54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 1

TheAlexians The Love of Christ Impels Us Alexian Brothers Health System Hungarian mission ‘doing extremely Vision Statement Alexian Brothers Health System well’ as bond with Province grows will engage all our associates and partners in a prophetic, holistic approach to healthcare, he bond between the Immaculate rooted in Gospel values and Conception Province and its Hungarian the 800-year legacy of the T mission grew even stronger recently when Alexian Brothers. We seek Provincial Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., trav- to bring healing to a broken eled to the mission for his annual visitation. world through collaboration During his 10-day trip in December, with others. Brother Dan met individually with Brother Mission Statement Alexius Siska, C.F.A., Acting Community Alexian Brothers Health System Superior at the mission, and Brother Leó carries out the healing mission Vendrey, who assists Brother Alexius with of the Catholic Church through administrative matters at the mission. the Alexian Brothers ministries Brother Dan also attended a Mass at which by identifying and developing Brother Alexius and Brother Leó renewed their effective responses to the health Temporary Vows as Alexian Brothers. The Mass and housing needs of those we are called to serve. occurred in the chapel at the mission’s St. Eliza- beth of Home for the Elderly, and more than 25 residents of the home witnessed Provincial Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., watches as Brother the renewals of vows by Brother Alexius and Alexius Siska, C.F.A., signs his Renewal of Temporary Vows at the Alexian Brothers mission in Gyo˝rújbarát, Hungary. Brother Leó. “It was a very moving experience,” Brother Dan says. Czébán, in May 2013. With his death, the day-to- The Provincial’s visit to Hungary, his third day tasks of sustaining and growing the mission since December 2013, was part of his ongoing fell to Brother Alexius and Brother Leó, current- effort to provide support for Brother Alexius ly the only two Alexian Brothers at the mission and Brother Leó and to build his relationships in Gyo˝rújbarát, Hungary. with them following the sudden death of the Under their leadership, the 12-year-old Winter 2014 mission’s founder, Brother Joseph Francis (continued on page 7) 54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 2

Winter2014

Vocations activity increases as Brothers enhance online presence

revamped Alexian Brothers website only on the home page of www.alexianbroth- featuring videos and a home page with ers.org, but also in Alexian Brothers print and Aa photo depicting an Alexian Brothers online ads in Vision Vocation Guide and A version of The Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover Guide to Religious Ministries, two resources is sparking interest in the order among men ex- commonly used by men and women discerning ploring the possibility of religious life. possible vocations. “We’re getting a very positive response to A speaker at the National Religious the videos,” says Brother Paul Magner, C.F.A., Vocation Conference (NRVC) Convocation in last November cited the ads as examples of innovative vocations advertising, says Brother Paul, who attended the convocation. “They’re very eye-catching and help us stand out from the crowd,” he says. Brother Paul reports “a lot of vocations activity” since the Alexian Brothers rolled out the videos and the Abbey Road-type ads. As of January, he was actively engaged in discussions with seven candidates who were moving toward on-site visits. He was awaiting initial paperwork from five other candidates. Although the overall number of Alexian Brothers remains modest, the order has enjoyed relative vocations success in recent years, adding two new men a year in 2013, 2014 and 2015. (See related item about new postulants on page 7.) (Left to right) Brother Andrew Dinegar, Acting Director of Vocations for the Immaculate With the youngest Alexian Brother in the C.F.A., Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A., Conception Province of the Congregation of United States at 48, the order is making a con- Brother Paul Magner, C.F.A., and Brother Richard Kane, C.F.A., mimic Alexian Brothers. certed effort to attract younger men. Enhancing The Beatles and their famous Abbey The videos, which were introduced last June the Alexian Brothers’ online presence is a key Road album cover in a photograph on www.alexianbrothers.org, feature Alexian part of this effort, and now that the Alexian that appears on the Alexian Brothers’ Brothers talking about the order’s ministry, Brothers have revamped their website, they are revamped website and in their voca- tions advertising. history, community life and formation process. studying the possibility of running ads through They also discuss the nature of an Alexian Google and Facebook, Brother Paul says. Brothers vocation and share their own indi- Recognizing that student-loan debt is a big vidual vocational stories. issue for many younger adults, Brother Paul also The Abbey Road-type photo shows four has identified two resources – The Labouré Alexian Brothers – Brother Andrew Dinegar, Society and the Mater Ecclesiae Fund for C.F.A., Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A., Brother Paul, Vocations – that assist aspirants to religious life and Brother Richard Kane, C.F.A. – walking who have student-loan debt. Brother Paul plans across an intersection, much like The Beatles to refer some Alexian Brothers candidates to The did for the famous photo on the Abbey Road Labouré Society and Mater Ecclesiae, giving men album cover. with student-loan debt a new path that might 2 The Alexian Brothers photo appears not enable them to join the Alexian Brothers. 54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 3

