NEW YORK – Archbishop Harry Flynn, of Minneapolis-St. Paul received the Province’s Francis Medal following evening prayer with the friars of 31st Street on Sept. 18. Abp. Flynn was in New York to deliver the first Cardinal Bernardin Lecture of the 2006-2007 season to priests of the metropolitan area.
Jerome Massimino, pastor and guardian of St. Francis on W 31st Street, conceived the idea of presenting the Francis Medal to Abp. Flynn in recognition of the Franciscan ideals embodied in his ministry both as a priest and as a bishop, especially his efforts to heal and support his fellow priests during the recent sexual abuse scandals. Archbishop Flynn expressed his gratitude both for the honor, and for the support and friendship of the friars of Holy Name Province, especially the friars of Siena College, from which he earned his bachelors and masters in English.
Kevin Tortorelli read the citation and Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, representing John O’Connor, presented the medal to Abp. Flynn. Former Provincials John Felice and Anthony Carrozzo presented him with a framed version of the medal citation.
Abp. Flynn’s favorite Siena professor, Peter Fiore, was on hand to congratulate his former student, as well as fellow Schenectady native, Hugh Hines, former president of Siena College.