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Most-read HNP Today Stories of 2020

Maria Hayes Around the Province

NEW YORK – 2020 was a year that no one will forget.

Few could have foreseen the changes that took place in March as parishes, schools and retreat centers closed their doors amid the rise of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Although in-person contact was limited, ministries quickly found new ways to serve their communities, from livestreamed Masses to increased outreach to the homeless.

The Province also experienced several losses, including the withdrawal from nine ministries, some that had been staffed by friars for nearly a century. Fifteen friars died, including Christopher Posch, OFM, who was serving as the beloved pastor of St. Camillus Parish, near Washington, D.C., at the time of his death.

Last year brought moments of joy. The Province celebrated the solemn profession of Angel Vázquez, OFM, and Jay Woods, OFM, and the first profession of six of its members.  In addition, friars found new ways to stay connected and build fraternity. As the year came to an end, many looked with hope toward 2021.

The HNP Communications Office covered these and a wide variety of other topics. Below are the 25 most-read articles that were published last year.

Title of Story Date Published
St. Camillus Pastor Christopher Posch Dies July 7, 2020
Commemorating Jubilarians and Remembering Deceased Brothers Jan. 9, 2020
Stephen Kluge Marks 25 Years as a Friar Feb. 13, 2020
Province Announces Departure from Nine Locations Jan. 7, 2020
New Guardians and Pastors Assigned to Parishes, Friaries Sept. 16, 2020
Jay Woods Set for Solemn Profession July 16, 2020
Formation: Season of Transition June 11, 2020
2019-20 Postulants Reflect on First Months of Formation Experience Feb. 13, 2020
Discerning a Religious Vocation in Age of COVID-19 April 8, 2020
Angel Vazquez Completes Internship Year at SBU in Preparation for Solemn Profession July 16, 2020
Ministry Outreach Intensifies in a Changed World April 9, 2020
Province Announces New Leaders Aug. 13, 2020
Friars Transition to New Assignments Oct. 16, 2020
Profile: Scott Brookbank Marks 25 Years as a Friar March 10, 2020
Allegany Church Reopens After Renovations Feb. 12, 2020
Reflecting on Racism and Ways to Confront a Crisis June 3, 2020
“Love in Action”: A Reflection on Fratelli Tutti Oct. 27, 2020
Former St. Camillus Parish Pastor Martin Bednar Dies April 21, 2020
An Easter Message April 8, 2020
The Message of Mychal Judge’s Last Homily Sept. 11, 2020
Acclimating to New Ministry Assignments Nov. 19, 2020
The Province’s First Pandemic June 11, 2020
Friars Develop Ways to Bring Prayer, Worship to Homes During COVID-19 Pandemic March 26, 2020
Donnon Murray Dies in Tokyo June 3, 2020
Getting Creative: Friars Sustain and Strengthen Fraternity May 14, 2020

Data used to determine the top stories was collected from Google Analytics.

The Communications Office strives to offer articles that interest friars as well as friends, followers and supporters of Holy Name Province. Readers of HNP Today can suggest a topic by emailing Jocelyn Thomas at communications@hnp.org. Articles are posted in the Provincial News section of HNP.org throughout each month.

Non-HNP members who wish to receive the biweekly e-newsletter by email should fill out the subscription form.

News about the friars and their ministries can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

— Maria Hayes is director of marketing for Holy Name Province.

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