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Marianists mark 150th year since arrival in Pittsburgh
archived from: 2009-12-14
by: JOHN FRANKO

Religious order formerly served at parishes and schools in the diocese

More than 150 supporters of the Society of Mary celebrated the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Marianists in Pittsburgh Nov. 8 with a Mass and luncheon at North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood.

“Like the first two Marianist brothers who were invited to start a grade school at St. Philomena’s in 1850, we have a spirit of their foundation in our memories and hearts as we celebrate the beginnings, the continuing, and the future adaptations of how to carry on the legacy of education in the spirit of Mary, our educator, and Blessed Chaminade, who did so much for education and formation of the faith throughout his life,” said Marianist Father Bertrand Buby, a Pittsburgh native, who concelebrated the liturgy.

In addition to serving at North Catholic and St. Philomena in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, the Marianists served at St. Mary’s on the North Side and St. Michael’s on Pittsburgh’s South Side.

More than 40 North Catholic graduates have gone on to join the Marianists. Brothers Thomas Oldenski, Bernard Hartman and Father Joseph Kozar were among those who returned for the sesquicentennial celebration.

Some 30 other men, including Father Bertrand, were called to the order from other schools.

“It was an incredible experience,” said Father Joseph, class of 1964, who now teaches in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Dayton, founded by the Marianists.

“I fell in love with the Society of Mary and with education in the Marianist tradition,” he said.

A Marianist education includes five characteristics — formation in faith; an integral, quality education of the whole person; family spirit; education for service, justice and peace; and education for change.

“There was a tremendous interaction between the Marianists and the student body,” said Dave Kelsch, North Catholic class of 1955. “It made a difference in my life, without a doubt.”

Blessed William Joseph Chaminade founded the order in France in 1817. He wanted the Marianists to re-Christianize society using Mary as a model of faith.

Blessed Chaminade established many educational institutions and was noted for collaborating with lay groups to promote good works and prayer.

All work followed the Marianist mission of “Do whatever he tells you.”

Brother Thomas, a 1965 graduate, said it was natural for the students to be attracted to the lifestyle of the brothers. In addition to teaching, they ran the cafeteria, performed janitorial duties and served as bus drivers. “There was a great spirit here,” he said.

While the Marianist tradition in the Diocese of Pittsburgh continues to live on, there are no Marianist priests or brothers serving in the diocese.

The Marianists formally left the diocese after 141 years when Brother Jack Dempsey was transferred from North Catholic in June 2000.

The Marianist tradition has been carried on, however, by dedicated affiliates and lay people who foster the order’s charisms.

Several current and former North Catholic teachers are among those who have become affiliates.

“When I left here I was very happy because of the people who were around to carry on the charism,” Brother Jack said.

He pointed out that in a way the order’s traditions have come full circle because Blessed Chaminade founded the Marianists from lay sodalities.

The Marianist principles of good works in education and in other areas of service have been adopted by the lay people who continue to live them out.

“Even though no religious brother or priest is now present in the school (North Catholic) itself, the lay Marianists and staff and teachers have continued the work of Mary’s mission to bring Jesus into the classroom and wherever else they are,” Father Bertrand said.

Frank Orga, North Catholic president and a member of the class of 1964, said the Marianist spirit is manifest in many ways.

At 1:30 p.m. each day, a Marianist reading or prayer is broadcast to the students. Marianist feast days are observed and the Marianist logo has been linked to the North Catholic logo.

“We want to show that we’re proud of our tradition,” he said.

Orga said when he was a student the Marianist tradition wasn’t preached, but it was witnessed by the way the priests and brothers lived their lives.

Without them, the high school has recognized the importance of reinforcing what the order stands for. Service to the community is a priority.

“The No. 1 thing for Blessed Chaminade was community spirit — doing it in a community environment,” Orga said. “What better way than in a high school.”

Father Kris Stubna, secretary for Catholic education, recognized the Marianists for their ongoing support.

“While they are no longer in a position to provide staff for the school itself, they have offered significant financial help for student tuition aid, for special programs like the campus ministry program, teacher training and formation, and others,” he said.

“The Marianist charism is very much an integral part of the school,” Father Stubna said, “and has served to strengthen the overall Catholic identity and mission of the program, along with its academic excellence.”

Following their arrival at St. Philomena, the Marianists went to St. Mary’s in 1871. The Marianists would receive 46 students from the school into the order.

Among them is Brother Charles Ehrenfeld, 97, who remains a die-hard Pirates and Steelers fan.

Some 48 Marianists were recruited from St. Michael’s.

Father Bertrand said that, in all, more than 180 Pittsburgh men became vowed religious for the Marianists, adding, “This would be larger than most provinces today.”

More information on the Marianist community and its outreach is available at www.marianist.com.

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