Around the Provinces: Confrere News and Updates

Fr. Jules Yallaly, CM		Fr. Al Hoernig, CM		Fr. Tom Esselman, CM		Fr. Paul Golden, CM		Fr. David Nations, CM

Midwest Province:

St. Mary’s of the Barrens, Perryville

The big news is the consecration of our new chapel in honor of Mary, Mother of God, and the blessing of our new residence named in honor of St. Vincent de Paul, the Apostle of Charity. The building is almost completely finished. It is beautiful and seems to be very functional. We are all thankful to the Daughters of Charity from Evansville for their many suggestions in making it work for our seniors. We are especially grateful to all our donors for making our new home possible

The Ruth Shelby Visitor and Heritage Center is nearing completion. This will house the gift shop and a large gathering room used for guests, especially when buses bring pilgrims to the church and shrine.

Father Jules Yallaly, CM, had a 70th anniversary of his Ordination celebration early in June. His family and guests filled the church. Father Jerome Fortenberry, CM, was the principal celebrant and Fr. Yallaly concelebrated. It was followed by a meal at the Legion Hall in town.

Fr. Yallaly said he enjoyed it. His health and memory are both slipping a bit but at 97 he is still in good humor and aware of what is going on around him.
Father Al Hoernig, CM, organized a family reunion from all over the United States. There were about 90 members of his family gathered in Perryville. A good time was had by all.

Lazarist Residence, St. Louis

The installation of a new computer system in the house is almost finished, with the work in the hallways and in each of the apartments complete. Hopefully the new system will be up and running by the end of the summer.

A good number of confreres are celebrating their birthdays this summer, thus providing us with special celebrations and great birthday banquets.

St. Catherine Laboure, St. Louis

A V.I.P. Celebration

The people of St. Catherine Laboure Parish took time out in June to pay tribute to the Vincentians, past and present, who served there. The theme of the celebration was “V.I.P. – Vincentians In our Parish”, honoring the current staff of four Vincentian priests for their accumulated 159 years of service in their priesthood: Father Jim Cormack, CM, Pastor (30), and Father Dan Thiess, CM, Associate (16); and Senior Priests in Service, Fathers Ray Ross, CM, (58) and Father Jack Melito, CM, (55).

The plan for the celebration on June 17 was to open with an outdoor liturgy, but it was held inside due to heat, followed by a barbecue, and entertainment and games. After Mass, the planning committee had a short program in church collectively highlighting the honorees, called the “Men in Black”, an image based on the movie of the same name. The program included a listing of the “Ten Top Reasons Why We Love Our Men in Black,” accompanied by a parallel form of “Our Fathers” in a further tribute.

Saint Lazare, St. Louis

On Friday, June 30th we celebrated the conclusion of another year with the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers. Father Tom Esselman, CM, celebrated the closing Eucharist and an outdoor meal was prepared by Father Dave Nations, CM. Many family and friends of the volunteers joined us, as well as the site supervisors, board members, and colleagues. The Maple Jam Band, friends of several of the volunteers, graciously played after dinner.

DePaul House, Denver

Father Paul Golden, CM, was the speaker at the presbyterate meeting of the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He also led an eight-day retreat for the Daughters of Charity in Evansville. Representative of all five provinces of the Daughters were present. Fathers Bill Hartenbach and Dennis Martin, CM, were gracious hosts.

Fr. Golden attended the spring board meeting of the National Association for the Continuing Education of the Roman Catholic Clergy in Baltimore. He has been an advisor to this board for almost twenty years.

Association of the Miraculous Medal

The Heritage and Visitor Center is nearing completion. There is no definite move-in date yet. Watch for news of the blessing and grand opening to come.

Southern Province:

Comments from Father Dan Borlik, CM, Provincial Superior, taken at the final Eucharist as Vincentians in charge of St. Stephen Church in New Orleans, LA:

Here, in New Orleans today, as expected as it is to be surrounded by change, I do admit to being surprised, able to express gratitude in the midst of it! This morning while presiding at St. Joseph’s Church and listening to Father Joseph Thottamkara’s, CM, homily on the importance of bringing our needs in faith to the Lord, I can agree that great things do happen when we do!

The city is slowly re-building and is cautiously hopeful about the future. Our two dozen or so confreres of the South are well and in good spirits. And, what could have been much more painful and difficult, our final Eucharist on June 30 as Vincentians in charge of St. Stephen’s Parish was instead a joyful occasion, exceptionally well attended, showing the Church and Community at our best. Vincentians, Archbishop Alfred Hughes, clergy, and lay leaders made good use of the opportunity to share our hopes and exchange our thanks for our ministry together here in the Uptown area.