TheAlexians

Provincial’s Letter

Dear Alexian Friends: mizing the opportunity for prayer to become As the Alexian Brothers have worked to rede- a mechanical exercise done by rote. fine ourselves as religious brothers in the 21st Borrowing a practice from our colleagues in century, our prayer life has emerged as a key the Philippines, the Brothers in Elk Grove Village focus area. also have begun sitting throughout their prayers, Years ago, when our numbers were greater instead of standing and sitting. Reducing the and many Brothers worked defined shifts hand- need for physical movement has enabled the ling nursing jobs or other responsibilities at our Brothers to move outside the physical sphere hospitals, our opportunities for deep, extended more easily and to wrap themselves in God’s prayer were limited. But today, with our ranks silence and warmth as they pray. thinned by the passing of older Brothers and an The Brothers in Elk Grove Village report overall decline in religious vocations, and with that these changes have enhanced the opportu- Alexian Brothers Health System backed by nity to develop an intimate relationship with and staffed by very capable lay leaders, God through prayer. By fostering a calm and physicians and associates, the Brothers no longer sacred atmosphere, they are helping the Brothers are working hospital shifts, focusing instead on to present themselves openly and honestly to serving the poor, homeless and disenfranchised God through prayer, and to better discern where through street-level ministries. He is calling them – and our ministries – to go. This transition has presented a grace- The Brothers in Elk Grove Village intend filled invitation from God for the Brothers to to continue their new prayer practices in the approach prayer on the basis of developing a months ahead and will report on their experi- more intimate relationship with Him, and we ences at our Provincial Assembly this fall. If the have responded to this invitation by allocating Brothers find that these practices continue to more time and energy to this pursuit. enhance the prayer experience, the Elk Grove Taking a page from the prayer life of the Village community will invite our other U.S. Brothers at our Hungarian mission, the Alexian communities to consider adopting a similar Brothers Community in Elk Grove Village, Ill., approach to prayer. recently adopted the longer-form morning and The early results indicate there is something evening prayers that the Hungarian Brothers to this idea of slowing down and allotting more recite every day. In the distant past, all Alexian time to developing your relationship with God Brothers used the longer-form prayers, but the and contemplating your spiritual direction. It’s Brothers in the United States for quite some something the late Brother Eugene “Gene” Gizzi, time have used the short form of the prayers, C.F.A., probably was hinting at with his favorite which are known as the Liturgy of the Hours. saying, “Let go, and let God.” In these hectic The short form of the prayers takes about 15 times, when we all spend so much time and minutes, and the long form takes 30 to 40 energy trying to impose order in our lives, relin- minutes. quishing control for a while each day might be The Brothers in Elk Grove Village are find- the best way to discover our true calling. ing that the longer-form prayers, although chal- May God Bless You and Yours, lenging to learn, provide a greater opportunity for contemplation and meditation. Their chal- Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A. lenging nature demands Brothers’ full attention, Provincial requiring them to participate actively and mini- Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers 3 54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 4

