Community Spirit

As Franciscan Friars Conventual, the friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province live in communities called friaries. These are not cloisters with friars locked behind gates in contemplative prayer. Our friars in public ministry are very visible and make it a priority to become part of the neighborhoods and parish communities where they live and serve. They open the doors of their churches, shrines and missions, welcoming the greater community to visit and become part of events, services and celebrations. Our friars also love to take part in neighborhood celebrations and events throughout the province. On a Sunday in late August, some of the friars living and serving in the area of Brooklyn, NY joined in a great feast-day celebration and parade (with some pretty colorful characters) in honor of Our Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic). Fr. Pedro De’Olivera, OFM Conv. (pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of Most Holy Trinity- St. Mary) and Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. (visiting for the summer before settling into his new ministry in Chicopee – MA) accompanied parishioners and Brooklyn’s Bishop for this important manifestation of faith.

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