Below is news about some of the many activities of Holy Name friars — including their publications, presentations, and ministry work. More information can be obtained by visiting the links to the parishes and organizations mentioned, by contacting the friars by phone or e-mail, and by contacting the Provincial Office.
To provide news briefs for future issues of HNP Today, contact Jocelyn Thomas through communications@hnp.org.
► An article by Stephen Lynch, titled “The Common Good,” appeared in the June/July 2007 issue of The American Catholic.
In it, he describes his 20 years as a missionary in Japan. He writes: “One reality was evident from the beginning: Japanese society has for centuries been group-centered, not individual-centered. For centuries, individuality has been frowned upon in Japan. The group-centered Japanese social ethic that formed the basis for Japanese relationships relied on two critical Japanese values: obligation and loyalty.”
“These virtues controlled every aspect of how people in Japan related to each other,“ he added. “Today, modern Japan is seeing a swing away from the group and toward individualism. This value shift is eroding the fundamental virtues of obligation and loyalty, resulting in a breakdown in responsibility and commitment, especially among younger Japanese.”
►Siena College president Kevin Mullen will discuss the topics of Siena College students serving as legal fellows including environmental litigation with Robert Kennedy, Jr., at Riverkeeper, caretaker rights, the city court system, constitutional law, bioethics and end-of-life decisions, domestic violence and cell phone use on the Sept. 1 edition of News & Views, Siena’s radio program.
The program is broadcast at 9 a.m. Eastern time, on WVCR FM 88.3 in New York’s Capital Region, and simulcast on the Internet at www.wvcr.com
►Provincial Minster John O’Connor participated in a meeting in Denver, Colo., earlier this month of the OFM English – Speaking Conference leaders. This fall, John will become president of the ESC of which he is currently vice president.