Winter2014

With native Alexian Brothers at helm, Philippine mission steams into future

he Alexian Brothers mission in the Philip- 50s, and by how well the different generations of pines continues to grow and evolve, driven Filipino Brothers work together, blending their Tforward by an expanding group of Filipino differing life experiences to develop new ideas Brothers ranging in age from their 20s to their 50s. and new approaches to their ministry. The Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., Provincial Alexian Brothers have added six new Brothers of the Immaculate Conception Province of the in the Philippines during the last eight years. Congregation “Having a chance to watch them in action of Alexian and visit with them at their ministry sites was Brothers, just a delight,” Brother Dan says. conducted his Founded in 1981 by the late Brother Eugene annual visita- Gizzi, C.F.A., the Philippine mission operates the tion to the Alexian Brothers Health & Wellness Center, Philippines last which offers diagnostic services, cardiac imag- fall, meeting ing, dialysis and other services to the Davao City individually community and nearby areas. The mission also with each operates a long-standing mobile clinic program, Alexian Brother which brings medical care and medications in the Bajada to the disadvantaged. In addition, the Alexian and Matina Brothers provide other social services, such as Guided by Brother John of God Oblina, communities in Davao City, and returned to the supporting a facility that cares for prostituted C.F.A., (left), and Brother Dominic United States feeling bullish about the mission’s women’s children, many of whom have been Andes, C.F.A., (right), the Filipino future. physically and sexually abused. Alexian Brothers at the Alexian Brothers mission in the Philippines are driving In recent years, the Filipino Brothers, With the ranks of Filipino Brothers grow- the mission forward, following in the guided by Brother John of God Oblina, C.F.A., ing, the Brothers in the Philippines had recently footsteps of American Alexian Brothers Director of the Alexian Brothers Matina completed a major renovation of their Bajada such as Brother Maurice Wilson, C.F.A., and Brother Jeffrey Callander, C.F.A. Community, and Brother Dominic Andes, residence when Brother Dan arrived for his visi- C.F.A., Director of the Alexian Brothers Bajada tation last October. Plans call for building a 12- Community, have done an excellent job of driv- bedroom addition to the residence in 2015. ing the mission forward, following in the foot- “They already have accepted three men for steps of American Brothers such as Brother 2015, and there’s not that much room in the Maurice Wilson, C.F.A., and Brother Jeffrey old house,” Brother Dan says. Callander, C.F.A., Brother Dan says. The primary purpose of the Provincial’s “It’s wonderful to see the Filipino Brothers annual visitation to Alexian Brothers ministry create and actively direct their own ministry in sites is for the Provincial to develop and nurture the Philippines,” Brother Dan says. “Maurice and relationships with the Brothers at the sites by Jeff did great work, and the Brothers are proud meeting with them individually and by engaging of them and grateful to them. But it’s John’s and in ministry activities together. Dominic’s country, city and community, and to Brother Dan says his one-on-one meetings see them step forward and take charge is a very with fellow Brothers sometimes take emotional reassuring thing for a provincial to see.” turns as the Brothers describe past or current Brother Dan also was impressed by the high struggles in their lives. In the Philippines, for caliber of the Filipino Brothers younger than example, it’s common for men joining the 4 Brother John and Brother Dominic, both in their (continued on page 5) 54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 5

TheAlexians

New archbishop exudes compassion during visit to Alexian Brothers ministries

ew Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich greeted staff members visited Alexian Brothers Medical Center and blessed a patient N(ABMC) and Alexian Brothers Hospice during a tour of the Residence in Elk Grove Village, Ill., recently as part facility that was led of his effort to familiarize himself with Catholic by Kathleen ministries in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Gunderson, ABHS ABMC Chief Executive Officer John Vice President of Werrbach led Cupich on a tour of the hospital, Ancillary Services. during which the archbishop greeted staff During both members and blessed a patient in the critical- stops, Cupich care unit. thanked staff Brother Paul Magner, C.F.A., Novice members for their Brother Steve Fogt and ABMC chaplains Father work and posed patiently for photographs with New Chicago Archbishop Blase Bill Veith and Father Peter Kunnalakattu joined them, the patients whom he blessed, and their Cupich (third from left) poses for a photo at Alexian Brothers Hospice Werrbach and Cupich on the Jan. 15 tour. Also families, Brother Paul says. Auxiliary Bishop Residence with (left to right) Auxil- participating were Robert Brown, Executive George Rassas and Rev. William Grogan, Vicar iary Bishop George Rassas, Brother Director of Nursing for Alexian Brothers Health for Health Care of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Paul Magner, C.F.A., Father Peter System (ABHS), Bob Smoot, ABHS Vice accompanied the archbishop. Kunnalakattu, Father Bill Veith and Novice Brother Steve Fogt. President of Mission Integration, Stan Kedzior, Cupich “was impressed with the work that ABHS Director of Mission Integration, and we do,” Brother Paul says. “He said we had Jonathan Rozenfeld, Vice President and Chief wonderful ministries.” Operating Officer of the Acute-Care Ministries Cupich was “very open, very down-to-earth of ABHS. and genuinely caring,” Brother Paul says. “He Cupich, who was installed Nov. 18 as exuded compassion. He was very engaging and Archbishop of Chicago (See related article very engaged. I believe that like Pope Francis, on page 8.), later visited the hospice residence he’s trying to be down-to-earth, person-focused across the street from ABMC. The archbishop and a great pastoral presence.”

