TheAlexian s The Love of Christ Compels Us

Immaculate Conception Province of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers Two Alexian Brothers profess Mission Statement Perpetual Vows in Milwaukee Strengthened by community, prayer, commitment to the poor and the legacy of our rother Steve Fogt, C.F.A., and founders, and in partnership Brother Patrick McCabe, C.F.A., with others, we Alexian Brothers witness the Healing professed their Perpetual Vows Christ by a holistic approach Bas Alexian Brothers during a Mass in to promoting health and Holy Spirit Chapel at Alexian Village caring for the sick, dying, of Milwaukee. aged and unwanted of all socioeconomic levels. Fellow Alexian Brothers, Village residents and other friends of the Values Compassion Brothers attended the Mass on July 17, Dignity of the Person the Feast of St. Alexius, patron saint of Care of the Poor the Alexian Brothers. Holism Brother Larry Krueger, C.F.A., Partnership Superior General of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers, accepted Brother Steve’s and Brother Patrick’s profes - sions . Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., provincial of the Congregation’s Immaculate Conception Province, Brother Steve Fogt, C.F.A., (right), professes his Perpetual Vows as Brother Larry Krueger, C.F.A., (middle), presides and Brother Patrick McCabe, C.F.A., (left), served as the official witness, and awaits his profession of vows. Brother John Howard, C.F.A., director of the Alexian Brothers Community in gave the second reading, St. Paul’s Letter to the Milwaukee, was the master of ceremonies. Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12. Selected by Brother Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A., director Patrick and Brother Steve, the readings “deal of the Alexian Brothers Community in Signal with being called and chosen,” said Father Joel Mountain, Tennessee, delivered the first reading, Szydlowski, O.F.M., a Village chaplain who cele - Summer 2019 Samuel 3:2-10. Brother Jeffrey Callander, C.F.A., brated the Mass. (continued on page 7) Summer 2019

Brother Thomas Keusenkothen, C.F.A., celebrates 60 years as Alexian Brother

ellow Alexian Brothers, family members Catholic Health Association. He retired and friends joined Brother Thomas several years ago and lives in community with Keusenkothen, C.F.A., as he celebrated the Alexian Brothers of St. Louis. Fhis 60th anniversary as an Alexian Brother at “During his long career as an Alexian Living Sherbrooke Village in St. Louis. Brother, Tom has built a legacy of vision, The Diamond Jubilee celebration June 22 courage, integrity and, above all, duty,” Brother began with a Mass celebrated by Father John Dan said. “His duty has been to something bigger Mayer in the chapel at Sherbrooke, an assisted- than all of us – the Roman Catholic Church, the will of God and the love of Christ. That is his greatest legacy.” Through the years, Brother Thomas has set a strong example for younger Alexian Brothers, demonstrating through his efforts how to put into action the Alexian Brothers values of Compassion, Dignity of the Person, Care of the Poor, Holism and Partnership, Brother Dan said. “Although he is retired, he still volunteers at Sherbrooke and Lansdowne Place,” Brother Dan said. “He is famous for pushing residents in wheelchairs to daily Mass.” (Ascension Living Lansdowne Place is a St. Louis skilled-nursing, rehabilitation and memory-care facility that formerly was part of ABHS.) “Brother Tom is a good mentor for me, Brother Thomas Keusenkothen, living and skilled-nursing facility that formerly and I am inspired by his resolute dedication to C.F.A., who led Alexian Brothers was part of Alexian Brothers Health System upholding our core values,” said Brother Torch Health System for many years, has (ABHS). Acosta, C.F.A., of the Alexian Brothers set a strong example for younger Alexian Brothers, demonstrating Afte r Father John’ s homily, Brothe r Thomas Community in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, who how to uphold the Alexian Brothers ’ renewed his Perpetual Vows as an Alexian attended Brother Thomas’ Diamond Jubilee core values through a lifetime of Brother. Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., celebration. “I am thankful for his ongoing faithful service. provincial of the Immaculate Conception support and encouragement.” Province of the Congregation of Alexian Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A., served Brothers, received Brother Thomas’ renewal as master of ceremonies during the Diamond of Perpetual Vows, and fellow Alexian Brothers Jubilee Mass; Brother Edward Walsh, C.F.A., congratulated him for his longtime commit - and Brother Steve Fogt, C.F.A., served as lectors ; ment to the Congregation and its ministries. Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A., director of the Brother Thomas served as ABHS president Alexian Brothers Community in St. Louis, led and chief executive officer from 1998 until the Prayers of the Faithful; and Brother Jeffrey shortly before the health system became part Callander, C.F.A., read the Jubilee Proclamation. of St. Louis-based Ascension on Jan. 1, 2012. He “The Jubilee Proclamation was wonderful, as it also served in many other leadership roles with captured Brother Tom’s life work as an Alexian the Alexian Brothers and as a board member for Brother,” said Brothe r Patrick McCabe, C.F.A., of 2 numerous health-care organizations, such as the (continued on page 6) The Alexians

