The greeting below — from the Provincial Minister, Vicar, and Secretary, along with the Provincial Councilors — was written during a Holy Week unlike any that has been experienced in recent years.
Dear brothers and friends,
As we approach the celebration of Easter 2020, mired in the Coronavirus pandemic, we are more mindful than ever of our need for the healing power of the risen Christ in our lives and in our world.
Jesus resurrected and Mary Magdalene from a holy card by Heinrich Hofmann cerca 1923. (Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons)
“Do not be afraid,” were the first words of Christ to the two Mary’s after his resurrection. Those words echo down the centuries even today to us, who still dare to profess our belief in the power of God ultimately to triumph over all sin, sickness and evil. The love of God will have the last word and, hopefully, we will be part of the manifestation of that love in our difficult times.
“Peace be with you,” were the first words of the risen Christ to the terrified disciples who were self-quarantined in the upper room. Ours is a peace that the world cannot give — or take away — when we embrace as our own the promise of Christ to be with us to the end of the world through the powerful presence of his Spirit. It is this promise that allows us as Franciscans to joyfully announce: Peace and All Good!
May the good Lord bless all the brothers and all whom we serve at this Eastertime.
May you experience more deeply God’s presence and peace in your lives.
May God look with compassion upon our world struck by COVID-19, and grant speedy recovery to those who are ill, strength to those who care for them, and success to those working to eradicate this disease.
With fraternal best wishes,
| Kevin Mullen, OFM Larry Hayes, OFM Michael Harlan, OFM |
David Convertino, OFM Fred Dilger, OFM Robert Frazzetta, OFM |
Tom Gallagher, OFM Walter Liss, OFM Erick Lopez, OFM |