Philippine mission steams into future

(continued from page 4) “Some were told by their fathers that they Alexian Brothers to encounter family resistance couldn’t do it, that they would be a failure and to the idea. This emotionally charged topic not a man if they did, and that they needed to often comes up during Brother Dan’s one-on- get a job and take care of their brothers and one meetings, and it did once again as he met sisters. It’s very difficult for any man to have with the mission’s newer Brothers last fall. your father say he is disappointed in you. But “Getting to know them, to see their experi- these are men who are faithful to God’s invita- ence, and getting to know the struggles they tion and continue to grow into very positive, encountered with their families when they productive and strong young men. They give decided to come to religious life was a great me great hope for the future of our mission in honor for me,” Brother Dan says. the Philippines.” 5 54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 6

Winter2014

IN MEMORIAM: BROTHER RONALD RUBERG, C.F.A. Alexian Brothers mourn historian and raconteur

riendly and easy-going, Alexian Brothers facility in the Brother Ronald Ruberg, Province. “He did a very good FC.F.A., loved to talk and to job,” Brother Edward says. The tell stories, passions that were aided project took more than two years considerably by his phenomenal and produced a collection of memory. binders that resides in the Alexian “He was a people person,” Brothers archives. says Brother Edward Walsh, Brother Ronald also will be C.F.A., Superior General of the remembered for helping to guide Congregation of Alexian Brothers. the growth of the former Alexian “He allowed himself to be free to Brothers Hospital in St. Louis, talk to anybody at any time. He where he served as Rector from was never at a loss for words. He 1955 to 1961, and for leading the Photos from the Alexian Brothers Brother Ronald Ruberg, C.F.A., is archives show Brother Ronald was talking up to the day he died.” remembered as “a people person” expansion of the former Alexian Ruberg, C.F.A., when he took his First Brother Ronald, who served whose friendly nature and personal Brothers Hospital in Elizabeth, Vows as an Alexian Brother in 1949 in a variety of leadership roles charisma contributed to his success N.J., where he served as Admini- as a hospital administrator. (above), and as Chief Executive with the Alexian Brothers and strator from 1964 to 1970 and as Officer of the former Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elizabeth, N.J. (below). their ministries during more than 67 years with Chief Executive Officer from 1970 to 1980. In the order, passed away Jan. 11 at the Health & St. Louis, he oversaw the completion of a new Rehabilitation Center at Alexian Village of hospital wing, and in Elizabeth, he built a Board Tennessee in Signal Mountain, Tenn. He was of Trustees that included influential members the oldest Alexian Brother in the Immaculate such as Emlen Roosevelt, a respected banker Conception Province at the time of his death, and a cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt. just weeks shy of his 100th birthday on Feb. 25. The board’s prestige facilitated fund-raising Because of his advanced age and strong efforts, which fueled the hospital’s expansion. memory and storytelling skills, Brother Ronald Brother Ronald’s sociable nature and served as the institutional memory of the personal charisma enabled him to relate well Alexian Brothers for many years, Brother with the elite and with the working class, deepen- Edward says. It was a role that the Anderson, ing the hospital’s long-standing connection with Ind., native embraced, having been intrigued the Elizabeth community, says Brother Warren by the Alexian Brothers’ vibrant, centuries-old Longo, C.F.A., Assistant General of the Congre- history from the time he joined the order in gation of Alexian Brothers. “He effected a lot of 1947. He cultivated a deep knowledge of the good change because of his relational abilities, Alexian Brothers’ past and enjoyed sharing that his likeableness,” Brother Warren says. When knowledge with younger Brothers. “We have a Brother Ronald left Elizabeth in 1984, he received wonderful history,” Brother Ronald once said. a key to the city from Mayor Thomas G. Dunn. “And I’m so proud to have been called and to be Brother Ronald also served as Assistant part of that history, and to have served the Lord Director for Student Welfare at the Alexian in those places he has called me.” Brothers School of Nursing in Chicago from 1961 In 1996, Brother Edward, then Provincial of to 1964, served several terms on the Provincial the Immaculate Conception Province, assigned Council, and served at different times as Direc- Brother Ronald to photograph and to provide tor of the Alexian Brothers’ communities in 6 written descriptions of every room of every Elizabeth, Signal Mountain and St. Louis. 54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 7

TheAlexians

Hungarian mission ‘doing extremely well’