Provincial’s Letter

Dear Alexian Friends: together to care for the sick and poor in Europe In this edition of The Alexians , we celebrate during the Middle Ages. As a result, the umbrella several individual milestones that reflect the under which our Congregation grew was much changing nature of religious vocations as well as bigger than those of religious orders tied tightly the enduring nature of the Alexian Brothers’ way to specific historical figures. That remains true of life. today. To be sure, men who join us must meet Our cover story focuses on Brother Steve certain requirements, but they are descriptive, Fogt, C.F.A., and Brother Patrick McCabe, not proscriptive. They relate to having a spiritual C.F.A., who professed their Perpetual Vows as mindset, a willingness to commit one’s life to Brothers on July 17. Brother Steve and Brother something much bigger than oneself, and a Patrick came to the Brothers after accomplished desire to become part of a healing tradition secular careers, embodying a trend we have seen that dates back 800 years. toward men discovering religious vocations later We are fortunate that our Congregation in life. still includes several members who joined the Novice Brother Carl Sisolak also embodies Brothers as young men. They include Brother this trend. He joined the Brothers last January Thomas Keusenkothen, C.F.A., who recently after working for 18 years in corporate account - celebrated his 60th anniversary as a Brother (See ing and finance, and he entered the Alexian article on page 2.), and Brother John Howard, Brothers Novitiate on July 15. (See article C.F.A., who served as master of ceremonies on page 5.) during Brother Steve’s and Brother Patrick’s Brother Steve, Brother Patrick and professions of Perpetual Vows. Brother Thomas Did you know? Novice Brother Carl represent the future for and Brother John provide strong examples of Editor’s Note: “Did You Know?” pro - vides brief glimpses into the rich, 800- the Brothers – and for religious life in general. fidelity, honor and duty, teaching our younger year history of the Congregation of Unlike decades ago, we no longer see a steady Brothers what it truly means to pursue a reli - Alexian Brothers. To mark the 150th stream of naïve 19- and 20-year-olds seeking to gious vocation, to sacrifice one’s personal inter - anniversary this year of the Alexian dedicate their lives to God. Instead, we increas - ests for a greater cause, and to experience the Brothers Community in St. Louis, this item focuses on the Brothers’ pioneering ingly find ourselves welcoming older men who, love of God during a lifetime as a Brother. spirit in the care of the mentally ill. having built careers and accumulated life experi - While Brother Steve, Brother Patrick and A reporter for a ence, have asked themselves, “Is that all there is?” Novice Brother Carl represent the future of our newspaper in St. Louis wrote an In religious life, and particularly with the Congregation, Brother Thomas, Brother John article in the late 1800s that painted Alexian Brothers, they have found an answer – and our other older Brothers represent our a glowing picture of the Alexian something that attracts them, satisfies a yearning roots. By sharing their wisdom and experience, Brothers and the care they provided for the mentally ill. in their hearts, and fills a hunger in their souls. they ensure our long-standing legacy of healing “Not even relatives wish to care That something is the opportunity to experience will endure, continuing to provide an answer for them (the mentally ill), and the love of God by serving the poor, the vulnera - for men who ask, “Is that all there is?” manage to get them out of the ble and the marginalized in concert with – and May God Bless You and Yours, house as soon as possible,” the reporter wrote. “When their friends in prayerful community with – fellow Brothers. and relatives have forsaken them, Another key attraction is that the Brothers they find the good Brother (to be) Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A. a father and mother. The quietness welcome men from all walks of life. We do not Provincial and love with which the patients have a checklist to tell us which men fit a strict Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers see themselves treated by the definition of an Alexian Brother. We are not Brothers have a beneficial certain who the first Brothers were; we only influence upon them.” know they arose from bands of man who joined Summer 2019

