Advertise on podcast: Sharing Our Marianist Stories

This year, 2026, is an abundant year for the Marianist Family. Across the United States and reaching as far as Bogotá, Colombia, the three branches of the Marianist Family in North America are gathering to pray, plan, and "forge the future." In this special preview episode, we hear from leaders from across the Family about the upcoming Marianist Family Congress, a Common Bond Reunion, the Society of Mary’s US Province Assembly, the Marianist Lay Community of North America’s Assembly, and the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities’ Assembly, which are set to envision the next years of Marianist life. From Marianist Sister Laura Leming’s vision of a "meeting of the minds" to Matt Dunn’s insights into how the Vatican is looking to Marianists as a model for the modern Church, this episode captures the "burning heart" of a community in motion. We explore the deep history of the Society of Mary in Dayton, Ohio, with Fr. John Thompson, SM; the joyful "family reunion" atmosphere of the MLC-NA with Rob Brodrick; and the enduring bonds of former members of the SM with Jim Martin. What you’ll learn: How the Marianist Family Congress is creating a "synodal" space for lay and vowed members to envision the future together.The significance of the Society of Mary Assembly returning to its roots in Dayton for the first time.Why Natalia Imperatori-Lee’s perspective on Mary is a "game-changer" for how we understand community today.The unique "independent but equal" relationship the International Lay Community shares with the Vatican. A transcript of this podcast episode is available here. Links for further information: MLC-NA 2026 Assembly: https://www.mlcna.org/assembly/aboutSociety of Mary: https://www.marianist.com/Common Bond: https://smcommonbond.org/x/staticPage.asp?postNo=31791International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities (IO-MLC): https://www.clm-mlc.org/ 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 March 2026. 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.

While history often focuses on the “visionary spark” of Father Chaminade, the Marianist charism was equally forged in the practical, gritty leadership of two remarkable women: Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon and Marie Thérèse de Lamourous. In this episode, Sr. Laura Leming, FMI, and Jessica González Uhlig return to discuss how these women embodied a “relational leadership” that still speaks to our modern world. From the aristocratic châteaus to the streets of Bordeaux, Adèle and Marie Thérèse faced rampant illness, social condemnation, and meager resources. Rather than retreating, they engaged through “innovative accompaniment”—whether that meant rolling cigars to sustain a ministry or writing hundreds of letters to bridge the gap of isolation. Their story is a timeless model for anyone looking to lead with joy, purpose, and a “quiet revolution of love.” What You’ll Learn: Practical Resourcefulness: How Marie Thérèse used “meager resources” and “boots-on-the-ground” tactics to meet urgent community needs.The “Patron Saint of Email”: Why Adèle’s 700+ letters are a nineteenth-century blueprint for using technology to build community and fight isolation.Leadership as Accompaniment: How to choose “accompaniment over judgment” in a polarized world.The Power of the Pause: Lessons from Adèle on self-care, mindfulness, and the “Examen” in the midst of a crisis. View a full 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. Recorded December 3, 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/) Other ambient music from freesound.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Father William Joseph Chaminade provided the visionary spark for the Marianists, the full story comes to life through the incredible partnership he shared with two remarkable women. In this episode, Sr. Laura Leming, FMI, and Jessica González Uhlig discuss the foundational partnership between Father Chaminade, Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon, and Marie Thérèse de Lamourous. Sr. Laura and Jessica explore how these three distinct individuals—a visionary priest, a teenage aristocrat with a "flair for the dramatic," and a fearless woman who went undercover during the Reign of Terror—came together to form the Marianist Family. Whether you are a student looking for a path of authenticity or a leader navigating complex collaborations, the "Head, Heart, and Hands" framework these individuals embody provides a timeless model for service and community. In this episode, Jessica and Sr. Laura discuss: Adèle’s transition from living in a wealthy château to a life of radical poverty at age 18,Marie Thérèse’s "boots on the ground" leadership at the Miséricorde,The nineteenth-century "mentorship" between Father Chaminade and these two dynamic women,Practical tips for finding grace in modern-day group projects and collaborations. 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 3 December 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/) Other ambient music from freesound.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

After spending time in aspirancy and the last two years at the Novitiate in Dayton, OH, Chicago Joe Schuller, nSM, Memo Pena Contreras, nSM, and Joseph Choi, nSM will each profess their first vows with the Society of Mary this summer (2024). We’ve sat down with each of them to learn more about their discernment to become a Marianist Brother and what their formation process has entailed. Chicago Joe Schuller, nSM will be the first of the three to profess his first vows. In this episode, Chicago shares about what attracted him to vowed religious life, how his experiences of aspirancy and novitiate shaped him, and the role intentional community has in his call to be a brother. Please join us in praying for Chicago as he anticipates professing first vows on Saturday, May 18th at 4:00pm eastern time. To join the livestream of his profession at that time, visit www.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 12 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.

Susan Buckley is a Lay Marianist living in Dublin, Ireland where the Marianist Family has had a presence since 1967. She stopped by NACMS while visiting Dayton in September 2023 and sat down with us for an interview. In this episode, Susan shares about her engagement in a virtual Lay Marianist Community with others in the United States and her experience at the 2023 International Lay Marianist Assembly in Madrid. She also sheds light on what it is like to be a Lay Marianist in Ireland amid the current context of the Catholic Church there. 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 14 Sept 2023. 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.