Dan Connors

Dan Connors, newly named Editor-in-Chief of Catholic Digest, was a guest for dinner and discussion at Emmanuel House on the campus of Assumption College, on June 29, 2005. Much helpful information was shared about Dan's life in Catholic publishing and about the particular challenges of securing a market niche for Catholic Digest. The convivial conversation was a good first step in the direction of promoting collaboration between Bayard North America, the Assumptionists, and Assumption College.

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The Assumptionist Province of North America has a new Provincial Superior

Very Reverend Richard Lamoureux, A. A., Superior General of the Assumptionists, has named Father Marcel Poirier, A. A. Provincial of North America, replacing Father John Franck, A. A. who held the post for the past nine years.

Father Marcel recently completed twelve years as Treasurer General residing in Rome during that period. A citizen of Canada, Father Marcel is the first non-American to serve as Provincial of North America which includes the Regions of Mexico, United States and Canada.

Alex, Dihn, Ricky and I had the privilege of participating last summer in the Annual National Pilgrimage to Lourdes organized by the French Province of the Congregation. The experience gave us an opportunity to participate in different activities such as the daily Eucharist, prayers in the grotto, processions, community service and socializing with some religious and diocesan seminarians who were also there.

Brother Carlos, A.A.

Two experiences during my stay in Lourdes marked me personally. In Lourdes I felt proud of being an Assumption. The pilgrimage gave me an idea of how dedicated and committed are my Assumptionist brothers to the ministry for the sick. There was an active participation on the part of the greater Assumption Family. Every Assumption sister and brother was doing something for the realization of a common endeavor.

Secondly, the feeling of being at the site where Mary appeared to St. Bernadette 19 times in 1890 was remarkable. The pilgrim’s expression of faith was inspiring to behold coupled with the prayerful atmosphere of the place. As a religious, the experience was a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal. It would be good to derive strength from the experience when the going gets tough. Finally, the pilgrimage was a testimony of how “unity in diversity” is lived concretely in the Church. People who were there came from different cultural backgrounds, age groups, etc. but all unanimously joined together in praising God, the source of healing and consolation. I am most grateful to God for the grace of being at Lourdes and for having participated in the apostolate of my Assumptionist brothers and sisters last summer.

Bro. Carlos Melocoton, A.A.