Congratulations Fr. Rory & Fr. Maximilian

 Joyful News from the Provincial Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa

Newly Ordained Fr. Maximilian Mary Martin, OFM Conv. blessed His Grace, Archbishop Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark, while the newly Ordained Fr. Rory Doyle, OFM Conv. awaits to grant his blessing on the Archbishop.

March 25, 2017: On the Feast of the Annunciation; the day Our Lady first said “Yes!” to her vocation, Friar Maximilian Mary Martin, OFM Conv. of England and Friar Rory Doyle, OFM Conv. of Ireland, two friars from our Province Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa, answered “Yes!” to God, through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, at the Greyfriars Church of St. Anthony of Padua – Mossley Hill, Liverpool.
His Grace, Archbishop Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark led the Priesthood Ordination Mass Celebration attended by their confreres, family, and friends from all over Great Britain, Ireland, and the world!  Some of the students in formation joined the parish choir, as Altar Servers from the parish and several friars assisted the 25 priests who con-celebrated the Mass.

Please keep Friar Maximilian and Friary Rory in your continued prayers,
as they serve the people of God, as His holy priests.

Congratulations Friar José!

Thursday – March 23, 2017: Friar José Guadalupe Matus Castillo, OFM Conv. received his naturalization certificate during a March 23rd Oath Ceremony; became an American Citizen. Please join us in congratulating Fr. José!
Originally from Mexico’s Provincia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (at the time a Custody), Fr. José transfiliated to become a member of our province during his work in ministry with us. In his prior years of ministry in the USA, Fr. José has served in our prior ministry of St. John Vianney Catholic (Lithia Springs, GA), in St. Lucie Catholic Church (Port St. Lucie, FL) and at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus – Bishop & Martyr (Chicopee, MA). Fr. José also served in the Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Chicopee.
Friars from our different provinces often work together in ministry. Although Fr. José is a friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, he currently serves as Associate Pastor of Saint Ita Catholic Church, in Chicago, a ministry of the St. Bonaventure Province.

Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America
into the hands of Mary Immaculate
in order that she may present the country to You.
Through her we wish to thank You for the great resources of this land
and for the freedom which has been its heritage.
Through the intercession of Mary,
have mercy on the Catholic Church in America.
Grant us peace.

Protect the family life of the nation.
Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations.
Through the intercession of our Mother,
have mercy on the sick, the tempted, sinners—on all who are in need.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, patroness of our land,
we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you.
Protect us from every harm.
Pray for us, that acting always according to your will
and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God.

Amen.

(Excerpt from a prayer attributed to Archbishop John Carroll, first bishop of the United States)

Stations of the Cross Video Series (CRS)

Last year, a video Stations of the Cross series was created through the Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program for families and faith communities ~ CRS Rice Bowl. Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Robert A. Twele, OFM Conv., Esq., who serves as the Director of the CRS Office of Legal Counsel as well as legal counsel for our province, narrated Station XII: Jesus Dies on the Cross. CRS provided not only the video series, but a printable prayer resource, through this same site.

Here is an example of the prayers for the 12th Station from that same resource:

TWELFTH STATION: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Leader
: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Leader: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
(All kneel together for a reflective pause, and then rise.) By human standards, the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus is the ultimate failure. Members of the Jewish community had waited so long for the Messiah, had put their faith and hope in a man they believed had come to liberate them, and he died a horrific death. It was a devastating, final moment, and so many of Jesus’ friends had already fled the scene, abandoning hope in a better future. It’s a good thing the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus are not to be judged by human standards. Rather, what we see as failure, God transforms into victory. Where we see nothing but hopelessness and devastation, God is at work in surprising and spectacular ways. When we think of the hardships so many in our world face, we might easily grow discouraged; but our God offers us hope, and wants all of us to work together to build a world of peace and justice.
How does this perspective of Easter inspire our own work in seemingly hopeless, failed situations? How does God want us to look upon problems like poverty, natural disasters and environmental decay—by human standards, or something more hopeful?
All: Christ Jesus, even in the most devastating failures, you show us the importance of hope. May we have the courage to work patiently and tirelessly with those in need, always keeping our sights on you.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be to the Father…

Franciscan Conservation (Update)

As of March 8, 2017, the solar array of Ellicott City has generated its first Giga Watt Hours of electricity, since going online in 2013.

