NEW YORK – Below are news items about some of the many activities of Holy Name friars – including their presentations, publications, and ministry work. 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 contacting the Communications Office.
To provide news briefs for future issues of HNP Today, e-mail Jocelyn Thomas at communications@hnp.org
► A book review by John J. Coughlin, OFM, a law professor at University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., appeared in the Jan. 21 issue of Americamagazine. In “Norms, Reforms,” John reviews The Battle for Rights in the United States Catholic Church by Kevin E. McKenna, published by Paulist Press.
► Frederick Dilger, OFM, is included in the January 2008 issue of The Pilgrim, St. Francis Inn’s publication, in a feature about four new members of the Inn’s team. On page 2, he describes why he chose Holy Name Province over other religious communities. “The friars’ good humor and love of life provided a great example of how one could know God more intimately through the celebration of humanity,” he said.
► The guitar that was stolen from Francis Gunn, OFM, in October has been returned. Look for the story in the Feb. 6 issue of HNP Today.
► John Leonard, OFM, has announced that St. Anthony’s Parish in Butler, N.J. will hold an appreciation dinner for first responders and their families on March 8. “The inspiration for the dinner surfaced from parish council discusions,” he said. “It was felt that the parish would like to express its gratitude for the sacrifices, dedication and hard work that these individuals provide for parishioners and for all in the local communities of Butler and Bloomingdale, N.J. Those serving in our two fire and police deaprtments , in our first aid squads, and our crossing guards and family members are being invited for the 5:30 p.m. Mass and dinner.”
► Siena President Kevin Mullen, OFM, will greet alumni at four Siena College receptions next month in Florida. They are scheduled for Feb. 5 in Orlando, Feb. 6 in Tampa, Feb. 7 in Naples, and Feb. 29 in Stuart. Information can be found on the Siena Web site. Interested attendees should RSVP by Feb. 1 to Siena’s alumni office.
► Jerome Massimino, OFM, pastor of St. Francis Church on West 31st Street, is hosting the Westside Manhattan Vicariate celebration of the Archdiocese of New York’s Bicentennial on Jan. 28.
At 5 p.m., Edward Cardinal Egan of New York will welcome the priests of the Vicariate for dinner in the friary dining room. At 7 p.m., there will be a concelebrated Mass in the church followed by a reception for the public in the San Damiano Hall at 127 West 31st St.
► Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, is co-hosting a St. Bonaventure University alumni reception on Jan. 25 with Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF, SBU president, and Jerome Massimino, OFM, guardian of St. Francis Friary, Manhattan, where the gathering is being held.
► An op-ed piece by Daniel Sulmasy, OFM, professor of Medicine and director of the Bioethics Institute, New York Medical College, appeared in the Jan. 22 issue of the New York Post. Dan discusses debates about the ethics of stem-cell research, saying, “New York’s law allotting $600 million in taxpayer money to stem-cell research over the next 10 years passed in the middle of the night on April Fools Day 2007, tucked away inside the Albany budget.” Dan will be participating in a Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 symposium titled “Spirituality in Healing and Healthcare” at St. Bonaventure University.
► Michael Tyson, OFM, led the Sixth annual Ecumenical March for Peace in Manhattan on Jan. 21. Afater the walk that began at Holy Name of Jesus Church on West 96th street, participants participated in a prayer service.
► Thomas Vigliotta, OFM, of Athens, Ga., reports that he recently received the latest newsletter from Desert Voices, where he read that Louis Vitale, OFM, from the St. Barbara Province is in prison. “Fr. Louis has been one of the most outspoken prophetic voices for justice and peace within the Franciscan community,” Thomas said, adding that “Louis is presently imprisoned because he knelt down in prayer half way up the driveway at Fort Huachuca Army base, which is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and school of interrogation. Louis is serving a five-month sentence because as he told the judge: “We will keep trying to stop the teaching and practice of torture.”