Yesterday, Sunday, October 19th,
Father Michael Caruso, S.J., took his final vows at Holy Family
Church. In case you’re not familiar
with this event, some period of time after Jesuits are ordained, they are
invited by a superior to prepare for their final vows by entering a period of tertianship. During this time, the priest or brother
studies the foundation documents of the society and makes a 30-day silent
retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises.
Afterward, the Jesuit will pronounce
“final vows” which include repeating his vows of poverty, chastity
and obedience. I can recall,
when I started teaching at Ignatius
(Sept. 62), much was made of the fact that Jesuits took a 4th
vow, usually a special vow of obedience to the pope.
Congratulations, Fr. Caruso.
Over the last month, I’ve attended 5
reunions at 1076. Toward the end of
September, the class of 1964 celebrated their 50-year reunion. This past Saturday evening (October 18), the
classes of ’69, ‘74, ’79 and ’84 celebrated their reunions. I had a special incentive to be there because
my daughter and my daughter-in-law were in the class of ’84.
I’ve said it before, but I really
enjoy attending reunions. Reminiscing
about events, good and bad, that occurred when they (and I) were younger,
catching up on how things are going now and sharing the feelings of the impact
that we all had on each other.
The class of ’64 also had special
significance for me, since it was the first “golden” anniversary class with
students I had taught. I attended the
Friday evening portion of their celebration and Father George Lane said Mass on
Saturday evening. I’m pretty sure that
we were the only two teachers from their era to attend. So many of their teachers have either gone to
their eternal reward, or are too old to make the trip. (For the record, I was 22 when I taught them
as sophomores, so I’m just making it under the wire.)
And speaking of former teachers of a
“certain age”, I still visit Frank Raispis every other week. Frank is in good health and still mentally
sharp. I make that last point, because,
at 87 years old, he still has the same great outlook on life and his fortunes,
good and bad, that he has always had.
Though, ideally, Frank would have loved to have attended the
’64-reunion, his lack of mobility would not allow it, so a video was made of him addressing
the class members in attendance.
Finally, some members of the class of '63 are going to host an event to celebrate Fr. Joseph Bowen, SJ's contributions to the survival of our beloved institution. Father was a member of the class of '63 and served as the president of Ignatius through the 2nd half of the '70's. He is credited with the Bob Hope Benefit in 1976 and making the decision to go co-ed in 1979. Stay tuned for further information on this celebration.
