As Labor Day approaches, four friars transitioning to new ministries after the Provincial Chapter and Congressus reflect on their work and their hopes for their new assignments. Changes in Scale, Responsibilities Some friars experience a change in the size of a ministry when moving to a new location. Christopher VanHaight, OFM, had a similar experience when he transitioned from pastor …
Seasonal Reflection: Feast of St. Bonaventure
As July 15 and the feast of St. Bonaventure nears, a friar writes about St. Bonaventure’s captivation with the word of God, wondering how humanity can transport its destructive and jealous words into a new “word order.” James Vacco, OFM, is stationed at a university and a parish both named for Bonaventure of Bagnoregio. In her book, “Simply Bonaventure,” Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, …
Seasonal Reflection: Corpus Christi and the Oneness of God
With all of our differences, how can we be united as one? In this reflection, George Corrigan, OFM, writes about how Corpus Christi is a time to celebrate our belief in Jesus’s real presence in the Eucharist. It is also a time to be inspired to celebrate similarities with our brothers and sisters in other Christian denominations. This article appeared on …
Franciscan Influences: Guiding a Faith Journey
This essay is part of a series in which laypeople describe the impact the friars have had on them. The most recent reflection, published in the April 16 issue of HNP Today, was written by a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish in Durham, N.C. Growing up, I had a very definitive sense of Church. I attended what’s now a basilica and it’s …
Seasonal Reflection: ‘God Gave Me Sisters — And Brothers, Too’
As the 2014 Provincial Chapter approaches, a Franciscan sister reflects with gratitude on the mutually supportive relationship between Holy Name Province and her congregation. She describes the value of stories and of support, thanking God for the enduring bond. When I was about four years old, I was fascinated by the stories told by my favorite aunt, Carmela. She was …
Seasonal Reflection: Nailed to the Cross Over and Over Again
To guide us through the remaining weeks of Lent, friar Joseph Quinn, OFM, provides ideas about coping with life’s struggles and about deepening our trust in the word and the sacrifices of Jesus. He presented these ideas during a series of recent programs at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston. During Lent, we are called to reflect in a special way in which …
Seasonal Reflection: Wordless St. Joseph
What can we learn from St. Joseph, who does not speak once in the Bible? One friar says St. Joseph’s mere presence provides us with a powerful lesson — the importance of silence in prayer. March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph. Nowhere in the Gospels do we hear anything about what St. Joseph says. He is a man …
Seasonal Reflection: Pope Francis and the Latin American Church
What experiences made Pope Francis who he is today? Below, a friar who served for 15 years in South America as the Latin American Church underwent radical change following the Second Vatican Council, discusses how those changes continue to influence Pope Francis’ approach to the papacy. What a difference a year makes! I write this on the first anniversary of …
Seasonal Reflection: Human Trafficking Awareness
Following this year’s Super Bowl game, the leader of the Women’s Rights Team within the Social Justice Ministry at St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, N.J., — close to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where the game was played — has written on a subject that she believes needs ongoing attention: the elimination of human trafficking, which increases around major …
Seasonal Reflection: Faith, Knowledge, Service
As educators and students around the country prepare for Catholic Schools Week, a friar with nearly 28 years of experience in Catholic education, writes about the ways Catholic schools strengthen faith, knowledge and service, and prepare students for success after graduation. Many years ago, when I was a student at The Catholic University of America in Washington, I embarked on …
Franciscan Influences: Leading and Guiding
This essay is part of a series in which lay people describe the impact the friars have had on them. The most recent reflection appeared in the Nov. 20 issue of HNP Today and was written by a staff member of the gift shop at the Province’s parish in Tampa, Fla. Below, a staff member at Create, the Harlem, N.Y., social services program …
Seasonal Reflection: ‘Take Me Where You Want Me to Go’
As 2014 begins and we look toward events coming in the new year, a friar experienced in a variety of ministry roles describes the challenges involved with change. Richard Mucowski, OFM, offers insights into the reasons behind people’s broad range of attitudes toward transitions and recommends remembering the prayer “Lord, take me where you want me to go.” When many of us …
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