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)”

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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.

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.