On Sunday, September 3, 2006, Bro. Frederick Mueller (pictured above with fellow Jubilarians: Bro. Frederick Del Antonio, Bro. Ralph Bucci, Bro. Charles Kitson, and Bro. Ralph Montedoro) celebrated his 40th anniversary as a De La Salle Christian Brother. The event included both a Mass and reception at La Salle Academy in Providence, from which he is an alum and where he has served previously as Principal and currently as Coordinator for Faculty/Staff Professional Development and Lasallian Formation.
This Jubilee celebration was attended by over 200 friends, family members, Lasallian colleagues and Brothers. Rev. David Gaffney was the main celebrant of the Mass and he rendered a masterful homily.
Immediately following the Mass, there was a program emceed by his community director, Bro. Edward McKenery. Speaking on behalf of Bro. Fred's students was Steve McDonald, who met the Jubilarian through his work at the Encounter Retreat program in East Hartford CT some 28 years ago. Steve spoke with much heart of Bro. Fred's impact on his life and that of his family. He considers the day he met Bro. Fred as being like hitting the lottery! Among the personal qualities he notes in his son's godfather is his non-judgmental nature.
Ms. Maryann Donohue-Lynch, campus minister at La Salle, spoke next, on behalf of Bro. Fred's Lasallian colleagues around the world. She noted how Bro. Fred represents the heart of the Institute, with a special way of inviting colleagues into service and thus changing lives in such a rare and supportive way.
Bro. Michael McKenery, President of La Salle Academy, spoke on behalf of La Salle and the Brothers community at LSA. He spoke of Bro. Fred as a true guru, who is the face of the Founder and who has a love and passion for being a Brother while being a strong supporter and enthusiast of Lasallian formation and leadership for colleagues.
Bro. Edmond Precourt, Visitor of the LI-NE district, spoke on behalf of the Brothers of the district. He gave tribute to Bro. Fred's parents and traced his abundant career in Lasallian service. He noted how Bro. Fred accomplishes so many tasks simultaneously. He ended his presentation with the words, "We honor you; we love you; we thank you."
After a wonderful media presentation prepared by his family, Bro. Fred then spoke eloquently of his life and mission. He thanked all the groups present in the room and he weaved into his reflection the myriad messages of the readings and songs from the liturgy. He also revealed the daily significance of the e.e. cummings' poem, "For Most this Amazing Day."
Bro. Fred's words were well-crafted and delivered to an audience that represented a mere fraction of all those lives that have been touched and nourished by this extraordinary man, Lasallian, and Brother. May God continue to bless our Brother Fred with good health, passion for life and clarity of vision!
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