Franciscan Friars
Province of the Immaculate Conception
|
|
Provincial Update - March 2019
|
|
Happy Easter
Happy Spring
It's not by accident that Easter occurs at the beginning of spring. Easter is, in a very real sense, a feast of the spring. The resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday is proclaimed by nature itself, from the budding tulips, to the trees, to the forest. The ice is gone from our lakes and ponds, and even the fish and the sea creatures proclaim that Jesus is risen from the dead. Of course, this may sound poetic, but we are aware of the intimate link between Easter and the Jewish Passover, and that the Jewish holy days were a reflection of their agrarian history. In fact, most Jewish festivals are intimately connected to nature, the land, the crops, and rebirth.
What greater way do we have to celebrate the coming of spring and the end of winter than with the beautiful rituals of the church, especially those of Holy Week? The signs and symbols of Easter all have their roots in ancient celebrations of the change of season -- candles, baptismal water, flowers, and Easter foods all coincide with nature.
Easter should herald a rebirth of our spiritual lives and the practice of our faith. All the acts of penance, sacrifice, and almsgiving that we did during Lent should not end now that Easter is here. Rather, they should become part of the ordinary practice of our faith in the risen Lord. Don't you think it would be a shame if, after growing in our faith during Lent, we just lapsed back to our old ways? Do we really want to look at Easter as an opportunity to return to sinful ways and abandon all that we have accomplished during Lent?
You may have heard the story of the man who hadn’t been to Mass in a long time. Every Sunday his wife and family would head to church, while he would stay home. After much convincing from his family, he decided that for Lent he would go to Sunday Mass with his family. While he enjoyed being with his family, he missed sleeping in and staying at home on Sunday mornings. Finally, in his frustration, he confessed to his wife: “I can’t wait for Easter so I can stop going to church again.” Just when he had begun a good habit, he abandoned it.
Hopefully, on Easter morning, we are able to look at ourselves in the mirror and admit that we had become better Christians, and holier friars. And it would be important to continue our efforts to grow in holiness.
I hope your Holy Week and Easter was filled with many blessings. You are always remembered in my Masses and prayers.
|
|
Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM
Provincial Minister
|
|
April 2019
Simply Professed
From Friar Josh Critchley, OFM,
who is stationed in Chicago and is part of the inter-provincial post-novitiate program at St. Joseph Friary
The photo below iis from my thesis presentation which was this past Tuesday, April 9th. The name of my presentation was the Virtues in David Hume. It was very well received and I am very happy to have been able to speak. There were 8 presenters total from the department of philosophy and religious studies they all did very excellent jobs as well.
Graduation is May 11th and I am looking forward to getting my undergraduate degree. My parents are coming out to Chicago for the ceremony as well. I will starting a class at CTU as well the end of this month to get a little bit of a jumpstart on theology, lots more schooling ahead!
PRAYER REQUEST:
Please include if you can in the next newsletter a prayer request for
Br. Abraham Joseph.
He is a Solemnly Professed friar with Holy Name Province finishing his theological studies at CTU. He lives at Bl. Giles friary in Chicago. He is currently being detained by immigration authorities in Kenosha, WI as a result of complications with his immigrations status. He will be in detention until the time of his hearing where it will be decided if he will be deported or not. He is originally from Haiti. He has a lawyer and we are hoping he will not face deportation. He was supposed to he ordained a deacon April 27th. Please keep him in prayer as he is in detention and pray that the mixup over his status might be resolved.
|
|
The Solemn Profession of Friar Victor Treminio, OFM, who is stationed at the Convento San Francesco in Rome while studying at the Pontifical University of the Antonianum, has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 19 at a Solemn Liturgy at 5:00 PM during our Provincial Chapter. Friar Victor is currently making a retreat at the Santuario della Verna, where St. Francis received the Sacred Stignata. Congratulations, Victor. Many blessings.
|
|
|
On March 29, Luis Hernandez from El Salvador arrived at the Convento San Francesco in Rome to learn Italian and, if everything is well, he will start the Novitiate in San Damiano in Assisi in September. Luis attended two year of Postulancy in Boston but didn’t complete the Novitiate. He now has returned and will resume his preparations for novitiate.
