Attitude of Gratitude
Throughout the month of November, the Marianist Province of the United States ran a social media campaign called Thankful Thursdays. The short videos highlighted members of our Marianist Family and things for which they are grateful. Did you know an attitude of gratitude has the ability to boost your well-being? Click here for an article from Harvard Medical School and click here for a more in-depth study from the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Here are some tips to help you practice gratitude:
- Keep a gratitude journal: Write down one to two things you are grateful for each day.
- Focus on the small things: Don’t feel pressured to be constantly positive, but make a point to acknowledge small wins.
- Connect with others: Expressing thanks to people in your life can improve your relationships.
- Prioritize self-care: Remember that taking time for activities you enjoy is essential.
Click the video below as Provincial Fr. Oscar Vasquez expresses his gratitude to our ministries, his fellow brothers in the Society of Mary, everyone in the Marianist Family, and those who assist in our Marianist mission and spreading the charism.
In The News
New Provincial Appointed
Superior General of the Society of Mary Fr. André-Joseph Fétis announced from Rome that Bro. Edward Violett has been appointed as the next U.S. Provincial for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2026.
Fr. Oscar Vasquez, having served a five-year term and a three-year extension, has fulfilled the allotted time as leader of the Province. Violett was chosen following a formal consultation process involving the brothers and priests of the Marianist Province of the United States, to which the General Council gave its unanimous support.
Bro. Ed was cited for his spiritual depth, broad leadership experience, and ability to address complex challenges. His international perspective, strategic vision, and experience in educational and Marianist administration were also highlighted as key strengths. He is currently the Vice President of the Marianist Center of Hawaii and has led many projects, including liaising with leadership at both Chaminade University and St. Louis School to address road repair, utilities, landscaping, and the expansion of the Mystical Rose Oratory pavilion.
“Although we will miss him in our Marianist community and at the Marianist Center of Hawaii, with his many organizational and leadership skills, we can only fully support him in this new call to service. We pledge to him our prayers and fraternal best wishes,” said Chaminade University Rector & Vice President for Mission Fr. Marty Solma.
Born in Agana, Guam, and raised in El Paso, TX, Violett entered the Society of Mary in 1982. He holds a bachelor’s in financial management from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, a master’s in administration from the University of Notre Dame and a doctorate in social policy and administration from the London School of Economics. He served as General Counsel of the Marianists in Rome before joining Our Lady of the Lake College in 2015. His service also includes Assistant for Temporalities on the General Council of the Society of Mary in Rome, Director of the Graduate International Relations Program at St. Mary’s University, service in what is now the Marianist Region of India, and, most recently, Provost at Franciscan University in Baton Rouge.
Marianist Student Asks Pope About AI
Micah Alcisto, a senior at Marianist-sponsored Saint Louis School in Honolulu, was one of just a few youth chosen to participate in a digital conversation with Pope Leo XIV at the National Catholic Youth Conference held earlier this month. He asked the Pope his thoughts on artificial intelligence. Click here to view the exchange and hear Pope Leo’s response.
Around 15,000 young people from all over the country attended the conference, including members from our Cape May Marianist Family Retreat Center. It was a weekend of presentations, workshops, prayer, and mutual sharing. Bros. Mark Motz, Jack Somerville, Leno Ceballos, and Sr. Emily Sandoval interacted with youth and shared what it means to be a Marianist at a booth at the conference held in Indianapolis, IN.
Panel members chosen to participate in conversation with Pope Leo
Micah Alcisto asking Pope Leo XIV about AI
Members of Cape May Marianist Family Retreat Center
Bro. Leno Ceballos, Sr. Emily Sandoval, and Bro. Jack Somerville at NCYC
Chaminade University of Honolulu Invited to Rome
President of Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH), Lynn Babington, was invited to represent the university and the United States at the International Federation of Catholic Universities Women Leadership Program in Rome.
The program offers a unique opportunity to nurture and strengthen a new generation of women leaders who can combine academic excellence with Catholic values, guiding institutions with confidence, integrity, and boldness. It featured distinguished speakers from around the world and a meet and greet with Pope Leo XIV.
Click here to learn more about it from Vatican City and read the speech given by the President of the Governorate, Sr. Raffaella Petrini.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Faith, Football, and Forever #20: NFL Marianist Alumnus Honored
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” Kyren Williams states on his Instagram profile.
The Los Angeles Rams running back is rooted in faith that was fortified by his Marianist education at St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, MO. His alma mater recently honored his hard work and dedication in a ceremony to retire his football jersey #20.
During the jersey retirement ceremony, Kyren was joined by Vianney President Ian Mulligan, Athletic Director Mike Potsou, and Head Football Coach Chris Starkey along with his family, friends, and teammates in the stands.
