In the cool fall morning, the Brother Martin family came together in the Conlin Gymnasium to celebrate those first footsteps of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Ben Wisniewski ‘17 began the Mass with a reminder of the first brothers, Brother Polycarp, Brother Xavier, and others who followed in our founder, Fr. Andre Coindre’s, footsteps of compassion. Ben challenged the entire Brother Martin community to live out the Brother’s charism and to make Jesus’ love the center of their lives. Bro. Carl Bouchereau, S.C. then described the symbolism in the display of the crests of the Brothers’ school in the United States Province. Bro. Carl also introduced the Provincial, Bro. Mark Hilton, S.C., who read aloud the letter written on February 1, 1869 by Archbishop Odin, Archbishop of New Orleans. In his letter, Archbishop Odin stated, “You are aware that for a long time I have been anxious to see your community established in New Orleans.” And so this tradition continues from St. Aloysius, to Cor Jesu, and now to Brother Martin High School. In addition, the Mass readings also brought the Brother’s mission into focus – to take care of all of our sheep, even if we must search out to find the lost ones.
The following Class of 2017 Student Ministers assisted with the Liturgy: Ben Wisniewski ‘17 and Kyle Desplas ‘18, acolytes; Patrick Newburger ‘17 and Brandon Hebert ‘17, readers; Chris Webb ‘17 and Ryan O’Rourke ‘17, petitions; and Jason Stant ‘18, cross bearer. After Fr. David Ducote ‘04 read the Gospel and Bro. Louis Couvillon, S.C., Ordained Brother of the Sacred Heart, gave his homily regarding the rich tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Jason Sumich ‘17 read a letter about his personal connection and love for Brother Martin High School. He talked about his own family’s long legacy with the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Schools and the importance that formation has had in his life. Several Brother Martin students and their alumni fathers brought up the offertory gifts showing that the history of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart is a vibrant, living history. And after Mass concluded, Mr. Kenny Spellman ‘84, Alumni Director, introduced the 2016 Alumni Board of Directors. Mr. Scott Corrente ‘83, Assistant Alumni Director, recognized the contributions of the Class of 1966 who funded the display area for the archives in the front lobby of the school. Again, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart’s history is present in 2016 in those artifacts and stories gathered in that space. Finally, the 2016 Academic Scholarship recipients were introduced, and following their introduction was a reception for them and for their families.
Foundation Day is a banner day for all students, past and present, who continue to daily live out the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
