TheAlexians The Love of Christ Compels Us

Immaculate Conception Province of the Congregation Alexian Brothers mark milestones, of Alexian Brothers Mission Statement energizing province as it looks ahead Strengthened by community, prayer, commitment to the poor and the legacy of our n Alexian Brother in the founders, and in partnership Philippines has professed Life with others, we Alexian Brothers witness the Healing Vows, and two Alexian Brothers Anovices in the United States have Christ by a holistic approach to promoting health and professed their First Vows, as the caring for the sick, dying, Immaculate Conception Province of aged and unwanted of all socioeconomic levels. the Congregation of Alexian Brothers continues to register progress in its Values Compassion efforts to attract new men. Dignity of the Person Brother Vincent Ferrar Timbang, Care of the Poor C.F.A., professed his Life Vows on July Holism 17, the Feast of St. Alexius, during a Partnership Mass at the Carmelite Monastery Church in the Bajada section of Davao City in the Philippines. A day earlier, Novice Brothers Jeffrey Weeden Superior General Brother Lawrence Krueger, C.F.A., (right), presides as Brother and Frederick “Torch” Acosta professed Vincent Ferrar Timbang, C.F.A., professes his Life Vows during a Mass at the their First Vows during a Mass in the Carmelite Monastery Church in the Bajada section of Davao City in the Philippines. chapel at St. Alexius Hospital (formerly known is bright.” as Alexian Brothers Hospital) in St. Louis. Reverend Father Leonie España, D.C.D., a “It’s exciting and energizing for everyone in priest at San Antonio de Padua Parish in Bajada, our province to see Vincent, Jeffrey and Torch presided at Brother Vincent’s Mass, assisted by mark these milestones,” said Brother Dan Reverend Father Allan Roriguez, D.C.D., a chap- McCormick, C.F.A., provincial of the Immac- lain at the Alexian Brothers Health & Wellness ulate Conception Province. “They are remark- Center in Davao City, and four other priests. Fall 2017 ably gifted men, and the future of our province (continued on page 7) Fall2017

New ministry offers friendship, support to homebound elderly

new Alexian Brothers ministry has taken tionships with them and give them the assurance flight in Chattanooga, Tennessee, offering of knowing we are not going to leave. We’re not friendship and supportive case-manage- going in and doing everything. We’re going in Ament services to vulnerable, homebound seniors and indicating we want to create a relationship struggling with isolation and loneliness. and a friendship. Our primary goal is to estab- St. Alexius Outreach lish that and to do what the Alexian Brothers Ministries opened its have done for 75 years in the Chattanooga area – doors in July after a three- and that is to reflect the healing hands of Christ year discernment and to this community.” development process that The ministry receives referrals from senior crystallized the vision for services agencies that have identified seniors the ministry, which is “to who need support and have granted permission create a community where to be contacted by the ministry. Its goal is to all elders know they are serve 50 seniors during its first year. Mariko valued and cared for,” said Tinaya, the ministry’s program coordinator, is Susan Chill, executive leading an effort to screen and to train a volun- director of the ministry. teer team large enough to meet this goal. Father J. David Top priorities for the ministry include help- Carter, rector of the ing seniors avoid hospitalization and ensuring Father J. David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, they are aging safely in their homes. Ministry Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in blessed the ministry’s headquarters during an representatives conduct home safety checks and Chattanooga, blesses the headquarters of St. Alexius Outreach Ministries, Oct. 20 ceremony attended by Alexian Brothers assess seniors’ other needs by using a special receiving assistance (right photo) from and ministry supporters. “circle of care” assessment tool to capture infor- Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A., chair- With the older-adult population increasing mation about family support, socialization, man of the board of the new ministry. rapidly, there is growing concern about the healthcare, nutrition and personal interests. impact of isolation and loneliness on seniors’ The ministry plans to match volunteers health and well-being. Under the ministry’s with seniors based on common interests and first program, Hospitality at Home, staff personalities to foster mutual friendships. In members, Alexian Brothers and volunteers addition to helping seniors with various needs, visit homebound seniors 70 and older, volunteers also will help them mark life celebra- offering their friendship while assessing tions such as birthdays and holidays. other needs that seniors might have. The Alexian Brothers are playing an active The ministry might address these needs role in the ministry. Brother Richard Kane, (Left to right) Alexian Brothers directly or might connect a senior with commu- C.F.A., has joined the ministry’s staff, and the Richard Kane, Thomas Klein, nity resources. The assistance provided by the ministry’s board of directors includes Brother Lawrence Krueger, Dan McCormick, ministry comes in many forms, such as procur- Richard Lowe, C.F.A., the board’s chairman; Warren Longo, Jeffrey Callander and Richard Lowe gather for the blessing ing smoke detectors, arranging for garbage pick- Brother Jeffrey Callander, C.F.A., and Brother of the headquarters of St. Alexius up, or securing senior-friendly food boxes. There Warren Longo, C.F.A. The board also includes Outreach Ministries in Chattanooga, are no fees, dues or membership requirements Betty Anne Neal of Catholic Charities in Tennessee. for program participation or services. Chattanooga. Through the ministry, “we want “Our premise is that we want to stay to bring the community into seniors’ homes, connected with our seniors throughout their following the Alexian Brothers’ value of dignity 2 lifetime,” Chill said. “We want to develop rela- of the person,” Chill said. TheAlexians

