The Assumptionist Center in Brighton, MA recently welcomed six new residents. Though classes were well underway for those enrolled in degree or sabbatical programs, the Orientation Day began on Sunday, September 11^th with a con-celebrated Liturgy with Fr. Claude Grenache, A.A., superior of the house, as principal celebrant. Fr. Claude warmly welcomed the new and returning residents, our two resident families, employees and the Center’s staff on behalf of the local community of Assumptionists. In his homily, Fr. Claude challenged those gathered to live the message of the Sunday gospel, that is, as followers of Christ we must be men and women of faith and forgiveness. Committed to prayer and the Eucharist in our community setting, we have as our models the lives of St. Augustine and Fr. d’Alzon. At the Liturgy’s conclusion, the new residents were invited to come forward to receive the Prayer of Christians, the congregation’s Rule of Life and a special blessing conferred by all. The poignancy of the Liturgy was greatly enhanced by the cantor, musicians and the full bodied voices of the congregation.

By Tanya Connor

“All of it was just one of the most memorable, powerful experiences of my life.”

Lauren Murphy, an Assumption College senior, was describing the college’s pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Spain and Lourdes in France.

“It’s not just our Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Assumption,” she said. “It’s this whole community of faith – the universal Church. Being with Pope Benedict – that was very special. He did drive right by us. … When he spoke … we were all listening. Everyone was chanting for him.”

Assumption College’s President’s Lecture Series is a public forum in which important ethical, spiritual and human issues are illuminated and examined within the Catholic intellectual tradition. This year’s first lecture will be held on Wednesday, September 21^st at 7:00 PM in the Maison. The guest speaker will be Leonard Sperry, M.D. who will speak on “Psychology and the American Catholic Experience.”

All lectures are open to the general public at no charge. For more information contact the college’s web page: www.assumption.edu

By Brian Verzella

I recently had the privilege to take a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France and Madrid, Spain for World Youth Day. Though I read a book about Lourdes prior to making the journey, much like a fiery sunset or a rich symphony, it is something that needs to be experienced firsthand in order to begin to fathom its depths. In her repeated apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous (Saint Bernadette), the Blessed Virgin emphasized the importance of prayer, penitence, and poverty as a means of drawing closer to Christ.