Welcome back Luis!
|
|
Franciscan Friar wins One Million Dollars
|
|
|
|
What happens when you give a Franciscan Friar One Million Dollars?
He gives it away!
The story of Friar Peter Tabichi, OFM
|
|
|
|
At least that’s what Brother Peter Tabichi, OFM, plans to do with the $1 million prize he won March 23, which came alongside the 2019 Global Teacher Prize, which he received at a conference in Dubai.
"This prize does not recognize me but recognizes this great continent’s young people. I am only here because of what my students have achieved. This prize gives them a chance. It tells the world that they can do anything,” Tabichi said.
The brother is a science teacher at a school in rural Kenya.
Chosen from among 10,000 nominees, Tabichi will also become global ambassador for the Varkey Foundation, which established the award. The international organization, founded in 2010 by Indian businessman Sunny Varkey, looks to raise the standards of education for students across the developing world.
In Kenya’s Rift Valley, afflicted by drought, violence, and drug abuse, many students have either been orphaned or are being raised by only one parent.
Tabichi teaches science and math at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani Village, Kenya. The school is in need of resources and equipment, and has a student-teacher ratio of 58:1.
Tabichi often walks four miles to a cyber-cafe, to download educational material for his lessons. He also donates 80 percent of his income to aid poor students, and intends to donate his prize money to support the school.
Under Tabichi’s instruction, the school’s students have had success at national and international science competitions. More students have also been able to attend college, and girls’ tests scores have particularly seen an increase.
Last year, his students won first place in the public school category at the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair 2018. The students submitted a device allowing blind and deaf people to measure objects. The team is preparing to participate in the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair 2019 in Arizona.
Over a video conference at the event, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated the Franciscan brother.
"Peter – your story is the story of Africa, a young continent bursting with talent. Your students have shown that they can compete amongst the best in the world in science, technology and all fields of human endeavor.”
|
|
|
|
Blessed John Duns Scotus Library
Presents
"Franciscan Solitude: Wellspring of Grace"
|
|
|
|
Sr.Kathleen Osbelt OSF,
a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities spoke to a full house on Saturday, 6 April, about
Franciscan Solitude: A Wellspring of Grace
at our Blessed John Duns Scotus Franciscan Library. A good number of Secular Franciscans from the greater New York City region attended. Sr. Kathleen lived in her community’s Franciscan Hermitage in Fayetteville, New York for over twenty-two years, and is presently not only the foundress but also the Director of Mission Outreach for
Francis House
, two homes for those who are at end-of-life.
The next event scheduled at the Library, located at the Provincial Curia on Thompson Street, will be "Loving Over Knowing: A Heart-centered Approach to Understanding God" on Thursday, August 15, 2019 by Fr. Joe Schwab, OFM, Executive Director of the Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, Arizona. This event will take place at 1:00 PM.
Also scheduled for November 16 will be Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF, who will speak about St. Clare- "Reading the Tavola of St. Clare: Leadership Ideas from Her Sacred Journey."
If you plan on attending any of these events, please RSVP to Siobhan O'Dwyer, OFS at smdfranciscanlibrary@gmail.com
|
|
Archbishop Wilton Gregory named Archbishop of Washington D.C.
|
|
|
Archbishop Wilton Gregory, currently Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia, former Bishop of Belleville in Illinois, and former President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops was named the seventh Archbishop of Washington D.C. by Pope Francis on April 4, 2019. Archbishop Gregory was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1973 and was named an auxiliary bishop in 1983. He was named Bishop of Belleville in 1994 where he served for eleven years before being named by Pope John Paul II as the sixth Archbishop of Atlanta in 2005.
Archbishop Gregory was born December 7, 1947 in Chicago. In 1976 he began graduate studies at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute (Sant’ Anselmo) in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in sacred liturgy.
Many of the friars will remember Archbishop Gregory for delivering the Keynote Address at our Provincial Chapter on June 22, 2004, at the Friar Tuck Inn, Catskill. A pdf of his address can be found below. Congratulations, Archbishop Gregory.
|
|
News from the Vatican
Pope Francis amends canon law on religious who abandon their community.
