Saturday, August 20, 2016: Three Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi (wearing flower corsages) celebrated milestone anniversaries of their religious profession at a Mass of Thanksgiving at our pastoral ministry of Our Lady of the Cross Church, Holyoke, Massachusetts, where Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Rev. Albert Scherer, OFM Conv. serves as pastor and Sr. Christine Mumbi, FMSA (a Franciscan Missionary Sister of Assisi) serves as Bookkeeper and in Ministry of Care. Bishop Mitchell Thomas Rozanski, of the Diocese of Springfield, (center top) was the Principal Celebrant, and the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province – pictured far left) was the Homilist. Included among the many diocesan clergy and friars from as far away as California, New Mexico, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Shamokin was Fr. Noel Danielewicz, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province friar serving at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr and as chaplain of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice in Enfield – pictured at far right). The three jubilarian sisters were: Sr. Clare Maione, FMSA (50 years), Sr. Claudia Kim, FMSA (25 years), and Sr. Sophia Lee, FMSA (25 years). The Superior General of the FMSA, Sr. Julianna, journeyed from Assisi, Italy,to participate in the festivities. A lively reception in the parish’s Pope St. John Paul II Social Center, followed the Liturgy.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6, 2016) Friar Maximilian Mary Martin, OFM Conv., a friar of our Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa in Great Britain/Ireland, was ordained to the Deaconate in his home Parish of Our Lady, Queen of Peace in Braintree, Essex. The Most Reverend Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwick, England presided. More information is available on the Custody’s website, along with even more pictures from the event. While you are there, take a moment to see the other news from Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody as well as a great overview of the ministry sites and history of our friars in England, Scotland and Ireland.
Please keep Friar Maximilian Mary and all of our friars in your continued prayers.
One of our pastoral ministries has a very unique yearly tradition. On the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parishioners from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Seaside Heights, NJ) process from the church to the beach, carrying a statue of the Blessed Mother to the boardwalk, in order to bless the ocean. This blessing is in honor of Our Lady and is continued each year to bless all those who use, work on, swim in or visit the ocean. This year, the event began at Mass concelebrated by Fr. Bartholomew Karwacki, OFM Conv. (pastor), Fr. Terence Pescatore, OFM Conv. and Fr. Emmett Carroll, OFM Conv. After Mass, some men of the parish lifted the statue covered in the stipends of the faithful and led a large procession of parishioners on Grant Avenue and down the Boardwalk where Friar Bart stopped for the Blessing.
The following excerpt is from the reflection and homily delivered by Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., at the August 15, 2016 Solemn Profession of Vows of Friar Emanuel Vasconcelos, OFM Conv. (left) and Friar Maximilian Avila, OFM Conv. (right) in the Chapel of our ministry of the Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD:
The Franciscan movement began in Assisi, Italy over 800 years ago, when St. Francis founded our Order – the same Order of penitent “lesser brothers” in which Friars Max and Manny today will be solemnly professing their vows. Last month Max and Manny joined several other “Friars Minor” from the Order’s various branches (Conventual, Observant, and Capuchin) for a month…, centered in Assisi and the other Italian sites of our Franciscan charism. I had the privilege of conducting the final week … at Rivo Torto, the first friary (“proto-convent”) of the Order.
While in Assisi, (they) spent a good bit of time inside the great Basilica of St. Francis… Surrounding the tomb of St. Francis are four niches holding the mortal remains of four early friars – Leo, Giles, Angelo, and Masseo – who were among his dearest and closest followers. One floor above the sacred crypt is the Lower Basilica, well reputed for its frescos by Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti, and Martini. My favorite pastime in Assisi is to pray in that Lower Basilica underneath the Giotto frescoes on the vaulted ceiling depicting in allegory the three vows (which Max and Manny are about to profess perpetually). There is one particular spot beneath the vow allegories where I most often position myself. It faces the side wall graced by Cimabue’s brilliant fresco showing Our Lady of the Angels, patroness of our Province. Standing ever so humbly in the Cimabue fresco is poor little St. Francis himself, diminutive beside our Lady, Her Son Jesus, and all the Angels. Based on a real-life description, his face is so un-comely that only a mother could love it.
Directly beneath the homely Francis, is an intriguing grate covering five more entombed friars – another group of Francis’s early followers. Three years ago, during our Order’s General Chapter, those old bones in Assisi were really rattling – not because of an earthquake, but because they had been exhumed from the alcove niche where for nearly eight centuries they had peacefully reposed beneath Cimabue’s famous fresco. The names of these five friars were: Bernard of Quintavalle, Sylvester, William of England, Electus of Assisi, and Valentine of Narni. Once exhumed, these bones of the close companions of Francis were recognized, honored, preserved, displayed, and venerated. During their (time in Assisi, Friars) Max and Manny prayed in front of those old bones.
