In late May the newly renovated committee responsible for the beatification of our founder, Servant of God Emmanuel d’Alzon, met at the general house in Rome under the leadership of the postulator of the cause, Fr. Julio Navarro.

During the meeting Fr. General, Fr. Benoit Griere, took time to address the committee members. He first thanked them for their willingness to serve on the committee. He told them that whenever he makes canonical visits somewhere in the Assumptionist world, he is almost always asked how the cause for the beatification of Fr. d’Alzon is going. In Fr. Benoit’s opinion, this interest demonstrates a real desire to see this happen and a willingness to collaborate. Even if Fr. d’Alzon was a man of discretion, there is no doubt that we Assumptionists would be delighted to see the day that the Church recognized his holiness publicly. He particularly thanked Fr. Julio for his dedication and enthusiasm.

« For us, believing in the founder’s holiness is to believe in our own personal holiness. The way he walked is our way today --- in how we pray, educate, recruit, carry out our ministry, engage in ecumenical work. His way of holiness is our way, » Fr. Benoit said.

BY MATTHEW BRINGHAM

The US Embassy in Rome was impressive, with their headquarters previously being a castle for a Princess of Savoy. The representative was informative about the Italian and world affairs, most notably saying that Italy from North-Central-South is similar to Germany, Portugal, and Greece. Oddly enough, the average Italian has more net worth than the average German, which can be attributed to their high investment in low risk low return investments, such as real estate and art.

The security for entering the Bank of Italy was considerably lower. The representative held a Ph.D. in economics, who was more optimistic than most about the recovery of the Italian economy. I preferred the discussion with the previous day, since I am not too interested in monetary policy. In addition, we toured parts of the Vatican, including a 500+ step climb to the top of Saint Peter’s. This was a great view, despite the work needed to reach the top.

We celebrate and congratulate our four newly professed Brothers Manuele, Roderick, Daniele and Brian, as we promise them our continued support and prayers as vowed members of the Assumptionist family!

First-ever Congress of Assumptionist Educators will take place July 17-27 on College’s Worcester Campus; Former U.S. Ambassador to Speak

WORCESTER, MA — The Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Assumptionists and the Oblate Sisters of the Assumption, was convinced that the best way “to strengthen the flagging spirits and heal the moral fatigue” in his own day was a solid education enlivened by a genuine love of the truth and inspired by the light of the Gospel. Convinced as they are that education plays a crucial role in shaping the hearts and minds of young and old, approximately 70 Assumption educators—men and women, lay people and religious, from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America—will gather for the first time from July 17-27 at Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St. in Worcester, to reflect together on Father d’Alzon’s educational insights and to help each other put these principles to work in their own institutions.