from the donations of people who belong to his church or who send him funds from his radio and television programs.  He has many homes, all kinds of vehicles, three jets, and is said to be worth over 400 million dollars, but some estimate his wealth as almost 800 million dollars. Rev. Copeland is one of many evangelical pastors who preach what is called the “Gospel of Prosperity.”  This interpretation of the gospel says that a sign that you are blessed by God is wealth, riches, and all the creature comforts you can imagine.  As a result, the more money and possessions you have, the more God has blessed you. As they preach from their elaborate palaces, flashing their expensive watches and jewelry, they remind their congregations that to be rich and famous is a sign that God loves them.

Unfortunately, Rev. Copeland is not alone in preaching this false gospel.  There are many pastors who preach to large mega-churches and rake in much money from their congregants.  They often water down the preachings of Jesus Christ to suit their own needs.

Today, we see other things which seek to alter what Jesus taught to suit one’s own benefit.  There is also a movement in some circles to re-interpret the bible, thinking the words of Jesus may be too liberal or “woke”. They might see, for example, the sermon on the mount as something that needs to be either ignored or re-intepreted.  A prominent political figure recently said that Jesus’ command to “turn the other check” hasn’t worked out and should be ignored.

I wonder how such preachers reconcile this teaching with what Jesus teaches or even what we believe as Franciscans.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out for us his ministry and teaching.  Being poor in spirit, merciful, peacemaker, hunger and thirst for justice, all the things Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes- have nothing to do with enormous wealth.  It is the property of the poor as well as the rich, the humble as well as the haughty.  

Each beatitude has three parts:  Blessed or happy, the condition people find themselves in, and the reward.  Being blessed or finding happiness comes, not from the condition- but from the reward.  Thus, blessed are they who mourn- they are blessed by the comfort they receive. Blessed are the meek- not because they are meek but because they will possess the earth.  Suffering persecution isn’t a means of holiness, but inheriting the kingdom of God is.

The bottom line of all this is people are blessed because they have need for God- they search for God and search for meaning in their lives.  I wonder if these preachers have any need to search for God.

When we hear such teachings, we can stand firm in our own Franciscan calling, especially our vow of poverty.  We unite ourselves with the poor Christ, who, as it says in the scripture, “Had no place to even lay his head.”

News from the Convento San Francesco

Summer Assignments

 Br. Dagoberto Hernandez, O.F.M. - St. Peter Church, Woodbridge, Ontario

My summer assignment began in a very pleasant way, to help in the service of the Parish in Saint Peter in Woodbridge. I have felt very pleased with the attention of Father Charles and Father Josh, they are good hosts. My work has consisted of helping in the service of all the masses of the week, in Italian or in English. I help with the readings, acolyte during the masses, weddings, baptisms, funerals, and we go to the cemetery. It is a very rich experience, I learn a little about the liturgy of each sacrament and its importance in the lives of the people who receive it. The reception by the community of St. Peter is very special, everyone is very friendly and close. They have made me feel very happy. Every day at 3 pm I attend Divine Mercy prayer with a group of very kind ladies, loving as grandmothers. In the friary we talked and shared pleasant moments. This last week we have had the help of Father Pierre, and the community is happy to see four religious presiding over the Eucharist and greeting them at the end of the mass. Tina and Dora, the two ladies who prepare the food, are very affectionate, they treat me like a mother and grandmother would. I thank God for this pleasant experience, which helps me learn and form on my vocational path. I have been surprised to see such a caring and close community that responds to the work and organization of Fathers Charles and Josh.

 As the English saying goes: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Saying that we also had time to relax and have fun too.

Once again, I would like to thank the fraternity at St. Peter’s in Woodbridge, Fr. Charles, Fr. Joshua, and Fr. Claudio who made it possible to savor the sense of Franciscan brotherly love. I hope to continue to enhance the pastoral experience this summer in Canada.