Provincial’s Letter

Dear Alexian Friends: regularly with residents and will serve on the These are exciting times for the Immaculate Alexian Village Resident Council. Residents of Conception Province of the Congregation of the facility are thrilled that we have returned. Alexian Brothers. (See article on page 5.) There is a real sense of energy and momen- Brother John’s move to Milwaukee led to tum among our Brothers, and this edition of a series of new assignments for other Brothers, The Alexians spotlights several reasons for our allowing us to infuse our communities and renewed feeling of vibrancy. ministries with fresh perspectives and new Most notable are the commitments to reli- ideas. In my experience, this type of change gious life made recently by three of our Brothers. is healthy for our communities and ministries Brother Vincent Ferrar Timbang, C.F.A., and enriches our province as a whole. It also is professed his Life Vows in the Philippines, and valuable in terms of the personal and spiritual Novice Brothers Jeffrey Weeden and Frederick growth of our individual Brothers. “Torch” Acosta professed their First Vows in St. While caring for those in need, the Brothers Louis. (See article on page 1.) also are concerned about helping those who After years of seeing our ranks depleted provide care. Brother Patrick McCabe, C.F.A., Did you know? by the deaths of older Brothers and an overall recently volunteered to lead the 38th Care for Editor’s Note: “Did you know?” provides decline in religious vocations, it is uplifting to the Caregiver Conference at AMITA Health brief glimpses into the rich, 800-year histo- ry of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers. see newer Brothers profess their vows. Their Alexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove professions, coupled with an increase in voca- Village, providing a variety of healing tools that In 1969, the renowned psychologist tion inquiries from men interested in the volunteer caregivers in local parishes can use to Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross published “On Death and Dying,” a ground- Alexian Brothers, have given us renewed hope care for others – or for themselves. (See article breaking book on the five stages of for perpetuating our 800-year healing tradition. on page 6.) dying and grief — denial, anger, bar- We’re also excited about the launch of a new The Brothers in Elk Grove Village are gaining, depression and acceptance. ministry serving vulnerable, homebound seniors exploring other opportunities to be of service Kübler-Ross had moved to Chicago in 1965 and was an instruc- in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and about progress to AMITA Health facilities and programs as tor at the University of Chicago’s toward establishing a drop-in center for the we continue to reinvent ourselves as religious Pritzker School of Medicine. She fol- homeless in the Philippines and a medical clinic Brothers in the 21st century. lowed “On Death and Dying” with a in East Timor. (See articles on pages 2 and 4, Things change quickly in this new millen- 1974 book entitled “Questions and Answers on Death and Dying.” respectively.) These initiatives reflect our contin- nium, and the Brothers recognize that we, too, In the early 1970s, the late ued commitment to caring for the elderly, the must change if we are to survive as a religious Brother Frank Lamendola and the sick, the poor and those who live on the margins order. We must expand our ranks, look for new late Brother Gary Schrader – then novices under the direction of of society. opportunities to improve people’s lives, and Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A. In another example of our focus on the ensure that our individual Brothers continue – volunteered to file papers and to elderly, we have re-established our community to deepen their relationship with God. answer phone calls for Kübler-Ross, at Alexian Village in Milwaukee after a five-year We’re moving forward on each of these who had a busy schedule. In her second book, she thanked hiatus. Brother John Howard, C.F.A., director of fronts, and we thank God for our progress “my two Alexian Brothers, Frank and our community in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, and the hope it has engendered. Gary.” Citing the Alexian Brothers’ for many years, has been assigned to head the May God Bless You and Yours, centuries-old commitment to caring Milwaukee community and to provide an for the dying, Alexian Brothers Health System in 1976 presented its Modern Alexian Brothers presence for residents of the Samaritan Award to Kübler-Ross for Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A. her great contributions to healthcare. independent-living and long-term-care commu- Provincial nity operated by Ascension Living. He will visit Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers 3 Fall2017

