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.

Friar James and Friar Dan at the Grotto of Massabielle, of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (France). It was here that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858.

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.

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.

Follow this link to find more events at our Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD.

TRANSITUS: Each year, on October 3rd friars from all over the world gather to celebrate the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. Transitus is Latin for crossing or passage, and is commemorated on the Vigil of the Feast of St. Francis with prayer, scripture readings, joyful songs of praise and thanksgiving. The often candle lit night service commemorates the 1226 death of our beloved Seraphic Father, as he crossed over from life on earth to eternal life with the Lord. Traditionally the celebrations of these Feast Days are chosen to mark the date of a saint’s death and are remembered by the faithful with special mention, prayers, and scripture readings.  For Franciscans, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th) is much more. It is a day filled with celebration and joy, including the traditional Blessing of the Animals and gatherings of fellowship with our brothers and sisters, in Christ.

FEAST DAY FRATERNAL FELLOWSHIP: Throughout the province, our friars shared this joyful day with the people we serve. We also took the opportunity to celebrate our Franciscan Brotherhood with Mass, prayer, meals and laughter together in our friaries and in our ministries.  Archbishop Curley High School stated it well on their Facebook post that day. “The Church celebrates the Poor Man of Assisi on October 4th and so do we at Curley. St. Francis is the founder of the Franciscan Order and he is the patron saint of Archbishop Curley High School. Since its doors opened, Curley has been imbued with the Spirit of St. Francis through the Friars who have staffed the school for 57 years. Today the Curley community celebrated Mass and heard Friar Chris Dudek, OFM Conv. preach about how St. Francis was engaged, excellent and holy. Friar Chris, who is a deacon just like St. Francis was, challenged us to accept the call of Jesus as St. Francis did.”

In celebration of the October 4, 2018 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, our friars of St. Philip Benizi Friary (Jonesboro, GA) hosted our friars of Holy Cross Friary (Atlanta,GA) and Franciscan Martyrs Friary (Columbus, GA), as well as their confrere – the Most Reverend Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. of the Diocese of Savannah. These friars serve as pastors and parochial vicars in six Georgia parishes. It was the first time that all of our friars ministering in Georgia were able to come together to share a meal, fellowship and fraternity.

The friars living, serving and studying (current and some prior) in the Washington DC area gathered for Mass with the faithful at the Catholic University of America.

For the feast of St. Francis the local St. Francis Hospital near Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where Fr. Bob Benko, OFM Conv. serves as pastor holds an annual Mass and Muffins.  Before and after Mass the chaplains of the hospital distribute the Muffins to each nursing station, as well as the back office staff, offering a prayer at each stop. This year they invited our friars to have the honor of praying with the staff and distribute the Muffins and our Friar Bob enjoyed the opportunity.  The staff and nurses were extremely grateful for the prayers and the muffins.

Fr. Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv. blessed a new born pony (Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston-Salem, NC)

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: This year, on the weekends prior to and after, as well as several days during the week of the October 4th Feast Day, friars from throughout our province ministries enjoyed the traditional Blessing of Animals; a simple act that helps us share the charism of St. Francis by blessing these special “companions” of those we serve. It is always a source of great joy for our friars and it was wonderful to have others who serve through several of our special ministries there to join in the fun. Here are just a few shots from around the province. This is one of the most fun filled days of the year for our friars.
Included among the ALETEIA.ORG 10-5-2018 online article’s photos of the Blessing of the Animals from around the world, are shots from last year’s blessing with our very own Fr. John Ruffo, OFM Conv. when he was serving at The Church of St. Catharine of Siena, in Seaside Park, NJ. Friar John is currently serving as a Parochial Vicar of the Baltimore, MD Pastorate which includes St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church, St. Michael the Archangel Church and the Church of the Annunciation.

On the morning of October 3rd, Fr. Mark David Skura, OFM Conv. (pictured here) and Fr. Emanuel Vasconcelos, OFM Conv., who both serve as Parochial Vicars at St. Anne Catholic Church (Columbus, GA), blessed many pets, including this beautiful chicken, in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

On September 30th, the Franciscan Church of the Assumption Community (Suracuse, NY) gathered with Fr. Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv. (pastor – pictured here) and Fr. Nader Ata, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar and director of the Franciscan Place Chapel & Gift Shoppe at Destiny USA) for the Blessing of the Animals.

Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv., parochial vicar at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