Oklahoma Newsletter

My Photo
Name:
Location: Dallas, Texas, United States

Born in San Francisco, raised in East Texas, AA Covington LA, BA Santa Clara CA, MA Washington DC, professed Discalced Carmelite at Marylake AR on 20-Jul-64, ordained R. Cath. priest 13-Jun-70.

Monday

San Antonio

Groundbreaking

Phase II of The National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica's multi-mil­lion dollar restoration project got underway on July 19, 2005, with a groundbreaking in its long unused basement. This was the lead sentence of the Aug 5th article in the Texas Catholic on the commencement of work on the long unused basement of our basilica. “The basement's well-worn stage was the site in bygone years of special community per­formances, including the likes of such illustrious figures as Helen Keller and the Von Trapp Family Singers.” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez de­livered the blessing; then our pastor Fr. John Magdalene Suenram picked up a shovel with the construction boss, the architect, an historian and a city council member and the work began. The San Antonio Express News also covered this story, and Fr. John got his picture on the front page.

In September it was announced that Fr. Augustine Kizhakkedam, a Carmelite Provincial of the Province of Kerala, India [photo] has recently transferred to our Province and has been assigned to San Antonio to live and work here for the next three years. We are delighted to have Father with us this triennium. Fr. John Magalene went to Dallas for the funeral of Fr. Augustine Healy who had been pastor here in the 60’s. Fr. Bonaventure went to Marylake for the burial. Mother Ann Christine of the Dallas Carmel died on September 18, 2005. Fathers John, Bonaventure and Marion went to Marylake for our provincial retreat in October. Br. Charles was unable to attend as he was teaching classes in our school here in San Antonio. In mid-November, Fathers John and Bonaventure attended the annual convention of the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolates in Portland Oregon. Fr. Augustine Kizhakkedam visited relatives in New York during November.

In December Father Marion took his vacation in Vietnam, but had great problems there with his allergies. Fr. Provincial and Fr. Sam Anthony brought the students from Louisiana here for Christmas. They have been in exile from New Orleans since hurricane Katrina, living with our Nuns in Covington while attending classes at St. Ben’s seminary down the river road from our Nuns. They hope to return to New Orleans for the next semester after the holidays. Work on the basilica basement is progressing. Fr. John celebrated his silver jubilee of profession on December 14. The parish gave him a reception and he expressed gratitude to God for his Carmelite vocation.