Midtown Manhattan and St. Anthony Messenger are each promoting hope and support through a service provided by a non-profit organization, the American Cancer Society; both the magazine and the neighborhood of St. Francis of Assisi Church are featuring Hope Lodge, the residence that provides lodging to cancer patients undergoing treatment.
The February issue of the Messenger contains an in-depth article about Hope Lodge and its Catholic connections. It focuses on the Hope Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the Messenger is published, and it describes the four lodges in the U.S. with strong Catholic connections. They are in Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., Birmingham, Ala., and Indianapolis, Ind.
The first Hope Lodge in New York City will open this year in midtown Manhattan, in the building being constructed by Holy Name Province and its partners. Hope Lodge New York will have its entrance on 32nd Street; the friars’ section of the building is on 31st Street.
HNP’s leadership is pleased to be in the same building as an organization that offers so many needed services; counseling, support groups, transportation to doctor appointments and related services will be provided to out-of-town patients.
“Being part of ACS’s team is a natural fit for us,” said Provincial Minister John O’Connor. “Serving those in need is part of the Franciscan tradition.”
Jerome Massimino, pastor of St. Francis, said “Here at St. Francis we are always looking to offer new opportunities for the friars and our partners in ministry as well as to develop programs to meet the needs of the people we minister to especially when they are unique to our mission.“One specific example is the establishment of The Center for Franciscan Spirituality.
He added, “It seems that outreach to Hope Lodge would be a natural fit for us to partner with them. It will be exciting to match the needs of Hope Lodge residents with such offerings as our Counseling Center, Spiritual Direction Center and Twelve Step Programs as well connecting our friars with the patients and their families for spiritual support and possible sacramental needs,” Jerome said.