Pope Francis has made it easier for a religious order to dismiss a member who leaves the community without permission, stays away and does not communicate with his or her superior. In a document titled Communis Vita (Community Life), the pope amended the Code of Canon Law to include an almost automatic dismissal of religious who are absent without authorization from their community for at least 12 months. The change was to go into effect April 10 and is not retroactive, said Archbishop Jose Rodriguez Carballo, secretary of the Congregation for Institutes and former Minister General of our order.
Religious who are 'illegitimately absent' from their house for a full year will be dismissed. Pope Francis amended canon law to create a new mechanism for dismissing a religious man or woman who has deserted their community. Under the new law, promulgated by the pope in an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio,” superiors can declare a member dismissed ipso facto if they have been illicitly absent from the community for more than a year and cannot be located.
“Community life is an essential element of religious life,” Francis stated in the letter. He cited canon 665 of the Code of Canon Law, which provides that “religious must live in their own religious house observing common life and cannot be absent without permission of their superior.”
If a member of a religious community is “absent from the religious house illegitimately, in accordance with can. 665 § 2, for twelve months without interruption” they too can be declared dismissed from the community, provided that their superiors are otherwise unable to locate or contact them.
Depending on the constitution of the religious order, decrees of dismissal must be confirmed by the Holy See or by the local bishop.
The pope explained that he made the change for religious “to help the institutions observe the necessary discipline and be able to proceed to the dismissal of the illegitimately absent religious,” especially in cases where they cannot be found.
Archbishop Carballo, stated that religious superiors had the obligation to protect “the common good that is expressed in common life,” which was a fundamental part of the religious life.
He explained that the pope’s reform, making it easier to declare a dismissal, does not excuse superiors from the duty of looking for the absent religious member “with the best possible means available.”
The cause for dismissal, he said, is established by “the fact” that the person cannot be found, and “cannot be invoked to discourage the responsibility of investigations and even less to hastily close the ‘case.’”
|
|
THE ROAD TO EMMAUS:
INTER-OBEDIENTIAL ONGOING FORMATION IN THE HOLY LAND
“The Road to Emmaus”
is a course of ongoing formation, experienced in the context of the Holy Land, organized and coordinated by the inter-obediential fraternity of Emmaus, in collaboration with the Custody of the Holy Land, with the “Studium Biblicum Franciscanum” of Jerusalem and with the General Curias of our order and the Conventuals
The course is offered to OFM and OFM Conv. friars, with over ten years of solemn profession, eager to discover the joy of the encounter with the Risen One and the enthusiasm to witness to his love, following the Gospel story of the disciples of Emmaus (cf.
Luke 24:30 ff
.). It consists of five weeks of an intense experience of reflection, fraternal sharing and pilgrimages to the holy places of the Holy Land, a true journey in the footsteps of Jesus’ disciples.
The program, carried out in Italian, will take place in the convent of St. Cleopas in Emmaus-Qubeibeh, from 28
th
September to 3
rd
November 2019. A second course in English is also being planned for dates yet to be established.
The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 12 friars (6 friars per family). They should send their applications as soon as possible and no later than 15
th
July 2019. The participation of each friar will be confirmed by his own General Curia by 31
st
July.
Thanks to a special subsidy from the respective General Curias, the cost of participating in the course will be approximately €1,300.00 per person. Each participant must provide for airline tickets and a visa for Israel.
Applications must be sent to respective Vicars General or General Secretariats to the following email addresses:
Wishing you a valuable experience of the
Road to Emmaus
we greet you fraternally.
