NEW YORK — Below are updates about some of the many activities of Holy Name friars, including their presentations, outreach and celebrations. More information can be obtained by visiting links to the parishes and organizations mentioned, by contacting the friars by phone or e-mail, and by connecting with the Communications Office.
To provide news briefs for future issues of HNP Today, e-mail Jocelyn Thomas at communications@hnp.org.
John Alderson, OFM, and Kevin Downey, OFM, pastors of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Butler, N.J, and St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J., respectively, are pictured in the June 18 issue of The Beacon, the publication of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. The story features the graduates of the eighth-grade classes at the parish schools. A student at St. Anthony of Padua, Robert Kluge, was recognized with an award from the diocese.
John Anglin, OFM, co-director of the Province’s Ministry of the Word, launched a blog in May. His most recent entry, “Getting focused,” includes a link to his first YouTube video reflection. Fellow MOW friar William DeBiase, OFM, has added a podcast, Simple Thoughts, to his blog, called Franciscan. Those who use iTunes can subscribe to the podcast.
A letter from Larry Anderson, OFM, appeared in the June 21 bulletin of St. Mary’s Parish, Pompton Lakes, where he is based this summer as a senior high school youth instructor and retreat director. In the letter, he reflected on his journey toward his solemn profession of vows, scheduled for Aug. 22.
Louis Canino, OFM, and the community of St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, hosted Fr. Louis Vitale, OFM, of St. Barbara Province on June 24. Louis spoke about “Nonviolence: The Path to Peace.”
Brian Jordan, OFM, chaplain of the New York City Building and Construction Trades Council, had a bylined article on marriage vs. civil unions in the Buffalo News on June 30. He authored the piece, titled “Marriage Means Something that Civil Unions Do Not,” with Edward Malloy, president of the council. The opinion piece said Brian and Malloy believe marriage is a religious institution and government should not equate it to civil unions. The article read: “We respect the viewpoints held by those who attempt to advocate same-sex marriage. However, please respect what we believe in the centuries-old religious tradition that marriage is solely between a man and a woman.”
A group of friars and cooks from many of the Province friaries, a total of 29 people, participated in a June 27 nutrition workshop titled “The Well-Fed Friar.” The event, given in the San Damiano Hall of the Provincial Office building in New York, was sponsored by the HNP Wellness Committee, co-chaired by J. Patrick Kelly, OFM, and Daniel Nelson, OFM.
Anthony LoGalbo, OFM, is accepting registrants for an evening course at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York. “Images of Clare of Assisi: Place your Mind before the Mirror of Eternity” is offered by the Center for Franciscan Spirituality and Spiritual Direction on West 31st Street. Sr. Meg Holden, FSP, will facilitate the July 20 to 25 course.
Jerome Massimino, OFM, joined the Renew Younger Retirees group of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Midtown Manhattan for its year-end luncheon on June 9 at Le Rivage Restaurant. The group leader, Marie Harrington, said Renew members appreciate Jerome’s involvement in the organization.
Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, was interviewed June 23 on Sirius Radio for the young adult Catholic radio show “Busted Halo” on June 23. Host Fr. Dave Dwyer interviewed Dominic about his vocation, the Franciscan Order and his book, Francis and His Brothers. Dominic said the program interviewed him for its series, “Vocation Awareness Tuesday.” Busted Halo is on satellite radio Sirius Channel 159, XM Channel 117. Some of Fr. Dave’s past interviews are posted on the Busted Halo Web site.
Christopher Posch, OFM, attended the novice reception of Carlos Ona, OFM, last month in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Carlos, a member of Christ the King Province, participated in Holy Name’s novitiate program in Wilmington, Del., where Christopher lives.
Finian Riley, OFM, celebrated his 60th jubilee of religious profession with A. Francis Soucy, OFM, the Holy Name Community in Ringwood, N.J., family and friends on June 20 at a special Mass. Ronald Pecci, OFM, novice director, and novices Scott Carey, OFM, Gerald Hopeck, OFM, and Michael Reyes, OFM, also attended. Celebrant and homilist Dominic Monti commended Finian for working with people at the margins of society during his years as a priest. These included ministry in Puerto Rico, with migrants in Florida and Camden, N.J., and as an original member of the Order’s new presence in the African Project, where he served for 20 years. He moved to Ringwood in 2005.
Frank Sevola, OFM, pastor of Church of St. Mary on Broadway in Providence, R.I., reports that the op-ed piece by Dominic appeared in the July 1 issue of the Providence Journal. It is titled “Franciscans Plunge into the World.”
Patrick Tuttle, OFM, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Greenville, S.C., reports that he and two parishioners “made their TV debut on June 23.” The video on the Your Carolina Web site promotes the parish’s International Fest on July 31. In the interview, Patrick and his team described St. Anthony’s School and mentioned the Franciscans’ connection to the parish since the 1930s.
News for the next issue of HNP Today is requested by July 8. For information about friars appearing in the media, visit the Communications page.
People and events planned for upcoming issues of this newsletter include:
· Kevin Mackin, OFM
· Michael Tyson, OFM
· Christopher VanHaight, OFM
· 25th anniversary commemoration of SFFP’s residence II
· The JPIC Directorate’s Peacemaking Webinar
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas, who reminds friars to visit the Extranet for forms, photo albums and internal Province news.