Franciscan Friars
Province of the Immaculate Conception
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Provincial Update - June 2018
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A Brotherhood of Servants
If you’re around my age, you probably remember the days when a minister was the protestant equivalent of a priest. We almost never used the term minister or ministry in reference to the Catholic Church.
Today, the term ministry is frequently used. What has changed in the last 40 years, and why has this change come about?
If you remember, one of the purposes of Vatican Council II was to re-interpret our Christian life in light of the early church. As a Church, we recognized that we had accumulated a lot of baggage over 2000 years. Some of it brought us away from the original meanings and original intentions of the apostles and disciples. Through the years the church was affected by a variety of circumstances- some cultural, some theological, the breakdown of the original languages of the church, and responding to heresies which made the church give emphasis to various things that it hadn’t before.
In the early Church, ministry was an important aspect of Christian life, not because of the sacrament of Holy Orders, but because of the sacraments of initiation- Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The word itself, minister, is used in various ways- from a clergy person, head of a church or a religious order, a superior of an order. For example, we refer to our superiors in the Franciscan Order as “ministers”- Minister Provincial- the head of a local province, Minister General, the head of our order and the successor of St. Francis. Ministers can also be officials of a government. In the U.S. we refer to them as “Secretaries”, such as “Secretary of Defense.” In parliamentary systems, they are called Ministers- The Defense Minister, Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, etc. As we know, word minister comes from the Latin word MINOR, which means, small, or lesser, as in a person- someone who is under age, or a lesser person, or a servant. This is the same word that we as Franciscans have in our initials O.F.M.- Order of Friars Minor.
Ministry comes right out of the bible- both Old and New Testaments see service to others as the keystone of our faith. Even Jesus speaks of being of service- feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned as prerequisites for eternal life.
In the early church, ministry was done both liturgically, at the altar, and socially- in every day life. Although the presbyters or priests were ordained for the specific ministry of leadership, those called as readers, ministers of communion, ministers to the sick, and ministers to the widows and the poor, were called forth from the community for this purpose. We remember that one of the original functions of deacons in Acts of the Apostles was to see to it that the social needs of the poor and widows were met.
Although we are used to looking at the structure of the church as a hierarchy- that is, a pyramid of leaders- with the Pope on top, Cardinals and Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, and then lay people on the bottom- the early church saw itself more as a community of equals, with each performing a specific function or ministry.
It is important that we constantly remind ourselves that St. Francis saw his fraternity as a community of service- servant brothers, not only sharing their lives with each other, but also being of service to others. We remember from early Franciscan history that the friars were seen as itinerants- traveling from place to place to bring witness and service to others, as well as mendicants- to be poor themselves to the point of begging others for food. Through the years we have become more institutionalized, and yet we still see ourselves as servants to the church and to the world- as “lesser brothers.”
In recent years we have seen our numbers decline, as our friars grow older and more infirm, and our numbers diminish. Even today as our province explores new ways to be relevant in an ever-changing world, we must continually be aware of the core values which we have received from St. Francis and the early friars, and strive to continue to bring Christ crucified to the world. What a challenge this is! And while being itinerants and servants may become more and more difficult for us, it does not reduce our duty and obligation to be true “lesser brothers.”
Blessings and peace,
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Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM
Provincial Minister
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Postulants' May Update
Dear Brothers,
As we draw near to the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, we ask through their intercession that the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in our lives and help us to follow the example of Jesus Christ and his Apostles.
As we write this article, we have just over two weeks left of our stay in Rome. It has been a very productive month. Through the grace of God and through some excellent teachers, we have all made great strides in learning the Italian language, and continue to pray that we become more proficient in our speaking and comprehension as we finish our course of study. In addition to studying, we continue to experience the culture, events, and landmarks. We were blessed to attend the Papal Mass on Pentecost, which was a beautiful experience. We also plan to attend the Papal Mass on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. We are excited not only to witness new Metropolitan Archbishops receive their Pallium, but also to see the elevation of new Cardinals at this Mass. It will truly be a special and unique event for us. Also, Fr. Antonio and Br. Gabriel brought us to Lanciano, in Abruzzo, to see the relics of the Eucharistic miracle that occurred there about 1,200 years ago, when the Host became Flesh, and the Wine became Blood. Last week, we toured the Scavi of St. Peter’s Basilica, where we saw the tombs of many ancient Roman families, and were able to pray just a few feet from the bones of St. Peter himself. These experiences have surely left an impression on us that we are not soon to forget.
