CINCINNATI — Friars, family and friends of St. John the Baptist Province gathered at St. Peter in Chains Cathedralhere April 16 to mark the 800th anniversary of the Order as well as the 150th anniversary of the province.
Among honored guests at the service was Bishop Charles Dufour, of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The April 24 issue of St. John the Baptist’s weekly publication, SJB News Notes, featured a three-page collage of photos and quotes from the province’s friars. Provincial Minister Fr. Jeff Scheeler, OFM, is quoted as saying, “Our history is really pretty awesome.”
In addition to the April 16 celebration in Cincinnati, the province’s Web site includes a 12-part series commemorating the 150th anniversary of the province and celebrating the lives and contributions of the friars. One part is posted each month. The five currently available on the site are: In the beginning, Working with and for the poor, Artists in Ministry, How lovely is thy dwelling place and Faithful Friars.
Other topics in SJB News Notes include:
• A link to a reflection about the International Chapter of Mats by Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM, which appears in the June issue of St. Anthony Messenger. A reflection on the same topic by Fr. Don Miller, OFM, was included in the newsletter.
• An article about how Washington, D.C., Franciscans celebrated the 800th anniversary of the Order by Fr. Jeremy Harrington, OFM.
• A reminder from Sr. Donna Graham, OSF, to observe Earth Week and through that find a greater simplicity of life in limiting consumption and waste and thus decreasing the negative impact on the planet.
• St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pa., is holding a free day-long Job Transition Seminar May 20 to assist people who may have lost their jobs or feel the pressure of the current economic situation.