News from the Convento San Francesco

The beginning of Holy Week was a time of great joy for the entire fraternity, as we awaited the grand celebration of the Easter Vigil. In the days leading up to this important week, we concluded our participation in the Stations of the Cross at St. Peter's Basilica, thus ending our Lenten season. On Palm Sunday, we were invited to assist with the liturgical service of Mass at the Franciscan Curia. After the service, we shared a moment with the Minister General, Friar Massimo Fusarelli, and the other friars who work at the Curia. For our Holy Week pastoral activities, each friar had a designated place to participate in the experience, which had been previously assigned at the house chapter meeting. The seven of us temporarily professed friars traveled to different parts of Italy, including Milan, Rende, Mesoraca, Bisignano in Calabria, Benevento, and Lustra Cilento. This experience allowed us to learn about Italian culture and traditions and to share with other friars in their various life contexts. Each of us was able to assist with the liturgical services of the Triduum and the Easter Vigil. Regarding my experience in Lustra Cilento, one of the activities was visiting a nursing home, sharing moments of prayer and engaging in pleasant conversations filled with wisdom and gratitude for life. I witnessed the pain and loneliness that some of the residents experience because their families don't have much time to visit them. Above all, it taught me to be grateful for the gift of life and to respect the dignity of the elderly.

Overall, it was a week of joy and many edifying moments for our formation journey, and a chance to celebrate the great feast of Christ's Resurrection.

On Sunday, April 12th, the entire fraternity enjoyed a joyful celebration: a luncheon for the 80th birthday of our guardian, Father Antonio Riccio. We took this opportunity to express our gratitude for all his work and many years of service in the formation of our Province. We enjoyed an incredible and delicious lunch at a restaurant called Sapori del Mondo  (Flavors of the World), which offered a wide variety of options.

We have begun this final stage of university with high spirits and the determination to finish these last months of classes before exams. We wish you all a Happy Easter and may the Risen Christ bless you always.

Peace and good

Brother Dagoberto Hernandez

Our Deacons Prepare for Priesthood Ordination on May 2

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, five of our brothers will be ordained priests at the Chapel of the Orfanato Valle de Los Angeles, Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala City by Most Rev. Angel Falzon, O.F.M., D.D., Bishop of Comayagua, Honduras.  This is an occasion of great joy for our Franciscan Province and will assure of our continued ministry, not only in the United States and Canada, but also in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  Many of our young friars were inspired to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis by through the ministry of our friars in Central America.  They have completed their theological studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Anthony (Antonianum) in Rome, Italy. The brothers to be ordained priests are: Deacon Daniel  Ramirez Luna, O.F.M. (Dominican Republic);  Deacon Kevin Gabriel Gonzalez Vega, O.F.M., (Nicaragua); Deacon Oscar Danilo Valle Perez, O.F.M.,(Nicaragua); Deacon Luis Antonio Hernandez Reinosa, O.F.M. (Honduras); and Deacon Leonardo Rafael Morles Gonzalez, O.F.M. (Venezuela). 

Deacons on Retreat in Guatemala

Peace and all good, dear brothers.

We brothers preparing for priestly ordination (Brother Leonardo, Brother Oscar, Brother Luis, and myself) have experienced a wonderful retreat led by Fr. Jorge Humberto Lopez OFM, lead by him, we explored topics such as the meaning of the Christian priesthood. We held the retreat at the Karmel de Juyu retreat house in Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala, an ideal space for meditation and prayer. This house belongs to the Carmelite Sisters. 

Please continue to pray for us.

Br. Daniel R. Luna OFM

Pilgrimage of the

Franciscan Mission Associates

Assisi and Rome

Four of the deacons are now on retreat in Guatemala. Deacon Kevin Gabriel is participating in the pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome sponsored by the Franciscan Mission Associates.  This pilgrimage led by Fr. Alvin Te, O.F.M., Executive Director of the FMA, began on April 14.  Also participating in this pilgrimage is Fr. Bruce Czapla, O.F.M., Pastor of St. Joseph Church, Winsted, Connecticut, where Deacon Kevin has been living.  