On July 10
th
, we will fly home to spend the summer with our families. It is hard for us to believe that almost ten months have passed since we received our Tau Crosses in New York, and it is even harder to imagine that in just two and a half months, we will receive our Habits and start our year of Novitiate in Assisi. As we reflect on this, we are infinitely grateful for all of you, our brothers, who we know never cease to pray for us and treat us like true members of the Franciscan family. As we draw ever closer to the start of the most important year of our formation, we ask you to please continue to pray that we grow in our journey as we follow the example of our seraphic father St. Francis. As always, we will keep you all in our prayers every day.
Peace and all good,
The Postulants – Carl, Dan, and Jack
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Friar Birthdays for July
Take time to wish our friars who are celebrating birthdays a Happy Birthday!
John Bucchino - July 2nd - (73)
Fabian Grifone - July 6th - (93)
Albert Gauci - July 7th - (71)
John Bavaro - July 8th - (82)
Joseph LaGressa - July 10th - (70)
Michael Corcione - July 23rd - (57)
Jose Alvin Te - July 25th - (44)
Primo Piscitello - July 27th - (84)
Claude Scrima - July 28th - (84)
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25 Years (Profession)
Michael Della Penna
Vit Fiala
Thomas Washburn
James Welch II
50 Years (Profession)
Robert Camilleri
Alfonse Ferreira
James Goode
Jack Hoak
Joseph LaGressa
Joseph Lorenzo
Pierre Nguyenvan Van Quy
Robert Siguere
50 Years (Solemn Profession)
Dominic Poirier - 50 years of Profession
50 Years (Priesthood)
Amedeo Nardone
60 Years (Profession)
Michael Travaglione
60 Years (Solemn Profession)
John Bavaro
Robert Caprio
Simeon Distefano
Flavian Mucci
Ralph Paonessa
Michael Travaglione
60 Years (Priesthood)
Alexis Anania
Guy Vellardita
65 Years (Profession)
Giles Barrreda
Albin Fusco
Frederick Mazzarella
Roland Petinge
Claude Scrima
Louis Troiano
65 Years (Solemn Profession)
Alexis Anania
Guy Vellardita
70 Years (Profession)
Roderick Crispo
80 Years (Profession)
Clement Procopio
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Our Lady of Peace, Brooklyn
Marks Saint Anthony Festivities
The annual celebration of the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua was marked at Our Lady of Peace Church in Brooklyn with Solemn Mass, Processions with the statue of St. Anthony, blessed bread and oil, and special foods. Here are some photos of the event.
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Plenary Council of the Order meets in Nairobi, Kenya
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The sound of African drums began at 3:00 pm on the 12
th
of June, 2018 in the beautiful garden of the Dimesse House of Spirtuality, Nairobi, Kenya, and so began the Opening Liturgy of the Plenary Council of the Order. Led by the rhythm of drumming and singing, the participants moved in procession to the Main Hall where the Liturgy was concluded.
In his address of welcome, Br. Michael A. Perry encouraged the friars to return to their early love. His words were inspired from the Book of Revelation:
“…do not become discouraged. But,
I hold this against you: you have turned aside from your early love. Keep firmly in mind the heights from which you have fallen. Repent, and return to your former deeds…Let him who has ears heed the Spirit’s word to the churches.” (Rev. 2: 2-5. 7)
Br. Carmelo Giannone, Minister Provincial of the host Province of East Africa, then spoke and thanked everyone involved for choosing the African continent to host this fraternal gathering. After giving a brief history of the Franciscan presence in Africa, he then inspired the brothers by showing how this entity is growing, not just in number but also in the quality of fraternal life. He ended by welcoming the brothers using the different languages of Africa. In Kenya they say in Swahili, “Karibuni Africa” or “You are welcome.”
The Council Members were introduced to each other in a fun and novel way. Using the theme of the upcoming World Cup, a football was thrown to a friar at random and then he was ‘interviewed’ —before himself throwing the football to the next friar to be asked about himself!
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Saint Thomas Derry celebrates
the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
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Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry celebrated the Solemnity (also referred to as "Corpus Christi") with special celebrations, including a Solemn Procession through the streets of the town. Here are some photos of the event, held on Sunday, June 3. Friar Phil Pacheco, OFM is the Pastor, and Friar Joaquin Mejia, OFM is associate pastor.