One of the ways our friars who are based in Ellicott City, MD have worked diligently to be good stewards of God’s creation, respecting the environment and promoting of a loving respect for all of God’s creatures, is by adopting an extremely practical path of energy efficiency. Since February 2013, our friars have incorporated solar panels to support the energy needs of the two friaries and the several ministries that are part of the Ellicott City Complex. Read More: Franciscan Conservation in Action & Catholic Social Justice – Franciscans at Work for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation

 

St. Clare Inn Celebrates 10yrs

One of our unique ministries in the Toronto, Ontario community of Don Mills is St. Clare Inn, a transitional housing project that offers accommodation to homeless women between the ages of 30-60 who are struggling with a diagnosed mental health issue. This year, we celebrate its 10 year of service and ministry. If you would like to join our friars in celebration, please visit the St. Clare Inn website to buy your tickets.

St. Clare Inn is not a shelter. It is a transitional home where women can live with dignity while rebuilding their lives. Within this safe, drug and alcohol free environment – respect, peace, safety, and dignity are key values. Here, women can begin to heal and start to build a better future. A spirit of hospitality and community are an integral part of life at St. Clare Inn which is guided by the following principles:

  • respect for each individual;
  • a simple lifestyle;
  • the healing benefits of living in community; and
  • an atmosphere of peace

While you are on the website, please take a moment to learn even more.

Br. Michael Duffy, OFM Conv.

JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) Friar Focus:
From the January 2017 Newsletter by Br. Michael Duffy, OFM Conv. DNP, APRN-BC,
Elms College School of Nursing Professor &
Coordinator of the Accelerated Second Degree Program

Br. Duffy pictured 3rd from left – top

This newsletter has been created to offer a word of thanks to our sponsors and benefactors and to update you on our recent nursing clinical experience in Mandeville, Jamaica, West Indies. Senior nursing students from the Elms College, Accelerated Second Degree Program and second year DNP students spent two weeks in country completing ten days of clinical in a variety of settings.

Clinical Experiences
This year our time began on a National Holiday, January 2nd, so clinics were not operating. Sr. Barbara Whyte, FMS, Director of Nursing at St. Joseph Hospital, Kingston, JA gave us a tour of the facilities.  The day was punctuated with an opportunity to help “make gauze pads in the OR.”  During the days that followed we staffed session clinics in Bull Savanah, Santa Cruz and Maggotty. These clinics were staffed by one faculty NP, one student NP, one faculty RN and three student RNs. The recurring theme: making use of the resources you have.

Cultural Experience
These ten days of clinical are intertwined with opportunities to visit the open-air market in Mandeville – and experience the crowds, the taxis, the un-refrigerated meat market and the ever-present aromas of cooking soup and roasted breadfruit, burning styrofoam or ganga. No trip to the Caribbean would be complete without a trip to YS Falls and Treasure Beach; or a stop along-the-way for curry goat, jerk pork or coconut water

Because of Your Support
These days allowed our students from the Elms College, School of Nursing, to see 1,000 patients, and travel the length and breadth of the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica, WI. Special thanks to the College Administration, the School of Nursing, the Franciscan Friars – OLA Province and Mr. Henry and +Dale. No one was denied care (and treatment) because of your financial help– THANKS!

Side Note: One of the very successful projects created by Br. Duffy is the caRe vaN, which provides free healthcare to the homeless and underserved of Chicopee, including blood pressure checks and monitoring, blood sugar checks, foot care, episodic first aid, minor wound care, patient education on these and other topics, and other healthcare needs that may arise. For more information, please visit a prior post on one of the events that featured this very needed service.

USCCB Feature on Friar Max

The USCCB asked some newly professed men and women religious to tell something about themselves that others might find surprising.  Their answers provide some insight to how each discovered their vocational call.  Congratulations to the Profession Class of 2016!

One of the Profession Class of 2016, listed in the article is our very  own  Friar Maximilian Avila, OFM Conv. (at right, as he and Friar Manny celebrated their 8-15-2016 Solemn Profession of Vows).
If you feel called to Conventual Franciscans, or if you want more information on our way of life, as you travel on your discernment journey, our Vocation Director is readily available to chat with you.

Friar Mark Szanyi, OFM Conv.

Subsidiarity, Rights & Responsibilities…in the words of Fr. Mark Szanyi, OFM Conv.
Friar Mark is the pastor of St. Lucie Catholic Church, in Port St. Lucie, FL

