Province Congratulates Friars Marking Anniversaries in 2017

Jocelyn Thomas In the Headlines

The friars who are marking their silver and golden anniversaries of profession.

NEW YORK — On Jan. 1, Catholics around the world observed the 50th World Day of Peace. Pope Francis, in a letter offered a greeting of hope to the world’s peoples and nations, to heads of state and government and to religious, civic and community leaders. “I wish peace to every man, woman and child, and I pray that the image and likeness of God in each person will enable us to acknowledge one another as sacred gifts endowed with immense dignity.”

As this new year begins, the Province recognizes the gifts of its members, who – through decades of religious life – have served the people of God in a variety of roles at ministries throughout the world.

Jubilarians
In 2017, 32 friars are marking major anniversaries of profession and ordination. Below are the names of HNP members who have jubilees this year.

25 Years a Friar
Jacques LaPointe, OFM

50 Years a Friar
Russell Becker, OFM
John Capozzi, OFM
Eric Carpine, OFM
Anthony LoGalbo, OFM
William McConville, OFM
Robert Menard, OFM

60 Years a Friar
Romuald Chinetsky, OFM
Christopher Coccia, OFM
Vincent de Paul Cushing, OFM
Justus Frazier, OFM
Leonard Lencewicz, OFM
Bernard Splawski, OFM
Valerian Vaverchak, OFM
Stanislaus Widomski, OFM

25 Years Ordained
Dennis Wilson, OFM

50 Years Ordained
Donald Chin, OFM
Bernard Creighton, OFM
Joseph Ehrhardt, OFM (alumnus)
Bonaventure Hayes, OFM
Michael Joyce, OFM
John McVean, OFM
John Schulmeister, OFM
William Scully, OFM
Francis Soucy, OFM
Michael Tyson, OFM

60 Years Ordained
Mariano Gagnón, OFM

In June, the Province will honor the friars who are marking 25 and 50 years since their first profession of vows. Other anniversary celebrations are traditionally arranged by individual classes and are usually celebrated locally.

In Memoriam
At this time of year, the Province remembers its 12 members who died in 2016. They are:

Finian Riley, OFM, who died Jan. 15 in Ringwood, N.J.
Angelus Gambatese, OFM, who died Feb. 5 in Ringwood
Alexis Morris, OFM, who died March 3 in St Petersburg, Fla.
John Quinn, OFM, who died March 23 in Ringwood
Howard O’Shea, OFM, who died March 26 in Ringwood
Mathias Doyle, OFM, who died June 16 in Loudonville, N.Y.
David Haack, OFM, who died July 20 in Ringwood
Vincent Grogan, OFM, who died July 29 in Butler, N.J.
Andrew Giardino, OFM, who died July 30 in Hartford, Conn
Nathanael Necaster, OFM, who died Sept. 13 in Ringwood
Eric Kyle, OFM, who died Dec. 1 in Ringwood
Evan Greco, OFM, who died Dec. 27 in Pompton Plains, N.J.

— Jocelyn Thomas is communications director for Holy Name Province. Carolyn Croke provided research for this story.

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