(continued from page 1) Village, Ill., recently adopted the longer- mission has continued to grow, with St. form morning and evening prayers that Elizabeth of Hungary Home for the Elderly the two Hungarian Brothers recite each operating at full capacity and maintaining a day, Brother Dan says. waiting list. The home, which celebrated its fifth He and Brother Paul Magner, anniversary in 2014, provides assisted-living and C.F.A., experienced the longer form skilled-nursing care for low-income older adults. of the prayers when they visited the Since the home opened in 2009, it has increased Hungarian mission in March 2014. “It awareness of the Alexian Brothers’ Hungarian was in a very real sense mystical and mission while earning a reputation for delivering transformative, and we’re trying to bring high-quality, holistic care. “The mission is doing that home to the U.S.,” Brother Dan says. extremely well,” Brother Dan says. His most-recent trip to Hungary Brother Dan says his individual meetings not only strengthened the bonds formed by his (Left to right) Brother Alexius Siska, with Brother Alexius and Brother Leó, as well as previous trips to Hungary, but also built upon C.F.A., Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., Sister Zsuzsanna Czupy, and Brother the activities they engaged in together, such as a ties forged last summer when Brother Alexius Leó Vendrey, C.F.A., take time for a day trip to Budapest, deepened his relationship and Brother Leó visited Alexian Brothers photo after Brother Alexius and Brother with each Brother and gave him a fuller under- ministries in the United States. Leó renewed their Temporary Vows at standing of the societal and cultural factors that “We’re trying to demonstrate to Brother the Alexian Brothers mission in Gyo˝rúj- barát, Hungary. Sister Zsuzsanna, of have shaped their lives. Brother Alexius and Alexius and Brother Leó that all the Brothers the Verbum Dei Community, served as Brother Leó “have demonstrated to me a here care about them, are committed to their a translator as Brother Dan witnessed profound love of the Church,” Brother Dan says. welfare, and are praying for their success,” the renewals of vows by Brother Alexius and Brother Leó. Inspired by Brother Alexius and Brother Leó, Brother Dan says. “I have a great deal of faith the Alexian Brothers Community in Elk Grove in them.”

Alexian Brothers welcome two new postulants in St. Louis

New Alexian Brothers postulants Frederick “Torch” Acosta, (left), and Jeffrey Weeden, (right), join Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A., Postulant Director, (middle), for a photo after arriving in St. Louis in January. Frederick, 51, is a native of Beech Park, Ill., who has worked as a land surveyor technician in Austin, Texas. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Western University, with a major in Construction Technology and a minor in Mathematics. Jeffrey, 48, is a native of Danielson, Conn., who has worked in human services, includ- ing direct-care, supervisory and coordination posi- tions in programs for people with disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injuries. He also has worked in real estate and as Repatriation and Land Claims Coordinator and official ambassador of the Pokanoket People, a Native American tribe. 54770_ALEX 3286 The Alexians Winter v7 QRK8_The Alexians Fall v 2/6/15 12:48 PM Page 8

In This Issue Cover Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Hungarian Vocations Filipino Brothers Alexian Brothers Volume 40, Number 4 mission doing activity drive mission mourn historian Winter 2014 ‘extremely well’ increases into future and raconteur

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Brother Edward Walsh, C. F. A . Superior General, Congregation of Alexian Brothers

Brother Warren Longo, C. F. A . Assistant General, Congregation of Alexian Brothers Provincial represents Alexian Brothers Brother Daniel McCormick, C. F. A . Provincial, Immaculate Conception at installation of new archbishop Province of the Alexian Brothers

Brother Lawrence Krueger, C. F. A . Assistant Provincial, Immaculate rother Dan ment to bringing healing Conception Province of the Alexian McCormick, C.F.A., to victims of clerical sexual Brothers BProvincial of the abuse, protecting children Brother John Howard, C. F. A . Immaculate Conception and rebuilding trust in the Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, Signal Mountain, Tenn. Province of the Congregation Catholic Church. Brother Richard Lowe, C. F. A . of Alexian Brothers, was Echoing Pope Francis, Director of the Alexian Brothers among the many representa- Cupich invited Catholics to Community, St. Louis tives of religious orders who embrace change and to have Brother Alexius Siska, C.F.A. Acting Community Superior of attended the Installation Mass the courage “to leave our the Alexian Brothers Community, for Chicago Archbishop Blase comfort zone and take Gyo˝rújbarát, Hungary Cupich. an entirely new step in our Brother Dominic Andes, C. F. A . During the Mass at Holy faith journey, both person- Director of the Alexian Brothers Bajada Community, Davao City, Name Cathedral on Nov. 18, ally and as a community.” Philippines Cupich accepted the crozier Cupich’s homily was Brother John of God Oblina, C. F. A . of retiring Cardinal Francis New Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich acknowledges inspirational, Brother Dan Director of the Alexian Brothers the congregation during his Installation Mass. Matina Community, Davao City, George, who had served as says. “What encouraged me Philippines Archbishop of Chicago since 1997. was not only what he said, but also how he spoke Appointed by Pope Francis to succeed and the humanity of this man,” Brother Dan George, Cupich gave special recognition in his says. “He is very approachable, very down-to- homily to immigrants, Native Americans and earth…. Yet, he is not a relativist. There are women religious. He also spoke of his commit- very strong principles to which he adheres.”