NEW YORK — They came from the north and the south. They represented parishes, social services ministries and a city chapel. They celebrated their collective experiences serving God’s people for more than 200 years as friars of Holy Name Province.
On June 30, friars marking 25 and 50 years as Franciscan friars, were honored by the 110-year-old Province at its annual jubilee Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street.
“Tonight we celebrate the generosity of our brothers,” said Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, who presided at the liturgy. “They have worked in a variety of ministries, and they have shared their talent and time in so many ways. Today, we celebrate our brothers who have shown us that they are not afraid to sweat and to persevere.”
The Honorees
Friars commemorating 50 years of profession this year are:
| • | Michael Carnevale, OFM, director of the St. Francis Breadline in Midtown Manhattan |
| • | Timothy Dauenhauer, OFM, of Buffalo, N.Y., who has worked for more than 40 years at the Big Brothers of America |
| • | Michael Joyce, OFM, parochial vicar of the Church of St. Mary on Broadway, Providence, R.I. |
| • | Gerald Mudd, OFM, of St. Bernardine of Siena Friary in Loudonville, N.Y., who serves at Francis Chapel near Albany, N.Y. |
| • | A. Francis Soucy, OFM, guardian and director of Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J., the Province’s long-term care facility, who was unable to attend the celebration |
Celebrating 25 years of profession was Mark Reamer, OFM, a native of River Vale, N.J., who is pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh, N.C.
The deceased members of the two anniversary classes were also honored during the Mass: Brian Linehan, OFM, who professed his first vows in 1961, and Gerald Hudson, OFM, who was professed in 1986.
Friends, friars, relatives and colleagues joined the honorees in celebration. A reception in the Province’s San Damiano Hall followed the Mass. It was a joyful evening, with giggling of children, flashing of cameras, and animated conversations of people united by the shared commemoration of lifetimes of ministry.
“The gathering of the brotherhood made the celebration a true praising of the Lord for his goodness and kindness to me,” said Michael Joyce. “I am thankful to the brotherhood of Holy Name Province for supporting me over the years. Having my siblings and their spouses at the celebration was icing on the cake.”
Active Ministries
Francis Pompei, OFM, guardian of St. Patrick Friary, Buffalo, where Timothy lives, said, “It was great to see friars who are very active in ministry at ages when many people want to retire.”
During the Mass, the friars of the classes of 1961 and 1986 prayed together a renewal of vows. Assisting John with the Mass were Michael Harlan, OFM, Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, Andrew Reitz, OFM, and Timothy Shreenan, OFM. The music was provided by Meredith Augustin, the parish’s director of music ministry, along with cantor Liam Mulligan and organist Jared Lamenzo.
Mark said the reason he initially joined the Franciscans rings true today. “I joined to be part of something larger than myself,” he said. “Living in community with brothers has been rewarding.”
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.