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Journey
Journey into God
A Centennial Franciscan Retreat Experience
August 9-17, 2018
Mt. Alvernia Retreat House
Wappingers Falls, NY
Friar Andre Cirino, OFM
Josef Reisch, OFS
For more information check out website:
www.assisijourney.com
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
PROVINCE RETREAT SCHEDULED
Our Province Retreat has been scheduled for October 14-18, 2018 at Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center, Wappingers Falls NY. This retreat will held together with the Capuchin Franciscans of the St. Mary Province.
2019 PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
The 2019 Provincial Chapter has been scheduled for Sunday, June 16 to Friday, June 21, 2019. The chapter will be held at Mt. Alvernia, Wappingers Falls NY.
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Franciscan Sisters of Allegany complete their mission at Saint Anthony's NYC
after 144 years
Part of a presentation given by Sr. Margaret Mary Kimmins OSF, Congregational Minister of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, delivered during Mass on the occasion of the Congregation's departure from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, New York City, May 13, 2018.
It is my privilege and pleasure to be with you today as we celebrate our commitment to the people of New York City and especially the people of St. Anthony of Padua Parish.
Everyone loves a good story. Stories are told at family gatherings: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, reunions, even funerals. Stories hold memories.
The stories of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany at St. Anthony's parish and school, and our ministries with the Friars of the Immaculate Conception Province, go back to 1859 when Fr. Pamphilo founded the Friars and Sisters. We were with them in two of our first three missions - Winsted, CT in 1865 and St. Anthony's in New York City in 1874. We also ministered with them in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Catskill, and Mt. Vernon. We have been gifted to work with these good men.
As many of you know, we initially came to teach the Italian immigrants. We are still serving the new immigrants in advocating for a path to citizenship.
The evening of Friday, May 11 , we prayed with the last four Sisters - Rita Frances Guaracsi, Lois Christopher, Gloria Oehl, and Kathie Uhler - as they prepared to leave St. Anthony's. We prayed in memory the names of all of the Sisters who had served at St. Anthony's - 220 Allegany Franciscans, many of whom loved it so much, they stayed for a very long time.
Our memories of St. Anthony's feast brings smiles to our faces. Every June, seeing people from near and far join us at the street festival to honor the Saint of Padua and to meet former neighbors and friends who had moved away, while enjoying the delicious food and entertainment.
The goodness of the people who greet us every day as we meet them on the street and acknowledge our presence brings us warmth. From the very beginning of our time here, our house was a house of hospitality. Whether we lived on Spring, Sullivan, or Prince street, we always welcomed visitors from other countries and other congregations. We were enriched by their presence. Many of them ministered in other parts of the city - they worked at the U.N., did pastoral ministry, religious education, nursing, and taught in colleges. They went wherever they were needed, and we take this opportunity to thank them for gifting us by their presence.
We, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, thank you, the parishioners of St. Anthony's, for your presence to us, your friendship with us, and of course your loving kindness. We thank the Friars of the Immaculate Conception Province, our friends for over 153 years and with whom we will continue that friendship into the future.
We believe, as St. Francis of Assisi said, "We have done what is ours to do" and we leave comforted by this. We leave in peace!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MANY YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP AND SERVICE WITH THE FRIARS AND PEOPLE OF SAINT ANTHONY'S. THE FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF ALLEGANY HAVE TRULY BEEN A BLESSING TO OUR PROVINCE AND ST. ANTHONY CHURCH.
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SIX US FRANCISCAN PROVINCES APPROVE REVITALIZATION AND RESTRUCTURING
Six Province of the Order Friars Minor in the United States have voted to form one new national province. On May 30, the friars of each of the six provinces voted at meetings in their communities to support the formation of one new organization. It will comprise the almost 1,000 friars belonging to the six provinces and will be headquartered in a yet-to-be-determined location.
“The other provincial ministers and I are delighted with the outcome of the vote,” said Friar David Gaa, OFM, provincial minister of St. Barbara Province. “This is an important step in the process of revitalizing Franciscan life in the United States.”
The Franciscan friars of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province (based in Franklin, Wisc.), Holy Name Province (headquartered on 31st Street in New York City), Our Lady of Guadalupe Province (Albuquerque, N.M.), Sacred Heart Province (St. Louis, Mo.), St. Barbara Province (Oakland, Calif.), and St. John the Baptist Province (Cincinnati, Ohio) have been in dialogue about unifying their communities since 2012.
“The new entity will better serve the friars’ fraternal life and mission in the United States by making adjustments to the current administrative structure,” said Friar Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, the provincial minister of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province.
