Franciscan Friars
Province of the Immaculate Conception
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Provincial Update - November 2019
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A Thanksgiving Reflection
Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays we have with obvious religious overtones. Thanksgiving recognizes a dependence on something- or rather someone greater than ourselves for all the good things we have. In our own tradition as people of faith, we give thanks to God for this bountiful land, for the abundance of gifts He has bestowed on us, for the fertility of our soil, for the success of the work of our human hands, for the marvels of our technology, and for the wonderful freedoms our country holds so dear.
To give thanks, however, is not simply a posturing of gratefulness. In our own lives, we would find words of thanks very empty if not accompanied by some grateful action. Someone who says they are grateful but does not return this gratefulness, cannot be considered grateful at all.
The Old Testament sees the process of giving thanks to God as intimately linked with mercy and generosity. We are called, not simply to give thanks to God for His wonderful gifts, but also to give a portion of our bounty back to God, in the form of an offering. In Hosea, God reminds us that “It is mercy I desire, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than holocausts.” To be merciful is the greatest thanks we can give to God.
The words of Jesus remind us that we are all intimately linked together as brothers and sisters, under a common God. We are reminded that the greatest commandment is to love God and love our neighbor, and who is our neighbor but those who are most distant and estranged from us? And so, the celebration of Thanksgiving poses some direct challenges to all people who believe in God and place their trust in Him. It calls us, not just to give thanks, but to demonstrate our thanks, by returning to God- and to His people- a portion of the blessing He has bestowed on us.
There are many reasons to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day, and, in fact, every day. But it would be arrogant of us to give thanks without acknowledging the many areas in our world where thanks cannot yet be given. This Christmas season will be a time of great spending in our country. While we are spending millions of dollars shopping in our department stores for the Christmas feast, will we watch the poor of our nation and our world languish?
While we feast on plump turkey, delicious home-made stuffing, and sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, people in other lands and in our own nation will go to bed hungry. Some will even starve to death.
While we argue over the best health plan which gives us the most coverage, will we watch another victim of disease die alone in the night because they could not afford insurance or pay for necessary medication?
While we pray for peace, war continues to rage on. Terrorism is still rampant in many parts of the world. People are slaughtered, beheaded, enslaved- many times, sadly, in the name of religion.
While we give thanks for the wonderful freedoms we hold so dear in our country, dissidents, protestors, and freedom-seekers around the world will be imprisoned and silenced.
While we turn up our thermostats to keep warm in our comfortable homes, people freeze to death in the streets of our cities.
While we strive for better education in our schools, we deny the children of immigrants the right to education or health services.
While we pump gasoline in our cars for that special visit to family for the holidays, we watch ecological disasters such as global warming and the depletion of our rain forests.
While we feed our pets four billion dollars worth of pet food each year, we see people scavenge through garbage pails for their next meal.
The proper way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and our gratefulness to God, is not simply by gorging on turkey and stuffing at our Thanksgiving dinners- it is by generously giving of ourselves to others. Yes, Jesus reminds us that “as long as you did it for these, the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM
Provincial Minister
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Pre-Novitiate Formation
Brooklyn Postulants "Getting to Know You"
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Getting to Know the Friars and the Province” ......is part of our Province’s Formation program. As such, Friars Orlando and Octavio brought our four Brooklyn based postulants to Mt. Alvernia Friary and Retreat Center in Wappingers Falls on Monday, November 11th.
There they enjoyed the fraternal, warm, gracious and generous hospitality of the Mt. Alvernia fraternity,
The students were given a tour of Mt. Alvernia and an explanation of Mt. Alvernia’s ministry by Friar Thomas Garone, Guardian ... a visit to the nearby Poor Clare and Buddhist monasteries and a lovely luncheon.
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Update from the Post-Novitiate in Rome
Hello Brothers,
Here at Convento San Francesco in Rome we are still enjoying the beautiful Italian weather! Our community is a good number here with the three brothers that have just finished novitiate, Brs. Daniel, Jack, and Carl, Br. Victor who is in his final year of study, and Fr. Jimmy as Director and of course Fr. Antonio as Guardian. We also have Yasser Peña from Cuba spending some time with us in discernment.
