ROME — Throughout 2014, Franciscans in Ireland have celebrated the Year of the Holy Name of Jesus to commemorate a devotion begun by Fr. Francis Donnelly, OFM, in 1914.
The goal of this year’s commemorations was simple, according to the November issue of Fraternitas, the Order’s monthly newsletter. The Franciscans sought “to promote a renewed reverence and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and, in this way, to deepen personal love of the Lord Jesus and fidelity to his Gospel.” Pope Francis has decreed the event to be a holy year.
The year began at the Poor Clare Monastery of Galway on Jan. 3, the feast of the Holy Name. Events included the release of a book and a new website — www.holyname.ie — with prayers, meditations, Scripture readings, hymns and history.
“This year, which we first thought would be celebrated by the Franciscan family, found great acceptance in various diocese and groups within the Church in Ireland,” according to a report in Fraternitas. “There was a renewed interest in the IHS monogram, which people placed in their homes.”
The current Fraternitas also covers the recent appointment of John O’Connor, OFM, as executive assistant to the General Minister for development and fundraising.
“He has extensive experience in the area of administration and fundraising,” according to the publication. “In this recently created service, John will bring forward his passion for missionary evangelization and the formation of young men for the Franciscan religious life and priesthood.”
Other news from the Order includes:
- The Sept. 29 celebration of the General Minister’s name day on the feast of the Archangels. Robert Gonzalez, OFM, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, participated.
- A meeting of the administrations of six provinces in northern Italy, as they prepare for unification in 2016
- The appointment of Fr. Stane Zore, OFM, of Holy Cross Province in Slovenia as Archbishop of Ljubljana, Slovenia
- The schedule of General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, listing engagements in Rome, Spain, France and Indonesia
— Compiled by Maria Hayes