A member of the Class of 2019, Kyren has exemplified excellence both on and off the field. His professional accomplishments in the National Football League reflect not only exceptional athletic ability, but also a steadfast commitment to faith, integrity, and perseverance. Throughout his journey, Kyren has remained grounded in his relationship with God. Last year the Rams nominated him for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The nomination celebrated Kyren’s commitment to his community off the field as well as his contributions on the field.
At Vianney, Kyren was a member of National Honor Society for demonstrating scholarship, character, leadership, and service. He played baseball and basketball as well as football. Kyren was named St. Louis Metro Area Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-State, helping the Griffins capture the Class 5 Football State Championship in 2016 and 2018. After graduating from Vianney, Kyren went on to play for the University of Notre Dame, where he became one of the program’s top running backs before being drafted by the LA Rams in 2022.
Kyran’s story is one marked by resilience, discipline, and an unyielding trust in Divine Providence. He has consistently used his platform as a professional athlete to express his Christian faith, serving as a role model for young people in the Church and the community.
Marianist Moments
Finding Light and Transforming Hearts
“With the beautiful mountains of Puerto Rico serving as our Church and a glorious sunset our light, 10th-grade members of Juventud Marianista (Marianist Youth) celebrated the Mass of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica,” shared Fr. Dave McGuigan. “We reflected on St. Paul’s message that God is building us up on the foundation of Jesus Christ to share God’s love wherever we go. As night fell, we continued to celebrate the light that shines in the darkness.”
That light was felt deeply by the Colegio San José students throughout the retreat. “I feel blessed I had this experience. I learned about my peers and openly heard their different perspectives about life. It’s hard to explain how well I felt in those three days, where I enjoyed every moment. In all honesty, it was a spectacular and unforgettable experience,” recounted Diego, a 10th-grade participant.
Juventud Marianista is a ministry for students in grades six through twelve to promote spiritual growth through youth-oriented activities, including an annual weekend retreat for each grade level. It is led by a group of eleventh and twelfth-grade students who serve as retreat moderators called “Equipistas.”
In early November this year, tenth graders journeyed to the school’s retreat house, Casa Marianista Padre Vicente, located in the mountainous region of the island. “We did several dynamic activities—some were fun, and others allowed us to express our feelings and be ourselves. This built strong trust among us, making us feel like a family. I spent time with classmates I hadn’t spoken to before and was surprised how much I could relate to them,” explained Adrián, one of 18 participants.
His greatest lesson? “Not to doubt God because He is always going to guide me through life. I also learned that sometimes we judge our peers, but if we take the time to get to know them, we realize we have much in common.”
Moments like these remind us that faith is not just taught—it is lived. These experiences shape young hearts to lead with love and courage.
Juventud Marianista meets every Monday to grow spiritually, pray, learn about who they are, and what they can do for others. Let us continue to create spaces where young people encounter God and grow together.
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 2018
Fr. José Ramirez, 88, died on Nov. 17, 2025, in San Antonio, TX, with 69 years of religious profession.
Click here for the prayer card.
Click here to see pictures of Fr. José through the years.
Once his obituary is completed, you will find it here.
Good to Know
More Than Money: Graduates of Catholic Colleges Find Purpose
A national study, the Holistic Impact Report (HIR), found that graduates of Catholic colleges lead in purpose and belonging and report higher levels of mental health, financial stability, and dialogue across differences.
The Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University conducted the study in partnership with YouGov, a globally recognized leader in social research. With two years of data now analyzed, the study finds Catholic university graduates outpace their peers in measures of meaning, volunteering, and ethical decision-making.
“When education is oriented toward meaning, service, and ethics, graduates are not merely preparing for jobs; they are preparing for life,” Jason King, Ph.D., Beirne Director and Chair of the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University. “This study is an indication of the strength of the St. Mary’s University educational experience, helping to mold graduates with resilience, a sense of purpose, and a commitment to community that the world urgently needs,” said Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., St. Mary’s President.
Educating the “whole person” is integral to a Marianist education, as can be seen in the following five core Characteristics of a Marianist Education.
- Educate for Formation in Faith
- Provide an Integral, Quality Education
- Educate in Family Spirit
- Educate for Service, Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation
- Educate for Adaptation and Change
Click here to read the press release and discover more results from the study.
25 Years of Laughter and Learning
Widely known as “a writer’s Woodstock,” the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop at University of Dayton (UD) will once again honor the legacy of Erma Bombeck. The great humorist and columnist graduated with a degree in English from UD in 1949. The workshop, set for March 26-28, 2026, marks its 25th anniversary this year and will feature keynote speakers Kelly Corrigan, Ann Garvin, Sona Movsesian, Steven Rowley and John Searles — writers whose work spans memoir, fiction, humor, and media. Registration just opened earlier this month and was quickly sold out. Click here for more details, and click here if you’d like to be put on the “Wait List.”
JOIN US!
Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist Ministries across the United States.
New listings include:
Chaminade Julienne High School (OH) – President
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
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 #98 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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