Today we add the names “Maximilian” and “Emanuel” to the elenchus of names like Bernard of Quintavalle, Sylvester, William of England, Electus of Assisi, Valentine of Narni, Leo, Giles, Angelo, Masseo, and thousands upon thousands of other Franciscan Friars who have professed Solemn Vows through the centuries. Today… we add the names of our two young (friars) to the (list) of hundreds who have actually professed vows in this very chapel (Shrine of St. Anthony) during the past 90 years. Today we reflect with Max and Manny about the earliest friar-followers of Saint Francis and their successors. Today we pause to think on what it means – not just to be a follower of Saint Francis, not just a subject, and not just what it means to be a brother of Saint Francis. We reflect on what it means to be, like those earliest lads of Assisi, privileged “companions” of Saint Francis. The early “companions” of Francis were his most intimate associates and deepest of friends on a common journey of Gospel life. Today, our Max and Manny are professing before God their desire to walk as companion-friends of Francis on the same Gospel journey.
No two friars are alike. Max and Manny are as different as chalk and cheese. Max with his famous tattoo “Made in Honduras” brings to the Gospel life his vibrant, ebullient, joyful, hyperactive, and ever generous spirit. Manny, with his kind, cheerful, inviting personality, and beautiful singing voice, helps us experience anew the voice of Francis “troubadour of the Lord.” Their “companionship” with Francis enriches our whole Franciscan community.
Today they are professing to live for the rest of their lives “in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity. Their three vows mean that these friars want to belong totally to God as poor, chaste, obedient men for others. To be obedient means they want to live with unveiled minds – focused on God’s will, not their own. To be poor means they want to live with unclenched hands – not grasping for belongings, but belonging to God. To be chaste means they want to live with undivided hearts – loving God all inclusively. Max and Manny, we are all here today to support you, dear brothers, in your humble and noble Franciscan calling…
… So, dear Max and Manny – Your Franciscan hearts are bursting right now with love for Jesus. Your hearts mirror the consecrated heart of our Founder – your humble, little, companion-friend Francis of Assisi … Jesus’s Mother Mary lived as our Lord’s humble companion. She too knew the life of humble companionship with God. Now assumed into heaven, she enjoys that companionship for eternity. Our Lady inspired Francis to found an Order of humble itinerants – companions and friends of Jesus, Francis, and the poor of the world. May she inspire the both of you to keep your holy vocations ever humble and ever joyful, in companionship with Jesus, Francis, our community, and the poor of the world. For the glory of God – we celebrate with you today. May God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
July 30, 2016: In the city of Campos do Goytacazes – RJ (Brazil) our Provincial Custody Immaculate Conception of Brazil celebrated the ordination of Friar William Gomes Mendonça OFM Conv. through the laying on of hands of Bishop Elias James Manning OFM Conv, Bishop Emeritus of Valencia – RJ (Brazil).
August 06, 2016: Friar Luis Henrique N. Lima OFM Conv. was also ordained a priest in his hometown of Belo Horizonte – MG (Brazil) through the laying on of hands of Bishop Édson José Oriolo dos Santos, Bishop Archdiocese Auxiliary of Belo Horizonte.
These, our newly ordained brothers, are in our prayers to be fruitful their ministry.
August 10, 2016: The Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial and Antonella Di Piazza (member of the Secular Institute “Fr. Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata,” headquartered in Bologna, Italy) were guests on the “EWTN Live” program hosted by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, in Irondale, Alabama. The subject of the feature was the newly published English translation and critical edition of the “Writings of Saint Maximilian Kolbe” of which Antonella was the General Editor of the 2-volume and 2500-page edition. Feature Video
Feast Day of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv ~ August 14th
“Hate destroys. Love alone creates.” This line uttered by Saint Maximilian Kolbe, OFM Conv. over 75 years ago is more appropriate now than ever! We live in a world where hatred seems to be the norm. There are times when we want to throw up our arms in defeat. The devil seems to be winning. Saint Maximilian gives us an example on how to defeat hatred and evil in our own times. Saint Maximilian faced hatred head on. He led a life of heroic charity that culminated in his martyrdom during World War II at the Nazi death camp Auschwitz in Poland. The patron saint of prisoners, journalists, the addicted, the pro-life movement and families, he voluntarily took the place of a fellow prisoner, a husband and father who was selected to die by starvation. After he survived for two weeks without food, St. Maximilian’s death was hastened by lethal injection August 14, 1941.
