2. What drew you to choose becoming a brother over becoming a priest?

My temperament is more suited for the life of a religious brother . Although Dominican brothers as well as priests share the same call to preach, I am more than happy with the relational manner in which I preach through a range of vehicles. The routine ritual life of the priest did not attract me. My choice has been secured in the joy that has accompanied this somewhat misunderstood vocation. During formation studies there was a brief glance at the priesthood, yet it was only a glance. In the past, a love of study could be construed as certain call to priesthood. Yet I survived this restrictive association to be a brother and grew in accord with my talents. Of course I was greatly aided by the community.

3. Why has it taken almost 800 years for the Order to elect a brother as prior?

Canon Law- nothing else! Past Masters of the order have called for change. My earliest recollection for a call to change came from de Couesnongle and intensified with Timothy Radcliffe. When I was elected and not considered as a Prior in 1999 Timothy wrote me and encouraged the province to continue to promote this change as many things in canon law are changeable.

4. By making this change, how do you assess the Order's overall
attitude now toward brothers serving in such roles?

I was at the Providence General Chapter. The concern was not so much about the role of brothers, but the "diocesanization" of the religious priest. The friars of St. Anthony of Padua Priory have contributed greatly to the evolving attitudinal change and current questions about priesthood within religious orders. They have re-claimed a deep sense of our fundamental identity as brothers, who are called to live a common religious life and for whom ordination to the priesthood for some is not a promotion but a new expression of fraternity. As such, brothers in leadership roles becomes normal.

5 How has being African American influenced your own integration into this leadership role for the province?

Since the election caucus/discussion is confidential without my not being present, I have no idea why the friars of St. Anthony elected me as their Prior. Yet, I would imagined that my love of every aspect of Dominican life is evident along with a sensitivity and love of all the friars and sisters. The trauma of being raised in the particular racialized culture of New Orleans fostered a compassion for people. As a child, I observed the hatred for dark skinned people, by blacks as well as by whites. It was a culture of self hatred and blatant negativity against anything associated with dark skinned people and places. As such, I guess I was determined to spend my life affirming the dignity and beauty of all, including myself. As such this rearing gave me the sensitivity and compassion that is essential for effective leadership in a priory community with friars from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The daily administrative responsibilities are secondary to good interactive pe ople skills.

6. Do students at Xavier University expect certain things from you as a brother?

Yes - they expect me to be different. For most of the students, they have never seen or heard of a religious brother before. Teaching at a Catholic university does not surprise students that I am present, yet they watch to see what makes me tick.

They expect more than just an upbeat Spanish class from me. Over the years, I’ve observed that they expect me to understand where they come from as African Americans (Xavier is predominately black) and to assist them with those perennial questions of life and their purpose in life. Years of college teaching and campus preaching has conveyed to students something of what a brother is. I hope that I have satisfied their curiosity. Aware that I am their first contact with a brother, I try to live by their expectation of being authentic and most all, a gentlemen. Of course this is not always evident when a given final grade is less than expected.

7. What are you most concerned about for your students at Xavier University?

It’s my hope that they receive more than a college degree upon graduation. In sync with the mission of the university, it’s hoped that they are ready and willing to contribute to a more just and humane society. More important that they discover who they really are as images of God as over solely career acheivement.

8. What books are on your night stand?

Although my reading topics are diverse , I often aggravate toward books of popular interest. Yet, Addiction and Grace by Gerald G. May, M.D.; The Fire in These Ashes, Joan Chittister, OSB; Consecrated Religious Life, The Changing Paradigms, by Diarmuid O’Murchu, MSC and Henriette Delille: Servant of Slaves, Witness to the Poor by Cyprian Davis, OSB

9 If you could have every Dominican in the US read a particular book what would it be and why?

Naming Grace: Preaching and the Sacramental Imagination, Mary Catherine Hilkert, O.P. I’ve read a number of books on preaching that are good, yet Naming Grace is a must read as an excellent synthesis of all contemporary theological and well as practical thought and preaching praxis. The reader is challenged to have an expanded notion of where the Word resides and how it is proclaimed.

10. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone from history (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

I would love to meet St. Martin de Porres, to hear him articulate what life was really like for him sixteenth century Peru. I’d be particularly interested in his critique of the injustices of the day and its effects on his life choices. He represents all marginalized people who live and seek the fullness of life within the Catholic faith. I would want to know his impressions of the Order today and in particular the role of Brothers.

Anne Lythgoe, OP
editor