Casa Maria Marianists

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Approximately 30 joined the brothers of Casa María for an eclectic Casa Tuesday evening that celebrated Brother Mike’s birthday and a Japanese-themed meal on March 29. Guests included a group of students from St. Mary’s high school in St. Louis, Isabella Moyer, president of the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities and a number of students, staff and alumni.

Everyone prayed for the victims of the natural disasters in Japan. The menu included rice and teriyaki stir-fry as well as “dessert” sushi and a cherry blossom (sakura) birthday cake to coincide with the national and international cherry blossom festivals beginning this week.

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Celebrating a 62 years of life and 17 years in ministry at St. Mary’s University, Brother Mike enjoyed a a special birthday dinner with the brothers of the Casa María Marianist Community on Monday, March 28—the vigil of his actual birthday. Noted guests included Joe Kozar and Chami, who made his first appearance ever!

Six Marianist Educational Associates of St. Mary’s University gathered for an evening of prayer, supper and a Lenten reflection with the brothers of Casa María on Wednesday, March 23. Mark led evening prayer; supper featured soup and salad; and Rev. Bill Behringer offered a Lenten-themed reflection.

This evening we hosted a gathering of high school students who have expressed interest in learning more about Marianist religious life. The students from Central Catholic and Keystone High Schools in San Antonio joined us for Mass, dinner and a discussion. We also welcomed Bros. Tim Pieprzyca and Rich Thompson both whom minister at Central Catholic High School and Sr. Gretchen Trautman, FMI, Marianist sister and coordinator of the local vocation office. Aspirant Mark Motz shared with the group his own vocational discernment journey and how he ultimately came to the decision to enter the aspirancy program with the Society of Mary. Following Mark’s presentation the young men asked excellent questions that were fielded by the brothers and sister present. We hope to stay in touch with these young men and continue to find ways to support their ongoing discernment.

Over 150 students, faculty, staff and friends gathered outside of the Casa Maria Marianist residence to celebrate “Pre-Ash Bash” on Tuesday, March 8.

The event was an alternative Mardi Gras celebration that included carnival-style games, a New Orleans-inspired jambalaya and  king cake dessert.

See more of our Pre-Ash Bash photos on our Flickr set.

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Casa Tuesday celebrated the “Welsh way on St. David’s Feast Day.” After evening prayer, St. Mary’s University students, staff, Marianists, alumni, family, friends and special guests from Wartburg College in Iowa sampled Celtic cuisine, such as leek and ham tarts (leeks are associated with the patron saint of Wales) and traditional Welsh cakes. For those who favored familiar food, spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, cookies and brownies were also served. Cheers! – Iechyd da! (Yeh-chid dah)