NEW YORK — The new friary on 31st Street, which has been under construction for more than two years, is ready for occupancy.
The friars who minister at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City, those who manage St. Francis Friends of the Poor residences, and many of the friars based at the Provincial Office are moving into their rooms this week. Most will spend their first night in the new building on May 23. They have been living in temporary quarters — a local hotel and two Manhattan parishes — for three years.
New to the 31st Street community, according to guardian Jerome Massimino, are Dominic Monti, and Michael Harlan, and formation student Stephen Mimnaugh. In addition, Pio Kim, OFM, of the Province of Korea, who will be doing an internship at St. Francis counseling center, will live at the new friary.
“While this project seemed like it would never end,” Jerome said, “it is hard to believe that it’s all happening so quickly. The mood of the friars these days is almost at a fever pitch. Everyone is very excited about the move to their new home.”
Twenty-three friars will be living in the new friary, Jerome said, adding that there are five guest rooms that will be ready for use in a few weeks. Friars wishing to reserve a room should e-mail Jerome or Alan Thomas, the vicar.
A welcome dinner is planned for Sunday evening, May 27, Jerome said.
Next month, the friary will be the setting for Holy Name Province’s celebration of friars commemorating 25 and 50 years of profession.
The offices of the Provincial administration will be located on the second floor of the new friary, including the offices of Provincial Minister John O’Connor, Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, Provincial Secretary Michael Harlan, and Provincial Treasurer Dennis Wilson. In addition to the administrative personnel and accounting staff, the communcations and vocation offices will also be housed in the new building. The move into the new offices is set for July.