Brothers mark 10t h anniversary of home for elderly in

he Alexian Brothers mission in Hungary recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its St. Elizabeth of Hungary Home for the TElderly with a festive gathering for residents and their families. The June 2 celebration featured a “tradition- keeper” singing group, a folk dancing group, programs for children, free blood-pressure screenings and massages for guests, and a doll exhibition from the works of Paray Júlia Gyöngyi, including a St. Elizabeth of Hungary doll. Staff members of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Home for the Elderly provide free blood-pressure screenings for guests during a Physiotherapist celebration marking the home’s 10th anniversary. Mészáros Nagy Mónika and nutri - Brothers and their history. Visitors also could tionist Börzsei view a picture exhibition of the history of the Cecília, who work mission in Gy o˝rújbarát , Hungary. at the home for the The home for the elderly provides assisted- elderly, visited with living and skilled nursing care for low-income residents and their older adults. Since the facility opened in 2009, it relatives, and has earned a reputation for delivering high-qual - Brother Alexius ity, holistic care. It is licensed for 85 beds, and its Siska, C.F.A., direc - residents live in apartments with two or three Brother Alexius Siska, C.F.A., (front, tor of the Alexian Brothers Community at the beds apiece. To address strong demand for the center), poses for a photo with guests at a celebration of the 10th mission, led guests on tours of St. Alexius home’s services and growing demand for private anniversary of St. Elizabeth of , the Brothers’ residence. During the rooms, the Brothers are pursuing plans to Hungary Home for the Elderly. tours, Brother Alexius talked about the Alexian expand the facility.

Hungarian Brothers help to lead Feast of Corpus Christi procession

rother Alexius Siska, C.F.A., and Brother flower petals along the route. Participants also Leó Vendrey, C.F.A., of the Alexian stopped to pray with Father Andrew at stations Brothers mission in Hungary, helped to decorated with flowers. Blead a procession through the streets of Nagybarát, The Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as Hungary, to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood After a Mass at a local church, the two of Christ, honors the presence of the body of Brothers joined Father Andrew Bausz as he and Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Bishop Robert area residents walked along the procession route. de Thorete established the feast in 1246 in the During the procession, Father Andrew held aloft Belgian diocese of Liège at the suggestion of a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. St. Juliana, an Augustinian who was prioress 4 People prayed and sang, and little girls sprinkled of a convent near Liège. The Alexians

Brothers welcome new novice during ceremony in Signal Mountain

ostulant Carl Sisolak entered the Alexian Alexian Brothers’ Bajada Brothers Novitiate during a ceremony July community in Davao City, 15 in St. Augustine Chapel at Ascension Novice Brother Carl will PLiving Alexian Village in Signal Mountain, take classes focused on Tennessee. liturgy, spirituality and Fellow Alexian Brothers and Village resi - understanding cultural dents witnessed the ceremony, which occurred differences. He also will during a Mass celebrated by Father Alex Agbata, be immersed in ministries a Village chaplain. that recall the work of the Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A., U.S. postulant earliest Alexian Brothers, director for the Immaculate Conception Province who cared for the poor of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers, and and sick during the Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A., acting U.S. novice Middle Ages. director for the province and director of Novice Brother the Alexian Brothers Community in Signal Carl joined the Alexian Mountain, initiated Carl into the novitiate Brothers last January after during the ceremony. Brother Tom began working in corporate accounting and finance Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A., (left), with an opening prayer, asking God to “bless for 18 years. As a postulant, he lived, worked and Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A., (right), guide Novice Brother Carl Carl with your peace” and adding: “Grant him and prayed with the Alexian Brothers Community Sisolak during his initiation into wisdom to discern your will for him and the in Signal Mountain, receiving instruction and the Alexian Brothers Novitiate. courage to follow the path you lead him on.” guidance from Brother Tom. The new novice Carl, 51, then requested admission into the ministered to residents in the Village’s Health Novitiate. “I wish to try your way of life, and I and Rehabilitation Center and to participants in am willing to be tested myself, that I may follow the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly the Healing Christ wholeheartedly in this (P.A.C.E.) in the Chattanooga area. In addition, Community of Alexian Brothers,” he said. he volunteered with St. Alexius Outreach Brother Tom and Brother Richard accepted the Ministries, an Alexian Brothers ministry that request and welcomed Carl into the Novitiate, provides ongoing friendship and supportive with Brother Richard asking God to bless Carl case-management services to isolated and and “help him to know what you ask of him.” vulnerable older adults in the Chattanooga area. Brother Richard delivered a reading from “He provided a Brother’s presence for people the “Way of Life,” the rules and constitution in all three of these ministries, listening, sharing, of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers, and caring and being present for them,” Brother Tom Brother Tom provided a reflection. Brother said. “He did very well.” Richard then presented Carl with a copy of Born in New Brunswick, N.J., Novice the “Way of Life.” Brother Carl lived in Basking Ridge, N.J., before The new novice will spend the first year of joining the Alexian Brothers. He earlier lived in the two-year novitiate program living in commu - Washington, D.C., and Seattle. He served his nity with the Alexian Brothers of the Philippines parish church as a cantor, choir member, musi - before returning to the U.S. to complete his cian and lector, and he served as a Eucharistic training as a novice. Under the guidance of minister, bringing Communion to the sick and Brother Raphael Fallado, C.F.A., director of homebound. He also volunteered in social novices in the Philippines and director of the outreach ministries serving the homeless. 5 Summer 2019