Philippine mission advances plans for homeless center, East Timor clinic

he Alexian Brothers in the Philippines are with the Alexian Brothers mission in the moving forward with plans to establish a Philippines, which now includes separate pair of new ministries. communities in the Bajada and Matina sections TOne would be a medical clinic in East of Davao City. Several Brothers at the Philippine Timor, a poor nation in Southeast Asia, and mission are medical professionals. the other would be a drop-in center for the Living conditions are “extremely primitive” homeless in Davao City in the Philippines. in East Timor, and the need for healthcare serv- Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., provincial ices is great, Brother Dan said. “It’s a situation that cries out for the delivery of care,” he said. “That has been the Alexian Brothers’ forte for centuries – to go where nobody else wants to go. I’m very proud of our Brothers’ commitment to this challenging initiative. They are working extremely hard.” The Brothers in the Philippines also have moved closer to making the drop-in center for the homeless a reality. By early fall, they were close to finalizing the purchase of a Davao City house that they plan to convert into the drop-in center, and the Provincial Council had approved funding for the project. Located near the Alexian Brothers residence in the Bajada section of the city, the drop-in center would be a place where the homeless Provincial Brother Dan McCormick, of the Immaculate Conception Province of the “could come in, shower, clean up, wash their C.F.A., (third from right), joins fellow Congregation of Alexian Brothers, reported clothes and get a meal,” Brother Dan said. The Alexian Brothers on an outing during his annual visitation at the Alexian progress on both fronts after completing his center also would offer medical and social serv- Brothers mission in the Philippines. annual visitation to the Alexian Brothers mission ices, but it would not offer overnight accommo- in the Philippines at the end of the summer. dations. Plans for the medical clinic in East Timor Homeless services are needed badly in “have advanced significantly,” Brother Dan Davao City, Brother Dan said. Conservative said. “The Brothers are working together as a estimates place the number of homeless chil- community to plan and develop the ministry, dren in the city at 35,000, and “when you add rather than having one Brother leading the parents and adult siblings to that number, the process, which is a huge step forward.” need grows exponentially,” he said. “We’re The Brothers are drawing up lists of hoping that with this center, we can plant the supplies that will be needed for the medical seeds for an ongoing social ministry that would clinic while awaiting a formal invitation from become a center for outreach to the homeless.” the bishop of East Timor to establish the During his visitation with the Brothers ministry, Brother Dan said. in the Philippines, Brother Dan split his time Plans call for assigning three Brothers to between the Bajada and Matina communities, staff the new ministry. It would become the meeting individually with Brothers in each 4 third Alexian Brothers community associated community. TheAlexians

