NEW YORK — Below are news items 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.
Russell Becker, OFM, the Province’s secretary for missionary evangelization, has shared another of his meditations. July’s “Summer of John 6” discusses the miracle of the loaves and fishes in the Gospel of Mark. “In looking at the chapter, just as any of part the Bible, one is to learn a little about the customs of the times which can offer some interesting reflections. Another is to study the words used and their context, and apply methods of criticism that look at content, author, style, tradition, history, Church doctrine, commentaries and studies from the early Church, saints, and scholars among others.” The introduction reminds readers of upcoming saints’ feast days, including Thomas the Apostle, Bonaventure, Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ grandparents, Joachim and Anne.
Kevin Cronin, OFM, a member of HNP’s Ministry of the Word, gave a summer mission at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish at Point Lookout, N.Y., preaching at the July 11 weekend Masses. The theme was “Come to the Lord and Get a New Life” and consisted of 9 a.m. Mass and evening prayer services from July 13 to 15. “Summer is ideal for slowing down and taking time to reflect on life,” Kevin said. “We like to give missions in the summer but very few places seek to host them. I was glad to be at the Point.”
Richard Husted, OFM, pastor of St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, N.Y., awarded the Province’s Francis Medal to four parishioners at the annual Bonafest last weekend. A recap of the event will appear in the next issue of this e-letter.
Gregory Jakubowicz, OFM, is settling into life on the campus of Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., where he began his new position as college chaplain on July 1.
John McDowell, OFM, moved last month to St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C., where he will manage the justice and peace office there as well as direct the Franciscan Center in nearby Greensboro, N.C.
Joseph Nangle, OFM, is in Brazil with the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, headquartered in Paterson, N.J., conducting workshops on mission. He will travel from Brazil to the Philippines, Taiwan and Namibia, all missions of “this wonderful Franciscan congregation,” Joseph said.
Ronald Pecci, OFM, of Wilmington, Del., is helping the staff of St. Anne’s Parish in Fair Lawn, N.J., collect photos of Holy Name friars who ministered at St. Anne’s to commemorate the parish’s 100th anniversary on Dec. 5. The Province staffed the parish for 95 years.
Christopher Posch, OFM, chair of the Province’s Hispanic Ministry Committee, reports that plans for the Oct. 24 Province-wide Encuentro at St. Camillus Church in Silver Spring, Md., are developing. In a recent meeting, the event planners decided to contact HNP ministry sites to ensure participation. Encuentro promotional materials will be distributed in August.
John Ullrich, OFM, has updated his Caring Bridge blog with information about his recent stem cell transplant. He began posting to the Web site in mid-May and generally adds at least one update each week. John will be in Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia for most of the month, recouperating from the transplant.
Jud Weiksnar, OFM, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Camden, N.J., has notified the Communications Office that the parish has a new Web site.
News for the next issue of HNP Today is requested by July 22.
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas