Thanks to the sabbatical year I'm enjoying, here I am, after visiting Athens and Plovdiv, in another of our Near Eastern missions, Istanbul-Kadiköy.

In spite of the political tensions perceptible in the country (above all, questions concerning the Armenian genocide), the economic and social activity in Turkey is surprising, especially for one who comes from a country like France where there are crises of every order taking place.

By Pat Haggerty

Every morning I retreat to my study to start my day with prayer and reflection.  It is my quiet time with the Lord.  As I told you, I have a favorite chair that serves as a wonderful spot for my daily ritual.

I also have an end-table next to the chair that holds everything I need---especially my books and coffee cup!  One can tell a lot about an individual by looking at their desk.  I wonder if the same holds true for an end-table.

A VISIT WITH MARC LEPAIN, PH.D., ASSUMPTION COLLEGE

There a few, if any in the Assumption family, who have been as long a faithful friend of the college and the Assumptionists than Dr. Marc LePain, professor of theology.

Born in Southbridge, MA, one of two boys and sons of a pharmacist, Marc grew up in Notre Dame Parish. It is interesting to note that in 1904, the pastor, Msgr. Brochu, had been a generous benefactor of Assumption College. Over the years, Marc’s family saw at least 2 dozen relatives attend the college. So it was not surprising, that after attending the prep, he followed in their footsteps. In a family of so many Assumption graduates, Fr, Wilfrid Dufault, Marc’s uncle, was a significant influence.

In the 1970s, an Assumptionist religious, Fr. Mutien Lambert, was leading a Bible study group. Over time he was drawn to the Charismatic Renewal and to its develop-ment in the United States and Europe. The Scripture group gradually became a prayer group in the style of this new movement. Visiting various similar groups outside the country and the arrival of young people to share this new experience led to the formation of a prayer group which took the name Maranatha. Three principal aspects define it: prayer and praise, fraternal life, evangelization.