Casa Maria Marianists

As reflected by the expressions of their faces, the brothers of the Casa María Marianist community concluded their spring retreat ready for the annual observance of Holy Week. After viewing the movie, “The Way,” the brothers shared reflections on their individual journeys of life as Marianists, drew parallels between themes presented in the movie and their own lives and closed the time with a celebration of the Eucharist at Lidwina’s Dwelling—a retreat facility at the St. Scholastica Benedictine Monastery in Boerne, Texas, March 22-24, 2013.

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Upon returning from spring break, St. Mary’s students, staff, Marianists and guests celebrated the Feast Day of St. Joseph with a party for the new pope, Francis I. As this is Brother Jose’s name day, he led the prayers for the pope and the people. Festive foods included an Italian buffet of spaghetti, lasagna and salad with Italian dressing. Italian cream cupcakes topped with the Vatican flag were served alongside a traditional Italian dessert, sfingi di San Giuseppe (cream puffs of St. Joseph).

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The brothers of Casa María celebrated the baby shower of Jeffrey and Crystal Pardo at St. Dominic’s Piper Community Center on Saturday, March 16. After placing in several baby-themed games throughout the night, the brothers won a collection of prizes of gift cards and a gift basket of sweets; one even won a bedazzler!

Two years ago, the brothers were the couple’s wedding sponsor at Holy Rosary Parish. ¡Felicidades a Jeffrey y Crystal!

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Nearly 40 St. Mary’s students, staff, Marianists and friends followed the yellow brick road to taste some technicolor treats at a Wizard of Oz-themed prayer party hosted by Casa María. Coinciding with this weekend’s release of “Oz the Great and Powerful,” a prequel to the classic “Wizard of Oz” movie, the films have a familiar discussion theme of good vs. wicked and other religious allegories. Brother Mike shared his Oz pop-up book while all enjoyed the Emerald City gelatin, Toto shortbread cookies, lemon poppy seed muffins and “Over the Rainbow” cupcakes.