Frater@NJBC

Br. Bill Rehg, S.J. (MIS) traveled to Kenya and Tanzania in February, 2011 to present workshops on the Brother’s vocation to Jesuit Brothers at Mwangaza Spritutality Center in Nairobi and to Jesuit novices in Arusha.

The year was 1639. French Catholic missionaries, inspired emissaries of a revitalized Church, began leaving for the New World. Among them, seven Jesuit priests and one brother who would never see France again. They were destined to become martyrs and saints. Artist and author Father William Breault, who lives with the Sacramento Community dedicated to these “French Martyrs of North America,” decided to tell their story. “Footprints in the Wilderness” follows Father Breault as he unearths this compelling tale of dedication and sacrifice, ultimately finding the true meaning of their story in the that of the least known of the martyrs, Jesuit brother, René Goupil. Filmed on location in France, Canada, and the United States, with exciting historical re-enactments of key events, “Footprints in the Wilderness” brings an inspirational story to life.  Tune into EWTN to see this four part series which begins on Monday, July 11th and ends on Thursday, July 14th.  Check local listings for times.

Br. John Fava, SJ (MIS) serves as a chaplain to the St. Louis Police Department providing spiritual and personal guidance to police officers and their families, both Catholics and non-Catholics.  Below is a short video put together by the Jesuit Conference on John and his work.

Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, a research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory, seeks an understanding of God and the universe through prayer — and through his telescope.  Click the following link for more information.  Jesuit Astronomer Says Science, Religion Not Enemies.

The National Jesuit Brothers Committee will sponsor “Jesuits and the Sciences – Putting Faith and the Sciences Together” conference from June 18 to 23, 2011 at the Manresa Center at St. Louis University.  This conference is open to all Jesuit brothers, priests, and scholastics.  The presenters will give a history of Jesuits and the sciences and also what Jesuits are working on in the sciences today.  Jesuits, save theses dates of June 18-23, 2011 and support our fellow Jesuit scientists.  The following is a list of speakers and their topics for this wonderful conference.  See the NJBC website for more information.

Jim Coughlin (NYK) – “The Science in Jesuits”.
Kevin Fitzgerald (WIS) – “Medical Ethics”
Bill Fulco (CFN) – “Archaeology”
Guy Consolmagno (MAR) – “Vatican Observatory”

Brother Guy Consolmagno SJ will be one of the key speakers at this summer’s Jesuits in the Sciences: Putting Faith and the Sciences Together Conference for Jesuits at St. Louis University in June.  At the Vatican Observatory, Br. Guy’s research explores connections between meteorites, asteroids, and the evolution of small solar system bodies, observing Kuiper Belt comets with the Vatican’s 1.8 meter telescope in Arizona, and curating the Vatican meteorite collection. 

Click the following link to see more of Br. Guy’s bio.

Br. Jim Siwicki, SJ (CFN) has been appointed to the position of Provincial Assistant for Vocations of the California Province.  He will continue as Director of Vocations but also will now oversee all aspects of vocation ministry in the Province.  The vocation office is expanding to a two person office.

Bro. John Fava, S.J., (MIS) a chaplain for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, gave the invocation and benediction at the Candlelight Vigil (April 30, 2010) and the Memorial Service (May 1, 2010) on the grounds of the state capital in Jefferson City, MO. These two events honor those law enforcement officers from the state of Missouri who have died in the line of duty.

Robert Macke SJ (MIS) is a Jesuit brother from the Missouri Province who is studying physics and astronomy at the University of Central Florida.  He is conducting research on meteorites.  See the full article here.

Brother “Biz” Korte, SJ (CFN) who was the public face of the Novitiate winery in Los Gatos died at the age of 80.  Here is a link to more information:  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?n=norbert-korte&pid=142787404  May Biz rest in peace!!