Below are some photos of this pilgrimage.  It comes during the 800^th Anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.  

New York City Region Celebrates

Brotherhood for Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday, April 2, Padua Friary again hosted a special gathering of the friars of the NYC region to come together to celebrate our brotherhood, as well as Holy Thursday and Easter. The friars took time out of their busy schedules, (especially our parochial ministers) to recognize that we are all brothers in Saint Francis. The meal began at 1:00 PM in the Padua dining room with a prayer service led by Fr. Joe Lorenzo, OFM, Guardian.

The prayers centered around various needs of our church, nation, and province, including prayers for peace, our Holy Father Pope Leo, for our province, for our brothers who are preparing for ordination to the priesthood (two were present at the meal), for those who will be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, for our new Archbishop Ronald Hicks, and for the Jewish people celebrating Passover,

The meal, prepared by our expert chef Rosa, consisted of various Italian appetizers, shrimp cocktail, cavatelli pasta, lamb shanks, veal cutlets, broccoli rabe, and assorted pastries and cakes from Rocco's Pasticceria on Bleecker Street. Of course, as you can see from the photos below, there was wonderful affection and fraternity among the 16 who attended from the Provincial Curia, Saint Anthony NYC, Our Lady of Peace, Siena Friary, in addition to the brothers of Padua Friary. All this was enhanced by a variety of wines and liquors, and much love for each other. It was a great way to start off the Sacred Triduum.

Our parish in Manchester, New Hampshire, Blessed Sacrament Church, celebrated Earth Day its a way to celebrate this special Eighth Centenary Year of Saint Francis of Assisi. Fr. John Bucchino, O.F.M., Pastor, reports that since Saint Francis held all creation in such reverence and respect (Laudatory Si), Blessed Sacrament parishioners, young and old, spent several days showing their reverence for Sister Earth by cleaning up the landscape of the parish located in downtown Manchester.

The event occurred on Saturday, April 18th, and 25 of our parishoners showed up with rakes, planters, and other tools to freshen up our property. They trimmed plants and trees, replanted seeds for flowers, and

cleaned up our property in general from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Then we celebrated further by having a pizza party, which is represented in the photo below. What was truly wonderful was that among the 25 people there were all ages present!  A happy and holy day, as we honored "Sister Earth!"

Fr. John Bucchino, OFM

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Manchester, NH

TORONTO PARISHES RECEIVE

SPECIAL HONOR FOR

EIGHTH CENTENARY

OF TRANSITUS OF SAINT FRANCIS

The 8th centenary of St. Francis of Assisi's death is a significant moment for those who follow his teachings and anyone inspired by his life and message. He passed away in 1226, so the 800th anniversary would have occurred in 2026. St. Francis is widely revered for his deep spirituality, commitment to poverty, love for nature, and compassionate approach to the poor and marginalized.

This anniversary offers an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and events that highlight his legacy, which continues to influence not only the Catholic Church but also many other faith communities and movements. You might see events, publications, or even special pilgrimages to Assisi or other sites related to his life, like the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, which holds his tomb.

Therefore, here in the Archdiocese of Toronto, H.E. Cardinal Francis Leo has bestowed upon the Churches run by the Franciscans the status of a place of worship and obtained the papal indulgence.

A papal indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sins, granted by the Pope or authorized church officials. It doesn't forgive the sin itself, but it can lessen the time a soul might spend in purgatory. The concept is based on the Church's understanding of the Communion of Saints, where the merits of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints can be applied to others.

To obtain a papal indulgence, one typically must meet specific requirements and conditions. 

Here’s a general outline:

Steps to Acquire a Papal Indulgence:

1.   Be in a State of Grace: 

o  Confession: You must be in a state of grace, which means you should have confessed any serious (mortal) sins and received absolution in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). 

o  Intention: You must have the intention to gain the indulgence. 

2.   Receive the Eucharist: 

o  You should receive Holy Communion, preferably on the same day you wish to obtain the indulgence. 

