Faithful Presence, Enduring Impact – A Legacy Honored
For decades, generations of students, faculty, alums, and Marianists have known Fr. James Fitz as a devoted companion and champion of faith, service, and Marianist spirit. The University of Dayton (UD) commemorated that extraordinary legacy earlier this month by conferring upon him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during its commencement ceremonies.
The recognition celebrates far more than a title or accomplishments. It honors his vocation lived faithfully and generously since becoming a professed religious in the Society of Mary in 1965 — a life devoted to forming communities of faith, mentoring young people, and strengthening the Marianist Mission.
A 1968 graduate of UD, Fr. Fitz served the University for more than 36 years as head of campus ministry, a religious studies instructor and then as vice president for mission and rector — a role central to upholding UD’s Catholic and Marianist identity.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this degree,” Fr. Fitz shared. “It has been a privilege to serve the Church as a Marianist in many capacities, including at the University. These years have allowed me to fulfill my commitment as a Marianist — to contribute to the vision of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is a vision of love, justice, and peace.”
Those who know Fr. Fitz understand that his greatest impact cannot be measured only in years of service, but in the countless lives he has helped shape. It’s a role he’s never taken for granted. “It has been a privilege to see and to contribute to the growth of young people — new servant leaders,” emphasized Fitz. Even now in semi-retirement, he continues to assist with liturgies and campus ministry, reflecting the Marianist belief that mission is not simply one moment in time, but rather a lifelong calling.
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
University President Eric Spina praised that enduring witness, saying, “Fr. Jim has dedicated his life to forming people and communities of faith; demonstrating integrity, wisdom, and leadership. He has given his life completely for this Marianist vocation.” Fr. Jim’s influence can be felt in the very fabric of the University — in fact, it is in the very bricks of the beloved Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, as the renovation of the chapel was one of many things on his long list of accomplishments.
In honoring Fr. Fitz, the University also honors the enduring Marianist spirit he embodies so well — a spirit that calls each of us to serve with humility, lead with faith, and help others discover God’s presence in community. His example reminds us that the most meaningful legacies are built not through recognition but through daily acts of love and accompaniment.
That’s a Wrap!
As Fr. Jim Fitz was honored for a lifetime of Marianist service, thousands of graduates across our Marianist universities prepared to begin their own journeys of leadership and mission. At Chaminade University of Honolulu, students celebrated as one “ohana.” St. Mary’s University graduates filed into St. Louis Hall to the commencement stage, and University of Dayton graduates celebrated academic achievement with a dance.
Across all three universities, commencement was more than a milestone — it was a sending forth. These graduates now enter the world prepared to lead with compassion, live with purpose, and become the difference our world needs most.
Chaminade Univeristy of Honolulu
In The News
Joyfully Committed to a Sacred Promise
Surrounded by the love and support of her family and the Marianist Family, Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI, professed her perpetual vows at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Dayton, OH, on May 23, 2026.
Marianist Sisters, Brothers, parishioners from the Bread of Life/Pan de Vida family of parishes, colleagues from the University of Dayton, and her immediate family gathered to witness this celebration of faith, vocation, and community.
The liturgy was filled with gratitude and hope as Fr. Joe Kozar presided and Sr. Laura Leming received Sr. Emily’s vows. Novice Paul Pruski assisted as an acolyte, reflecting the continuing spirit of Marianist vocations and service.
The Marianist Province of the United States has been blessed to walk alongside Sr. Emily throughout her journey — from her early discernment in West Hills to formation weekends, novitiate experiences, ministry at the Marianist Mission, and service with University of Dayton Campus Ministry. Her “yes” to God through perpetual profession is an inspiring reminder of the power of faithful commitment, joyful service, and living the Gospel in community.
Those who wish to view the recorded livestream of the celebration may click here. You can also find more photos here.
Novice Paul Pruski, Sr. Laura Leming, Sr. Emily Sandoval
Sr. Emily surrounded by family members
Fr. Joe Kozar, Lay Marianist Jack Dalton, Sr. Emily Sandoval
Sr. Emily with her immediate family and Marianist Sisters
“Yes, Mother!” More Than an Exclamation, It’s a Commitment
¡Sí, Madre! community, seven members of other MLCs who renewed their commitments, with Bro. Dan Klco and Fr. John Thompson
Just in time for Mother’s Day, a new generation of young Marianists at St. Mary’s University proclaimed a heartfelt “yes” to the Blessed Mother through their commitments as Lay Marianists.
The newly formed Marianist Lay Community (MLC) chose the name ¡Sí, Madre! — Spanish for “Yes, Mother!” — a joyful expression of their love for Mary and their desire to follow Christ in the Marianist spirit. In a world often searching for belonging and purpose, these students found both in community, faith, and the loving example of Mary.
Three members of the new community — Sofía Barrera, Sierra Reyes, and Isaac Medina — made their commitments during Mass on Sunday, May 3. One additional member, Juan Zapata, made his commitment a week later on Sunday, May 10.
The celebrations were a beautiful witness to the growing Marianist Charism on campus and the power of accompaniment across generations. Assisting throughout the semester was Yasmín Rodriguez, a member of the Stella Maris MLC who made her own commitment at St. Mary’s in 2019.
These commitments serve as a moving reminder that Mary continues to gather her children together, leading them closer to her Son. Like Mary’s own faithful “yes” to God, the members of ¡Sí, Madre! responded with courage, hope, and trust — inspiring the entire Marianist Family to do the same.
Service Spotlight
St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School Trash Bash
St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School Trash Bash
Park Pick Up Projects
This spring, Marianist students, faculty, and families put their faith into action through environmental cleanup efforts inspired by the Marianist Family Encounters Project (MFEP).
