The aroma of Brother Mitch Schweickart, S.M.’s homemade spaghetti sauce hit me the moment I walked through the front door.
Evidently, I beat the Thursday night rush because moments later a conga line of University of Dayton students streamed through the living room of 301 Kiebaber St. to gather around an oversized dining room table decorated for the Thanksgiving season. Brother Mitch, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, took off his puffy, white chef’s hat and led the group in a prayer of gratitude:
“We thank you for gathering us. Bless our encounter time and presence together,” the students prayed. “As we learn about Mary’s mission of bringing Christ in our world, help us to see Christ in each other and within ourselves.”
Before loading up plates with mounds of spaghetti and meatballs, they offered personal intentions — for peace in our world, for the sick, for those spending the upcoming holidays alone or without a loved one, and, finally, for our country.
These Thursday suppers are emblematic of the Marianists, who are as hospitable as they are humble. They share their faith by serving others, and all are invited to the table.
“Coming out of COVID, we wanted to introduce students to who the Marianists are,” said Brother Mitch about how the tradition evolved. “You put a meal on and people will come.”
Eight students showed up for the first supper the Marianists hosted in fall 2021. On a hot August evening before classes even started this fall, a record 120 students filled the house and spilled into the backyard. Typically, though, the Marianists can count on between 50 and 75 students each week, according to LeeAnn Meyer, a lay Marianist and assistant director of Marianist strategies for student programs.
“This is all about sharing a meal and being part of a community,” said Simon Didat, a second-year law student, about the appeal. Cara Mooney and Olivia Kindbom, runners on the women’s cross country and track teams and residents of a sophomore faith house, started attending the meals this year to explore their faith and meet new people. Ben Penote, a first-year psychology major from Cincinnati, accidentally showed up early one week and now routinely arrives first to help set up. “I’ve met so many people here who have become friends,” he said.
Students hear about the spaghetti suppers largely through word of mouth. Except for Owen Pukys, who received an emailed invitation after he recovered from an illness. “When I arrived, I realized I was the only one with an invitation. It was like the Great Gatsby,” he said. “People just show up, and it’s so welcoming.”
As students paraded through the kitchen’s buffet line, I asked Brother Mitch the secret behind his sauce. He revealed few details except to say, “I’m not a measurer.”
How do you measure the Marianist spirit in action? Over plates of pasta, I witnessed heaping helpings of food and friendship, faith and fellowship. These dinners feed more than hungry students. They feed the soul.
That’s the secret sauce.