NEW YORK — What do Super Bowl crowds, Girl Scout jamborees, church gatherings and political rallies have in common with the Franciscans?
David Convertino, OFM, executive director of St. Anthony’s Guild, poses this riddle to readers in the winter issue of The Anthonian magazine. In the publication, which is available only online, he reveals the answer is spirit.
“They all have spirit — an enthusiasm, a joy and shared values at these gatherings,” David said. “People share an enthusiasm for the values of their sisters and brothers and of their teams, and they care about each other. Spirit and liveliness about Franciscan people and values is what this issue of The Anthonian is all about.”
Volunteers from the newly formed “Franciscans Deliver” food ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City appear on the cover of the current issue in a photo taken by Octavio Duran, OFM. Franciscans Deliver, the first expansion of St. Francis Breadline since the breadline’s founding in 1930, provides groceries to people who are unable to leave their homes.
The story includes updates on the new ministry from Michael Carnevale, OFM, director of the St. Francis Breadline, and Andrew Reitz, OFM, pastor of St. Francis Parish.
Other items featured in The Anthonian include:
• Justice and peace efforts in Bolivia, where Ignatius Harding, OFM, is stationed
• The role of Stephen Ministry, a lay Christian caregiving outreach at St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, N.J., where Frank Sevola, OFM, is pastor
• An update on HNP’s role in worldwide justice and peace work, including an update by Joseph Rozansky, OFM, the head of the Order’s JPIC office
• “My Franciscan Journey” by Emmet Murphy, OFM, of Butler, N.J.
Past issues of The Anthonian can be found on the website of St. Anthony’s Guild.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator of Holy Name Province.