Just prior to their final day of meetings, the Maryknoll Brothers hosted a clam bake (or actually a clam steam) for the residents here at the Center, guests and some former Brothers.
Former MMs included Jim (Br.José) Mansman, Mr. and Mrs. Leo (Br. Sergio) DePinto, Jim Fahey, Victor Pagan, Carlos Aguilar, Mr. and Mrs. John (Br. Dennis) Madigan and John (Br.Ephream) McCullen.
Yesterday, Br. Frank ten Hoopen gave a moving tribute to the life and witness of the late Br. John Mullan, with whom he lived and worked in Musoma, Tanzania. John passed away last year at age 58.
Mullan, a registered nurse, taught nursing to Tanzanians and was active in the Pro-Life movement in East Africa. (Although, truth be told, in speaking with Africa missioners I learned Africans are instinctively pro-baby and pro-life. Indeed, Africans view celibacy as innately anti-life and selfish, as it denies future generations the chance to be born. Africans also are way more respectful of the elderly as well as mindful of their ancestors than are we in the States.)
Meanwhile back at the barricades, Super G Fr. Ed Dougherty returned from Rome, ostensibly (and officially) to introduce himself to our new boss over at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Archbishop Joao Braz de Aviz, formerly of Brasilia, Brazil.
At least that's what Fr. John Barth said Vicar G Fr. José Arámburu told him, so I have no reason to doubt this, although if true, it represents a departure from the usual way things are done in Rome.
I can't think of any other reason for "Doc" to go all the way to Rome to see our boss, can you?
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