Niagara University celebrated a significant milestone in its spiritual and communal history on Sunday, May 17, with the formal Vincentian affiliation of Mary and Larry Montani. The ceremony, held during the final Sunday of the Easter season, recognized the couple’s decades-long commitment to the mission and charism of St. Vincent de Paul.
Affiliation is a prestigious honor within the Vincentian Community, reserved for lay collaborators and benefactors who are formally linked to the Congregation. Approved by the General Council in Rome, the status recognizes those who advance the Vincentian mission through service, collaboration, or significant support of works that evangelize the poor.
The Rev. Michael Carroll, C.M., delivered a homily during the celebration, drawing parallels between the Montanis’ dedication and the Gospel message of unity and service. “
Affiliates are honored and spiritually connected colleagues and dear friends,” Father Carroll said. He noted that through this bond, the Montanis share in the prayers and good works of the Congregation.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
The recommendation for affiliation, submitted by the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, highlighted the Montanis’ extensive contributions to Catholic education, healthcare, and community life – and their roles as collaborators in advancing the mission of St. Vincent de Paul.
Larry Montani, the former co-managing director of Niacet Corp., led a family business long admired for its civic engagement and generosity toward its employees and the wider community. His leadership extended to the university’s governance, where he served as a member of the Board of Advisors and as a Trustee, eventually completing a term as Board Chair and being honored as Chair Emeritus. Beyond the university, he has given generously of his time to the Stella Niagara Education Park and the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.
Mary Montani has brought her own remarkable gifts to the service of others, with a specific focus on healthcare and women’s health. As a breast cancer survivor, she has held leadership roles with the Western New York chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center Foundation. She also served as honorary chair for the Campaign for Women’s Health, expressing the Vincentian charism of compassion by improving access to care for vulnerable families.
Tireless Advocates for the Mission
Together, the Montanis have been tireless advocates and benefactors of Niagara University, supporting capital campaigns, scholarships, and student life initiatives. Their establishment of the Mary B. and Larry A. Montani Family Endowment Fund ensures ongoing support for Catholic education in Niagara Falls, creating a lasting legacy of their faith. In recognition of their sustained impact, the university previously presented them with the Founder’s Award in 2003 and the St. Vincent de Paul Award in 2009. During the ceremony, Father Maher read the formal proclamation extending affiliation to the couple, presenting them with a certificate that establishes their lasting bond with the mission. Reflecting on the Gospel of John, Father Carroll emphasized that the Montanis’ work embodies the unity Jesus prayed for, acknowledging that they have stood with Him in making God’s love real to others.
