This Month in Provincial History

Jocelyn Thomas Features

Notable events for the month of November through the years include:

One Year Ago
Nov. 16, 2017 – The Franciscans, along with other religious organizations, sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging the federal government to care for creation and the poor by supporting global initiatives.  The leaders of more than 150 Catholic religious communities, colleges, national organizations, and health care providers were part of the initiative that asked the president and members of Congress to take specific steps to reduce the impact of climate change.

Nov. 14, 2017 – Six novices received their habit at a ceremony at the Franciscan Interprovincial Novitiate in Santa Barbara Calif. This year, 13 novices participated in the investiture ceremony, held Oct. 16 in Santa Barbara.

Nov. 4, 2017 – Friars from across the country gathered in Chicago at Catholic Theological Union for a study day. It was their response to Pope Francis’ request that the First Order of the Franciscan family make a collaborative effort to bring the vision of St. Francis to the world, and to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Ite Vos. Among the friars was John Aherne, OFM, who wrote an article about the gathering for the newsletter.

Nov. 3, 2017 – Dennis DePerro was formally installed as the 21st president of St. Bonaventure University at a ceremony on the Allegany, N.Y., campus.

Five Years Ago
Nov. 2, 2013 – The Migrant Center of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi held a conference in New York City to mark its opening. The free public forum, titled “Stand Up for Immigrants,” provided information and support for immigrants. This year, on May 19, the Migrant Center officially launched a campaign called “Stand Up, Immigrants.”

Nov. 9, 2013 – Paul Keenan, OFM, was ordained to the priesthood at Assumption BVM Church in Wood-Ridge, N.J., where he has been stationed since. Three years later, the parish commemorated its 90th anniversary.

10 Years Ago
Nov. 1, 2008 – Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y., recognized the work of the friars at St. Francis of Assisi Church and Friary on West 31st Street with the Sapientia et Doctrina Award, which was presented at a Saturday evening reception.

20 Years Ago
Nov. 28, 1998 – The Family Center of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Lima, Peru, was dedicated. Almost 16 years later, in 2014, friars, sisters and partners-in-ministry gathered in Lima to mark Holy Name Province’s half century of service in Peru.

35 Years Ago
Nov. 2, 1983 – CREATE House, a transitional shelter for homeless men, was opened in Harlem, according to The Provincial Annals. This year, on Oct. 3, Create opened a new residence for men released from correctional facilities after serving time for non-violent crimes.

Nov. 13, 1983 – Juniper House, a new pre-novitiate formation residence in Philadelphia, was officially dedicated. Currently, men in the Province’s formation program live and study in Silver Spring, Md., during their postulancy year, in Santa Barbara for novitiate, and in Chicago, Il., for post-novitiate formation.

— Jocelyn Thomas is communications director for Holy Name Province.

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