PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The friars of Holy Name Province at St. Francis Chapel here awarded a Francis Medal to two parishioners at a Mass on April 22.
Maurice and Constance Bissionette were recognized for many years of service to St. Francis Chapel and City Ministry Center. Maurice, who recently retired from AG Edwards at the age of 80, managed the Chapel investment portfolio for more than 15 years, according to Frank Sevola, guardian of St. Francis.
Constance is the area chair of the Knights and Dames of Malta and has been instrumental in obtaining grants and other funding for the Poverello Center, Frank said,
In a letter to John O’Connor, Frank added, “over many years, they have been devoted to St. Francis Chapel and to the friar community.”
The medal and accompanying certificate were presented at a Sunday morning Mass. That evening, the Bissionnettes joined the friars for dinner at St. Francis Friary.
In his presentation to the Bissionettes, Frank said, “In the five years that I have been the guardian of the Franciscan Community, Connie and Moe have been great supporters and faithful friends in our mission. Moe always has the well being the Franciscans in his heart and mind as he guides us in financial and business matters. Connie brings her Franciscan heart to the leadership of the Order of Malta and her loving heart to the good work of the Poverello Center and St. Francis Chapel. Their commitment to the church goes well beyond the Franciscans to the whole church of Providence.”
During his speech, Frank told the congregation that for more than 100 years, the friars of Holy Name Province have been ministering “in the great American cities of the East Coast including the great city of Providence.”
Holy Name Province established the Francis Medal in 1998 to recognize and express its deep appreciation to women and men who have advanced the values and ideals of St. Francis of Assisi.