This past August 30, the Oblates and the Augustinians of the Assumption celebrated the bicentennial of the birth of Fr. Emmanuel d'Alzon, who was born in Le Vigan (Gard) and died on November 21, 1880 in Nimes.

Founder of both orders, he spent much of his youth at the château of Lavagnac in the town of Montagnac. And during his priestly ministry he often returned here.

Assumptionist Center, located in Brighton, MA, is home to a small community of Assumptionist religious. These religious invite a limited number of young, single men who are studying and/or working in the Boston area to share an experience in Christian community life in the Catholic tradition. They come together on a regular basis for meals, prayer, recreation and meetings during which they try to discover how God is working in their daily lives.

From August 25-29, over 300 lay-people and religious gathered at the Assumptionist conference center near Lyon, France, to participate in the sixth session of the Assumptionist Summer "University" series (dating back to 2001). This year's topic was of particular relevance to world events: "The Mediterranean: Mother of Humanity - from one shore to the other." Does this vast sea, home to great religions and cultures (Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, Alexandria, Istanbul) act as a link or as an impassable abyss?

Leaving all that is familiar – your home, your family and friends, and your culture – creates an environment that encourages profound reflection, new perspectives and personal transformation, says Fr. John Franck, A.A. ’70. For many of the hundreds of Assumption students and alumni who have participated in the College’s annual Mexico Mission trips, those changes have lasted a lifetime. This year the Mexico Mission program is celebrating its 25th anniversary.