Después de un mes en Centro America

Br. Daniel Cavalieri, OFM

This summer for my pastoral experience I am assigned to the parish of Immaculada Concepción in Ataco, El Salvador with Fr Rafael Fernández as supervisor and pastor of the parish. To say the least, my experience here so far as been quite unforgettable! In just one months time I have been able to visit all of our places that we currently have here in Central America. In El Salvador our parish in Ataco, Agape in Sonsonate, and Fr Guido's parish San Pedro Puxtla. In Guatemala, the Valley of the Angels and in Honduras the Istituto San Francisco - Beach place with a unique ministry and rich story and presence of the friars of our province. It's been a lot to take in but as a I process this short time I have down here one things that really sticks out is the people....their faith, their big hearts and their love for the friars. It's been a privilege to get to know the people of Ataco, El Salvador in their simplicity and genuineness they make it easy even for a gringo like me to feel at home. When Fr Rafael invited me to say a few words (and it was literally a few words with mi español pobrecito!) at the Mass when I first got here I felt compelled to not so much pay lipservice to the people there but to tell them what I had observed so far - a big faith, a full church, people actually "practicing" their beliefs. I'm not saying the church is dead in the States, but for me it was edifying to see this and I let the people know that. It's definitely been a mutual appreciation I guess because the people have been more than welcoming and are loving with the friars and I have done just a very small part in helping out and feeling right at home doing so. With the franciscan sisters at the local parocchial school, I have helped out with some English classes, also with the sisters I have brought Communion to the sick and assist as an extraordinary minister at every Mass. With mi español pobrecito I have accompanied some of the various groups the parish has to offer. All this in only a month! Please brothers continue to pray first and foremost for the good people we live with and are called to serve down here and of course for the friars and their ministries! That we may continue to be a presence of joy and hope in their lives and they continue to bless us with their big faith and hearts. ¡Paz y bien a todos hermanos!

Fr. John-Michael Pinto, O.F.M. transferred from Our Lady of Peace Parish, Brooklyn, New York, to Padua Friary, New York City, effective immediately.

Fr. Victor Treminio, O.F.M., transferred from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Troy, New York, to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Derry, New Hampshire, effective August 28.

Fr. Christopher Gaffrey, O.F.M., transferred from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Derry, New Hampshire, to Mount Alvernia Friary, Wappingers Falls, New York, in residence, effective August 28.

Fr. Jose Alvin Te, O.F.M., appointed Executive Director, Franciscan Mission Associates, Mount Vernon, New York, effective September 8. Residence continues at Siena Friary, Mount Vernon.

Br. Marco Antonio Gomez Garcia, O.F.M., to profess Solemn Vows September 30 at the Pontifical University of St. Anthony (Antonianum), Rome and ordination to the diaconate on October 28 in Honduras.

Br. Kevin Leonel Flores Godoy, O.F.M., newly-professed, from Santuario San Damiano, Assisi, to Convento San Francesco, Rome, to continue his Franciscan formation.

St. Leonard Church Hosts Spiritual Retreat

"Meet Saint Clare of Assisi"

by Bennett Molinari and Richard Molinari

A very special retreat entitled Meet Saint Clare of Assisi, Three Days of Reflection, was held at Saint Leonard Church the evenings of August 9, 10, and 11. The event was conducted by Father Andre’ Cirino, OFM.

The first night focused on the life of Saint Clare who was born on July 16, 1194. When she was eighteen years of age St. Francis came to preach during Lent in the church of San Giorgio at Assisi.

The inspired words of Francis kindled a flame in the heart of Clare; she sought him out secretly and begged him to help her that she too might live "after the manner of the holy Gospel". St. Francis, who at once recognized in Clare one of those chosen souls destined by God for great things, promised to assist her. On March 20, 1212, Clare, accompanied by her aunt Bianca and another young woman, went to the humble chapel of the Portiuncula where she received the penitential habit.

St. Francis, in order to secure Clare the greater solitude she desired, transferred her to another monastery of the Benedictine nuns near Subasio. Here some sixteen days later, Clare was joined by her younger sister Agnes. Soon after, several other ladies joined them. The foundation of the Poor Clares, or the Second Order of Saint Francis, was thus laid.

The second night of the retreat focused on the Transitus or passing of Saint Clare from this life. Testimony of her life and miraculous deeds was given by four readers taking the roles of individuals whose life she touched. Saint Clare passed away on August 11, 1153.

