Love and Unity: Society of Saint Edmund Year in Review

From the shale-laden shores of Lake Champlain, Vermont, to the sweltering streets of Selma, Alabama, The Society of Saint Edmund served in myriad ways in 2019. Edmundites have always been busy, but now through the use of digital technology, alumni, parishioners and seekers alike are able to follow them into their unique ministries to learn and grow in Christ straight from their handheld devices. Some even powered off long enough to join in meaningful ways. Look inside a year-in-the-life of our Eddies:
 
Just when the much-loved St. Anne’s Shrine was experiencing some extreme flooding, Rice High School and St. Michael’s College students joined together to share memories of good times at the 9th Annual Spring Social at the Pomerleau Alumni Center at St. Michael’s College in May. This sacred place is near and dear to many hearts. Read what they had to say here: https://www.sse.org/blog/st-annes-shrine-leaves-lasting-impact-on-smc-graduating-seniors

An ecumenical group of seekers united at The Shrine’s summertime reflection series that began in June. Brother Frank Hagerty, S.S.E. reflected on St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Ascension of Jesus: Bringing About the Kingdom of God. Read more and see a video from the day here: https://www.sse.org/blog/day-by-day-with-brother-frank-hagerty

Saint Anne’s Shrine Site Administrator Sandy Kinney retired after 47 years of service in July. She has rolled with the changes and witnessed substantial growth, she said fondly of her tenure. Read more about Kinney’s departure here: https://www.sse.org/blog/sandy-kinney-retires-after-serving-a-half-century-at-st-annes-shrine
 
Wherever there is an Edmundite, the whole Edmundite community is present in that work, Father Tom Hoar, S.S.E. said in an interview at Enders Island in July. His labor of love lies mostly in addiction recovery efforts that take place there on the 11-acre island in Mystic, Connecticut. Read more about his ministry here: https://www.sse.org/blog/on-retreat-and-road-of-recovery-with-father-tom-hoar-sse

Vocation Director Father Lino Oropeza, S.S.E., gave a talk (among many) about vocations at Theology on Tap with the Burlington Catholic Young Adults group at Church Street Tavern in August. Theology on Tap is an international program that usually involves discussions on religious matters paired with local craft brews at a Catholic-owned establishment. Read more here: https://www.sse.org/blog/father-lino-oropeza-sse-on-vocations-at-theology-on-tap
 
Father Ray Doherty, S.S.E. received the Saint Edmund’s Medal of Honor at Enders Island in Mystic, Connecticut in October. Doherty, 89, is a Newton, Massachusetts native, and a former Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He is an admired presence on the Saint Michael’s College campus. Read more about what he had to say here: https://www.sse.org/blog/father-ray-doherty-sse-to-be-celebrated-with-medal-of-honor

The Society of Saint Edmund blessed the new $3.2 million Edmundite Missions’ Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community and Recreation Center in Selma, Alabama, in November at the building dedication. The Edmundites have served the poor in the area for more than 80 years. Read more about this new development here: https://www.sse.org/blog/new-selma-community-center-is-a-symbol-of-hope
 
And there were many more Edmundite stories of love and unity in 2019! Please read and share the links on your social channels and via email. Thanks again for your support! Read more: https://www.sse.org/blog