A full selection of liturgies, presentations, musical performances, information booths, and small-group breakout sessions were among the highlights of two national Catholic conferences held virtually last month. Although the implementation of both events was anything but normal, these types of virtual experiences have quickly become the norm for the Holy Name Province and other US-6 OFM vocation offices – all of which collaboratively participated at the conferences to promote the Franciscan charism to men discerning religious life.
St. Bonaventure President Dennis DePerro Dies of COVID-19
Dr. Dennis DePerro, the 21st president of St. Bonaventure University, died on March 1 of complications from COVID-19. The 62-year-old was beloved for his Franciscan spirit, friendly personality, and remarkable leadership.
Painting with a Purpose, Michael Reyes Uses Art to Inspire and Evangelize
As a child in the Philippines, the beauty of stained-glass windows at his local church was the most vivid memory of Sunday Mass for Michael Reyes – “very much my first catechism,” he says. In many ways, those stained-glassed windows were also his first lesson in art – awakening a talent that he now uses in his Franciscan ministry to evangelize and proclaim the Gospel message, including a video reflection series with the Development Office called “Friar Art” that blends paintings with faith and life lessons.
Transitions
New assignment for Vincent Cushing
Building Community with Living Stones
This installment of Franciscan Influences, a series published by HNP Today since 2010, is written by a former missioner with the Franciscan Mission Service who spent three years living and serving in Africa. The author, who feels grateful to the friars and Franciscan-hearted people who have influenced her faith, family and life and spirit over the past 30 years, reflects on experiences that have inspired her.
Booklet Released by Franciscans International and Franciscan Network on Migration
The Franciscans recently published the findings of research on exodus caravans migrating to the United States from Central America. In collaboration with the Franciscan Network on Migration, Franciscans International released research data in a booklet called “New Migration Dynamics in Northern Central America, Mexico and the United States – Central America Exodus Caravan, COVID-19 and Serious Human Rights Violations.”
Franciscan Leaders Join Catholic Bishops in Condemning Bullying, Violence toward LGBT Youth
In accordance with the Catholic-Franciscan tradition, which recognizes and celebrates the God-given dignity of every human being, the leaders of six provinces belonging to the Order of Friars Minor in the U.S. added their support to a statement signed by Catholic bishops and dozens of religious orders and institutions that condemns bullying and other acts of violence toward LGBT youth.
Reflecting on Lent as a Season of Grace
In our ministries, we serve people from all different walks of life, and of varied ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds: those who are young and old, rich and poor, liberal and conservative. In my experience as a friar, when you ask those who are Catholic, for example in our parishes, how they understand the season of Lent, a number of them will speak about Lent, as a time to give something up, like a certain food that they really like, or perhaps a certain beverage, like a favorite soda or alcoholic drink.
Franciscan Leadership Joins Catholic Bishops in Condemning Bullying, Violence Toward LGBT Youth
March 8, 2021 — In accordance with the Catholic-Franciscan tradition, which recognizes and celebrates the God-given dignity of every human being, the leadership of six provinces belonging to the Order of Friars Minor in the United States has added their support to a statement signed by Catholic bishops and dozens of religious orders and institutions that condemns bullying and other …
Lenten Resources from Province, Ministries and Franciscan Service Network
Friars and their partners-in-ministry around the country are offering an abundance of resources and opportunities to their congregations, supporters and friends during the 2021 Lenten season that go beyond the traditional practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. During the six weeks of Lent, a lineup of diverse and compelling reflections, videos and services will be offered online by Holy Name Province friars, ministries, and a network of Franciscans on websites and social media platforms.
Revitalization of U.S. Provinces Progresses with Friar Forums, Discussions about New Entity’s Name, Governance Structure
When talk began of unifying the six OFM provinces of the United States, it was the start of a process that developed into a comprehensive plan – over time, gaining momentum and now at the point where the work of two friar leaders is dedicated solely to this initiative. Early discussions that focused on whether to unify morphed into discussions of how to restructure six Franciscan entities, including Holy Name Province, into a strong, singular coast-to-coast province. The Revitalization and Restructuring Process – as it is called – has produced a team that is unified in creating a renewed and energized Franciscan presence.
Friar News Briefs
Updates about recent friar activities include Larry Anderson’s Theology on Tap, participation in a Scout Sunday event by Ross Chamberland, migrant work of Julian Jagudilla, Catholic Schools Week commemorations by Hugh Macsherry and Jacek Orzechowski, creative initiative by Aaron Richardson at St. Francis Inn soup kitchen, prayer service for SBU president led by Greg Jakubowicz, and the JPIC initiatives announced by Erick Lopez, Joe Nangle and Jud Weiksnar.