Like many other religious communities throughout the United States, the Franciscans are facing a reduction in its members. During the 1960s and 1970s, the number of Friars Minor in the United States peaked at 3,252, but today the numbers are down below 1,000 friars.
The reconfiguration will not happen immediately. The next step in the process is to obtain approval to unify from the Order’s minister general, Friar Michael Perry, OFM, who is based in Rome. Should he decide that such a reconfiguration would be helpful to Franciscan life and ministry, he will appoint a delegate to visit the friars in the United States. If his delegate’s report is favorable, it is expected that the process of reconfiguration will move forward.
Meanwhile, the process is continuing as issues of canon and civil law are resolved. Franciscan leaders expect that the new province will be officially formed in late 2022 or early 2023.
The worldwide Franciscan Order, founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi, comprises brothers and priests who work in a variety of settings including parishes, schools, retreat centers, and social justice ministries. Today, St. Francis, whose feast day is Oct. 4, remains one of the most widely known saints, revered for his affection for nature and care for creation.
The provinces voted as follows:
Assumption BVM Province: 54 voted - 48 yes, 6 no
Holy Name Province: 182 voted - 128 yes, 54 no
Our Lady of Guadalupe Province: 40 voted - 32 yes, 8 no
Sacred Heart Province: 108 voted - 64 yes, 44 no
St. Barbara Province: 99 voted - 58 yes, 41 no
St. John the Baptist Province: 95 voted - 86 yes, 9 no
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News from Valley of the Angels
Guatemala
LEAGUE OF ANGELS
Karla Zimeri de Dorión had just been offered the exclusive privilege of beginning a new and unprecedented baseball program here in Guatemala under the auspices of a Major League Baseball course called “Coach Development Program.” As she drove, her mind raced and then she decided to to pray about where the best place to begin would be. Immediately Valley of the Angels entered her mind and she felt God inviting her to ask our very own angels at Valley to have the honor of receiving this unique opportunity! Whether it was Fr. Rocco himself who interceded from heaven to finally implement his dream or just another extraordinary grace from God to bless his children, we will never know, but we are delighted that Karla was inspired to ask us first.
Through their collaboration with the Guatemalan Federation of Baseball, Karla (MLB and CDP Graduate), and Cathy Helen Mena de Alegría, are on a mission to take baseball in Guatemala to a new level by 2030. They are both the real movers and shakers behind the founding of the Baseball Formation and Education Program here at Valley this year.
From February to December of 2017, the coaches have completed giving 32, 90-minute classes to each level of children who are between first and eighth grade. The coaches train almost 50 children twice a week from 9am to 1:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, (a total of 13 hours of personal training per week). In total they have given some 336 hours of instruction in 224 classes so far. This includes T-Ball for the
6
year olds, catching and batting practice for the
7-9
year olds, and pitching and base running for the 12-14 year olds.
The principal and foundational objective of the program is to introduce the children to baseball and educate them into this wonderful sport. The program consists of regimented practice routines that not only aim at enhancing Valley´s primary school students´ baseball skills but seeks to cultivate and instil gospel values for life. Ample research and experience show that practicing a sport is an integral development component for any child that can be used as a means to teach fundamental principles and values, such as discipline, commitment, fraternity, punctuality, honesty, working as a team and perseverance. The important lessons of winning with humility and gratitude and losing with dignity are instrumental skills for maturity. All of these lessons can easily be sustained and applied in everyday life. In addition to the obvious benefit of developing their physical motor skills and mental abilities, and nurturing virtues, we also hope this program will open scholarship opportunities for our students´ future.
We are especially blessed to have two special and highly sought after coaches, Jorge Zaldivar and Oscar Reynosa. While Cathy Helen and Karla volunteer their time to spearhead the general operations of the program, Jorge serves as the head coach and prepares the day to day work plans. Each of them are personally invested, enthusiastically committed and highly effective in motivating and encouraging the children to continue to enhance their baseball skills on a weekly basis.
We have already seen so much fruit from this program.
Luz, one of the younger girls, is a great example as she is learning to give the best of herself on and off the field. All of the coaches and teachers agree that they have noticed a qualitative and positive growth in her in which she has demonstated greater optimism and an over all better attitude.
