community partnerships, and a welcoming, student-centered campus culture. Provost Darlene Weaver added that Spina helped redefine UD as a “university for the common good,” pairing vision with a human touch.
Since 2016, Spina has been a visible presence on campus—at move-in days, student town halls, and Flyer games—while advancing access and affordability and strengthening UD’s role as an anchor institution. Under his leadership, the university completed the We Soar fundraising campaign, expanded opportunities for lower-income and first-generation students, and earned national recognition from American Talent Initiative and Bloomberg Philanthropies for progress with lower-income students. The campus also saw major investments, including upgrades to UD Arena and the opening of the Roger Glass Center for the Arts, along with community partnerships such as onMain with Premier Health.
The board will engage a search firm to guide the process. For now, Spina’s message is simple: the work continues—rooted in Marianist values, and aimed squarely at the common good. Click here to read more.
Chaminade Julienne Names New President
Following a comprehensive national search, Dr. David Wright has been named as the next president of Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School (CJ) in Dayton, OH.
Wright, who currently serves as the headmaster of Subiaco Academy in Arkansas, was selected to replace outgoing president Dan Meixner ’84. Meixner announced in April 2025 that he would be stepping down at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year after 22 years in the role.
“David embodies the values of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Marianists. The feedback from interactions he had with our teachers, staff members, leadership team, parents, alumni, coaches, and our founders was absolutely off the charts. He truly resonates with and embraces the sense of the CJ family spirit,” stated Kevin Weckesser, ’93, chair of the Board of Trustees.
“I join our assistant for education, Bro. Jesse O’Neill, in gratitude for Dr. David Wright’s leadership to continue to nurture the faith, community, and inspiring service that are pillars of the Marianist Charism found at Chaminade Julienne,” said Provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States Fr. Oscar Vasquez. “Our prayers and congratulations to the CJ community as he prepares to lead the school into this hopeful new chapter.”
Mirror of Hope
The Three O’Clock Prayer is a Marianist tradition rooted in the act of coming together to pray as a community. It is especially meaningful during Lent as it recalls the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and the role of Mary in salvation.
With donor support to the Marian Library Fund, the Marian Library is offering a newly designed prayer card with the Three O’Clock Prayer printed on the reverse side.
The cards feature Jesus on the cross as depicted in the “Mirror of Hope,” an art installation in the Marian Library by artist Kevin Hanna. The 12-foot-wide, 5-foot-high sculpture was commissioned by the Marian Library in 2000 as a visual story of creation, Incarnation, Resurrection, and Redemption. As it was made just for the University of Dayton (UD), the piece includes a temple-like structure with a cupola and brick gateways reminiscent of those on the University’s iconic Immaculate Conception Chapel, making the entire art piece a favorite of UD visitors.
Two versions of the card have been printed, one in English and one in Spanish. Click here for English and Spanish versions that are available to download, print, and share.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Summer Camp Became a Calling
Leo Tierney
Archbishop Moeller High School senior Leo Tierney was first introduced to Agape Latte during a summer camp at Boston College. It is a popular, student-led coffeehouse-style speaker series that originated at Boston College in 2006 to explore faith, love, and life in an informal setting. It’s a program that fosters meaningful conversations around faith, vocation, and service. Inspired by that experience, Leo helped bring an Agape Latte chapter to Moeller so students could engage in similar dialogue.
Students recently gathered for an Agape Latte featuring Bro. Bob Donovan, who shared his journey from practicing medicine to becoming a Marianist Brother. He spoke about his work providing medical services to individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown Cincinnati and how that work has evolved throughout his career. Currently serving at the Respite Care Center, Bro. Bob also shared his excitement about moving into a new facility designed to better serve individuals with disabilities.
Students were deeply moved by Bro. Bob’s kindness, humility, and genuine dedication to serving others. His reflections encouraged many to think more intentionally about how they hope to live lives rooted in compassion and service.
