Casa Maria Marianists

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Kung hee fat choy! Happy new year to the Rattlers of St. Mary’s University! Casa Maria hosted a belated Asian Lunar New Year’s themed prayer and dinner social to ring in the Year of the Snake. A dessert table, decorated with snake toys, featured Mandarin orange slices, Chinese almond cookies and sugar cookies shaped like snakes. Thanks to Pat and Phyllis S. for the fresh-baked almond cookies. The recipe for the snake sugar cookies are on HI Cookery.

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For a festive Fat Tuesday, more than 75 St. Mary’s students, faculty, staff and guests gathered at the back lawn of Casa Maria to celebrate the 3rd annual Pre-Ash Bash, co-sponsored by the Marianist Leadership Program. Everyone enjoyed the build-your-own nacho bar and outdoor games as well as the traditional kings cake and colorful beads, hats and carnival masks. At this Marianist-style Mardi Gras, Aspirant Andrew Giles also received a round of birthday wishes.

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Sweet treats were served at Casa Maria for an early observance of Valentine’s Day. More than 30 students, staff, Marianists and friends ate a variety of Valentine vittles*, such as hot dogs, chili, French fries and salad. Delicious desserts included Valentine cookies, cupcakes, brownies, tarts and more. A lovely lemonade cake was served to honor those guests who are celebrating their birthdays in February.

* vittles (noun, plural): From the 14th century word “victuals,” pertaining to foodstuffs intended to be eaten.

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“You must taste what you believe.” – Father Chaminade

In honor of their Founding Father, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (April 8, 1761-Jan. 22, 1850), the Marianists of Casa María hosted a French-inspired prayer and dinner social on Tuesday night, Jan. 22, 2013, during Marianist Heritage Week. Nearly 50 St. Mary’s students, staff, faculty and friends got a taste of the French priest’s heritage by sampling franco-foods on his feast day, such as madeleines and mini eclairs. Fig Newton bibles were also served to represent Chaminade’s motto of “Vita en Verbo” (Life in the Word). Thanks to Bro. Mike Sullivan who prepared a feast for all. Bon Appétit!

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Winter break is over and St. Mary’s is starting its spring semester on the birthdate of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan. 15, 2013). Casa María welcomed back to school nearly 50 students, staff, faculty and guests with sweets to satisfy the soul. MLK’s favorite dessert was pecan pie. Also served were a southern-style sweet potato pie and an assortment of cookies.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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St. Mary’s President Tom Mengler and his wife, Mona, joined the brothers for Mass and dinner at Casa Maria on Tuesday, December 18.

Merry Christmas from the Casa María Community!