EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Province’s Franciscan Chapel Center in Tokyo is highlighted by St. Anthony’s Guild in its winter 2010 issue of The Anthonian.
The magazine cover shows the chapel’s pastor Russell Becker, OFM, greeting parishioners after Mass. “Franciscan Center in Tokyo Creates A Missionary Spirit” describes how a number of volunteers from the Franciscan Chapel Center provide bags of onigiri, or rice cakes, to feed the homeless of Tokyo every morning.
Essay Contest for Students
The Anthonian is inviting sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to enter an online essay contest. Students should submit essays that are between 500 and 750 words about what St. Anthony means to people, how he helps and inspires them, or what he meant for the Church. Prizes include $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for the third place. Winning essays will be displayed on the guild’s website.
The magazine also includes an article by Frank Maurovich titled “Bread & Blessings On the Street,” highlighting Beneficent Church’s Bread & Blessings Program, which provides a meal to people in need. The Providence, R.I., service is provided on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 6 a.m.
“It’s a way of paying back,” said Mark McNally, a volunteer. “Besides, I enjoy seeing my friends and love working with the other volunteers.”
Brice Leavins, OFM, director of the program, said, “People in our breadline don’t come just for food. Some come for the friendliness they experience. Others need extra help.”
The issue of the magazine was mailed in January to Province ministries and to members of the guild, Holy Name Province’s fundraising partner.
Assorted Ministries and Friars Featured
Other topics featured in the winter issue include:
· “Parish Added to Urban Ministry” by Frank Maurovich
· “Maryland Parish Shares Faith, Hope and Love in El Salvador” by Gina Maclean
· “How Much?” by Russell
· “My Franciscan Journey” by Thomas Cole, OFM
This issue provides an example of how “people are drawn together in community and out of experience they are drawn to the service of others,” wrote Joseph Hertel, OFM, director of St. Anthony’s Guild, in a letter that appears on the inside front cover of the 83-year-old quarterly publication.
— Kevin McGarr is a senior at St. Bonaventure University in Western New York. During summer 2010, he worked in HNP’s Communications Office as an intern.