My brothers,

I am sure you know that this year I was in Rome for the Solemn Profession and Diaconate Ordination of four of our brothers. While at the Convento San Francesco for the Feast of St. Francis, we participated in the Transitus at our General Curia. On October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, a Solemn Mass was celebrated at the lower church of the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, one which marked the transfer of centenary celebrations from the Centenary of the Canticle of the Creation to the Centenary of the Passing of our Holy Father St. Francis. This began the special year marking the 800^th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis in 1226. This continues the jubilee journey that began in 2023 following he last years of the life of Saint Francis.  Br. Massimo Fusarelli, O.F.M., our Minister General, preaching at the Eucharistic celebration presided over by him, reflected on the lack of peace that characterized Francis' time aas well as in our present time. He said, "Today, in a world that once again experiences the violence of war – in Ukraine, in Gaza and the Middle East, in the Eastern Congo as in so many other parts of the world often forgotten – Francis asks us: where does peace begin? " Br. Massimo emphasized how St. Anthony of Padua, who followed in the footsteps of the Poverello, reminded everyone to begin the process of reconciliation with their own heart.  in other words, peace begins with reconciliation and reconciliation has to begin with us.

In his Letter to the Rulers of Peoples, St. Francis invited the powerful to move from the logic of war to the logic of the Eucharist: "Recognizing the honor of God means recognizing the dignity of man. Here lies the anti-violence, the anti-war Francis, a messianic thought that opens up the future in this gray and heavy present," Br. Massimo commented, inviting all the Friars Minor "to stay within the fractures frontiers of the world, among migrants, the poor, the discarded," choosing the best part like Mary at the feet of Jesus. Before the blessing, the Minister General made an appeal to pray for the peace that we need so much in these times.

This is the great challenge that lies before us: to seek peace in our own hearts and lives, to put aside the petty differences and quarrels that keep us from viewing each other as “brother”, and to bring that brotherhood to others. 

  Fraternally, 

From the Convento San Francesco, Rome

Days of Joy and Fraternity

After completing my novitiate, I arrived at Convento San Francesco in Rome, home to one of our formation communities. Here, our brothers study philosophy and theology at the Pontifical University, the Antonianum. It’s a real blessing to share this new stage of my Franciscan journey with them — living, praying, and studying together in a spirit of simplicity and fraternity.

Between the end of September and the first week of October, we experienced days filled with joy and gratitude. Our entire Province came together to celebrate the solemn profession and diaconal ordination of four of our brothers. These were powerful days of prayer, brotherhood, and celebration, joined by our Provincial Minister, the Provincial Vicar, the Definitor Fr. Orlando Ruiz, and Fr. Rafael Fernández, President of the Foundation in Central America. We were also blessed to welcome the families of our newly professed and newly ordained brothers — a true celebration of faith and community.

At the same time, we began this month of October under the loving intercession of our Mother Mary, joining pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square for the Holy Rosary. It was a moving reminder of how Mary always gathers us around her Son and keeps our hearts rooted in prayer.

And, of course, no festivity would be complete without a birthday! We joyfully celebrated Fr. Kevin Hernández’s special day right here in the friary.

Now that the celebrations have passed, we’ve returned to the rhythm of everyday fraternity and study. With hearts full of gratitude, we entrust our journey to the Lord and ask for your prayers — that we may continue to live our Franciscan vocation with faithfulness and joy. Peace and all good to everyone!

Brother Manuel Chavarría.

ASSIGNMENT OF NEWLY-ORDAINED DEACONS

Effective Date: November 4, 2025

Fra Daniel Ramirez Luna, O.F.M.- St. Anthony of Padua Church, New York City

Fra Oscar Danilo Valle Perez, O.F.M. - Our Lady of Peace Church, Brooklyn, NY

Fra Luis Antonio Hernandez Reinosa, O.F.M.- Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion, Ataco, El Salvador

Fra Kevin Gabriel Gonzalez Vega, O.F.M.- St. Joseph Church, Winsted, CT

POSTULANCY- Italy (Farnetto) with the Assisi Province.

Oscar Eduardo Gomez Ramirez

SIMPLY PROFESSED (Rome) Convento S. Francesco

 Fra Dagoberto Hernandez Lopez, O.F.M. 

Fra Kevin Ottoniel Hernandez, O.F.M. 

Fra Efrain Gabriel Rojas Mendieta, O.F.M. 

Fra Kevin Leonel Flores Godoy, O.F.M. 

Fra Jimmy Alexis Marchante, O.F.M. 

Fra Manuel Alejandro Chavarria Blanco, O.F.M. 

Fra Manuel Eduardo Alvarado Salinas, O.F.M. 

UPDATED WEBSITE FOR

FRANCISCAN MISSION ASSOCIATES,

MT. VERNON

The location is the same (https://franciscanmissionassoc.org) but Fr. Alvin Te, O.F.M., Executive Director of the Franciscan Mission Associates, working diligently with his technology team, has unveiled a new look to the FMA website. The website features the latest in mission awareness and fundraising technology, including important information on the work of the FMA, prayer resources, spiritual guidance, and opportunities for people to participate in the mission of the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception. Congratulations to Fr. Alvin and his team!

