POMPTON LAKES, N.J. — Several hundred people attended a prayer service last month at St. Mary’s Church in support of the religious sisters that was organized by the friars of North Jersey.. This “was something that we all wanted to do,” said Michael Jones, OFM, of St. Anthony of Padua Church, speaking of the collaborative effort of the friars.
“Roughly 300 people attended the June 26 service, which was a very good turnout,” said Richard Husted, OFM, of Pompton Lakes. “Every sister seemed so thankful,” he said.
He added that Octavio Duran, OFM, took photos of the service and that one, shown above, was included in America magazine.
The service included both prayer and music. Robert Frazzetta, OFM, welcomed attendees, and the Franciscan response to the Vatican report on the Leadership Conference of Women Religious was read. Choirs from both the Butler and Pompton Lakes parishes sang.
“Even though we don’t have sisters any more at our parish, we wanted to organize the sisters in our diocese,” said Mike, who has been in North Jersey for two years.
A. Francis Soucy, OFM, guardian of Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J., was involved with the prayer service, as were the friars from St. Anthony Residence, the Province’s retirement house in Butler.
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.