When Halloween arrived, we North Americans in the community immediately thought of candy and treats. In Italy we noticed that Halloween has not really caught on yet, although a few kids around the neighbourhood were spotted in costumes with plastic pumpkin containers. The kids were accompanied by their parents, some of whom made an effort to also dress up. We were treated to traditional Halloween treats at lunchtime and brownies and cookies all baked by Daniela, trick or treating without the effort.
The following day was All Saints which we enjoyed with a nice BBQ on the terrace. We had Fr. Alvin Te join us from the general curia and some other guests. In Italy, All Saints is a major holiday were people normally visit their families. We had a day off from school to enjoy this holiday. The following day was All Souls. We were again able to celebrate this together here at the convento. In Italy (and in various parts of the world) people traditionally visit the graves of their loved ones.
Since this is the first fall for the North American temporarily professed here at San Francesco, we were able to appreciate the cultural differences between the celebrations of Halloween and All Saints/All Souls. In North American culture we don’t see a lot of significance given to All Saints day. We actually got to experience the inverse relationship between the two holidays here. It highlights the integration of Catholicism into the culture here in Italy.
As always brothers, we ask that you keep us in your prayers as you are in ours. Best wishes from the community at Convento San Francesco Rome!
Br. Carl
Photos from All Saints Day Celebration below
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Transitions
Friar Gabriel Aceto, OFM
assigned to St. Leonard Friary as Guardian and Procurator, effective January 1, 2020
Friar Michael Della Penna, OFM,
assigned to St. Leonard Church, Boston, as Pastor, effective January 1, 2020.
Friar Antonio Nardoianni, OFM,
assigned to St. Peter Church, Toronto, effective January 1, 2020.
Friar Vit Fiala, OFM,
assigned as Provincial Spiritual Assistant for the Franciscan Secular Order, effective immediately.
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John Duns Scotus Library Lecture
November 16, 2019 Reading the Tavola of St. Clare: Leadership Ideas from Her Sacred Journey
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In the “dark ages” when so many were unable to read, the stories of a holy person were told in an art form. The Clare “Tavola” or “Dossal” is a good example. “Written” shortly after her death in 1283, it shows the most important events in the life of the newly canonized saint, Clare. The details of this sacred art in the colors, symbols and positions reveal significant clues for the eye to read as the touches of grace marking her as a holy woman of God. With a little assistance, reading the icon can validate the familiar phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Close study of the icon gives suggestions to Clare’s model of feminine Franciscan leadership that might shape our own living the holy Gospel. What was revolutionary then could offer a holy newness for religious life even now for a future full of hope.
Sr. Mary Elizabeth serves as Vice President for Mission Integration at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. This University is a ministry of another Congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of Joliet, Illinois, who have connections with the founder of our Province, Fr. Panfilo da Magliano. When I was giving a retreat in Joliet in 1998, the sister-archivist showed me handwritten copies of letters from Fr. Panfilo that were sent to their superior general and copied all the letters for me, which today are in our library. From what I remember, Fr. Panfilo was helpful in the early years of the Joliet Franciscans by connecting them with the sisters in Allegany, NY. There’s much more detail about this connection in the letters. Ask to have a look at them next time you visit our Provincial Curia and library.
André Cirino OFM
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Next Event for John Duns Scotus Library
"Keeping the Vigil of Mystery" Clare of Assisi's Incarnational Prayer
April 4, 2020
Sister Ilia Delio, OSF
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December Birthdays
Take time to wish our friars a Happy Birthday!
Paul Rotondi - December 3rd - 89
Peter Furgiule - December 3rd - 66
Armand Padula - December 4th - 89
Louis Troiano - December 10th - 89
Patrick Boyle - December 15th - 67
Vit Fiala - December 16th - 62
Daniel Morey - December 25th - 78
Albin Fusco - December 28th - 90
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Franciscans International Mark Thirtieth Anniversary of Official Presence at the United Nations
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On 8 November, Franciscans International (FI) hosted the last in a series of celebratory gatherings to mark the three decades that have passed since the organization was officially recognized by the United Nations (UN).
The keynote address of the meeting was given by Ms. Helena Yánez Loza, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the UN. She focused on the importance of states and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cooperating to bring about positive changes in international policies – for example the work Ecuador’s delegation and FI have done together on business and human rights. Ms. Yánez Loza also highlighted St. Francis’ love and respect for nature as an inspiration to combat the current climate crises.
