Born in 1952 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Friar Jobe received his B.A. from Carleton University (Ottawa, ON) in 1972 and his LL.B. from Dalbousie University (Halifax, N.S.) in 1975. He was admitted to the Bar of Nova Scotia in 1975 and practiced civil law until 1979.
A few years later, he entered Religious Life as a Franciscan Friars Conventual, first professing vows in 1981. Friar Jobe continued his studies and received a Master of Divinity (M.Div) from St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary (Rensselaer, New York) and was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1985.
Although he did spend a few years in pastoral ministry, Friar Jobe later went to Rome to earn a Licentiate in Canon Law in 1989 and his Doctorate in Canon Law in 1992 (Pontifical Oriental Institute). He remained there to teach until 2004, when he returned to North America and took a position as a professor on the Faculty of Canon Law of Saint Paul University (Ottawa, ON). In addition to his work with M.I., Friar Jobe currently serves the province as the Guardian of our “international” Saint André Bessette Friary (Ottawa, ON), home to three friars of our Order who hail from the Philippines, India and Romania.
America Recycles Day (ARD) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. To learn more, organize an event, or attend an event near you click here.
The majority of the friars of our province live and minister in North America. For all of the citizens of Canada and the USA, November 11th holds a special place in our hearts. We take a moment to remember.
Remembrance Day in Canada: Flanders Fields and the Poppy click here.
Veterans Day in the United States: Prayers for veterans, soldiers, their families, refugees of war, and more click here.
Halloween – All Saints Day – All Souls Day Hallow means a holy person or a saint. Halloween (October 31st) is another word for All Hallows’ Eve, because the next day, November 1st, is the celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints. Observed all over the world by many Christian Faiths, it is a day of celebrating the communion of saints; ordinary human beings who lived holy lives, in obedience to God’s will, and who now – in death – are in heaven for eternity. Everyone in heaven is a saint. As we respect & admire all of the deceased people who helped make the world a better place while still alive, we also honor the saints as the deceased who are especially honored by the Church, for having served God so faithfully. On November 2nd, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) we remember all those who have died before us, while we ask God’s mercy for them.
As we enter into the month of November, we are called to remember the souls of all of the faithfully departed. We friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province remember all our friars who have been called to the Father this past year.
+Friar Donald Kos, OFM Conv. 02/04/2018 +Friar Peter Damian Fehlner, OFM Conv. 05/08/2018 +Friar David Stopyra, OFM Conv. 07/01/2018 +Friar Emmett Carroll, OFM Conv. 08/20/2018 +Friar Patrick Gallagher, OFM Conv. 09/04/2018
Daily Prayers for the Deceased
(Psalm 130)
V. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord, Lord hear my voice!
R. O let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading.
V. If You, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive?
R. But with You is found forgiveness; for this we revere You.
V. My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on His word.
R. My soul is longing for the Lord, more than watchmen for daybreak.
V. Let the watchmen count on daybreak, and Israel on the Lord.
R. Because with the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption, Israel indeed He will redeem from all its iniquity.
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R. and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May all our departed brothers, sisters, relatives, friends and benefactors, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen
Let us pray. Lord God, You are the glory of believers and the life of the just. Your Son redeemed us by dying and rising to life again. Since our departed brothers, sisters, relatives, friends and benefactors of our Order believed in the mystery of our resurrection, let them share the joys and blessings of the life to come. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our pilgrims walking the “Way of the Cross” (the Shepherd’s Way) within the Santuário de Fátima. This path was traveled by Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco from Aljustrel to Cova da Iria, it ends at the Hungarian Calvary, (in the background).
“The two most famous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in modern times took place in Lourdes (France) and Fatima (Portugal). Saints and Popes, as well as believers from all over the world, have visited these miraculous sites. Since 1982, the Franciscans have been guiding pilgrimages in the footsteps of their fellow friar St. Maximilian Kolbe, the “Knight of the Immaculate,” who himself once went on pilgrimage to Lourdes. This trip with the Friars … immersed participants in an unforgettable experience of culture, history, religion, and spirituality…”
Our friars arranged an October 9-21, 2018 Pilgrimage to Paris, Lourdes, Fatima and Lisbon with Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province M.I. Assistant) serving as Pilgrimage Director and the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (Our Minister Provincial) serving as Spiritual Guide. The other friars of our province among the pilgrims were Fr. Dan Fink, OFM Conv. (Pastor of St. Mark Catholic Church, in Boynton Beach, FL) and Fr. John Voytek, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Atlanta, GA).
