EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The latest issue of The Anthonian, produced by the Province’s St. Anthony’s Guild, can be found online.
The Fall 2008 issue, which was mailed to its nearly 100,000 subscribers in late August, includes articles on the following:
? The May ordination of five Holy Name friars
? The Province’s midtown Manhattan building and its ministries that care for the planet and its people in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi
? 130th anniversary of St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson, N.J.
? St. Francis Builds, a ministry based in Maryland that is similar to Habitat for Humanity.
? The Feast of the Archangels (on Sept. 26)
? Friar’s Corner essay by Kevin Mackin, OFM
? My Franciscan Journey by Roy Gasnick, OFM
As the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis nears, the Guild is communicating to its members the value of the Assisi saint. A recent mailing that describes St. Francis as “a gentle spirit” tells readers about commemorations planned by Province parishes for the Feast of St. Francis. The Transitus, the celebration of St. Francis’ life and passing into heaven, will be commemorated on Oct. 3, the eve of his feast day.
John Piccone, OFM, director of St. Anthony’s Guild, said in a letter “The story of Francis and the leper is heartening because it reminds us that our Franciscan patron was not superhuman. Just like you and me, he had to make a conscious decision to let Christ come into his heart. Each one of us, whether religious of lay, can make that same decision. We are given opportunities to embrace Christ all the time. Our challenge is to keep our eyes and hearts open to them.”
John said, “we invite you to send us your special intentions for our nine-day novena beginning on the feast of St. Francis and on All Souls Day on Nov. 2.”