LCI Student Received into Church

     Ksenia Smirnova, from Far East Russia, received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion on December 7, Vigil of the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, at the hands of Bishop Klaus Küng  of St. Pölten. The church erupted in joyous applause as Ksenia received the grace of eternal life in Christ! Students and staff of Franciscan University and LCI had for the last several months witnessed Ksenia’s walk toward the special day. For Ksenia, it was the fulfillment of her heart’s desire, something for which she had longed for years.

Living Well in 2011-2012

A new group of LCI students from China, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and for the first time Myanmar (Burma) has arrived at the Kartause to begin the new year. The theme for this year at LCI is "Living Well," from John 4:14. Students and staff will meditate throughout the year on what it means to draw from Christ, the Living Well, and how that means Christians live life well indeed!

LCI Student Now Bishop in China

     Fr. Lu was one of the four priests from China who first came to LCI in January 2006. After spending just one semester in Gaming, he returned to China where his help was urgently needed in his diocese in Shandong. On 20 May 2011, he was ordained Bishop of Yanzhou with Vatican approval. For the full story, click here.

     Other former LCI students in China are working in parishes, convents, pro-life offices, and with campus ministry in Beijing, Chengdu, and smaller cities in Hebei Province.

LCI Graduate Rebuilding the Church in Czech

Sixty years ago, under the atheistic Communism, the Monastery dedicated to Our Lady at Kraliky in the Czech Republic was closed. Some of the buildings were even used as a prison for priests and nuns. Today the monastery is open again, with two daily Masses and retreats and pilgrimages throughout the year. George (LCI ’92) and Geraldine Kubis have been involved with the restoration since 2006. They have reopened the guest house and restaurant, helped inaugurate family-centered retreats, and have begun more extensive  renovation of the church complex, which dates to the seventeenth century and includes a replica of the holy steps. Together with their seven children, they have brought back devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and a spirit of hope and renewal. For more information, see the website at www.kraliky-klaster.cz

Geraldine and George with their incredible children!

More Help for LCI Graduates

Mike and Meghan Lorenz of Lancaster, PA, have become involved with LCI in developing the Outreach program. This program helps LCI graduates with organizing projects and retreats in Eastern Europe. Meghan and Michael are happy to have the opportunity to serve the Church in the work of re-evangelization.

To find out how you can help, contact: LCI Outreach

LCI Graduates Visit Austria

Lola and Kyrill Raykova enjoying a visit at the Kartause

Lola (Ibramigova) was the first LCI student from Russia in 1993. These many years later she still considers Gaming a special place, and made it her vacation spot in April, together with her husband. At home in Moscow, Lola works for General Motors and volunteers at her parish in her free time.

Fr. Calin Tamiian

Fr. Calin Tamiian (LCI ‘97) was ordained in 2002 for the Romanian Catholic Diocese of Canton, OH. He now works as chaplain at St John's Medical Center in Oxnard California. Sarah teaches ESL at Ventura College. She is also studying for a master’s degree and home-schooling their three children.