Br. Julio César Bunader
Vic. Gen. OFM
Br. Jerzy Norel
Vic. Gen. OFM Conv.
|
|
Saint Leonard Church in Boston to dedicate
New Pipe Organ
As part of the extensive renovation of St. Leonard of Port Maurice Church in the North End of Boston, a new pipe organ is scheduled to be dedicated on May 24th. The pipe organ was built by Peragallo Organ Company of Paterson, New Jersey, The pipework is located in twin caseworks of finished cherry designed with architectural elements of the furnishings of the church. The "Trompetta di Porto Maurizio" is the crowing jewel underpinning the gallery rose window. This set of 49 trumpet reeds is installed horizontally projecting their exciting tone directly down to the nave of the church. Included on the facade are two new wooden Italian hand-carved statues of St. Francis and St. Clare from the Mussner G. Vincenzo studio in Ortisei, Italy. The pipes from the former organ have been incorporated into the new instrument. The two-manual (keyboard) console is completely new and is situated near the sanctuary. The new instrument will be ready for the services of Holy Week.
An inaugural organ recital will be held on Friday, May 24 at 6:00 PM. Maestro David Reccia Chynoweth, an internationally renowned organist, will be performing works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, and Charles Marie Widor. The recital will include the famous "Widor's Toccata" from his Fifth Symphony.
On Sunday, May 26th, at the 12:00 Noon Mass, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Boston, will bless the pipe organ along with the two new hand-carved statues.
All are invited to attend. Friar Antonio Nardoianni, OFM, Pastor of St. Leonard's, has done an outstanding job in restoring this beautiful church and his decision to rebuild and restore the pipe organ is a great testament to his love for the parish. In a time when a digital or electronic instrument would have been cheaper, the beauty of St. Leonard's can only be enhanced by the "king of instruments," a pipe organ. The project has been done through the wonderful generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Ferreri.
|
|
Science Day at St. Thomas Aquinas in Derry
Students at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Derry NH took on technology recently, enjoying an X Stream for Saints Maker Day held at the parish school.
Students in grades pre-K through eight visited different stations set up in the adjoining Aquinas Center to learn about robotics, engineering, rocketry, wind and drones.
School officials said the event supported regular technology curriculum taught in the classroom.
University of New Hampshire students participated in the event, taking over an entire room and leading groups on building their own forms of theme park rides, using science theories to help students build their own creations to test.
UNH freshman Jon Snow is studying computer science and said the college students travel to schools to teach students all about STEM-related projects and learning.
"It shows them what's possible," Snow said. "And there's alot of inspiration here."
Children also watched demonstrations on laser engraving and embossing wood and other materials, and saw how liquid nitrogen is used to create frosty Icecream, thanks to visiting SubZero Icecream's Rita McCabe.
It's not just about the ice cream, but how science is used in the process.
"We are educating the youth of America," McCabe said.
Teagan Varney, 8, said she was enjoying the day.
"And I want to be a scientist," she said.
|
|
St. Thomas School and UNH Students share Science Day
|
|
Ex Curia Provincialis
Communication Regarding the Use of Television
September 1958
I
n accordance with the Minister General’s Norms Governing the Use of Television and Radio, it was ultimately left to the Minister Provincial with his Definitorium to permit their use in our religious houses under certain conditions and precautions, which the respective local superiors are obliged to enforce.
Already the Provincial Definitorium, meeting under the presidency of the Visitor General (Fr. Celsus O’Brien, O.F.M.), saw fit to permit the use of television under the following conditions.
1.
That the television set is under the direct supervision and control of the superior or his delegate;
2.
That the use of the televisions must not therefore be permitted at any hour of the day or night, but during the time of legitimate regular recreation of the Community, nor can it be at the disposal of any individual both as to time and type of program;
3.
That in his supervision of the use of television the Superior must see to it that it does not interfere in any way with the fulfillment of the work of the religious community or of the individual tasks of the friars, or with the fulfillment and exercise of our apostolates and practices of piety, or with the Horarium Diei of the community even as regards the hour of retiring;
4.
And that, in the selection of the program to be viewed, all those programs are to be avoided which are obviously contrary to Christian morality, and a fortiori to the spirit of religious life.
It is our fervent prayer and hope that every friar will cheerfully cooperate in the observance of these precautions as recommended by our higher superiors. Certainly anyone having a true appreciation of the meaning of our religious spirit and discipline, cannot but conscientiously strive to do his part in the fulfillment of an instruction that I am obliged to communicate to all our religious.
Very Reverend Charles J. Tallarico, O.F.M.