3.   Pray for the Intentions of the Pope: 

o  You need to pray for the Pope’s intentions. This is often a simple prayer, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be, or it could be any prayer you offer with the intention of expressing solidarity with the Pope’s leadership. 

4.   Perform the Indulgenced Act: 

o  There are specific acts that are associated with receiving an indulgence, and they can vary depending on the type of indulgence you're seeking. These can include: 

§  Visiting a specific church or shrine. 

§  Participating in special prayers or devotions, such as the Rosary.

§  Observing a particular feast day or anniversary, like the Feast of St. Francis (for the 8th centenary, for example). 

§  Engaging in acts of charity, such as caring for the poor or sick, or doing something to promote peace. 

o  Each indulgence is linked to specific activities or prayers outlined by the Vatican. 

5.   Complete Any Additional Specific Requirements: 

Some indulgences may require a pilgrimage, participation in a liturgical event, or a special prayer that may be granted for specific jubilees or anniversaries. For example, for the 8th centenary of St. Francis' death, the Vatican might provide a special indulgence for those who make a pilgrimage to Assisi or attend a particular liturgical celebration.

Saint Peter Parish in Woodbridge, Ontario, has been honored with the presence of our regional bishop, the right reverend John Boissonneau, who celebrated the holy Eucharist and proclaimed our Parish, St. Peter’s, as one of the sanctuaries run by the Franciscans, where one can obtain the papal indulgence. We must not forget that the two other parishes, Immaculate Conception and St. Jane Frances de Chantal have also been bestowed with the same faculties as a pilgrimage church for the special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis.



Fr. Charles Michael Grech ofm

Father Octavio Salinas

Leads Confirmation Retreat

From April 10-12, Fr. Octavio Salinas of Our Lady of Peace in Brooklyn directed a retreat for the candidates for Confirmation of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Corona, Queens NY. This retreat was held at Alvernia Camp, located in Centerport, NY, and staffed by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn. On retreat were 154 boys and girls. The reatreat was bilingual- in English and Spanish, with many of the students having parents from Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia. Fr. Octavio was invited by the Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows, Father William Chacon from the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Holy Week and Easter Around The Province

St. Anthony NYC

Our Lady of Peace Brooklyn

Saint Jane Frances, North York Ontario

Our brother, Fr. James Villa, O.F.M., passed to eternal life on April 16, 2026 at Calvary Hospital, Bronx NY, where he was admitted for hospice care. 

He was born on August 6, 1943,  in Bronx, New York, the son of Joseph and Antonetta (Carbone). After entering the province’s formation program, he was received into the novitiate in 1960, professed first vows in 1961, perpetual  vows in 1964, and was ordained a priest on May 24, 1969.  

He served for many years at Saint Pamphilus Church, Pittsburgh, PA and as Pastor of Our Lady of Pity Church, Bronx, NY.  He was also Secretary of the Province and Local Minister at Siena Friary, Mount Vernon, NY.  In recent  years he was a part-time assistant at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, West Harrison, NY. as well as an instructor for the Program for the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of New York  at St. Joseph Seminary, Yonkers, NY 

Funeral Arrangements 

Saint Anthony of Padua Church

85 Harrison Street West Harrison, NY 10604

914.948.1480

Tuesday, April 21

Viewing and Wake from 3:00 - 8:00 PM

Prayer Vigil at 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 22

Mass of Christian Burial- 10:00 AM

Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Queens NY

NEW ADDRESS

Fr. Antonio Nardoianni

Convento S. Pasquale a Chiaia

Piazza S. Pasquale, 12

80121 Napoli NA, Italy

+39 348 4634750

Take time to wish our brothers a Happy Birthday!

Courtland Campbell - May 6th - 71

Luis Antonio Hernandez- May 6th-40

Gabriel Rojas Mendieta- May 20- 39

Richard Donovan - May 26th - 74

BROTHERS:

Please print out a copy of this newsletter to share with those in your community who do not have email. We hope that every friar in our province will have access to the Newsletter and that a printed copy will be posted on your friary bulletin board.

Thank you