BOSTON — In commemoration of St. Francis Week, St. Anthony Shrine here will sponsor several events. They include a one-act dramatic musical, a street fair, a special blessing of the animals, various presentations on the life of St. Francis, and a friars’ cocktail party that will honor Angela Menino, wife of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and other women. The Transitus, takes place at 5:30 Oct. 3.
The Arch Street Players, comprised of Franciscan Friars, Shrine Music Ministry participants, and IRNE award-winning musical director, Jennifer Honen Galea, will present “The Francis Story,” Sept. 29, 6 p.m.; Sept. 30, 2 p.m.; and Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m. Admission is a free-will offering.
“A Day in the Life of St. Francis” presentation and reflection will be offered on Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
On Sept. 30, 1 p.m., area residents are invited to bring their animals to Winthrop Square for the annual Blessing of the Animals. John Hogan, OFM, will officiate.
The Shrine will hold its popular semi-annual Street Fair on Arch Street, Oct. 2. St. Anthony Shrine’s Wellness Center, in collaboration with the Boston-based Lions Club, will offer free eye exams.
The Seniors at Arch Street will have a special presentation on the life and times of St. Francis at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 3 and on St. Clare at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 10.
St. Anthony Shrine’s celebration of St. Francis will conclude with the Boston Friars’ fifth Annual Cocktail Party on Oct. 10, 5:30-7: 30 p.m. This year’s theme, “The Year of the Woman,” pays tribute to special women in the Franciscan community. Guests of honor include Angela Menino, Jean Tempel, Jane Daly, Sr. Margrett Flanagan, MFIC, Sr. Linda Greenwood, OSF/WI, Sr. Pat Barrett , FMM, and Sr. Margaret Henfy, MFIC.
— Diane Monaghan is director of development at St. Anthony Shrine.