The meeting was also attended by some of the sisters and brothers who originally helped establish and develop FI as a respected influence at the UN, including Br. Kevin Smith, OSF, Sr. Kathie Uhler, OSF, and Br. Ignatius Harding, OFM. They shared some of their memories and experiences of the early years of FI and emphasized that, although the working methods of the organization have evolved over the years, its mission has never changed.
“For us, the most important thing was – and still is – that people don’t have a voice. That people who are most affected, like now with climate change, are the ones who never get to speak up,” said Br. Ignatius. “From the first moment we were not talking about ‘being the voice of the people’ at FI, but about ‘giving the people a voice.’”
Although the idea to establish a Franciscan presence at the UN had already been suggested in 1982 by Br. Dionysius Mintoff, OFM and the late Sr. Elisabeth Cameron, OSF, it was not until seven years later that FI was officially recognized by the UN’s Department of Public Information. In 1995, the organization became one the few NGOs in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council, acknowledging FI’s representation of major segments of society worldwide.
Before the celebration, FI’s International Board of Directors and representatives from our staff visited the UN headquarters in New York, where they met
with Secretary-General António Guterres.
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Friar Alexis Anania named Co-Chair of Retirement Fund For Religious Campaign for Diocese of Youngstown Ohio
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Father Alexis Anania said he knew from a young age that he wanted to enter the priesthood.
Father Anania, now 88, is a member of the Order of Friars Minor-Province of the Immaculate Conception (Franciscans)and is one of the co-chairs of this year’s Retirement Fund for Religious campaign.
The other co-chairs, Divine Providence Sisters Lu Haidnick and Rose Anne Krantz, will be featured in the Oct. 18 edition of the Exponent.
Father Anania retired about a year ago and now lives at the Shrine of Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted, on Belle Vista Avenue here, where he still offers daily and Sunday Mass and hears confessions.
A native of Pittsburgh, he grew up in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish. He was an altar server and helped with the parish’s bingo, which really helped him connect with the parishioners.
“I got the call to the priesthood when I was a teenager,” Father Anania noted. “My parish priests at Our Lady Help of Christians Church were all Franciscans and they impressed me to the point that I wanted to be like them.”
He never had second thoughts about his vocation. “My parents were very happy and supportive of my decision," he said.
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Father Anania’s family moved to Florida when he was 17, but he did not join his family in the Sunshine State because he had entered the St. Francis Seraphic Seminary in Lowell, Mass., when he was 15.
“It was basically like a boarding school,” Father Anania said. He spent four years at the seminary and then one year at his order’s novitiate at Immaculate Conception College in Troy, N.Y.
He went on to four years at Mount Alvernia Seminary in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., where he received a degree in philosophy and a second degree in theology. He also began teaching religion at Christopher Columbus High School in Boston.
Father Anania was ordained in 1958 and continued teaching for his first year as a priest before being assigned for two years at his home parish. While there, he earned a master’s degree in math and science from Duquesne University.
He returned to teaching at Serra High School in McKeesport, Pa., where he remained for 35 years, initially teaching math and science. “I always had leanings toward those fields and I really enjoyed it,” he said, noting he was one of 18 Franciscan priests who taught there.
In addition to teaching, Father Anania served as athletic director, development director, coached golf, track, and baseball, and was a bus driver and notary public.
He rose to dean of discipline, vice headmaster and later headmaster. He hired the school’s first non-Catholic female teacher. Father Anania also introduced team teaching in junior and senior English classes.
“I do a little carpentry,” he added, and built the altar for school Masses as well as a number of altars for the friary where the Franciscan priests serving there lived.
During his years at Serra, Father Anania found time to go to the neighborhood parishes on the weekends to offer Masses. Eventually, he was assigned as pastor at St. Pamphilus in Pittsburgh, where he remained for 20 years.
“I went back to being a parish priest permanently at the request of my provincial,” Father Anania said.
He found that he equally enjoyed teaching and being in a parish.
“I liked working with the kids, but the people at the parish were so good,” he said.
He enjoys retirement, but it is “different than what I was used to.”