Night three of the retreat consisted of Mass and a healing service conducted by Father Michael and Father Andre’ held on Saint Clare’s Feast Day, August 11. A relic of Saint Clare was available for veneration.

Father Andre’ Cirino is an itinerant preacher whose experience includes parish work, Franciscan formation, and high school education. He is an author and co- author of many books on the life of Saint Francis and Franciscan tradition.

Provincial Retreat-Chapter of Mats-Guardian/Fraternity Workshops

DATE CHANGE: Tuesday, May 7 to Friday, May 10, 2024

Retreat and Workshop;

Sat., May 11, 2024 -Chapter of Mats

Foreword: What?? Another date change? Can’t they get this right? What’s going on in the office? Before even introducing this week of activities, the change of date needs to be explained. It has nothing to do with the office or the administration. It comes down to one issue: Michael (the author) goofed. I claim all responsibility in feeding the wrong information to the administration and office for the goof up.

Now, the week! The provincial minister has asked Rick Martignetti and Michael Dominic to prepare three separate events and combine them into one week. These events are a provincial retreat, a guardians’ workshop, and the Chapter of Mats on Renewing Our Vision. The Chapter of Mats, which will take place at the end of regional level meetings, will be attended by delegates of each region made up of friars, and an equal number of secular Franciscans and religious women combined, as well as the provincial administration and board. The results of the Chapter of Mats will then be sent in report form to the English-Speaking Conference and finally, to the Order level Chapter of Mats. The regional meetings will explain this process in detail. A separate agenda for regional meetings and their dates has already been sent out.

The guardians’ workshop has been redesigned to reflect the role of the guardian in context of the fraternity served. Although the guardians in the province are expected to attend these sessions, all the friars are encouraged to attend, The topics of the workshop have been integrated into the afternoon sessions of the retreat. The retreat master will lead off the sessions and then hand off the session to a designated facilitator.

Leaving the best for last, the retreat, to be held Tuesday, May 7 to Friday, May 10, 2024

will be led by Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM Conv. Brad was born in 1965 in Amsterdam, NY, and is a member of the Our Lady of the Angels Province of the Conventual Franciscans. He professed solemn vows in 1989 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1993. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and Franciscan studies from St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby, MA, a Master of Divinity degree from Washington Theological Union in DC, and a licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. Fr. Rick Martignetti reports that Brad is a great storyteller and is known for his lighthearted joy. He has done formation work, parochial ministry, and has served his friars as Vicar Provincial. Currently he is Rector of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus in Chicopee, MA.

Ireland and Great Britain

become one OFM Province

Br. Aidan McGrath

confirmed as provincial minister

On August 17, 2023, fifty friars from the Franciscan Province of Ireland and the Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Great Britain, gathered in Chapter at the Dromantine Retreat and Conference Center, in Newry, Ireland, witnessed the act of integration of the Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary into the Franciscan Province of Ireland and the confirmation of Br. Aidan McGrath as Minister Provincial.  

 "Desirous of guarding the spirit of our Seraphic Father and in order to unite energies to be spent for the good of our Order and the whole Church, we have adhered to the purpose of uniting the dependent Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Great Britain into the Province of Ireland." This was written in the Decree of integration read by the Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, to the capitulars.

 The decree states that as of August 17, 2023, the British Custody is suppressed and "the friars legitimately enrolled in the said Custody, on the same date, enter the Province of Ireland, with all the rights and duties described by our legislation."

 The Minister General, who took part in the last two days of the Chapter, classified the act of integration as a reading of reality and opening to hope. "After a journey of several years, the two entities arrive at this integration to walk together into the future. May the Lord accompany the journey of these our brothers in a Europe so profoundly changed, in which we know that our mission of living and proclaiming the Gospel in the style of St. Francis is still relevant and necessary."

 In addition to the integration, the Chapter confirmed Br. Aidan McGrath, as Minister Provincial and Br. David Collins, as Vicar Provincial. The Provincial Definitory now consists of Br. Patrick Lonsdale, Br. Stephen O'Kane, Br. Antony Jukes and Br. Damian Casey.