Alexian Brothers return to Milwaukee, leading to series of reassignments

he Alexian Brothers have re-established a residence for years before closing it as their their community in Milwaukee after a numbers dwindled because of the deaths of five-year hiatus, leading to several new older Brothers and an overall decline in religious Tassignments for members of the Immaculate vocations. The province recently has registered Conception Province of the Congregation of progress in attracting men to religious life, and Alexian Brothers. this success contributed to the decision to return Brother John Howard, C.F.A., director to Milwaukee. (See article on page 1.) of the Alexian Brothers Community in Signal “I went there to tell residents about our Mountain, Tennessee, has been assigned to decision, and countless ladies stopped me with head their Milwaukee community at Alexian tears in their eyes, saying `Thank you for giving Brother John Howard, C.F.A., is the new director of the Alexian Brothers Village, an independent-living and long-term- the Brothers back to us,’ ’’ Brother Dan said. Community in Milwaukee. He is pro- care community operated by Ascension Living. Alexian Village held a reception for Brother viding a Brothers presence at Alexian Ascension Living is part of the healthcare John soon after he moved into the Brothers’ Village, an independent-living and division of St. Louis-based Ascension, the largest former residence on the community’s campus long-term-care community operated by Ascension Living. nonprofit healthcare system in the nation. The Sept. 1. Alexian Village had maintained the resi- Alexian Brothers have been one of Ascension’s dence and had used it intermittently sponsoring religious congregations since Alexian for office space and meetings after Provincial attends Brothers Health System became part of the Brothers left. CHA Global Summit Ascension in 2012. Alexian Village residents “have Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A., director of been so effusive with their com- the Alexian Brothers Community in St. Louis, ments,” said Brother John, who has succeeded Brother John as community helped organize musicals and main- director in Signal Mountain. Brother Warren tain the chapel during his previous Longo, C.F.A., director of postulants for the stint at Alexian Village and knows province and formerly assistant general of the a number of its current residents. congregation, has succeeded Brother Richard as “They’ve been so welcoming, and community director in St. Louis. In addition, they keep saying they’re so glad an Brother Richard Kane, C.F.A., a member of the Alexian Brother is back here.” St. Louis community, has joined the Signal In his Brothers-presence role, Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., provincial of Mountain community. Brother John will visit regularly the Immaculate Conception Province of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers, (second from The Brothers’ decision to return to Milwau- with residents in dining areas and left), visits with Catholic healthcare leaders during kee reflects their belief that “we must have a other community spaces. He also the Catholic Health Association of the United States Brothers presence in our older-adult facilities,” will serve on the resident council. (CHA) Global Summit in Washington, D.C. The Sept. 27-28 event brought together leaders of Catholic said Provincial Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A. Although Brother John now is health systems, sponsoring congregations, non- Brother John is uniquely qualified for his the only Brother at Alexian Village, governmental organizations, government agencies new role because he served at Alexian Village plans call for assigning another and international organizations to discuss ways to from 2000 to 2006 and because “you can’t be Brother to join him as soon as possi- address critical issues facing healthcare organiza- tions participating in international outreach. Brother around him for five minutes without knowing ble. Until then, representatives of the Dan is shown above with (left to right) Bruce what the Brothers are committed to doing,” Alexian Brothers Community in Elk Compton, CHA senior director, international out- Brother Dan said. “He is the best ambassador Grove Village, Illinois, plan to visit reach; Sister Carol Keehan, D.C., CHA president and I could have assigned to Milwaukee.” him two days a month for commu- chief executive officer; and Susan Huber, Ascension senior vice president, global mission and gover- Residents have welcomed the Brothers’ nity prayers and retreats “and to give nance and sponsor relations. return to Alexian Village, where they maintained John company,” Brother Dan said. Fall2017