Marianist Moments
A Small Yes — A Lasting Witness
L-R: Bro. Dan Klco, Stela Sifuentes, Molly Forestal, Emmanuel Varela, Andrew Martini, Stephen Garcia, Fr. John Tompson, Julianne Peña
On an unusually cold Sunday morning in San Antonio, TX, something beautifully hopeful took root. A group of St. Mary’s University students gathered not just to attend Mass, but to make a commitment—to one another, to Mary, and to a way of life shaped by faith in action. With that simple but profound step on January 25, 2026, they officially formed a new Marianist Lay Community: Parve Sodilitia Mariae.
The name, drawn from Latin, loosely means “Mary’s little group” or “Mary’s small fellowship.” It’s a humble title, but one rich with history and meaning. It reaches all the way back to the Bordeaux Sodality, the first Lay Marianist community founded in 1801 by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. In choosing this name, these students placed themselves squarely within that living tradition—one that believes small communities, rooted in prayer and mission, can help renew the Church and transform the world.
Their commitment marks a promise to walk together in faith, to support one another, and to live Marianist values through service, prayer, and community. Like the first sodalists more than two centuries ago, this “little group” begins with simple steps—and a big hope—that God will do something extraordinary through their shared “yes.”
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family
◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2022
Good to Know
The Annunciation in Color, Symbol, and Faith
The Marian Library invites visitors into a rich and prayerful encounter with one of the most beloved moments in Christian art and devotion: the Annunciation. Two new exhibits—each distinct yet beautifully connected—will be on display through October 23, offering fresh ways to reflect on Mary’s courageous “yes” and the mystery it set into motion.
Blessed Among Women features a collection of modern Annunciation artwork recently gifted to the Marian Library by collector John A. Kohan of the Sacred Art Pilgrim Collection. These contemporary pieces explore the Annunciation through varied styles, colors, and perspectives, showing how artists across time continue to be inspired by Mary’s faith, humility, and trust in God’s plan.
Complementing this collection is Fiat and Faith, on view in the Marian Library Gallery. This exhibit invites viewers to look more closely at the rich symbolism traditionally found in Annunciation scenes—light, lilies, books, gestures, and setting—and to discover how these visual details tell a deeper story of obedience, grace, and divine invitation.
Together, these exhibits offer more than an art experience; they create a space for contemplation, wonder, and renewed appreciation for how faith is expressed through beauty. Visitors are encouraged to linger, reflect, and see the Annunciation not only as a moment in history, but as a living story that continues to speak through art today.
Click here for more information.
Marian Forum – All Invited
All are welcome to attend the 2026 Marian Forum on Wednesday, March 25, in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of the University of Dayton (UD). The forum is an academically-minded gathering focused on the Blessed Virgin Mary, incorporating liturgy and creative campus participation.
Can’t make it in person? No problem! It will also be livestreamed so everyone can attend. Save the date! Activities begin at 10 am (EST) with the livestream available here at that time.
This symposium provides a yearly occasion to reflect more deeply about Mary and the wide range of topics related to Mariology. Events include a lecture from University of Dayton Marian certificate student Rev. Thomas-Mary, O.C.D., a Eucharistic liturgy, and a talk from artist Holly Schapker.
JOIN US!
Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist Ministries across the United States.
New listings include:
Purcell Marian High School (OH) – Principal
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
Marianist Encounters Newsletters from the Marianist Family Encounters Project
Sharing Our Marianist Stories podcast from North American Center for Marianist Studies
All Things Marian podcast from the International Marian Research Institute
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
Region Update #101 from the Marianist Region of India
FatherSide Chats is a web video series featuring Fr. Gene Contadino. Discover new episodes every Tuesday about a variety of topics. Click the graphic to view episodes. Click here to read more.
Follow Us On Social Media
FamilyOnline Submissions
We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,600 subscribers. Please send them to Theresa Petry.
GET CONNECTED!
Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!
Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.
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