In late October 2016 we at St. Lucie Parish, decided to present a program on gun violence and gun control.  This was in response to all the violence and terrorism happening around the world, and in particular, in response to the Orlando attacks that happened just 90 miles north of us.  The shooter in the Orlando attack came from Fort Pierce, and his parents live just a few blocks from the friary here in Port St. Lucie.
As part of the program we were going to show a film, with some editing so as not to speak critically of the National Rifle Association.  Our hope was to approach the subject with the notion of promoting sensible gun legislation.  The diocese heard about our program, decided the film was controversial, and asked that we not show it as it was not approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
At this point we involved Franciscan Action Network (FAN), knowing that they would have some insights for us.  Gun control is one of the major issues FAN undertakes as part of their Peace Building Initiatives. FAN replied that the film had been shown in other dioceses and they contacted the USCCB for their response.  The USCCB replied that they never screen or “approve” the showing of films, and noted their reason for this is the principle of subsidiarity, making decisions at the local level.
After some back and forth with the Diocese of Palm Beach, it was agreed that the decision concerning the showing of the film was best made at the local level.  We decided to move forward, inviting other neighboring parishes and churches, as well as the County’s Sheriff’s Department, which sent two deputies to participate.
The reaction to the program, from our parishioners and others in the area, was unexpected.  Their reaction was very negative, and we were accused of trying to promote the repeal of the Second Amendment of the Constitution.   It was also presumed that holding the program just prior to the election, that we were secretly promoting one of the presidential candidates.  Of course, none of the accusations were true, so we decided to move forward with the program.
The night of the presentation did not bring a large crowd.  Most of those who attended had their own pro-gun agenda.  Throughout the evening they continued to repeat the false accusations we had been hearing in the weeks prior.
We assured them that our intention was to reduce gun violence in our country by promoting sensible laws for gun control.  They would have none of it.  Unable to enter into an authentic discussion concerning rights & responsibilities, they stated that they wanted their guns to protect their families, and ANY restriction was viewed as an infringement on their Second Amendment rights. Not everyone was of this mindset, but due to the anger in the room people in this smaller group felt uncomfortable speaking up.  They did voice their support of our efforts afterward, privately with me, and one in a nice note the following day.
One good that came out of the evening was that the deputies understood what we were trying to do, and at least were able to take the opportunity to speak at length on gun safety, fielding many questions from participants.
While the evening was difficult, it was worth the effort.  It also showed us friars how many of our parishioners feel on this issue, and how the political polarization that has occurred in our country has left even people of faith entrenched in their own perspectives, to the point of not being able to listen or participate in productive conversations.  This experience taught us friars, how important it is that we continue to break open the language of social justice in our community while being on the lookout for future opportunities to offer programs and facilitate conversations concerning social justice.

To learn more about gun control, as part of a Franciscan effort in peace building, contact Sr. Marie Lucey at FAN: lucey@franciscanaction.org

Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s Relics – Scotland

At the invitation of Rt Rev. Hugh Gilbert OSB, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen (Scottland), Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Provincial M.I. (Militia Immaculatae) Assistant as well as a professor in the St. Paul University Canon Law Program (Ottawa, ON), traveled to Scotland with the relics of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv. (the same relics that spent 2016 touring throughout the ministries of our province), on pilgrimage from January 20-23, 2017.

The relics were first received, on January 20th, at the chapel of Kings College, University of Aberdeen, where our friars of our Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody, Friar Jakub Czaika, OFM Conv. and Friar Maximilian McKeown, OFM Conv. are chaplains.

On Saturday, January 21st, the relics traveled to Pluscarden Benedictine Abbey where they were received and venerated by the monks and faithful from the surrounding area of Elgin and elsewhere. That same day, the relics returned to Aberdeen for the Saturday evening vigil Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv.

On Sunday, January 22nd, the homily at all four packed Masses (two in English and two in Polish) focused on the relics and life of St. Maximilian. Fr. Piotr Cuber, OFM Conv. visiting from Hermenze, Kraków, who serves as the director of the MI in Poland, preached at the Polish Masses. The friars and the diocese had publicized the pilgrimage which successfully attracted a large number of faithful from Aberdeen and some from as far away as Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Posted in MI

Plea for Life

January 31, 2017: A press conference was held in Augusta, GA featuring several speakers including Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. of the Diocese of Savannah, a friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province. A plea was made for the new Acting District Attorney, Hank Syms to reverse the decision to seek the death penalty in the case against Steven James Murray, in Superior Court of Burke County, for the murder of Father Rene Robert.

The letter read by Bishop Hartmayer was written by Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv.

The following is an excerpt taken from an email sent to all of the friars of our province, by Friar James:
In April 2016, a former friar, Rev. Rene Robert, who in 1995 incardinated into the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida, was murdered by an ex-convict to whom he was ministering.  After the police caught Mr. Steven James Murray, the ex-convict led them to the body of Fr. Rene where he was slain, near Augusta, Georgia (in the Diocese of Savannah).  Now the State of Georgia is preparing to prosecute Mr. Murray for murder as a capital crime for which they will seek the death penalty.  …when Fr. Rene first began his ministry to prisoners several years earlier, he wrote a “Declaration of Life,” asking that, if he should be murdered, the death penalty not be used against his killer(s).  …  After consultation with Bishop Gregory, I asked the OLA Definitory to approve a letter of support for the Bishops’ petition.”

Washington Post Article