"I'm still here, Matt."

Those four words, spoken during a moment of profound challenge, changed everything for Matt Naveau. In this episode of Sharing Our Marianist Stories, Matt shares his deeply personal journey of encountering Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon—not as a distant historical figure, but as a living companion through some of the most challenging years of his life.

At age 33, Matt was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, leaving him to navigate chemotherapy and the terrifying reality of his own mortality while raising two young children. What followed was a series of miraculous encounters and a growing sense of "accompaniment" that saw him through the diagnosis, a year of pandemic isolation, and eventually, a call to new leadership.

A transcript of this podcast episode is available here.

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Recorded 7 March 2025. Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Theme song: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

"My Heart is Too Small" from the musical Spectacle (c) 2011, Nick Cardilino, Jim Ford and Bro. Stan Zubek, SM. (Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdedzuINDPQ)

Other ambient music from freesound.org.

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In this episode of Sharing Our Marianist Stories, Bro. Esteban Reyes, SM, shares his inspiring journey as a Marianist Brother--from Mexico to serving in the United States--and details the profound role Our Lady of Guadalupe and a miraculous sign during prayer played in confirming his vocation. After serving in administrative roles in Mexico, he transitioned to missionary work in the US, which led him to his current ministry at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, New Jersey. Driven by his strong commitment to the Marianist charism and his role as a missionary, Bro. Esteban pioneered the formation of the first Spanish-speaking Marianist Lay Community in the U.S. He also discusses how his openness to the Holy Spirit has led to a surprising new gift: writing music, some of which is featured in this episode.

More of Bro. Esteban’s music can be found on his YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@brotherESTEBANreyes.

English translations of Bro. Esteban’s songs used in this episode are as follows:

• The first clip is from “Morenita Del Tepayac”: “A queen appeared very beautiful full of flowers the princess of Tepeyac. Very beautiful full of flowers the princess of Tepeyac. Today I choose this place to manifest my love. I have come to stay. I am the Mother of the Creator. I have come to stay. I am the Mother of God. My mother of Guadalupe give me forever your blessing. I carry you in my lap sweet mother of my Lord. I carry you in my lap sweet mother of my Lord.”
• The second clip is from “Me Llamaste”: “You chose me as your servant. You called me without my knowing. I answered and I followed you. 

Refrain: Thank you Lord, thank you my God for your choice. Thank you Lord, thank you my God for your choice. 

Your very special call I still remember the great sign. It was a moment of divinity that praised my humanity. (Refrain)”

• The third clip repeats the refrain from “Me Llamaste.”
• And the fourth clip continues from “Me Llamaste”: “Today I reaffirm my faithfulness to your call with humility. (Refrain)”

A transcript of this podcast episode is available here.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Recorded 26 September 2024. Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Theme song: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Other ambient music from freesound.org.

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In our 50th episode, we sit down with Fr. Jim Fitz, S.M., a man with much to celebrate. He recently marked his 50th Jubilee of ordination in 2024 and recently celebrated his 60th Jubilee of first vows in the summer of 2025. On top of that, he's preparing for his semi-retirement from his significant role as Vice President for Mission and Rector at the University of Dayton. Don't miss this conversation as Fr. Jim reflects on a lifetime of dedication, sharing stories from his experiences of formation, ministry, and leadership within the Marianist Family.

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Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Recorded 25 July 2024. Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Theme song: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Other ambient music from freesound.org.

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What happens when students from three Marianist Universities come together for a powerful service-immersion experience? In this episode of Sharing Our Marianist Stories, Sarah McLeeson (University of Dayton), Esmeralda Lopez ("Esme," St. Mary's University), and Isaiah Atalig (Chaminade University) dive into their journey of building community and grappling with the complexities of immigration. Hear firsthand how this immersive service opportunity deepened their faith, ignited a stronger call to serve others, and strengthened their engagement with the Marianist Charism.