The blessing of the St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv. statue by Pope Saint John Paul II, on the occasion of the Martyr of Charity’s canonization, on October 10, 1982. Our friars were gifted the statue by the family of Msgr. Siedlecki, upon his passing, through a personal connection with our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. Msgr. Siedlecki attended the canonization with Fr. Burakowski (as did Fr. James) and purchased the statue through the help of Fr. Flavian Slominski, OFM Conv., the rector of the Penitenzeria at the Vatican and the personal confessor of Pope St. John Paul II. The statue is now housed in a small outdoor shrine on the property of our ministry of The Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City. (See picture above it.)
Friday, August 12, 2016 Noon Mass
Veneration of relic until 5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – Evening Prayer
Veneration of relic until 9:00pm Saturday, August 13, 2016 Noon Mass
Healing Prayers and Veneration of Relic until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 14, 2016 Noon Solemn Mass in Honor of Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Presider and Homilist Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. (Savannah)
Procession to the Outdoor St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv. Shrine and the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto with Litany to Saint Maximilian M. Kolbe,OFM Conv.
Courtyard Picnic
Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. holds the reliquary of the 1st class relics of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv. inside the outdoor shrine on the property of the Shrine of St. Anthony. This small structure houses the statue of St. Maximilian Kolbe that was blessed by Pope St. John Paul II at the canonization of our Martyr of Charity. Fr. James is joined by Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., a friar of our province and the the Provincial Assistant to the Militia Immaculata – an evangelization movement identifying with Mary that was established by St. Maximilian Kolbe (on his left) and the Most Reverend Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., a friar of our province who is the Bishop of Savannah (on right) and several other friars of our province.
At the Mass, Bro. Joseph Cannon C.S.Sp. was welcomed by Fr. James and our friars on hand as a new Postulant for our Province. Please keep him and our other five Postulants who are already at the St. Bonaventure Friary Postulancy in Chicago, IL, for a year of discernment in the first stage of Formation as Franciscan Friars Conventual.
Bishop DiMarzio ordains Friar Nicholas Spano, OFM Conv. (Director of San Damiano Mission) to the Transitional Diaconate. Pictured far left – Br. Michael Duffy, OFM Conv., behind Friar Nicholas – Fr. Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, OFM Conv (Assistant Director of San Damiano Mission), and far right – the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province).
Friar Nick vested by Friar (Deacon) Nader Ata, OFM Conv.
On Saturday, August 6, 2016, at San Damiano Mission (Brooklyn, NY), a ministry of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Friar Nicholas Spano, OFM Conv., Director of San Damiano Mission, was Ordained a Transitional Deacon by the Bishop of Brooklyn, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio. Friar Nick was supported by many of the friars of our province, his family, friends and a large assembly of the people he serves. One of the friars in attendance created a Facebook Video Photo Montage of the event. Please keep Friar Nicholas, and his ministry, in your continued prayers.
The 3 Nicholas-es (Friar Deacon Nicholas Spano, OFM Conv., Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Fr. Nicholas Rokitka, OFM Conv.) represent the 3 levels of Holy Orders: Diaconate, Presbyterate, Episcopate.
Saturday, August 20, 2016: Three Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi (wearing flower corsages) celebrated milestone anniversaries of their religious profession at a Mass of Thanksgiving at our pastoral ministry of Our Lady of the Cross Church, Holyoke, Massachusetts, where Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Rev. Albert Scherer, OFM Conv. serves as pastor and Sr. Christine Mumbi, FMSA (a Franciscan Missionary Sister of Assisi) serves as Bookkeeper and in Ministry of Care. Bishop Mitchell Thomas Rozanski, of the Diocese of Springfield, (center top) was the Principal Celebrant, and the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province – pictured far left) was the Homilist. Included among the many diocesan clergy and friars from as far away as California, New Mexico, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Shamokin was Fr. Noel Danielewicz, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province friar serving at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr and as chaplain of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice in Enfield – pictured at far right). The three jubilarian sisters were: Sr. Clare Maione, FMSA (50 years), Sr. Claudia Kim, FMSA (25 years), and Sr. Sophia Lee, FMSA (25 years). The Superior General of the FMSA, Sr. Julianna, journeyed from Assisi, Italy,to participate in the festivities. A lively reception in the parish’s Pope St. John Paul II Social Center, followed the Liturgy.