Alexian Brother shares healing tools at Care for the Caregiver Conference

ineteen years ago, the Alexian Brothers, in “I have a good number of years of experi- cooperation with the spiritual care staff at ence in using these tools to help people, and the hospital now known as AMITA Health the end result, I believe, is a more holistic and NAlexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove Village creative approach to managing the spiritual (ABMC), launched a biannual conference to pain that often becomes more complicated provide support and spiritual sustenance for when people are acutely ill or dying,” said volunteer caregivers in local parishes. Brother Patrick, who worked for 10 years as a “The Brothers wanted to somehow say palliative nurse in hospice care before joining `thank you’ to people in the parishes who visited the Alexian Brothers in 2014. the sick and took Communion to them,” said Brother Patrick, who conducts Enneagram Father Bill Veith, a longtime ABMC chaplain workshops for chaplain students at ABMC, who helped start the conference. “We wanted to discussed traditional healing tools, such as music have a conference that would somehow help the therapy, as well as unconventional techniques, caregivers. While they were caring for others, we such as chanting to release spiritual pain and wanted to say, ‘Here’s a way you can help care for despair. He also emphasized the value of “inten- Brother Patrick McCabe, C.F.A., speaks yourselves.’ ’’ tional breathing” for those receiving care – and during a prayer service at the 38th Care for the Caregiver Conference. Through the years, the conference has for caregivers, said Beth Collier, ABMC chaplain become a popular tradition, and on Sept. 16, manager, who attended the conference. “Part of about 100 caregivers gathered at ABMC for the what Patrick said was that before entering a 38th Care for the Caregiver Conference. During room to visit someone, caregivers should not the conference, Brother just say a prayer but should take a breath and Patrick McCabe, C.F.A., allow that breath to relax them and to help delivered a presentation them enter the room without a sense of pres- focusing on healing sure,” Collier said. tools that caregivers can Brother Patrick, she added, offered a unique use to care for others – perspective for caregivers because of his experi- or for themselves. ence as a nurse and his focus on spiritual care- Brother Patrick is giving. Several of the tools he shared “would be a registered nurse who very useful in helping people open up to God’s has worked in multiple spirit in a variety of ways,” she said. healthcare settings, Brother Patrick “gave us a better under- including cardiac inten- standing of our mission as caregivers,” Father sive care, community Bill said. “People loved what he had to say, his Father Bill Veith and Brother Patrick health and hospice care. Passionate about holis- sense of mission and his sense of spirituality. McCabe, C.F.A., bless the hands of tic healing, he is a student of Enneagram studies, They also felt it was great to hear from an caregivers at the 38th Care for the Caregiver Conference. a personality sorting tool designed to increase Alexian Brother.” self awareness and to foster a better understand- The conference included a prayer service ing of others. He also participated in the first during which Father Bill and Brother Patrick Anamcara Project, learning how to become a blessed the hands of caregivers. “This opportu- “soul companion” under the direction of nity to share healing tools with caregivers on Richard Groves, co-author of “The American behalf of the Alexian Brothers has been a high- Book of Dying,” which offers lessons in healing light of my professional experience,” Brother 6 spiritual pain. Patrick said.