IMMIGRATION RESOURCES

Did you know that 24% of Catholic priests ministering in the US are foreign born? My own Franciscan province, though headquartered in New York City, has friaries and ministries in Canada, Central America, and Italy. Friars from these other countries must obtain a specialized visa in order to minister here in the US. The usual visa, a Religious Worker (R-1) Visa, can be renewed up to 5 years. The minister must then leave the country for a year in order to re-apply. This has been done to priests, brothers, religious sisters (even cloistered nuns have had to leave their monasteries). A workaround visa, called an H1-b has been used on occasion, but the President has raised the cost of this from around $2,000 per application to $100,000. The immigration restrictions are currently being tightened even more and becoming more expensive, making it very difficult to assign our foreign-born friars to USA ministries. This is very unfortunate. As Provincial Secretary I have been doing visa processing for our friars. There is a bill working through congress that may help alleviate this called the “Religious Workforce Protection Act”. In a letter from the US Bishops’ Conference, it was stated that families will be unable to practice the basic tenets of their faith if this situation is not addressed soon. Parishes and schools will close, and hospitals will no longer have chaplains. This would be very unfortunate. 

Catholic parishes, hospitals, schools and other ministries are facing a staffing crisis caused by this federal policy, as foreign-born priests, religious sisters and brothers get caught up in the bureaucratic red tape of our broken immigration system. A bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress to address the issue, making it easier for religious workers here legally on temporary visas to remain in the country until they can get a green card. Currently, because of a backlog in applications for the specific permanent visas these individuals need, many are forced to leave the country for a year, leaving our ministries unstaffed and our Catholic people without access to sacraments and spiritual care. Please contact your senators and member of Congress to urge them to pass the Religious Workforce Protection Act this year!

Fr. Joe Lorenzo, OFM, Provincial Secretary

Photo below: This is a typical packet being prepared to send out to the US Government Immigration Services (Homeland Security) for processing for an R-1 (Religious Worker Visa)

MOUNT ALVERNIA RETREAT CENTER NAMED

PILGRIMAGE SITE FOR JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE

In the Archdiocese of New York, a number of gatherings and pilgrimages have been held in honor of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which was proclaimed by Pope Francis. More pilgrim journeys are welcome.     

The Jubilee Year of Hope runs from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. The papal decree encouraged regional pilgrimages to cathedrals and other sacred places where indulgences may be obtained. T

“I’m getting a lot of requests because of the Jubilee Year; we are one of the pilgrimage locations (Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center, Wappingers Falls) named by the Archdiocese of New York.” Father Mario F. Julian, OFM, retreat director, finance director, guardian, and secretary at Mt. Alvernia, told The Good Newsroom in a July 21 email. “We are open all day and people and groups come in to pray and celebrate Mass. On October 4, we are having a special Jubilee Mass here at the Mount at noon celebrated by Bishop (Gerardo) Colacicco.”

On the feast of St. Francis, Bishop Gerardo Colacicco officiated at the Eucharistic celebration outdoors on the front steps to Mount Alvernia Chapel. The bishop was joined by about 20 concelebrants, among them 5 deacons and a 15-member choir under the direction of Cathy Reale from the local parish of St. Colomba, Hopewell Junction. The congregation numbered about 600 people who brought their own chairs as they worshipped on a beautiful fall day here in Wappingers Falls.

Feast of St. Francis at Marian University

On October 3, André Cirino joined Rick Martignetti at Marian University to celebrate a Franciscan weekend. On that same day, students, professors and Secular Franciscans gathered together for the celebration of the Transitus of our Holy Father St. Francis.

On October 4, Rick first blessed all the animals people brought to the campus. Then Rick led us in a festive celebration of Eucharist outdoors, accompanied by joyful choral singing of students and faculty and Secular Franciscans. The bronze Crucifix by Timothy Schmalz, which was the centerpiece for the Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis and donated to the university, was behind Rick as he celebrated the feast day Eucharist.

On October 5, Sunday, Rick hosted a “Franciscan Day” for students, faculty, and Secular Franciscans. André gave two presentations—the first on St. Francis’ concept of Fraternitas, and the second on St. Bonaventure’s thoughts on the Trinity and Incarnation. Tau Publishing, who issued books by Rick, André and Michael Della Penna, was present to make many Franciscan works available for purchase. A bonus for André was to see not only the Indianapolis Speedway, but also the Colt’s stadium.

News from our Canadian Brothers

Transitus Celebration in Toronto

On Friday, October 3^rd, the brothers in the Toronto region gathered at St. Jane Frances Church to celebrate the Transitus of our Holy Father Saint Francis. The friars gathered at 4:00 pm for a moment of fraternity before Vespers at 4:30 in the adoration Chapel. After dinner provided by a local restaurant, we gathered in the Church for the Transitus, celebrated in English, Italian and Vietnamese. Friar Charles Grech, President of the Canadian foundation, was the presided and Friars Jack Sidoti and Joshua Critchley assisted as acolytes.