Asked about the importance of the appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious, Father Anania said, “We need to take care of the retired religious.
“For years as a pastor, we would have speakers from different religious orders coming in every year to promote the appeal. Now, I’m doing what I can.”
This article appeared in the Catholic Exponent, official paper of the Diocese of Youngstown. Written by Marly Kosinski
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'Tis the Season for
Pumpkins
"There are three things that I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin." Linus, from Charlie Brown
In Brooklyn, New York there is a group called Maniac Pumpkin Carvers. The founders of the group have been creating all manner of artistic wonders using pumpkins as their art medium. They have been collaborating for over twenty years and state that they have elevated pumpkin carving from a nostalgic craft to an art form. Their pumpkins have been displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, Yankee Stadium, and the artists have appeared on such television shows as Good Morning America, Rachael Ray, the Chew, and Martha Stewart. Articles on them have been published in such magazines as Wired, Popular Mechanics, and they have displayed their art on CNN. Check out their website, wwwmaniacpumpkincarvers.com for more information.
Pumpkin carving at Hallowe’en has its origins in Ireland and Scotland where turnips were used, since there were no pumpkins in that part of the world. Pumpkins, in fact, are native to Mexico and what is now Soutwest USA. People would carve a variety of figures and faces, then light them with embers from a fire to ward off evil spirits on the night before All Saints Day- All Hallows Eve (Hallowe’en). These traditions were brought by the immigrants to the United States and have flourished. The giant Hallowe’en Parade in New York City every October 31, which begins only two streets away from our Provincial Curia, is one of the largest parades in the world and features literally thousands of jack o lanterns and pumpkin faces.
We wonder how many of you realize that, right here in the Curia of the Immaculate Conception Province, we have our own pumpkin carving artist, none other than our Provincial Vicar
Friar Patrick Boyle, OFM
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Those who have known Patrick for a long time, especially those who were in formation with him or stationed with him in some ministry, know well how much of an artistic genius he is. If you have not seen his decorations for the various holidays of the year, in the parishes where he has served, and in the Provincial Curia, you have been missing something great.
Each year, countless people flock to the Provincial Curia on the corner of Thompson and Prince Streets, to see the artistic display that Patrick creates out of pumpkins. These are elegantly displayed in all the street level windows of the Curia offices, and they are a big attraction in Soho. Many people on their way to the Hallowe'en parade make it a point to walk by the Curia to look in the Curia windows. Patrick begins with getting a variety of pumpkins in different sizes and shapes from a farm in his native New Jersey, and then, after gutting the pumpkins, diligently uses his special carving tools- a professional pumpkin carving kit- to create the most fantastic jack o lanterns you have ever seen. First, he carefully maps out what he wants the carved pumpkin to look like, then draws his depiction on the pumpkin itself. He then carefully chooses the proper tools to achieve his goal. What emerges is truly a work of art. Below is a sample of this year’s selection. If you are in the neighborhood during Christmas season, stop in to see the marvelous Christmas displays in the Curia- especially the Christmas trees. Great job, Patrick.
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The back deck of the Provincial Curia-
the pumpkins are ready for carving!
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Friar Charles Grech, OFM Installed as Pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Toronto
During the Eucharistic celebration on Saturday the 5th of October 2019 the parishioners at Parish of St. Jane Frances de Chantal witnessed the istallation of their new pastor, Fr. Charles Michael Grech ofm.
His Excellencey, Most Reverend John Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, together with the Franciscan friars in Canada and a number of priest from neighbouring parishes conducted the celebration held in three languages. English, Italian and Vietnamese.
Fr. Stephen Magro, OFM and Fr. Joseph Magro, OFM who came to Canada for the occasion represented the Minster Provincial of the Maltese Province, Fr. Richard S. Grech, OFM and the province of Malta.
Fr. Charles Michael Grech, OFM, went to Canada in November 2016 to give service to the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception of the United States as an associate pastor for three years. In May 2017 he was appointed Drirector for Radio Maria Canada and July 2018 Fr. Charles was appointed as Temporary Administrator at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish. In August of the same year, he was elected to the council of priest for the Archdiocese of Toronto, representing the parishes in Zone 8.
