BSG

BSG
Annual Convocation and Chapter 2014

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Annual Convocation 2012

I returned yesterday from the 2012 Annual Convocation, Retreat and Chapter meeting of the community at Mt. Alvernia in Wappingers Falls, NY.  Congratulations are in order for my confreres, William Henry Benefield, who made his life profession; and Millard, who made his first profession.  We added two new novice brothers - Larry Walter and Eric.  And to cap off a fine week, we admitted four new postulants - David Kasievich, Andrew Kellner, Willie VanDoren and Ray Chance.

Looking through the BSG roster at our website (www.gregorians.org), I found nothing new. But re-discovered the fascinating ministries that my brothers are involved with, many by virtue of their occupation, which for many has become their call.  Br. Ciaran Anthony, who I wrote about previously, is now a family medicine resident physician in Lawrence MA. Richard John is the Director of Pastoral Care at White Plains Hospital.  Charles Edward and Virgilio work as a practical nurse and nursing assistant, respectively.  Karekin is the Product Manager for Electronic Publishing at Church Publishing. Thomas is a software engineer for Google.  Joseph Basil, Thomas Lawrence, and Eric are all registered nurses.  Of our number, Tobias, Mark Andrew, David John, Blane Frederik and Richard Edward are priests; Edward, Charles Edward, Gordon John, and Thomas Mark are deacons.  That's just a sampling of our diverse community.

At Convocation, we also said goodbye to our beloved Michael Elliott, friar and priest who died in February in New Zealand.  David John, who lives in Australia, brought Michael's ashes to Mt. Alvernia and preached at his Requiem Mass.  He is on his way to England, where Michael will be buried at Brecon Cathedral in Wales.


William Henry professes his life vows to Minister General Richard Thomas, as Thomas Mark (left) and Nathanael Deward, both Minister Provincials, witness the occasion. 

Millard professes first vows to Richard Thomas, who is assisted by James.  Peter (back to camera), Thomas, and William David look on.  


Brothers were given this memento of our dear Brother Michael at his Requiem.