A thank you to Brother Carmen
A personal reflection as Editor of cmeast.org… but one that I suspect will resonate with the readers of the Vincentian Digest and Notebook.
Carmen,
I have heard many people share how moved they were when they received your announcement of failing health. While it may have been a surprise to many, it was not a surprise to those of us who live with you. We have watched your struggles as the first symptoms led you to seek medical evaluation.
During this time you have been a source of edification for us. Quietly, as always, you continued your work of some 15 years.Your work with the Digest and Notebook has been a Tuesday staple to a growing number of people.
You have brought us updates on what is happening in our corner of the Vincentian world.
You have brought us together with our requests for prayers, your reminders of deaths and birthdays – and even made it so easy to wish one another Happy Birthday.
You have brought us some light moments with your jokes, trivia and, of course, WIlly’s cartoons.
And when you came to your decision to let go of what I know was a labor of love for, you were very generous with your time and strength in showing Heather and me the technical inner workings of the newsletters.
I pray, as all who are grateful to you pray, that the intercession of St. Vincent and all our Vincentian Family saints will restore your health and allow you to resume your ministry.
From all of us who have benefitted from your ministry.
Deep gratitude for your commitment to all of us who loved seeing the Vincentian Digest in our mailbox on Tuesdays. May the grace, blessing and healing we celebrate during this season be yours!
Thank you Carmen for an incredible ministryt that continued for so many years … you have blessed us time and again on Tuesday after Tuesday and so may you now be blessed during these most holy days of the years. Charlie P.
Through the Vincentian Digest Brother Carmen has truly helped me feel connected to a very important part of my life – my four great years at Princeton. I looked forward to Tuesday’s email and always looked for the Digest.
God Bless you, Carmen, for all you have given to so many! And may Our Lady Help of the Sick intercede for you.
Jordan(Jim) Kelly, OP
Class of 1974
Father John,
What a great tribute to your Confrere whose greatness exists within the context of authentic Vincentian humility. I rejoice that I’ve been able to communicate with Carmen,yourself et al. For nearly a half century I missed all of you but I kept a respectful distance as an “extern”. Brother Carmen’s writing has inspired Jo and myself. It has been a real surprise,a heavenly treat,to renew communications and to receive inspiration from this great man,great,like all of you,in the humility of Saint Vincent and Jesus Himself!
Most Gratefully
Ed Ambrose
Brother Carmen,
You are such a mensch, we love you. Prayers for your health and continued good spirits.
Maybe a nice Italian restaurant on our next visit, our treat.
Peace,
Fr. Karl A. Lindblad
Brother Carmen,
Or……’Bro Carmen’ as you were affectionately known ‘back in the day’, were and still are an awesome example of what we in Special Operations call a ‘quiet professional’: humble, on point, leading by example, mission-oriented, positive, and always there for your brethren.
I can remember when you took Chemistry with us in our Junior year at Saint Joe’s. You were always willing to help us better understand moles, molecules, atomic weight, grams, kilograms and much more. This dense old guy is grateful for your additional after class assistance!
More so, you were always involved in our projects, hobbies, work around the property, as well as being consistently visible at prayer, daily Mass, Benediction, and community activities.
I am certain that, with prayer, you will stay strong, get healthy and be back at it in no time! I continually to remember you and all the confreres in my daily prayer and meditation.
May God’s grace be with you during this holiest of weeks and bring you solace and joy as we reflect on our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection!
Respectfully,
Mike Gaspar
St. Joe’s 1967-71
Carmen-you shared with me a love for photography that has embedded itself into my own spirituality – I have to come to love what I term -“contemplative photography’ because of your love for the art. In these days that test the limits of your own health and vision of the future – may the remembrance of all the good that is within you and all that you have shared with so many, be the grace that lifts you up and allows for you to see new horizons and realize true hope. With deep gratitude and much affection…Tom Butler
You don’t know me, Brother Carmen, but I was a part of the Vincentian community, as a seminarian, for seven years. It was through your work that I continued to keep contact with the men and spirit of the Vincentians. That connection has given me great spiritual strenght and joy for many years. Thank you…thank you.
Brother Carmen. thanks for all you have done and given. To all. Our prayers and Good wishers. Will remain always for you.
Thank you again Brother Carmen for all of your efforts on behalf of the Vincentian community. The digest has been a great blessing in allowing all of us to stay in touch and know what is going on in the life of the community, and the lives of the confreres and those of us who have a strong bond with the community. I pray for you Brother that you find improvement in your health and great peace in your life.
Bro Carmen, thank you for sharing your wisdom in our St. Joe’s chemistry classes, your ‘compassionate discipline’ as our beloved Assistant Director of Students, and your love of Italian Food – especially those special meatball sub nights! Our daily prayers that you may feel the love and gratitude of so many appreciative friends and family, and for peace and strength. “CIAO BRO CARMEN!!!” Joe Lesenko, Mary and Family
My prayers will always be with you. You were my mentor for me to understand more about photography. Enjoy watching your photos. Start listening to danny wright’s music and eat the delicious almond cookies you always baked.
Brother Carmen,
I’ll always remember how good you were to us when we took your first computer course. You told us the story of your vocation, which I have never forgotten. It was just a natural thing, when I heard you were doing this newsletter, for me to put my name on the list.
Thank you, Carmen, for all your generous ways. You are a true Vincentian that each of us are proud to know.
Thank you Bro Carm not only for your ministry at St. Joe’s but for your ministry of guidance by example. You are a blessed son of St. Vincent.
Brother Carmen, you have been such a good, faithful communicator of the Vincentian mission. Your work gathered followers of Vincent each week, reminding us that we walk together, even if on distant roads. Thank you for your important work. God bless you!