Following the recent Provincial Chapter in June 2019 and subsequent meeting of the Chapter Congressus the provincial Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM, Minister Provincial and the Definitory requested His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins to appoint Fr. Charles as pastor at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish, which was approved, taking office on the 20th August 2019.
Fr. Charles thanks both provincials that of the Immaculate Conception of the United States, Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM and Fr. Richard S. Grech, OFM from the province St. Paul the Apostle in Malta, for the trust and support. Last but not least, he wishes to thank the whole community at St. Jane Frances de Chantal, English, Italian and Vietnamese who made a memorable celebration reflecting the glory of God.
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Diocese of Pittsburgh in negotiations to sell Saint Pamphilus Church in Beechview to a Maronite Church
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In a letter addressed to the parishioners of St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish, Pittsburgh, PA, Father James Bachner, pastor of the newly-founded parish consisting of five parishes in the Brookline-Beechview neighborhoods, announced that negotiations were in process between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and Our Lady of Victory Maronite Church for the purchase of the church building of St. Pamphilus Church, formerly staffed and established in 1960 by our own province. The five-church amalgamation took place as part of the Diocese's "On Mission for the Church Alive", which saw five parishes merge into one, Father Bachner explained that, with five parish properties, it was imperative that the new parish look to reduce its properties. The Maronite community approached the diocese and found St. Pamphilus would a great choice. The property consists of a beautiful church, a large church hall, classrooms and office space on the lower level, and ample parking. It was felt that it would be a great choice, since St. Pamphilus would continue to function as a church, and that the Maronite Church, which is part of the Catholic Church, would continue to use the property to glorify God and sanctify the people of God. Although it is always difficult for a congregation to lose their home parish, it should bring some consolation that the church will not be used for any secular purpose or razed, but will continue to be the house of the Lord. There is no further word whether this has been finalized, but it would be a fitting way to continue the use of this church as a center of worship for the Maronite Church.
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DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS DECEMBER 20
2020 USA OFM Interprovincial Retreat
“You will be my people, and I will be your God”
January 6-10, 2020 Holy Cross Retreat Center, Las Cruces, NM
January 27-31, 2020, San Pedro Retreat Center, Winter Park FL
Friars from all OFM provinces welcome
Presented by Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA
The retreat will trace the development of ancient Israel and then the followers of Jesus Christ into the People of God.
For the Retreat Brochure, click below:
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PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE FRIARS
WHO HAVE RECENTLY DIED
Friar Philip O'Shea, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar Roland Petinge, OFM
(Immaculate Conception Province)
Friar Peter Baptist Fritz, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Giles Barreda, OFM
(Immaculate Conception Province)
Friar Vianney Sipulski, OFM
(Assumption Province)
Friar Finian McGinn, OFM
(St. Barbara Province)
Friar James Toal, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar Edward Coughlin, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar Eric Pilarcik, OFM
(St. Barbara Province)
Recently Deceased Family and Friends
Paolina Calabria
(Long-time cook at Immaculate Conception, Toronto)
Zenaida Amigleo Te
(mother of Friar Alvin Te)
Michael DeBenedictus
(Music Minister at Catskill)
Let us pray for our infirm friars:
Friar Michael Perry, OFM (Minister General)
Friar Jim Villa, OFM
Friar John Bavaro, OFM
Fr. Simeon Distefano, OFM
Friar Thomas Hollowood, OFM
Friar Daniel Morey, OFM
Friar Amedeo Nardone, OFM
Friar Armand Padula, OFM
Friar Flavian Mucci, OFM
Friar Claudio Moser, OFM
For our friars in skilled nursing and rehab facilities:
Friar John Bavaro, OFM
Friar Philip Adamo, OFM
Friar Lawrence Stumpo, OFM
Fr. Clement Procopio, OFM
Please pray for all friars, families, friends, and benefactors,
living and deceased.
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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
The Management
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Province of the Immaculate Conception, New York NY
125 Thompson Street
New York NY 10012
212-674-4388
NEWSLETTER CONTACT
Please send any articles, news items, or photos to
Friar Joseph F Lorenzo, O.F.M.
Provincial Curia
125 Thompson Street
New York NY 10012
Cell: 917.337.9833
Office: 212.674.4388 Xt. 113
jlorenzo@icprovince.org
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.ICProvince.org
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