Franciscan Mission Service to Honor John O’Connor

Jocelyn Thomas Franciscan World

WASHINGTON — Former Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, will be recognized May 1 by the Franciscan Mission Service at its 2015 World Care Benefit and Celebration. He will be given the 10th Annual Anselm Moons, OFM award for his commitment to the FMS, his nine years as leader of HNP, and his promotion of the shared values of mission, peace, …

Virginia Parish Garners Media Attention for Varied Initiatives

Jocelyn Thomas Around the Province

TRIANGLE, Va. — Over the last year, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in northern Virginia has received attention from several news publications for its people and its programs. Diverse media outlets — such as National Catholic Register, Arlington Catholic Herald, Patch and The Washington Post — have written about the parish’s social justice work, emphasis on faith formation, focus on the …

General Curia’s November Update

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

ROME — Throughout 2014, Franciscans in Ireland have celebrated the Year of the Holy Name of Jesus to commemorate a devotion begun by Fr. Francis Donnelly, OFM, in 1914. The goal of this year’s commemorations was simple, according to the November issue of Fraternitas, the Order’s monthly newsletter. The Franciscans sought “to promote a renewed reverence and devotion to the …

FMS’s New Missioners Prepare for Commissioning, January Travel

Bridget Higginbotham Franciscan World

As Catholics around the world marked World Mission Sunday on Oct. 19, a staff member of the Franciscan Mission Service provides an update about the 24-year-old organization’s people and initiatives. WASHINGTON — The Franciscan Mission Service’s 30th class of lay missioners is roughly halfway through its formation for overseas service. Come January, the five — all under the age of …

General Minister Appoints John O’Connor to Position in Order

Maria Hayes Friar News

ROME — Former Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, has been named by General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, and the General Definitorium as the executive assistant to the Minister General for development and fundraising for the Order of Friars Minor. He will be responsible for coordinating the Order’s fundraising and financial development efforts, working closely with the General Curia. “I …

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., …

Chapter Focuses on Realignment, ‘Being Who We Say We Are’

Jocelyn Thomas In the Headlines

LOUDONVLLE, N.Y. — At their triennial Provincial gathering last week, the friars voted to be part of the conversations on the restructuring of the American OFM provinces. A formal vote on Thursday, June 5 made official Holy Name Province’s interest in discussing the realignment of the U.S. provinces as a way to strengthen membership, fraternity and the ability to conduct …

Class of 1964 Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Ordination

Jocelyn Thomas In the Headlines

NEW YORK — Eight friars gathered last week for a Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church to celebrate their 50th anniversary of ordination. With their varied backgrounds and areas of expertise, the priests from Florida, the District of Columbia, New York and North Carolina celebrated their milestone together on May 23. The friars reaching their golden jubilee this year …

From the Provincial Minister’s Desk

John O'Connor In the Headlines

The reflection below is the last in a series written by Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, about his observations and experiences as leader of Holy Name Province. The previous installment appeared in the April 16 issue. Dear brothers and partners-in-ministry, It was with a saddened heart that I heard of the news that our former Minister General Fr. Giacomo Bini, OFM, died. I …

Province Bids Farewell to Longtime Staff Member

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

NEW YORK — When the Province’s next administration takes office in June, its term will begin missing a valuable member of the Provincial Office’s staff — Theresa Bartha. Bartha, who has worked in the office for 29 years as executive secretary, is retiring May 31. “For many friars, Terry is the calm, pleasant and helpful voice that answered phone calls, …

Two Guild Employees Receive Francis Medal

Jocelyn Thomas Around the Province

NEW YORK — More than 60 years of dedicated service were celebrated on Saturday, when two staff members of St. Anthony’s Guild, the organization of laypeople devoted to St. Anthony and to supporting the friars’ work, were recognized with the Province’s Francis Medal. Robert Baard and Joan Gruber were given the medal at the Guild’s 90th anniversary Mass in honor …

Joseph Cavoto Professes Final Vows

HNP Communications Friar News

NEW YORK — Joseph Cavoto, OFM, made his solemn profession to observe the Rule of St. Francis according to the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor on March 19 in a ceremony during evening prayer in the chapel of St. Francis Friary on West 31st Street. Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, received Joseph’s profession on the feast of St. Joseph. This marks …