We were also happy to have the Capuchin Friars from St. Philip Neri Church – our neighboring parish – join us for the celebration, including retired Bishop John Corriveau, OFMcap. In total we were about 20 friars, approximately 30 Secular Franciscans (both from the Vietnamese community at St. Jane Frances and the fraternity at St. Peter’s in Woodbridge), and nearly 175 parishioners in attendance.

After the Transitus concluded, all were invited into the Parish Hall for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. In all, it was a beautiful evening of brotherhood in commemoration of the passing of St. Francis from this life to eternal life.

St. Peter's Church Marks

Twentieth Anniversary GALA for Knights of Columbus

On October 18, 2025, St. Peter's Church in Woodbridge, Ontario, marked the twentieth anniversary of their Knights of Columbus Council with a gala at the Primavera Event Space in Woodbridge. The event paid tribute to their local Knights of Columbus, celebrating a fantastic, faithful group who do so much for the church and, over the years, have done so much for the friars.

Fr. Josh Critchley Service to Local Catholic Schools in Woodbridge

Fr. Josh celebrates Mass at St. Helena Chapel at Holy Cross Catholic Academy. As it was the day before the Feast of Francis, I preached about Francis and vocations. I also told the students that, since I had been asked to assist with Vocations, they know what I will be talking about a lot over the next couple of years! I have been going to the high school every Monday and Friday for the past 3 years. Mondays I am there for Adoration and Friday for Mass. Good number of students and staff always turn out. The ministry team at Holy Cross, headed by Mr. Ivano Battilana, has worked closely with the parish for many years. Definitely one of the biggest blessings to be with the school community twice a week.

Fr. Charles Grech, Pastor; Fr. Michael Corcione, Former Pastor;

Fr. Josh Critchley, Associate Pastor at K of C Gala

Fr. Josh Critchley with High School Students

NOTICE

Please remember to notify the Provincial Office if you have changed your email, phone number, cell number, or address. Thank you.

JOY J INITIATIVE HOMELESS OUTREACH

AT ST. ANTHONY'S NYC

On February 8, 2014, a meeting was held at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, New York City, marking the founding of the JoyJ Initiative Soho Chapter. Present were interested parties with Fr. Joe Lorenzo, OFM, Pastor, and representatives of the first JoyJ group in Manhattan. From there came this wonderful ministry to the homeless of New York City. Since then the JoyJ Initiative has spread to 15 countries, with 43 sites,11,400 volunteers, 115,000 lives touched, and many blessings. 

Recently, the charitable group Pro-Vida presented the JoyJ Initiative with a brand new van, which empowers the Initiatve to reach more people, deliver essentials more efficiently, and continue spreadying compassion and hope where it’s need the most. Together, we move humanity forward, one act of kindness at a time.  Fr. Michael Corcione, O.F.M., pastor, is seen blessing the new van. 

FROM FR. RAFAEL FERNANDEZ, ATACO

Fr. Rafael send some photos of the Solemn Mass welcoming newly-ordained deacon Friar Luis Hernandez, O.F.M. at Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion in Ataco, El Salvador. Fra Luis, it should be noted, is a native son of the parish.

"Greetings, I share with you the joy of receiving Fr. Luis Hernandez OFM, at the presentation and reception at the Masses on Sunday, October 19: It was a total joy for the faithful and his entire family... here I share with you some moments of that reception."

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Oscar Valle Perez- November 6th- 34

Ronald Bolfeta- November 7th- 76

Rafael Fernandez- November 10th- 71

Journey with St. Francis :

A Spiritual Journey

Josef Raischl, OFS, and André Cirino, OFM

Journey with St. Francis: A Spiritual Journal is a beautiful way to walk with St. Francis of Assisi during the centennial celebration of the 800th anniversary of his death in 2026, while deepening your own spiritual walk. This all-new 396-page journal, bound in elegant white wire, invites you to step into the Franciscan spirit each day of the year. Every page features a thought-provoking quote from the writings of St. Francis, offering gentle encouragement and timeless wisdom. Alongside these daily inspirations, the journal includes a complete listing of Franciscan feast days, weaving the rhythms of the Franciscan tradition into your own prayer life.

Adding to its beauty, the artwork of Sr. Kay Francis Berger, OSF, graces the cover and illuminates each month with her unique vision, blending art and devotion. The journal also includes a heartfelt preface by Mary Esther Stewart, OFS, an inspiring introduction to 800 years of Franciscan spirit by André Cirino, OFM, and Josef Raischl, OFS, a thoughtful word from the translator Jean François Godet-Calogeras, Ph.D., and a tender note about the artist by Sr. Marianne Saieg, OSF. Together, these voices create a chorus of Franciscan wisdom and creativity that enriches the experience of journaling.

Whether you use it to record prayers, reflections, or daily gratitude, Journey with St. Francis is more than a journal—it is a spiritual companion. As you write, you walk alongside Francis, letting his words guide you into deeper peace, joy, and connection with God’s creation. Beautiful, practical, and profoundly inspirational, this journal is a perfect gift for yourself or anyone seeking to live more fully in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

$24.95

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.

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125 Thompson Street New York NY 10012

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Office: 212.674.4388 Xt. 113

jlorenzo@icprovince.org

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