General Council takes advisory role in developing clinic in East Timor

he General Council of the Congregation of up,” focusing first on determining whether Alexian Brothers has accepted a recommen - establishing the clinic is doable, and if it is, dation from the Immaculate Conception providing special training to prepare Brothers to TProvince to take an advisory role in the develop - work “in a missionary-like operation,” Brother ment of a medical clinic in East Timor, a poor Dan said. “This training is needed because we nation in Southeast Asia. never have been a missionary congregation.” The Alexian Brothers in the Philippines, The preliminary plans developed by who are part of the Immaculate Conception the Brothers in the Philippines call for three Province, have completed preliminary planning Brothers to staff the clinic and to minister to the for the clinic, “and the province has the men sick and poor. With primitive living conditions and resources to move forward with the and a pressing need for health-care services, project,” said Provincial Brother Dan East Timor is similar to other places where the McCormick, C.F.A. Brothers have provided care during their 800- With the General Council, the Congrega- year history – places “where nobody else wants tion’s governing body, now assisting the effort, to go,” Brother Dan said. “It’s a situation that the Brothers intend “to start from the ground cries out for the delivery of care.”

Brother Thomas Keusenkothen, C.F.A., celebrates 60 years as Alexian Brother

(continued from page 2) part of the state, Brother Thomas grew up with the Alexian Brothers communities in Elk Grove 10 siblings, three of whom also entered religious Village and Milwaukee, who also attended the life, including a brother who became a priest and celebration. two sisters who became . Six of his brothers Brother Warren said it was “providential” and one of his sisters attended his Diamond that Brother Thomas’ Diamond Jubilee coin - Jubilee celebration. cided with After serving in the U.S. Navy, Brother the 150th Thomas joined the Alexian Brothers in January anniversary 1959. He first assignment after professing his this year of temporary vows was at the former Alexian the Alexian Brothers Hospital in , where he worked Brothers’ as a medical technologist. He later served as arrival in laboratory supervisor at the former Alexian Fellow Alexian Brothers join Brother St. Louis, especially because a distant relative Brothers hospitals in St. Louis and Elizabeth, Thomas Keusenkothen, C.F.A., (back of Brother Thomas, Vicar General Father Henry N.J. His many leadership positions included row, third from left), for a photo dur - ing his Diamond Jubilee celebration Muehlsiepen, was instrumental in the founding assistant administrator of the St. Louis hospital in St. Louis. of the Alexian Brothers’ ministry in the city. and administrator of Boys Town Memorial After the Mass, Brother Thomas’ celebration Hospital in Boys Town, Nebraska. “I feel very continued with a lunch reception at Sherbrooke. honored and privileged to have spent my life A native of Kelso, , a small town serving and working as an Alexian Brother,” 6 just south of Cape Girardeau in the southeast Brother Thomas said. The Alexians

