The priestly ordination of two young friars caused John Heffernan to reflect on his own 30-plus years of vocation and changes in the Church during these three decades
Seeing Christ in All We Serve
Emma Henderschedt reflects on how her four years at Siena College and one year of service as an FVM have led to a lifetime of service woven by Franciscan values and traditions.
Pompton Lakes Parishioner Recognized for Service, Franciscan Spirit
The friars at St. Mary’s Parish acknowledged parishioner Mary Lovely for her more than two decades of ministry service at the northern New Jersey church when they presented her with the Holy Name Province Francis Medal last month at a Sunday morning Mass.
Virtual Jamboree Brings Together Friars in Formation
Postulants, novices, and student friars from across the country took time during April and early May to gather for a virtual inter-formation jamboree, an event formerly known as intersession. Although it was previously planned to be held in-person in Oceanside, California, during the last week of May, the event’s format needed to be revised because of pandemic restrictions and it turned out to be a success.
Commission on Franciscan Intellectual Tradition Enhances Website, Revises Name
The 20-year-old organization has a new name and an expanded website – enhancements designed to more effectively communicate its goal of preserving, articulating and advancing Franciscan tradition. The commission, part of the Order’s English-speaking Conference, has added the word “spiritual” to its title.
Friar News Briefs
Recent friar activities include a podcast interview, a video welcoming returning parishioners, the announcement of an upcoming book, an appointment as chair of a committee of the Buffalo diocese, a presentation on Christian-Muslim relations, and the renewal of vows by simply-professed friars.
Laudato Si’ Week, ESC Meeting and Other News of the Order
The May issue of Fraternitas features a Ramadan message from the Commission for Dialog with Islam written by Michael Calabria, as well as reports on the new Nagasaki Project, whose fundamental goal is to promote lasting peace in the city of Nagasaki and throughout the world; the 50th anniversary of the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality at the Antonianum; a Poor Clare monastery in the Philippines promoting renewable energy; and new Franciscan books, while website reports on release of Acta and other updates.
Carlos Sarmiento Marks 25 Years as a Professed Friar
Long before thoughts of becoming a friar or Holy Name Province entered his consciousness, Carlos Sarmiento had a front-row seat to the Franciscan ideals of outreach to the needy and service among the people – when, as a child, he witnessed his mother’s participation in their parish’s Neocatechumenal Way, a Christian formation program that brings the presence of the Church to impoverished communities.
Province Extends Sympathy to Families of Deceased
The Provincial Office extends sympathy to the families of friars and friends who have died recently – Lawrence Anderson, Michael Joyce, Jud Weiksnar and former SBU president Damian McElrath
Transitions
The Provincial Administration has announced new assignments for five friars — Ignatius Harding, Abraham Joseph, Ronald Pecci, Bernard Splawski, Jay Woods
Mourning the Deaths of Franciscans
The Provincial Office staff has learned of the passing of members of two English-speaking Conference provinces – a friar in the Southwest and one in Australia — as well as two Franciscan sisters of communities connected to HNP.
US-6 Vocation Office Produces Literature for Potential Applicants
The Vocation Office of the US-6 provinces last month released four new brochures in English and Spanish to help men in their discernment of a Franciscan vocation – and word is that the publications are being well-received by friars and those interested in friar life.