The Marianist Province of Meribah celebrated two milestones in August. Bro. Thomas Michael Terrill, n.S.M. '10 made Promises of the Novitiate, taking both the habit and the title of "brother." Rev. Daniel Griffin, S.M. was ordained to the priesthood.

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Bro. Thomas Michael has become well known to Chaminade students and families since he started on the staff several years ago. He taught History of Salvation I during the 2017-2018 school year and will dedicate the next to studying Marianist theology with the religious community. Novitiate Promises mark the first step on a journey to full religious vows.

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His brothers and students show Bro. Thomas Michael the blessing of his vocation.

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"Making my Novitiate Promises on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a joyful and inspiring experience," he said, "not only looking forward to growing in my vocation throughout the next years of formation, but also because it marks the anniversary of the Profession of Vows by Bro. Thomas Cleary, my mentor in the community. I think, and hope others see, that this is an exciting time for our Church and our Marianist family."

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Bro. Thomas Michael follows three other men who are advancing their religious vocations. Bros. Patrick Cahill, S.M. '11, Andrew Santoriello, S.M. '07, and Peter Sennert, S.M. '11, professed first vows this summer.

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Fr. Dan, a 2002 graduate of Kellenberg Memorial High School, was ordained by Most Rev. Christopher Cardone, O.P. '76, archbishop of the Solomon Islands. Fr. Dan, who taught for several years at Chaminade as "Bro. Dan," returns to Kellenberg Memorial as chaplain of its Latin School. He will serve alongside high school Chaplain Rev. Thomas Cardone, S.M. '73 – Bishop Chris' brother.

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Those connections reiterate to Fr. Dan that the Marianist Family is exactly as that – a family.

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"I was very happy being a brother, but I felt a call to do more for my brothers and students," he said. "They always encouraged me, and now, I am honored to bring them the sacraments. That's really the only change now. I'll always be a brother. I wouldn't have it any other way."

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The Marianist order is somewhat unique because of what's called "mixed composition." It is one of the few religious congregations in which brothers and priests live together and share responsibility equally.

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Please join us in prayer for Bro. Thomas Michael and Fr. Dan as they seek to bring the light of God to our Marianist schools.