BUTLER, N.J. — St. Anthony of Padua Parish recently recognized a man who for 54 years has exemplified the spirit of St. Francis in lay ministry and service to his church.
Michael Jones, OFM, pastor, presented the Province’s Francis Medal to Steve Silversey on Oct. 6. A parishioner for 54 years, Silversey has spent the past 30 years opening the church every morning for Mass. He also serves on the altar and delivers newspapers to the friary each day.
In addition, he takes the friars to doctor appointments and runs errands, according to Karen Kirby, a staff member. He and his wife, Vi, have five children and 12 grandchildren, and have operated an auto-body business for years, Kirby added. His sons now run the business and are very helpful to friars needing auto repairs, she said.
Holy Name’s Francis Medal was established in 1998 by former Provincial Minister John Felice, OFM. Recipients are given a 3-inch bronze medallion disk in a case and a parchment certificate marked with the seal of the Province.
— Wendy Healy, a Connecticut-based freelance writer, is a frequent contributor to HNP Today.