The Return of the Alumni

Since the beginning of IHM 28 years ago, many students have returned to visit. This year two have returned to teach.
Erin McNeal ‘99 who graduated from the University of Shenandoah with a bachelor’s in Piano has come to teach 7th grade. Erin spent last year also teaching academics and music in a small school in Ohio. When asked how it feels to be teaching at IHM, Erin replied: “I feel like I’ve come home to my family. It’s been a cycle where the days at IHM formed my character, the days at college tested it, and now I’ve returned strengthened in Faith. Teaching here is a very rewarding experience. I get a very positive response from all the students.”
Raphael Austin ‘99 graduated last year from the University of Maryland, where he excelled in Aeronautic Engineering. Voted President of the Senior Honor Society at the University, Raphael returned with much experience in his favor, enabling him to take over Mr. Dions chemistry class. He also teaches a variety of sciences to the High School and Junior classes.
Mr. Austin wanted to come back to his Alma Mater to teach…“so that I could enlighten the students to the big picture…IHM is the just the beginning. With enthusiasm for education coupled with a strong background in the faith, we can change society for the better. As people we are so small but our Faith makes us part of something bigger—part of something good that will prevail. I hope also to help students by teaching them to use the tools necessary to spread this good in today’s ever increasing technological evolution.”
It is a great boost to faculty and student body to see the labors of education at IHM pay off with the example of these two graduates. May God bless all the students at IHM, who will also be the inspiration of others.

Home for Good

It was a cold icy day of tears and painful goodbyes when Brother Joseph, MICM. was first laid to rest in Harvard town cemetery on January 18th, 2001. Although the cemetery was only a mile down the road from the Center, Brother’s last wish “to go home” echoed in the hearts of all who visited that grave. And so, it was with joyful relief that the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, friends and family, finally welcomed Brother Joseph home for good on June 18t, 2004, when he was moved to the new cemetery at the convent, exactly two and a half years after the initial burial.
Less than a month later, on the 25th anniversary of the death of Brother Hugh, Brother Thomas Augustine announced at the annual recitation of the rosary at his grave in Saint Anthony’s Cemetery in Shirley, MA, that Brother Hugh too would be also transferred to IHM Cemetery. And so on July 19t, the remains of Brother Hugh MacIsaac, the second superior of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, were brought home—25 years later. Brother Hugh and Brother Joseph now rest side by side…home at last…awaiting the final resurrection.