Two Friars Ordained Priests on Province’s Feast Day

Jocelyn Thomas In the Headlines

BOSTON — On the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus gained two new priests. Friars, friends and family members gathered Jan. 3 at St. Anthony Shrine for the celebration of the rite of presbyteral ordination of Ross Chamberland, OFM, and Jeffery Jordan, OFM. The two men had professed their final …

This Month in Provincial History

Maria Hayes Features

Some notable November events around Holy Name Province include: One Year Ago Nov. 2, 2013 — The Migrant Center at St. Francis Church in New York City opened with a free public forum on immigration. (The Migrant Center has served more than 200 people during its first year.) Nov. 9, 2013 — Paul Keenan, OFM, was ordained to the priesthood …

This Month in Provincial History

Maria Hayes Features

Some notable September events around Holy Name Province include: One Year Ago Sept. 2013 — St. Bonaventure University and Siena College expanded their campuses with the addition of new, state-of-the art buildings. Friars blessed the facilities at the beginning of the school year. Sept. 15, 2013 — The “Tailor Shop,” a conference room at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson, N.J., …

Five Welcomed Into Postulant Program

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Holy Name Province welcomed five postulants into its postulancy program on Aug. 27 at Holy Name College. During the ceremony, Alexis Alvares Padron, Aaron Richardson, Eufemio Dimas Robaina, Camilo Garcia Sanchez, and Angel Vazquez received the Tau cross from Michael Reyes, OFM, who professed solemn vows on Aug. 23. Ronald Pecci, OFM, director of the Province’s …

Reconfiguration Process Begins as Councils Meet in Wisconsin

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

RACINE, Wis. — More than 60 friars representing the seven U.S. OFM provinces gathered at the Siena Retreat Center earlier this month to continue the national conversation regarding the state of Franciscan life in America. The event followed a series of gatherings and chapters held from March to June, during which all seven provinces voted to approve a proposal that …

OFM Membership Statistics Released

Dominic Monti, OFM Friar News

At our Provincial Chapter in June, General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, offered some comments and reflections on the current state of the worldwide Order. He accentuated the fact that we Friars Minor are currently in a period of “tremendous movement,” as provinces in Western Europe and North America face consolidation due to declining numbers, while new entities are being …

Abraham Joseph Professes Simple Vows in Wisconsin

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

BURLINGTON, Wis. — This weekend, Abraham Joseph, OFM, professed his first vows as a Franciscan alongside two of his brothers in the novitiate chapel at St. Francis Friary. Provincial Vicar Lawrence Hayes, OFM, received Abraham’s vows on Aug. 2, the feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula. During the ceremony, each novice resolved to live in chastity …

This Month in Provincial History

Maria Hayes Features

Some notable August events around Holy Name Province include: One Year Ago Aug. 2, 2013 — Dennis Bennett, OFM, Casey Cole, OFM, Edgardo Jara Araya, OFM, and Ramon Razon, OFM, were among 13 novices from seven North American provinces who professed first vows at the Franciscan Interprovincial Novitiate in Burlington, Wis. (Abraham Joseph, OFM, is professing first vows Aug. 2.) …

In Response to Flood of Child Refugees, A Franciscan Call to Action

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

NEW YORK — In response to the overwhelming number of unaccompanied children arriving at the southern border of the United States seeking refuge from violence in Central America, the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province are calling on the U.S. government and all people to provide immediate humanitarian action. In a statement released July 31, the friars encourage all to …

This Month in Provincial History

Maria Hayes Features

Some notable July events around Holy Name Province include: One Year Ago July 8, 2013 — Fr. Julio César Bunader, OFM, of Argentina, was elected to serve as General Vicar following the election of Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, as General Minister of the Order of Friars Minor. Five Years Ago July 1, 2009 — The Province joined Twitter, the popular …

This Month in Provincial History

Maria Hayes Features

Some notable June events around Holy Name Province include: One Year Ago June 14, 2013 — St. Francis of Assisi Church on Long Beach Island, N.J.,reopened nearly eight months after Hurricane Sandy damaged the building and much of the surrounding area. (An account of the storm and the months that followed, written by then-pastor Stephen Kluge, OFM, appears in this newsletter.) June 20, 2013 …