Some notable October events that took place around Holy Name Province:
One Year Ago
Oct. 23, 2010 — The Franciscan Mission Service marked 20 years of international lay mission and honored George Corrigan, OFM, with the Joe Nangle, OFM Lifelong Mission Award. George served as a lay missioner in Kenya from 1996 to 1999. (Last month, he was officially installed as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Tampa, Fla., where he has been based since 2007.)
Five Years Ago
Oct. 5, 2006 — Fr. Kevin Madigan, pastor of St. Peter’s Church, and Brian Jordan, OFM, reblessed the World Trade Center cross, found by construction worker Frank Silecchia on Sept. 13, 2001, amidst the debris of the collapsed Twin Towers. Earlier that day, the cross was relocated to its temporary home near St. Peter’s Church. (This summer, Brian once again blessed the cross before it was transported to its new home at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.)
Oct. 12, 2006 — The Provincial Council voted to change HNP Today from a weekly newsletter to biweekly. (Today, the Communications Office welcomes submissions from friar and lay readers and requests the information be submitted by the Wednesday before a publication date.)
Oct. 20, 2006 — The friar community of Siena College celebrated the 25th anniversary of St. Bernardine of Siena Friary by welcoming students, faculty, staff and administrators to an open house and rededication. Friars gave tours of the public space and told stories of the building to the roughly 150 visitors.
15 Years Ago
Oct. 2, 1996 — Kevin Mackin, OFM, was installed as the ninth president of Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. (In October 2008, Kevin was inaugurated the first Franciscan president of Mount St. Mary College, Newburgh, N.Y., where he continues to serve.)
25 Years Ago
Oct. 27, 1986 — Pope John Paul II led the Spirit of Assisi, a prayer summit for peace, in Assisi, Italy. Similar observances were held throughout the Province. (Ministries around the Province are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi this month, including an Oct. 27 prayer service at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New York City.)
50 Years Ago
Oct. 1, 1961 — Francis Frawley, OFM, celebrated the first Mass at the Province’s mission in Tsukiyono, Japan, an extension of the mission in Gumma. Roughly 30 members of the community attended. In a report from the Winter 1962 Provincial Annals, Francis said he was unsure how the mission would fare in the future, but “at least with the Grace of God it has been opened, and with his grace the faith may spread and many souls be drawn to his truth and love.” (Francis, who worked as a missionary in Japan for more than 25 years, died in 1990 at the age of 74.)
60 Years Ago
Oct. 28, 1951 — More than 800 gathered to witness the laying of the cornerstone and dedication of the new school and convent at Holy Name Parish in Garfield, N.J. Newark Archbishop Thomas Walsh officiated at the ceremony. (Last month, Holy Name Church kicked off a nine-month commemoration of its centennial. Province friars founded the church in 1911.)
— Compiled by Rebecca Doel