BOSTON — On Oct. 12, the friar community and staff of St. Anthony Shrine held a day of recollection and reflection.
The afternoon retreat began in the friars’ chapel with a presentation by David Bossman, OFM, of Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J. Attendees reflected in small groups on David’s talk, “The Judeo-Christian Roots of Social Service,” and shared feedback with the larger group.
James Kelly, OFM, executive director of the shrine, closed the afternoon with Mass at 3:30 p.m. David preached the homily, tying it together with his earlier presentation and the group’s feedback.
Following Mass, a bus arrived at the shrine to transport friars to the Boston waterfront to board the boat “Secret Love,” for an evening on the Boston Harbor. This evening was the gift of Terry and Cheri Kirkman, shrine attendees.
The day was coordinated by Jim and Joyce Lonergan, human resources director for the shrine. Jim said he viewed the day of recollection and reflection as preparation for the installation and recommisioning of friars serving at the shrine. On Oct. 16, Jim was officially installed as the shrine’s guardian and executive director, and Brian Cullinane, OFM, was installed as assistant executive director.
The week before, on Oct. 9, Boston mayor Thomas Menino and his wife joined the friar community for preprandium and dinner.
Angela Menino noted: “We always look forward to our visit here. There is always a warm welcome and a feeling of home.” When the mayor left, he remarked: “This is a wonderful place that does wonderful work for the people of Boston.”
— Br. John is a vicar of St. Anthony Shrine in Boston.