Before heading to Lourdes, the pilgrims enjoyed some time in Paris including a sightseeing tour of La Ville Lumière, Tour Eiffel, Montparnasse, and Mass in the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse a (where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré), La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre, Île de la Cité, Place Vendôme, La rue de Rivoli, Jardin des Tuileries (Musée du Louvre), Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and l’Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile on the Champs-Élysées (pictured here behind Friar John). The pilgrims also celebrated Mass at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
The Pilgrimage ended in Lisbon, Portugal, with a stop on the way for Mass at the Gothic Igreja do Santissimo Milagre, home to the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarém. Once in Lisbon they visited the Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa built on the site of the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua (Pictured here are the four friar pilgrims with Fr. Jobe holding a wrist bone relic of St. Anthony of Padua and Fr. James holding a pouch companion intentions that had been placed on the Altar at each Mass throughout the pilgrimage, now left at this site., as well as the font in which he was baptized. The last day of Lisbon was a tour day of the Belem Tower, 15th century Monastery of Jerónimos and the oldest part of the city, the Alfama Quarters. The entire pilgrimage ended with an excursion to the Santuário de Cristo Rei, overlooking Lisbon.
On Thursday, November 1st the faithful around the world celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. What began in the early fourth century as a feast honoring the martyrs, the Solemnity of All Saints is now a day when we celebrate all ordinary and typical human beings who, through God’s grace, lived holy lives. These lives given to God’s will granted the saints the peace and joy of eternal life in heaven. Some of the lives of these saints are well known to us and we consider them friends whose intercession aids us as we travel on our earthly journey. We are often inspired by their examples of faith and good works, encouraging us all to give our best in our own lives, devoting every act for the greater glory of God.
Several more Social Justice minded saints have Feast Days celebrated in November including:
November 3 – Feast of St. Martin de Porres St. Martin de Porres is the patron of African Americans, race relations, and healthcare workers. Franciscan Media tells us how, “Father unknown” is the cold legal phrase sometimes used on baptismal records. “Half-breed” or “war souvenir” is the cruel name inflicted by those of “pure” blood. Like many others, Martin might have grown to be a bitter man… to read more click here.
November 13 – Feast Day of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is the patroness of immigrants. Mother Cabrini’s community of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus responds to the Gospel call for justice and love in today’s circumstances by focusing on 5 words: Welcome, Support, Educate, Re-Examine, Work. To read more click here.
One of our most beautiful ministry locations is our National Shrine (in Fonda, NY) dedicated to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks. On Wednesday, October 17, 2018 the Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site celebrated its 80th Anniversary with a Gala in honor of the Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger, D.D. – Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. The Gala took place at River Stone Manor, the historic estate on the banks of the Mohawk River. From 6-9:00 p.m. around 90 guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, desserts, cash bar, a silent auction and drawings. Among those in attendance were renowned Algonquin member Terry Steele, several of our friars {including the Shrine Chaplain – Fr. Timothy Lyons, OFM Conv.& our Vicar Provincial – Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv (at right)} as well as many lay-staff, volunteers and pilgrims of the Shrine. If you would like to help our friars promote this important shrine and historic site, visit the Shrine website’s “Get Involved” page.
The College of Our Lady of the Elms (Chicopee, MA) has promoted Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Br. Michael Duffy, OFM Conv. (DNP, ANP-BC) to the position of associate dean of the School of Nursing.
Left to Right: Fr. Marty (a former Parochial Vicar), Fr. Roland (a former pastor 2014-16), Friar Richard-Jacob, Fr. Peter (the current pastor), Fr. Rick (a local pastor in their Diocese of Norwich & a vocation from the parish), Friar Jude, and Fr. Ray (a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich who was also a vocation from the parish). Friar Hugh (not pictured) was seated with the congregation.