 The Chapter was presided over by the Visitator General, Br. Wim Pot, from the Province of the Holy Martyrs of Gorkum, in the Netherlands.

Pope Francis: Saint Francis' Rule is a Compass that Guides the Way

In the preface of Zdzisław Józef Kijas’s new book “Brulicante di vita,” celebrating the 800th anniversary of the institution of St. Francis’ Rule, the Pope stresses its current relevance in opening up “to a shared path.”

By Edoardo Giribaldi

Francis, "everyone's brother," 800 years ago wanted to give his children a Rule to walk together toward the same goal: to embrace and kiss Christ present in the suffering flesh of the discarded.

In the preface of the new book written in Italian by Zdzisław Józef Kijas “Brulicante di vita” (“Teeming with life”) Pope Francis offered a reflection on the Rule of life instituted by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.

Following Jesus' footsteps

A Rule that, at its heart, sees the Gospel and its teachings. “To those who ask him,” the Pope wrote, St. Francis “shows that Jesus is the only Master; the heart of the choice consists in ‘following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ’."

St. Francis is defined as a “craftsman of human lives” as he addressed the life of his companions “toward the fullness of joy and love.”

He is also “an artisan in discernment,” as the Legend of the Three Companions testified how “he insisted in prayer so that the Lord would point him to his vocation.”

“To no one, however, he confided his secret nor did he avail himself of the advice of anyone except God alone, who had begun to guide his path, and sometimes of the bishop of Assisi.”

The Rule's simplicity

The Pope exalted the “simplicity and the spirit” of the Rule, as “Everyone can undertake these steps without renouncing the diversity of their origins of places and cultures.”

“The art of welcoming, listening and custody does not shatter the tiles of lives in particular situations and very specific needs that only in a path that has the measure of a fraternal and welcoming Rule can become a beautiful mosaic with many colors.”

From the Gospel, Francis drew “the strength and fragrance” of a Rule destined to communities open to “a neighbor without borders.”

“He gives us the story of a shared life process that places at the center the heart of the Gospel, the essential, the kerygma of Christian life.”

A compass guiding the way

Pope Francis illustrated the concept of the Rule not as “an obstacle course” but, instead, as “a compass that guides and accompanies the way.”

In his text, St. Francis affirmed that “it is not so much the obsession with details that makes the person.” On the contrary, a “joyful and supportive life project matures” when we accept “the challenge to reinterpret one’s history.”

Following the discovery of Jesus’ universal, strong and attractive love, the Rule does not separate, divide, or contrast differences but opens to a shared journey.

“Each of us, despite various difficulties, climbs and falls, discovers that we never walk alone, but that we are all connected to one another.”

Rebuilding the Church

The Pope underlined our call to be “scaffolding,” in order to form a bigger scaffold to repair the Church, “the same mission accepted by Seraphic Father Francis from the Lord.”

Francis’ Rule urges both the heart and the mind to “cultivate our humanity, to cultivate relationships with God and others,” and gradually, along the way, “brings out the joy of being called by Love and to love.”

The Rule is also “the force of the spirit that exhorts us to strip away everything that can weigh us down.”

A living form of the Rule

The Pope recalled Thomas of Celano’s description of St. Francis as he was already "completely changed in heart and close to becoming so also in the body.”

It was, according to the Pope, Francis’ life trajectory, “who himself became a living form of the Rule.”

That is, "to encounter God, to encounter the discarded whom he called ‘Christian brothers,’ to develop a renewed gaze of supportive and co-responsible care for the common home.”

Flesh and freedom

The Rule was not meant to chain or force “under the weight of orders abstracted from reality.”

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Take time to wish our brothers a Happy Birthday!

Dennis Arambasick - September 3rd - (75)

Thomas Hollowood -September 4th - (88)

Kevin Gabriel Gonzalez Vega- September 7 (32)

Daniel Cavalieri - September 10th - (35)

Eissa Lazzaro Aziz - September 11th - (57)

Claudio Moser - September 14th - (85)

Richard Martignetti - September 18th - (57)

Charles Trebino - September 26th - (74)

Damian Johnson - September 27th - (78)

Charles Soto - September 27th - (81)

Paul Guido - September 29th - (92)