EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — As the year comes to a close, St. Anthony’s Guild is featuring in its recent mailings the 800th anniversary of the Franciscans, their ministry to the poor, and stories of the lives of friars
The current issue of the Guild’s quarterly magazine features the solemn profession of five Province friars, as well as articles about a variety of seasonal topics. The winter 2008 issue of The Anthonian was distributed earlier this month to nearly 100,000 readers.
Winter Anthonian
Topics in this issue are:
- “Embracing the Poor,” about the Bread & Blessings program at the Province’s parish in Providence, R.I.
- “Learning Spanish, Experiencing Fraternity” by Daniel Horan, OFM, a resident of Holy Name College in Silver Spring, Md.
- “The Christmas Pasch” by Russell Becker, OFM, director of HNP’s Franciscan Missionary Union
- Friar’s Corner by Gabriel Scarfia, OFM, of East Aurora, N.Y.
- “My Franciscan Journey” by Lawrence Burke, OFM, of Ringwood, N.J.
In his traditional letter on the magazine’s inside cover, John Piccione, OFM, director of St. Anthony’s Guild, said, “I am mindful of how grateful we friars are for the gift of your membership in St. Anthony’s Guild. Your generosity and faith are an inspiration.”
He continued: “We celebrate the solemn profession of our brothers whose education and formation were made possible through our Guild members. We highlight the work of the Poverello Center in Providence, R.I. Our ability to help the poorest of the poor is only possible through your generosity.”
Calendar for 2009
Another recent mailing by St. Anthony’s Guild provided a calendar that highlights the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order. The accompanying letter from the director of St. Anthony’s Guild described the season’s time of anticipation, the origin of the Christmas crèche, and the value of contributions from friends of the Guild.
The 2009 calendar features Assisi’s Porziuncola chapel, where the young St. Francis discovered his calling.
The calendar also includes the Prayer to Begin the New Year, the prayer of St. Francis for His Order.
A similar calendar has been distributed by the Franciscan Missionary Union.
Copies of The Anthonian can be found at the Province’s ministries and parishes. The magazine is also online.