Andreé, a second grader, is another good example. He came into the program with challenging circumstances at home, and initially had some real issues. In a short time however, he has shown great improvement and really turned it around. In particular, he has responded very well to the male coaches who offer affirming and very positive encouragement and so serve as good and much needed male role models, who treat the children with grreat respect and yet demand a lot. Their program gives them clear boundaries and ample structure within the context of discipline with love.
Another beautiful example is Eduardo who is so beloved by all the staff, that they have nicknamed him “the shadow” because of his propensity to stick so close to the coaches. As soon as the recess bell rings, you can be sure Eduardo is the first one asking “Can I get to bat, can I catch the ball, can I play please?” Eduardo’s high energy and incessant desire to play, complimented by his natural ability for the sport, is translating into him becoming a very fine young player with promising skills. The coaches have commented that “the shadow” is always so happy and excited to get to play and that is exactly what we like to see.”
One of the more heart warming expereinces has been that of Alexander, a new first grade boy at Valley, who has a speech impediment that makes it difficult for him to express himself. During the very first day of training, Alexander was attached to the fence of the field and the only thing he said was “I want to go home, I want to go home.” It is always difficult for a young child to be in new and strange place, away from all the people he knows for the first time. But within a very short time, and quite spontaneously, Alexander experienced a real and dramatic transformation. He suddenly became overwhelmimgly involved during a game and became enormously eager to learn everything he could.
These stories all share a common thread- they show the impact and effectiveness that love alone can brings. While this prestigious program consists of a high caliber proficient team of dedicated coaches, it is really fueled and powered by the love that is transmitted personally, heart to heart. This is what ultimately affirms the human dignity of the children and reminds them of their inestimable value so that they rediscover the truth of their God given identity as children of God.
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TRANSITIONS
Friar Joseph Nasanathan, OFM,
has moved from St. Anthony's NYC to St. Christopher Friary, Boston with ministry at St. Leonard's.
Friar Amadeo Nardone, OFM,
Pastor at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church, turned 75 in November of 2017. Archbishop Collins granted him permission to remain as pastor until July of 2018, at which time he will mark his 50th Anniversary of Ordination. He will officially retire on Sunday, July 8, and will remain in residence at St. Jane Frances.
Friar Charles Gretch, OFM,
currently a pastoral assistant at St. Jane Frances, has been named temporary administrator of the parish, effective on July 9.
Friar Michael MacInnis, OFM
, seeking incarnation to the Archdiocese of Boston.
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Down Memory Lane
Friars Bede Ferrara, OFM and Friar Joe LaGressa, OFM, preparing for the Feast of St. Anthony at St. Leonard's Church, many years ago.
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PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE FRIARS
WHO HAVE RECENTLY DIED
Friar Robert Artman, OFM
Friar Albert McMahon, OFM
Friar Leonard Lencewicz, OFM (Holy Name Province)
Friar Warren Zeisler, OFM (St. John Baptist Province)
Friar Laurence Dolan, OFM (St Barbara Province)
Friar Raymond Zsolczaj, OFM (Assumption Province)
Friar Maurice Peltier, OFM (St. Barbara Province)
Friar Conrad Rebmann, OFM (St. John Baptist Province)
Friar Clement Comesky, OFM (Holy Name Province)
Recently Deceased Family and Friends
Maria Grazia Nardoianni,
mother of Friar Antonio Nardoianni, OFM,
who passed into eternal life on April 26.
Rick (Enrico) Luongo, former simply professed friar
Joseph Zammit, father of Friar Jimmy Zammit, OFM,
Let us pray for our infirm friars:
Friar Primo Piscitello, OFM
Friar Fabian Grifone, OFM
Friar Flavian Mucci, OFM
Friar Claudio Moser, OFM
Friar Charles Soto, OFM
Friar Clement Procopio, OFM
Friar Joseph Lorenzo, OFM
For our friars in skilled nursing facilities:
Friar Philip Adamo, OFM
Friar Giles Barreda, OFM
Friar Lawrence Stumpo, OFM
For our infirm family and friends:
Sheila Washburn, mother of Friar Thomas Washburn, OFM
Patricia Houck,(cousin of Friar Patrick Boyle), serious cancer diagnosis
Maria Tagani (daughter of St. Francis Centre staff member)
Please pray for all friars, families, friends, and benefactors,
living and deceased.
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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.
St. Anthony Friary
24 Harrison Street/ PO Box 487
Catskill NY 12414
Cell: 917.337.9833
Office: 518.943.3451 xt. 314
jolorenzo@aol.com jolorenzo1@me.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.ICProvince.org
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