(continued on page 7) TheAlexians

Alexian Brothers mark milestones, energizing province as it looks ahead

(continued from page 1) before joining the Alexian Brothers in 2010. Brother Lawrence Krueger, C.F.A., superior Reverend Father Damien Dougherty, O.F.M., general of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers, officiated at the Mass during which Brother received Brother Vincent’s vows during the Jeffrey and Brother Torch professed their First Mass. In attendance were Brother Vincent’s Vows. Brother Dan McCormick, C.F.A., provin- parents, Fidel and Erlina Timbang, his four cial of the Immaculate Conception Province, siblings, and other family members. Also attend- spoke before the end of the Mass, describing ing were fellow Alexian Brothers, staff and Brother Jeffrey and Brother Torch as men who employees from the Alexian Brothers Health & want to follow Jesus Christ by living and praying Wellness Center, people with whom Brother in community and by caring for the most Vincent has worked at the Alexian Brothers vulnerable and unwanted in society. A poetry reflection Outreach Ministry, San Pedro Hospital, San Brother Jeffrey and Brother Torch Pedro College and the Balay Pasilungan joined the Alexian Brothers as postulants Editor’s Note: The dynamics of the Word of God, just like the dynamics of good poetry, Foundation, members of other religious orders, in January 2015 and entered the novi- come from its mystic meanings and its tenden- and neighbors and friends. tiate in St. Louis in July 2015. cy to put itself into everyone’s life differently, During his homily, Reverend Father Leonie Before joining the Alexian Brothers, skidding free of every attempt to pin it down. Brother Jeffrey Weeden, C.F.A., who recently expressed his gratitude to Brother Vincent’s Brother Jeffrey worked in health and professed his First Vows as an Alexian Brother, parents for allowing him to serve God as a reli- human services, including direct-care, composed the following poem during a day of gious brother. Reverend Father Leonie said reli- supervisory and coordination positions prayer when he was a novice. gious life can be difficult and full of trials, but in programs for people with develop- He is just a poet mental disabilities and traumatic brain He is a prince of words injuries. He also worked in real estate as He is your soul’s reflection a buyer’s agent. Brother Jeffrey years ago He is the Spirit Walker of your world began writing poetry to express his inner He calls forth the wind feelings about his spiritual journey, and And it rings circles around Him He dances with Lady Wisdom he continues to do so today. (See poem He sings with Sister Silence at right.) Brother Torch earned a bachelor’s He moves through time and space He walks through the doors of the universe degree in construction technology from He navigates the corridors of atonement Western Illinois University. Before join- He enters into the chambers of reconciliation ing the Alexian Brothers, he worked in There He sits at the windows of your life the land surveying industry for 24 years Without judgment Brother Jeffrey Weeden, C.F.A., (left), and Brother Frederick in the Chicago area and Austin, Texas. He sees with clarity “Torch” Acosta, C.F.A., (right), join Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A., Without judgment for a photo after professing their First Vows during a Mass in An avid runner, the Beech Park, Illinois, He watches in solitude the chapel at St. Alexius Hospital (formerly known as Alexian native also enjoys tennis, languages, Without judgment Brothers Hospital) in St. Louis. crossword puzzles and cats. He cries in silence through the grace of God, members of religious Brother Jeffrey and Brother Torch Without judgment orders can persevere and remain faithful to their have been assigned to the Alexian He pleads in stillness commitment. Brother Vincent, he added, is an Brothers Community in Elk Grove He is the Just Poet example of God’s grace. Village, Illinois, where they are working He is the Prince of Pardons Brother Vincent, who has a bachelor’s to develop an Alexian Brothers presence He is your soul’s redemption He is God’s Breath degree in secondary education, worked as math- at multiple AMITA Health Alexian He is the Author of Life ematics and science teacher in a private school Brothers Health System ministry sites. In This Issue Cover Page 2 Page 5 Page 6 Alexian New ministry Alexian Providing Volume 43, Number 3 Brothers mark aids homebound Brothers return healing tools Fall 2017 milestones seniors to Milwaukee for caregivers

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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 New Alexian Brothers residence takes shape

Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A. Provincial, Immaculate Conception Province of the Alexian Brothers, Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Brother John Howard, C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, Milwaukee

Brother Richard Lowe, C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Brother Warren Longo, C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, St. Louis

Brother Alexius Siska,C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers Community, Gyo˝rújbarát, Hungary

Brother Raphael Fallado, C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers Bajada Community, Davao City, Philippines

Brother John of God Oblina, C.F.A. Director of the Alexian Brothers Construction moves forward at the site of the new Alexian Brothers residence in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The Alexian Brothers Matina Community, Davao City, decided to build the new residence after selling their previous home to AMITA Health for use as a residential treatment center for Philippines people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and addictions. The new residence is located down the street from Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence and close to AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove Village and AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital Elk Grove Village. Weather permitting, the Alexian Brothers Community of Elk Grove Village plans to move into the new residence by the end of 2017.