RINGWOOD, N.J. — Nearly 50 guests joined the Holy Name Friary community in commemorating the jubilees of Robert Lynch, OFM, and Hugh Eller, OFM,on June 8. Robert is celebrating 75 years of profession and 70 years of ordination, and Hugh is celebrating 60 years of ordination.
Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, was the main celebrant and homilist during the Mass. “As we used to say in the chronicles of the different houses in the Province, a good time was had by all. It was a great celebration for two great friars,” he said.
After Mass, participants went outside to a buffet under tents constructed for the occasion. The Ringwood staff had nervously awakened on June 8, wary of the previous day’s soaking rain on an already soggy lawn, according to Francis Soucy, OFM, the friary’s guardian and director.
“Fortunately, there was no rain that day. Our strategically placed fans dried the lawn — which had been soaked by previous deluges — by noon, and everyone praised the blessed result of the friars’ power of prayer,” said Francis. He has managed the skilled nursing care facility since it was built more than 25 years ago.
“After 24 hours of torrential downpours and very bad weather, there was much concern as to whether the annual celebration for the infirm friars could take place this year,” John said. “However, the sky brightened, the clouds parted, and the sun shone on Saturday, and the jubilee celebration at Ringwood was a go.”
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator of Holy Name Province. Octavio Duran, OFM, provided photos from the event.