Assumptionist spirituality was the theme for the recent “Conversations at the Center” in Brighton, MA. Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A., the guest presenter for the day, is Vice-President for Mission at Assumption College on Worcester, MA and regularly attends these fruitful gatherings, the purpose of which is to build Christian community inspired by the Assumptionist Rule of Life and St. Augustine.

Fr. d’Alzon, founder of the congregation and 150 years of disciples, have developed and lived the special gift of an Assumptionist spirituality, a gift, we believe, from the Holy Spirit. It is meant for the entire Church and is the foundation and cornerstone of the lived mission of the Assumptionist family of brothers, priests, sisters and lay men and women from around the world.

At the heart of Assumptionist spirituality, according to Fr. Dennis, was Fr.d’Alzon’s passion found in their motto, Thy Kingdom Come. It was not to be found in any political regime, but by coming in the reign of God in our souls and in the world. Most succinctly, it is found in the love of Christ, His Mother Mary and the Church that motivates and propels all in the Assumptionist family to live and witness the spiritual life; that is to be quite simply Catholic! Not expressed in a particular work, this spirituality calls one to be true to oneself, daring and bold  while paying attention to the intersection of faith and culture. As Fr. Dennis stated, “the Assumptionist exists in order to offer a robust response to the eclipse of God in the modern world.” For Fr. d’Alzon this was revolutionary. The Rule of Life states that Assumptionists are men of faith, of prayer, of study and “are at the service of the truth, unity and charity. In this way they herald the Kingdom’ #5

Fr. Dennis’ presentation was peppered with probing questions and a lively exchange of thoughts and ideas among the community, residents and several guests; which were carried through during the delicious brunch which followed.