RALEIGH, N.C.— In July, the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi here celebrated the 50th anniversary of Profession of Vows of David McBriar, OFM. Pastor from 1987 to 1995, David returned several years ago as a senior friar.
David presided at a Eucharist on July 12, followed by “An Evening at an Italian Trattoria,” with cocktails, dinner and hilarious entertainment. The highlight of the evening was the inauguration of The David J. McBriar, OFM, Chair for Justice and Peace Endowment Fund. The endowment has been established to support the work and mission of the Franciscan Coalition for Justice and Peace. The chair has been named for David, in recognition of his gifts of education, service and advocacy, both to the Catholic Community of St. Francis and the larger civic and ecclesial communities.
“If lending my name to an endowed chair for the future life of the Franciscan Coalition will help, then I am both humbled and proud to do that,” he said. “A wise teacher once told me, ‘David, be part of something bigger than yourself.’ ”
On July 13, David presided at a second Eucharist in celebration of his jubilee. An ice cream social for all followed.
On July 14, the first David J. McBriar Justice and Peace Golf Tournament was held at David’s favorite golf course. Proceeds will help fund the endowment.
— Pat Mahoney is communication specialist at St. Francis of Assisi Church