A transcript of this podcast episode is available here.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Recorded 23 September 2024. Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Theme song: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Other ambient music from freesound.org.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelli Kinnear’s connection with the Marianist Family dates back to her mom’s employment at the University of Dayton. After attending UD and working at Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio, for 32 years, Kelli began her new role as Executive Director of Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning in late June 2024. In this episode of Sharing Our Marianist Stories, Kelli reflects on her professional journey within the Marianist Family, ways she has seen the Marianist charism embodied, and her excitement in her new adventure of working at Bergamo. Listen to this episode to learn more about Kelli and the ways you can engage with and support the work of Bergamo.

A transcript of this podcast episode is available here.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Recorded 23 August 2024. Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Theme song: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Other ambient music and sounds from freesound.org.

Salve Regina Sung by Members of the SM Novitiate Community (2019, Dayton, OH)

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When he traveled to Rome for the Society of Mary’s General Chapter of 2024, Brother Dennis Bautista, SM, did not anticipate being elected to the Society of Mary’s General Administration. In this episode of Sharing Our Marianist Stories, Brother Dennis recounts his initial reactions to his election, the challenges and reflections in his transition period, his emotional farewells with various communities, and his thoughts on the responsibilities that await him. Bro. Dennis discusses how dynamics of prayer and vocational wellness have helped him maintain a positive presence as a Marianist Brother. He shares his teaching philosophy, love for learning and growth, and vision for imparting Marianist values in education globally. Listen to this episode to learn more about Brother Dennis’ background and experiences and how his integration of faith and personal values will aid him as he transitions into this important role.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

A transcript of this podcast episode is available here.

Recorded 11 October 2024. Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Music: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 75 years ago, in October 1949, three Marianist Sisters arrived in Somerset, Texas to establish the first foundation of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (Marianist Sisters) in the United States. Roughly 21 years after that foundation, Sr. Gretchen Trautman, FMI professed first vows with the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. In this episode of Sharing Our Marianist Stories, Sr. Gretchen describes her first encounters with the Marianist Family and Charism, the influence of God’s voice in her vocational journey, and how her leadership experiences influenced her vision for sharing the Marianist Charism.

Our YouTube Channel includes an extended video version of this interview which incorporates photos of Sr. Gretchen’s journey into video from her interview.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Recorded 8 February 2024. Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Music: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

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In this episode of Sharing Our Marianist Stories, Carol Ramey, former NACMS director and a sought-after presenter on Marianist topics, reflects on Father Chaminade’s exile in Saragossa, Spain. Father Chaminade’s inspiration during his time in Saragossa, including numerous prayer experiences at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar, fueled his vision for the Marianist Family, and it can inspire us in our lives today. (Carol Ramey’s reflection was recorded for an unpublished podcast episode prior to her death in 2021.)

View a transcript of this podcast episode here.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS), with help from David Schulman (https://www.schulmancreative.com/).

Music: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After spending the last two years at the Novitiate in Dayton, OH, Joseph Choi, nSM, will profess first vows with the Society of Mary on June 22, 2024. In this episode Joseph describes his journey from high school in South Korea through his time in the Novitiate. He shares about the impact his experience in the United States has had on his own formation and his aspirancy experience that included time in South Korea and San Antonio, Texas. Please join us in praying for Joseph as he anticipates professing first vows.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Recorded on 27 March 2024. Hosted and edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Music: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After spending time in aspirancy and the last two years at the Novitiate in Dayton, OH, Guillermo Pena Contreras, nSM, (more commonly known as Memo) will profess first vows with the Society of Mary on June 8, 2024. 

In this episode Memo shares what attracted him to vowed religious life, how his experiences of aspirancy and novitiate shaped him, how his background in family law impacted his vocation and his experience of coming to the US from Mexico.

Please join us in praying for Memo as he anticipates professing first vows on Saturday, June 8 at 12:00 (Noon) Central Standard Time (which is 2pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time). To join the livestream of his profession at that time, visit marianist.com/live.

See a transcript of this episode here.

Follow the North American Center for Marianist Studies on Instagram and Facebook - @ThisIsNACMS.

Visit our website for access to all our resources, including e-publications, our bookstore, programming and more.

Recorded on 19 March 2024. Hosted and edited by Mike Bennett, Media Administrator for the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS).

Music: “Travel Light” by Jason Shaw (used with permission via Creative Commons License; see more of his work at http://audionautix.com/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.