At St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School in St. Louis, volunteers gathered at Sr. Marie Charles Park along the Mississippi River and removed more than 450 pounds of trash, including old tires, shopping carts, hundreds of pounds of plastic, and used needles, keeping this material out of our shared drinking water during the annual “Trash Bash” cleanup. The urban park, named after Sr. Marie Charles Buford, CSJ, sits directly on the Mississippi River and is used by many unhoused neighbors.
“We view the cleanup as an opportunity to bring the love of Mary and Christ to this area by helping to create a slightly safer and more dignified space. Our students respond very enthusiastically to serve in an active, physical manner,” said Curt Sidorski, MFEP School Ministry Co-Lead. “The MFEP challenges us to hear the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth. We feel that this effort, in a small but real way, does both.”
At Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, OH, students joined faculty and neighboring communities for an Earth Day “Big Clean” of parks, streets, and public spaces. Each community collected 103 bags of trash, tying in a friendly competition for the most garbage gathered. Students also assisted environmental education vendors, helping promote sustainability and recycling awareness.
Both schools demonstrated a shared Marianist commitment to service, encounter, and stewardship. Whether along the banks of the Mississippi River or the shores of Lake Erie, students discovered that even small acts can become powerful signs of hope for both people and the planet.
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Big Clean
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Big Clean
Marianist Moments
Timeless Educational Wisdom
How do we continue educating with integrity when the world around us is rapidly shifting? In his latest article, Marianist Education: Confidence and Conscience, Bro. Tom Giardino examines the intersection of “confidence” and “conscience” through the lens of Fr. Joseph Simler’s leadership during his time as Superior General of the Society of Mary. Facing the intense secularization of eighteenth-century France, Simler’s leadership provides a blueprint for maintaining an educational mission without sacrificing personal integrity. Inspired by the English volumes of The General History of the Society of Mary, Bro. Tom connects the Marianists’ historical roots to the professional and spiritual challenges we face in 2026.
Click here to read the full article. The first two volumes of The General History of the Society of Mary are available at the NACMS bookstore.
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
Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes brothers and priests who are marking milestones of their first profession of vows or their priestly ordinations.
Thank you to our 2026 Jubilarians! We will highlight them over the course of the next few months in FamilyOnline. You can also click here to learn more about them.
FR. JAMES RUSSELL – 75 Years of Profession
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1932, I attended St. Norbert grade school there, followed by Mt. St. John Postulate High School, before professing my First Vows on September 8, 1951, in Marcy, NY. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Dayton in 1954, completed my seminary studies at the Marianist University of Fribourg, Switzerland, in 1964, and earned a Master of Arts from Duquesne University in 1983… I left the classroom in 1972 to serve two years as Director of Novices at the Marianist Novitiate in Dayton before resuming my role as Campus Minister at UD from 1974 until 1995. Click here to read more.
BRO. FRANK DAMM – 70 Years of Profession
I was born in 1936 in Detroit, MI, where I attended Gesu Catholic School and Central Catholic High School before serving five years in the U.S. Navy. I professed my First Vows on September 8, 1956, in Marcy, NY, and earned a BS in physics from the University of Dayton, an MS in astronomy, and a PhD in astrophysics, both from The Ohio State University. God has been very good to me in religious life as a Marianist Brother. Click here to read more.
BRO. PAUL JABLINSKI – 70 Years of Profession
I was born and raised in Dayton, OH, where I attended St. Adalbert parish school, followed by Chaminade High School. It was during these years that I received my vocational calling to religious life. I completed my first year of studying art in college before entering the novitiate in Marcy, NY, where I professed my First Vows on September 8, 1956, and my Final Vows on August 15, 1960. Click here to read more.
BRO. KENNETH THOMPSON – 70 Years of Profession
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI, where I attended St. Francis de Sales grade school before entering the Marianist Preparatory School in Beacon, NY, in 1952. I spent two years there before moving to the Marianist Prep in Dayton, OH, for one year, and returned to the novitiate in Marcy, NY, for my final year, where I professed First Vows on September 8, 1956. Click here to read more.
Good to Know
Walking with Mary: Strengthening Our Bonds with Our Blessed Mother
The North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) is conducting an online program called Walking with Mary: Strengthening Our Bonds with Our Blessed Mother. It’s not too late to join, as there are two more sessions scheduled on June 3 and June 10 at 6:30 PM CST. These conversations move beyond traditional perspectives to explore Mary’s role in our modern lives as a believer, prophet, God-bearer, disciple, and companion. Utilizing the journal Mary, Holy Possibility, this virtual, three-part program offers a welcoming space for you to share your personal reflections and rediscover how Mary’s profound journey can ignite your own spiritual imagination. It is a unique opportunity to connect with a supportive community to uncover the divine potential and “holy possibilities” waiting within ourselves. Registration is $15.
Note: Be sure you have purchased Mary, Holy Possibility, to be able to fully participate in the program.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will be observed this year on June 12, 2026. But the day before, Catholics across the nation will join in a historic moment as the U.S. bishops consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The consecration invites all people to place the nation under Christ’s loving mercy, healing, and peace.
The following day, June 13, the Church celebrates the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reminding Marianists and all Catholics that the hearts of Jesus and Mary are forever united in love and compassion. Together, these sacred celebrations call us to renew our faith, serve others with courage, and entrust our country and communities to God’s care.
Click here to learn more about the national consecration and find resources to join the commemoration. National resources, novenas, parish guides, and devotional initiatives are being prepared.
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
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 #103 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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