Provincial Minister Fr. Kevin Mullen has joined the provincial ministers of five provinces belonging to the Order of Friars Minor in the United States to condemn the violence in Ukraine and call for nonviolent action to restore peace.
James Bernard, Steven Kuehn, Aaron Richardson Profess Solemn Vows
NEW YORK — Surrounded by more than 100 of their OFM brothers, three friars – Brothers James Bernard, OFM, Steven Kuehn, OFM, and Aaron Richardson, OFM – professed their solemn vows as Franciscans at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi this summer. Friars from around the country, as well as relatives and friends, gathered on Aug. 21 at the …
Jay Woods Ordained to Priesthood at Hartford Church
Punctuated by centuries of sacred Franciscan tradition, glorious music, triumphant applause, and a safely-distanced crowd of friars, family members and friends, Jay Woods, OFM, was ordained to the priesthood in the rite of presbyteral ordination at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in downtown Hartford
Two Friars Ordained to Priesthood by Cardinal Wilton Gregory
More than 50 friars attended the ordination Mass of Juan De La Cruz Turcios and Javier Del Angel de Los Santos at St. Camillus Church in Silver Spring
Standing in Solidarity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
In response to the increase of hate-fueled violence against Asian- Americans and Pacific Islanders, the Province’s Migrant Center of New York is providing education and advocacy programs, and HNP has released a statement expressing solidarity and support for the AAPI community.
St. Bonaventure President Dennis DePerro Dies of COVID-19
Dr. Dennis DePerro, the 21st president of St. Bonaventure University, died on March 1 of complications from COVID-19. The 62-year-old was beloved for his Franciscan spirit, friendly personality, and remarkable leadership.
Franciscan Leaders Join Catholic Bishops in Condemning Bullying, Violence toward LGBT Youth
In accordance with the Catholic-Franciscan tradition, which recognizes and celebrates the God-given dignity of every human being, the leaders of six provinces belonging to the Order of Friars Minor in the U.S. added their support to a statement signed by Catholic bishops and dozens of religious orders and institutions that condemns bullying and other acts of violence toward LGBT youth.
Revitalization of U.S. Provinces Progresses with Friar Forums, Discussions about New Entity’s Name, Governance Structure
When talk began of unifying the six OFM provinces of the United States, it was the start of a process that developed into a comprehensive plan – over time, gaining momentum and now at the point where the work of two friar leaders is dedicated solely to this initiative. Early discussions that focused on whether to unify morphed into discussions of how to restructure six Franciscan entities, including Holy Name Province, into a strong, singular coast-to-coast province. The Revitalization and Restructuring Process – as it is called – has produced a team that is unified in creating a renewed and energized Franciscan presence.
Franciscan Leaders Denounce Violence at the US Capitol
After the attack on the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, the leaders of six OFM provinces in the United States – including Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM – sent the following letter to the members of their provinces. Friars and their partners-in-ministry at Franciscan ministry sites around the country pray for peace and unity during this turbulent phase in …
Farewell at Assumption Parish in New Jersey Ends Nearly a Century of Service
Simplicity and humility mark send-off for Paul Keenan, Jim McIntosh, Richard Mucowski, Robert Norton, at Province’s last remaining presence in the Archdiocese of Newark
Angel Vázquez, Jay Woods Make Solemn Profession
HARTFORD, Conn. — In the presence of a small group of friars, family members, friends and parishioners – and with virtual guests from as far west as Arizona and east to Puerto Rico “attending” via live-streamed broadcast – Angel Vázquez, OFM, and Jay Woods, OFM, made their final vows to live St. Francis of Assisi’s Rule of the Order of …
With COVID-19 Halting Road Ministries, Friars Shift Gears
The COVID-19 pandemic has grounded friars Province-wide whose preaching ministries usually keep them on the road both here and abroad. Retreats, missions, workshops, classes, seminars, pilgrimages, and other related events have been suspended indefinitely. Below, eight friars – Francis Pompei, Dan Riley, Peter Chepaitis, Thomas Hartle, Kevin Cronin, Casey Cole, Dan Horan, and John Anglin – each share how their …