Below are updates about some of the many activities of Holy Name friars. They include personal news as well as developments at their ministries. More information can be obtained by visiting links to the parishes and organizations mentioned, by contacting the friars by phone or email, and by connecting with the communications office.
To provide news briefs for future issues of HNP Today, email information to communications director Jocelyn Thomas.
Provincial Councilor Brian Belanger, OFM, has been appointed by the General Minister, Fr. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, OFM, to serve as assistant visitator general to the Custody of the Holy Land. This involves visitation to the friars living in the Commissariats in Washington, D.C., and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The blog by George Corrigan, OFM, Friar Musings, has been added to the Provincial website’s communications page. In addition to reflections by HNP members, the page offers blogs of HNP ministries.
F. Edward Coughlin, OFM, reminds friars that Dec. 15 is the deadline to register for the 2013 La Verna pilgrimage. He and Thomas Hartle, OFM, will be leading the May 17 to 29 trip.
In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Narrowsburg, N.Y., Kevin Cronin,OFM, gave a parish mission the weekend of Sept. 22, preaching at each Mass. He also gave a parish mission on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week that focused “on awakening our faith in these challenging times.”
Former St. Bonaventure University president Mathias Doyle, OFM, is pictured in the summer issue of Bonaventure magazine in an article titled “To Every Thing There is a Season.” It describes the evolution of women’s basketball at the Western New York college.
The 90th birthday of Bede Fitzpatrick, OFM, was commemorated on Sept. 17 at the Franciscan Chapel Center in Tokyo, which he helped found 45 years ago. Photos appear on the Facebook page of the FCC.
Robert Gavin, OFM, is teaching a course titled “More Obstacles in the Spiritual Life” from Oct. 10 to 31 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, New York City. It is being held from noon to 1:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Information can be obtained at 212-736-8500 and in brochures in the parish lobby.
Provincial Secretary Michael Harlan, OFM, distributed information about the 2012 guardians meeting last week, asking friars to RSVP by Oct. 8. Also, he has asked all friars to submit any new contact information, such as addresses and phone numbers, to Terry Bartha in the Provincial Office for use in the 2012- 2013 HNP Directory.
Provincial Councilor Lawrence Hayes, OFM, and Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, chair of the HNP Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Directorate, encourage friars and their partners-in-ministry to visit the Justice and Peace page of the HNP website. The JPIC in Action section now includes information about community organizing, JPIC education through the arts, senior ministry and other timely topics.
A new booklet by Daniel Horan, OFM, “Franciscan Priesthood: The Possibility of Franciscan Presbyters According to the Rule and Tradition,” is available for pre-order. He recently posted information and a YouTube video about the book on his Facebook page. On Sept. 15, Daniel participated in the 100th anniversary celebration of Boston College, where he is studying for his doctorate.
On Sept. 17, the friars of Beach Haven, N.J., hosted six Conventual friars from Ocean County, N.J., and one Capuchin friar from Pittsburgh for evening prayer and dinner to celebrate the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis, according to Stephen Kluge, OFM, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
A reflection by Kevin Mackin, OFM, about “why we bless animals” appears on a special edition of Catholic Update published by St. Anthony Messenger Press. “The love we give to a pet, and receive from a pet, can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator,” concludes Kevin. He will bless animals at Mount St. Mary College, Newburgh, N.Y., where he serves as president.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Jude Murphy, OFM, at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 30, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, Mass.
Provincial Councilor Joseph Nangle, OFM, celebrated a Mass of gratitude Sept. 8 at St. Bonaventure Church, Paterson, N.J., for four missionary sisters of the Immaculate Conception, commemorating their golden jubilee of entrance into religious life. A presentation at a reception for the honorees’ families and friends showed the many ministries and varied types of work with which the sisters have been involved, according to an article in the Sept. 20 issue of The Beacon, the newspaper of the Diocese of Paterson.
Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, said the Sept. 22 workshop on diabetes sponsored by the HNP Wellness Committee was “superb.” The program, held in San Damiano Hall in New York City, was aimed at friars of the Province who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. “The day consisted of several components, including a discussion on diet and nutrition, the various medications available for diabetics, and best practices to prevent and or control diabetes. Three certified diabetic educators from Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center were the presenters. The general reaction of the friars attending was very positive, with some suggesting it was one of the best programs (most helpful) that the Province has done. The day had a very full schedule, beginning at 9 a.m. with a welcome by myself and Matthew Pravetz, OFM, chair of the Wellness Committee. Even lunch included an educational movie. The program ended at 3 p.m.”
Daniel Riley, OFM, will be in the Albany, N.Y., area on Sept. 29 participating in an evening of prayer and conversation as part of the Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Sojourners program. On Oct. 2, he will be in New York City celebrating Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church for St. Bonaventure University alumni. Dan will also participate in a twilight reflection on Oct. 1 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J., where Frank Sevola, OFM, pastor and St. Bonaventure University trustee, is stationed.
James Sabak, OFM, reports that the website of The Catholic University of America “mentioned some of the work I did in the residence hall at CUA last year.” The reason the religious title after his name is incorrect, James said, is because “CUA thought I was a Conventual and so I am listed as OFM Conv. That is because the Conventuals have the campus ministry at CUA.”
Brian Smail, OFM, the Province’s director of vocations, welcomed three men — from Boston, Hartford, and Florida — to the first Come and See event of the fall season. It was held Sept. 22 to 24 at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. He and his vocation-communication team are finalizing the layout of the fall issue of the Be A Franciscannewsletter.
Jud Weiksnar, OFM, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Camden, N.J., is mentioned in an article in the Sept. 17 issue of the Cherry Hill, N.J., Courier-Post titled “Community Gardens Help Change Camden.” He talks of the gardens’ benefits for the city, which is known for its crime and poverty.
News for the next issue of HNP Today is requested by Oct. 3 (always the Wednesday before the newsletter’s publication date). Updates about the friars and their ministries can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
Topics planned for future issues of this newsletter include:
• A reflection by William McConville, OFM
• Young adult ministries around the Province
• Priestly ordination of Francis Critch, OFM
• Pilgrimages offered by various ministries
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas