Br. Bernard & Br. Leo Celebrate 25 Years of Religious Profession!

Br. Bernard Mary and Br. Leo Mary celebrated their silver jubilee (25th anniversary) of religious profession on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.

Br. Bernard grew up in Atlanta, Georgia as a member of the Methodist Church.  He attended Georgia State University and earned a degree in accounting.  After working as an accountant for several years and attending church, he discovered the writings of the great Catholic spiritual writers.  This interest led to his employment in the EWTN Accounting Department and conversion to the Catholic Faith.  In 1992 he entered the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, drawn to the contemplative life, and professed perpetual vows in 1998.  Over the years, Br. Bernard has worked in community administration, formation staff and various EWTN studio production positions.  He currently serves as the Community Bookkeeper.

Br. Leo was born and raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana.  In 1992, at 19 years of age, he joined the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word.  He professed perpetual vows in 1998.  With a gift for innovation and a mechanical inclination, Br. Leo has designed and created a workable washing machine, dryer, mechanical bike, catapult and a hovercraft.  He uses his creations and inventions to communicate the Catholic faith to children in his EWTN show “Hey Br. Leo!”  In 2008 he wrote a children’s book with the same title and another in 2012.  Br. Leo continues to build mechanical devices for upcoming shows.  He currently has a web series, “Building Your Faith,” 

We thank them for their fidelity and their witness as consecrated brothers in our small community.