Anderson Friars Present Francis Medal to ‘Generous’ Parishioner

Jocelyn Thomas Around the Province

Fr. Michael Jones presents Pat Stewart with the Francis Medal. (Photo courtesy of Michael)

Fr. Michael Jones presents Patrick Stewart with the Francis Medal. (Photo courtesy of Michael)

ANDERSON, S.C. — The friars of St. Mary of the Angels Parish gave the HNP Francis Medal to Patrick Stewart, an active parishioner who pastor Aubrey McNeil, OFM, says “is of inestimable help” to the friars in maintaining the church and friary.

“He is a person who is extremely generous with himself and with his time,” said Aubrey. “Pat has been very active in the parish for as long as he has been a member, which is seven years.  Although he lives 10 miles away, he responds readily to any need. A retiree, he volunteers his time to St. Mary’s. He is our maintenance man and trouble shooter.”

Stewart has developed “a program of scheduled maintenance that has saved us a lot of expense and avoided many emergencies,” said Aubrey, adding that the medal recipient is “unassuming and embodies the values and virtues of St. Francis.”

Aubrey and Michael Jones, OFM, presented the medal on Aug. 2, the feast of Our Lady of the Angels, honoring the Portiuncula.

Other St. Mary of the Angels parishioners have been recognized through the years. Last October, parishioners Margaret Mack, Norene Smith and Annie Thomas were given the Francis Medal and in December 2008, Sharon Sutterfield received the recognition.

The Holy Name Province Francis Medal was established in 1998 by then-Provincial Minister John Felice, OFM. Recipients are people who have displayed an uncommon contribution to the advancement of the ideals and values of St. Francis.

Also this year, the medal was given by the friars of Tampa, Fla., and St. Bonaventure University, as well as by Louis Canino, OFM, of Stoneville, N.C., and by Richard Mucowski, OFM, of Wood-Ridge, N.J.

— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.

Related Links