On Saturday, October 13, 2018, three of our friars returned to their former pastoral ministry assignment of St. Edward the Confessor Church (Stafford Springs,CT) to join with parishioners and the community for the 150th Anniversary Celebration Mass and Dinner. Current pastor, Fr. Peter Liszewski served as the main celebrant and the homilist was Our Lady of the Angels Province friar and former pastor (1997-2010), Fr. Richard-Jacob Forcier, OFM Conv., who serves now as our Province Secretary, Spiritual Guardian of our Companions of St. Anthony and Guardian of the Portiuncula Friary. Also on hand for the celebration were former parochial vicar of St. Edward – Fr. Jude Surowiec, OFM Conv. who now serves as a Professor at the College of Our Lady of the Elms (Chicopee, MA) as well as a Province Definitor, and former pastoral associate at St. Edward – Br. Hugh Dymski, OFM Conv. who serves as the Procurator for St. Hyacinth Friary (Chicopee, MA). The parish has enjoyed many events over this past year and our friars are grateful to have been included and remembered. The parish’s pastoral care has not been a part of our province ministries since 2014.
friar Franck Lino, OFM Conv. ~ While still a full time student at The Catholic University of America (Washington DC), his friar formation includes serving as the Youth & Young Adult Minister of our Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD. _________________
Friar Eric, Mike Washabaugh, Dan DiBiase & friar Franck (courtyard of our Shrine of St. Anthony Courtyard)
It has been such a busy few months here at the Shrine. There are so many activities in motion for which I am very excited. Here are a few I would like to share: On September 26, 2018 the Shrine Hosted EWTN Catholic Radio Network’s Washington Metropolitan Area Affiliate (Guadalupe Radio Network 1160 AM) for an hour live broadcast. Fr. Ericson de la Peña, OFM Conv. (Director of the Shrine of St. Anthony) and I were interviewed by the General Manager – Dan DiBiase and the Community Relations Director – Mike Washabaugh, in an effort to promote the Shrine and highlight our developing Youth and Young Adult Ministry. After the interview Friar Eric give our guests a tour of the shrine. On October 3, 2018 the Shrine hosted the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Friars of St. Joseph Cupertino Friary, my fellow Student Friars from St. Bonaventure Friary, the area Conventual Confreres in attendance, as well as the Secular Franciscans, the Felician Sister, the Dominican Friars and the Shrine Pilgrims who celebrated with us, for enabling such a wonderful multi-community event.
Tout pour la gloire de Dieu, Par amour et miséricorde, (With every good wish, and a grateful heart), Your Brother Franck Lino S. OFM Conv. Keep me in your Prayers
Upcoming Events at the Shrine: October 16, 2018, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. ~ Marian Consecration
Become a Knight of the Immaculata, commemorating the 101st Anniversary of the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.), a worldwide evangelization movement founded in Rome on October 16, 1917, by St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv. The evening will being with 6:30 p.m. Mass, followed by a gathering, refreshments and the opportunity to meet some of the members of the M.I. October 19, 2018, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ~ Shrine Young Adult Ministry Bonfire
First official gathering of the Shrine Young Adult Ministry. Gather at the Shrine’s beautiful bonfire pit which overlooks the grounds and the pond for an evening including mulled cider, hot dogs, Lancashire hotpot, bonfire toffee, and perfectly toasted marshmallows! All are welcome to come find out more about the Shrine Young Adult group and how to get involved.
Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. serves as our Delegate to the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.). In addition, Friar Jobe is a well respected published Canon Lawyer and professor of Canon Law. This year, he released a 3rd Edition publication of KANONIKA 07 | ” Two Codes in Comparison.” (ebook version). 
On Thursday, November 1st the faithful around the world celebrate the 
From 6-9:00 p.m. around 90 guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, desserts, cash bar, a silent auction and drawings. Among those in attendance were renowned Algonquin member Terry Steele, several of our friars {including the Shrine Chaplain – Fr. Timothy Lyons, OFM Conv.& our Vicar Provincial – Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv (at right)} as well as many lay-staff, volunteers and pilgrims of the Shrine. If you would like to help our friars promote this important shrine and 
On September 26, 2018 the Shrine Hosted EWTN Catholic Radio Network’s Washington Metropolitan Area Affiliate (
Fr. Ericson de la Peña, OFM Conv. (Director of the Shrine of St. Anthony) and I were interviewed by the General Manager – Dan DiBiase and the Community Relations Director – Mike Washabaugh, in an effort to promote the Shrine and highlight our developing Youth and Young Adult Ministry. After the interview Friar Eric give our guests a tour of the shrine.
