On Monday, Feb. 28th at 11 a.m., the New York City Fire Museum will be hosting the grand opening of their new historical exhibit, “FDNY Franciscan Chaplain History,” which showcases the 40 year history of the Franciscan friars as FDNY chaplains.
Provincial Ministers Call for Peace in Ukraine
Provincial Minister Fr. Kevin Mullen has joined the provincial ministers of five provinces belonging to the Order of Friars Minor in the United States to condemn the violence in Ukraine and call for nonviolent action to restore peace.
Iconic Redesign for the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center
During the spring and summer of 2021, the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center at Siena College experienced a major redesign. The hallmark of this renovation includes a series of wall sketches depicting elements from the icon of Francis and the Sultan created by Br. Robert Lentz, OFM, of St. Bonaventure University.
Fr. Thomas Jones Dies in Florida
He spent the majority of his life ministering to Brazilians in South America and the United States.
Fr. Paul Williams Dies in Maryland
A professed Franciscan friar for 44 years and a priest for 35, Fr. Paul devoted his life to serving the Black Catholic community in the South and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
Br. Karl Koenig Dies in Florida
A professed Franciscan friar for 56 years, he spent the majority of his life ministering to the Hispanic community and to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.
Fr. Paul Osborne Dies in New Jersey
A professed Franciscan friar for 63 years and a priest for 57, he spent six decades ministering in more than a dozen cities and towns in four countries on three continents, serving in education, formation, pastoral care and administration.
Welcoming Afghan Refugees in Virginia
In mid-August, personnel on Marine Corp Base Quantico near Triangle, Virginia, were informed that the base would welcome 5,000 refugees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge. They were given three-days’ notice. Agencies in the area began racing against the clock to create temporary shelters and gather supplies for the arriving families. John O’Connor, pastor of nearby St. Francis …
Province Welcomes Fr. Ron Gliatta as Official Member
Holy Name Province has a new member – Ronald Gliatta, OFM, who has been a Franciscan friar for 48 years as a member of Immaculate Conception Province and who lives in Tampa, Florida, at Sacred Heart Friary. He had been a provisional member of Holy Name since 2019, when he began living with HNP friars – first in Butler, New Jersey, and now in Florida.
Br. Charles Gilmartin Dies in New Jersey
Br. Charles Gilmartin, OFM, 91, a professed Franciscan friar for 69 years, died on Oct. 26 in Mountainside Hospital not far from where he had lived and worked most of his life. Funeral services are planned for Oct. 30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Butler, New Jersey. Visitation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Provincial Minister Fr. Kevin Mullen, OFM, will preside.
James Bernard, Steven Kuehn, Aaron Richardson Profess Solemn Vows
NEW YORK — Surrounded by more than 100 of their OFM brothers, three friars – Brothers James Bernard, OFM, Steven Kuehn, OFM, and Aaron Richardson, OFM – professed their solemn vows as Franciscans at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi this summer. Friars from around the country, as well as relatives and friends, gathered on Aug. 21 at the …
New Postulants Begin Year with Welcome Ceremony, Orientation
Autumn has begun with renewed energy for the US-6 interprovincial postulancy program. In August, six men from around the United States were officially received into the program and, in the weeks since, they have been getting acquainted with the geographic area while completing orientation and beginning their year of education and ministry.