Two Alexian Brothers profess Perpetual Vows in Milwaukee

(continued from page 1) After Father Joel proclaimed the gospel (Luke 5:1-11) and homily, the formal Profession of Perpetual Vows ceremony began. Brother Larry asked Brother Steve and Brother Patrick a series of questions, and they responded. Brother Steve and Brother Patrick then prostrated them - selves as cantor Paul Misner, a Village resident, led worshipers in praying the Litany of the Saints. Immediately following that ancient prayer of the Catholic Church, the Brothers stood and professed their Perpetual Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Brother Larry accepted the profession promises, and the Alexian Brothers in atten - dance together delivered a pledge to Brother Steve and Brother Patrick. “In return, we pledge director of the Alexian Brothers Community With Brother Larry Krueger, C.F.A., at his side, Brother Patrick McCabe, our faith, our trust and our love,” the Brothers in St. Louis. He joined the Alexian Brothers as a C.F.A., (right), signs documents final - said. “We offer you our sharing in the daily joys postulant in January 2013 after working in data izing his profession of Perpetual Vows. and sorrows of life, a sharing in prayer and collection, accounting and inventory control. He Eucharist. We receive you Brothers with the professed First Vows after completing his novi - hope that, together with you, we will become the tiate training in July 2017. healing power that shows forth Jesus Christ to all Brother Patrick serves as assistant director of people.” Brother Steve and Brother Patrick then the Alexian Brothers Community in Milwaukee proceeded to the altar, where they signed docu - and as associate vocations minister and director ments finalizing their professions. of formation for the Immaculate Conception Other individuals playing key roles Province. A registered nurse, he joined the during the Mass included Brother Thomas Alexian Brothers as a postulant in January 2014 Keusenkothen, C.F.A., who led the Brothers’ after working in hospice and palliative-care roles. procession into the chapel, carrying the Alexian He professed First Vows after completing his Brothers shield; Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A., who novitiate training in July 2016. led the Prayers of the Faithful; Brother Torch Because the deaths of older Brothers and Acosta, C.F.A., and Brother Zeke Mapa, C.F.A., a national decline in religious vocations have who presented the gifts during the Liturgy of the thinned the ranks of the Alexian Brothers, Eucharist; Novice Brothers Robert Podjarsky and Brother Steve and Brother Patrick were asked to Joe Pense, who carried the thurible and incense assume leadership roles before professing their boat during the Liturgy; Kristen Dininno, who Perpetual Vows. Both men “have responded very sang “Ave Maria” at the conclusion of the Liturgy; positively,” Brother Dan said. “They exemplify and Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A., who provided the sense of duty to the poor and to our fellow some reflections about the Alexian Brothers Brothers that has driven the Brothers for more before the Mass ended. than 800 years and that we impress upon our Brother Steve serves as comptroller of the Brothers in formation. They have truly inspired Immaculate Conception Province and as acting me, and I’m very proud of both of them.” 7 In This Issue Cover Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Two Brothers Brother Thomas Brothers celebrate Brothers welcome Volume 45, Number 2 profess Keusenkothen, C.F.A., 10th anniversary new novice Summer 2019 Perpetual Vows marks 60t h anniversary of home for elderly in Signal Mountain

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Brother Lawrence Krueger , C.F.A. Superior General, Congregation of Alexian Brothers

Brother Dermot O’Leary , C.F.A. Vicar General, Congregation of Alexian Brothers

Brother Daniel McCormick , C.F.A. Provincial, Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers, Director of the Alexian Brothers Alexian Brothers plan major meetings Community, Elk Grove Village, Illinois Brother John Howard , C.F.A. in Signal Mountain, Elk Grove Village Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, Milwaukee he Alexian Brothers Community in Signal mony last November. The center, which will be Brother Richard Lowe , C.F.A. Mountain, Tennessee, will host the annual named the Refuge of Saint Alexius, will provide Director of the Alexian Brothers Provincial Assembly of the Immaculate a place for the homeless to shower, wash their Community, Signal Mountain, Tennessee TConception Province of the Congregation of clothes, eat meals, receive medical care and Brother Steve Fogt ,C.F.A., Alexian Brothers from Sept. 8 to Sept. 12. access social services. It also will offer overnight Acting Director of the Alexian The agenda for the gathering includes, accommodations. Brothers Community, St. Louis among other things, a presentation about The Alexian Brothers in the Philippines Brother Alexius Siska ,C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers construction of an Alexian Brothers center for have completed preliminary planning for the Community, Gyo˝rújbarát , Hungary the homeless in the Philippines and prelimi - clinic in East Timor, and the General Council, Brother Raphael Fallado , C.F.A. nary plans for establishing a medical clinic in the Congregation’s governing body, has taken an Director of the Alexian Brothers East Timor, a poor nation in Southeast Asia. advisory role in the development of the clinic. Bajada Community, Davao City, Philippines Brother Raphael Fallado, C.F.A., Brother Romie (See article on page 6.)

Brother John of God Oblina, C.F.A. Duriman, C.F.A., and Brother John of God Soon after the Provincial Assembly Director of the Alexian Brothers Oblina, C.F.A., of the Alexian Brothers mission concludes, the Alexian Brothers Community in Matina Community, Davao City, Philippines in the Philippines, are expected to deliver the Elk Grove Village, Illinois, will host a meeting of presentation. the General Council. The meeting is scheduled Construction of the homeless center in to take place from Sept. 23 to Sept. 27 at the Davao City began after a groundbreaking cere - Brothers’ residence in Elk Grove Village.