Around the Province, the friars and their partners-in-ministry are planning events to commemorate the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis.
In Newburgh, N.Y., all are invited to Mount St. Mary College’s annual Blessing of the Pets at 12 p.m. on Oct. 2. The blessing, conducted by college president Kevin Mackin, OFM, celebrates St. Francis of Assisi’s Transitus, or transition from earthly life, and is part of Alumni and Family Weekend at the college.
The blessing will be held outside of Guzman Hall on the campus at 330 Powell Avenue. Pets should be on leashes or in carriers, according to an announcement from the college.
In New York City, St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street is offering a variety of events during its traditional Francis Week. They include:
- Viva Francesco: Francis Goes to the Tonys on Sept. 30 in San Damiano Hall on 129 West 31st St., a concert and fundraiser to support the music ministry of the parish
- Blessing of animals: Oct. 1 at noon
- “Finding Francis on Facebook: Franciscan Spirituality and Mission in the Digital Age” by Daniel Horan, OFM, at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 in San Damiano Hall
- “What makes a Friar Tick?” Oct. 2 at 7:15 p.m. San Damiano Hall
- “Experience the Transitus,” an event sponsored by the HNP Vocation Office, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 3
- Transitus, 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3
In Greenville, S.C., the community of St. Anthony of Padua Church and School will bless animals on Saturday morning Oct. 1 and then the friar and sister communities of Greenville will celebrate the Transitus together, including a trip by the Sisters of the Monastery of St. Clare to St. Anthony’s downtown, according to pastor Patrick Tuttle, OFM. The Anderson, S.C., friars — based at St. Mary of the Angels and St. Joseph churches — will be invited as well, he added.
The HNP Communications Office welcomes friars and their partners-in-ministry to publicize upcoming programs and services planned for the feast of St. Francis by posting information and photos on the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province Facebook page.