Minister Provincial
|
|
ESC Provincials Meeting
Racine, Wisconsin
April 1-5, 2019
|
|
At times friars might wonder what happens when the provincials of the English Speaking Provinces (ESC) get together. The group includes provincials from England, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Canada and the seven from the U.S. Our current meeting, at the Siena Center in Racine, Wis., began April 1 and ends on April 5. We’ve heard reports on issues affecting the entire Order from
Caoimhin Ó Laoide,
updates from Canada, the U.S. and Europe, a Franciscans International report, conversations on Post Novitiate Formation and the World Synod on Youth, and a review of the position of the Church and our Order.
This macro view reminds me that while all of us belong to a Province, we are also members of a worldwide fraternity. And we have similar struggles and joys. Repeatedly, both the methodology and content of the recent Plenary Council in Nigeria have been suggested as a model for our Provincial Chapters.
In between these weighty topics there is opportunity to renew friendships as brothers. We take time for each provincial to present some story of his ministry in which faith, love and courage shine. These stories range from the tragic to some very funny things that have happened. Each provincial opens his journey to the group, and that helps increase our fraternal bonds. Of course, we have time to see some part of the hosting province and experience that culture. Here in Wisconsin we were treated to fried cheese curds and cheese on pretzels and sausage. We visited the Basilica of St. Josaphat and connected with
Friar Larry Zurek
.
Immediately before the ESC meeting, the US-6 provincials met to continue the progress on the Revitalization and Restructuring of our provinces. This added to the already crammed agenda. These days are full, but with some space to catch my breath as well. I hope to bring back to our Provincial Council the emphases that our entire Order is encouraging as we move forward with Revitalizing and Restructuring the Province of St. John the Baptist.
By Provincial Minister Mark Soehner, St. John Baptist Province
|
|
Courtland Campbell
- May 5th - 64
Capistran Polgar
- May 16th - 79
Alexis Anania
- May 18th - 88
Dennis Wheatley
- May 21st - 69
Richard Donovan
- May 26th - 67
Roderick Crispo
- May 30th - 91
|
|
PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE FRIARS
WHO HAVE RECENTLY DIED
Friar Jonathan Foster, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar James Kelly, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Alexander DiLella, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar Emeric Nordmeyer, OFM
(Our Lady of Guadalupe)
Friar Boniface Kruger, OFM
(Custody of Great Britain)
Friar Emeric Szlezak, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar Leon Reuter, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Myron McCormick, OFM (
Holy Name Province)
Friar Joe Haley, OFM
(St. John Baptist Province)
Friar Mel Bucher, OFM
(St. John Baptist Province)
Friar Austin Mysliwiec, OFM
(Assumption Province)
Friar Gregory Havel, OFM
(Assumption Province)
Friar Jonathan Foster, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Fabian Grifone, OFM
(Immaculate Conception Province)
Friar Fred Radke, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Method Wilson, OFM (
Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Elias Galves, OFM
(St. Barbara Province)
Recently Deceased Family and Friends
Josephine Micallef
(Sister-in-law of Friar Albert Micallef, OFM)
Keith L. Caprio
(Great nephew of Friar Robert Caprio, OFM)
Jacqueline Martins
(Mother of Friar Michael Della Penna, OFM)'
Joseph Czapla
(Father of Friar Bruce Czapla, OFM)
Charles Tallerico
(
Former Friar and member of our province)
Let us pray for our infirm friars:
Friar Francis Hanudel, OFM
Friar John Bavaro, OFM
Fr. Simeon Distefano, OFM
Friar Capistran Polgar, 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
Friar Charles Soto, OFM
For our friars in skilled nursing and rehab facilities:
Friar John Bavaro, OFM
Friar Capistran Polgar, OFM
Friar Philip Adamo, OFM
Friar Giles Barreda, OFM
Friar Lawrence Stumpo, OFM
Fr. Clement Procopio, OFM
For our infirm family and friends:
Anthony M. Humphreys
(Cousin of Rosemary McKenna)
Ron Marsico
(Friend of Rosemary McKenna)
Please pray for all our friars, family, benefactors, and friends.
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
