This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the death of the Most Reverend John Carroll S.J. (1735-1815), the first Bishop of the First Diocese (Archdiocese of Baltimore – the Premier See) of the United States of America. He was selected by the clergy of the USA (by a vote of 24 out of 26) in April 1789, approved November 1789 by Pope Pius VI, consecrated on August 15, 1790 (the Feast of the Assumption) and installed on December 12, 1790. Many of his older relatives played key roles in establishing the state of Maryland and the United States as a whole, but it is his younger cousin, Charles Carroll of Carrollton(1737-1832), who became a household name, as the only Catholic and the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence (1776).
What does this all have to do with our friars?
Part of one of our ministries in Ellicott City-MD is Carrollton Hall Cultural Center that in January of 2015 was officially entered into the National Register of Historic Places. This property is not only an important part of American and Maryland establishment history, it is an important part of the history of the Catholic Church in the USA. The property was once owned by Charles Carroll and gifted to his favorite granddaughter, Emily Caton McTavish. Carroll’s descendants still own over 1000 acres of historically preserved land in Ellicott City, but the friars of our province now own Carrollton Hall.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton was a man of great faith. His family’s heritage of religious tolerance played a major role in the design of our nation’s long tradition of religious freedom. Beginning with his great, great, great grandfather, George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore and his experimental tolerant colony, free of religious oppression. He named this paradise in honor of the Virgin Mary (Maryland), the patroness of his Catholic Queen, Henrietta Maria.
Lord Baltimore’s great great great grandson, Charles Carrol of Carrollton, did not meet religious tolerance in America but was instead, just as all Roman Catholics of the day, stripped of his governmental authority, restricted in practicing his Catholic faith publicly, forbidden to send his children to church-run schools, was unable to vote and barred from practicing law or holding public office, unless he swore allegiance to the Church of England. Catholics in Maryland had to build small family chapels in their homes where priests would take great risks to celebrate Mass. Charles Carroll was eventually able to serve in the US Senate from 1789 to 1792, and in that position Carroll participated in the joint Senate-House committee that approved and finalized the wording for the Bill of Rights to the US Constitution. Intolerance of religion and unjust laws in that respect were abolished in the First Amendment of the nation’s Constitution (1787).
The property of Carrollton Hall, in Ellicott City, changed hands a few times before ending up with our friars. It was there that our friars in formation studied until a new Novitiate was build in what is now the Shrine of St. Anthony. The property itself is reputed to have been used as part of the Underground Railroad, offering a temporary haven for slaves seeking freedom to the North. A short distance from the house a private chapel with a steeple and belfry was built for the use of the family and servants on the spot where the Shrine of St. Anthony now stands. The Provincial House, housing the offices of the Minister Provincial, Vicar Provincial, Provincial Secretary and Treasurer, is also on the property of Carrollton Hall and the actual Manor House is being renovated as a historical site. Although not yet open to the public, the Shrine of St. Anthony is and the friars there would love for you to visit, walk along the wooded paths and feel Maryland and Catholic history come alive.
Emily Caton McTavish: Charles Carroll’s granddaughter for whom he built Carrollton Hall (Ellicott City – MD).
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is preparing to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the death of America’s first Bishop, the Most Reverend John Carroll S.J., at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, during the 10:45 a.m. Mass on December 6th. We also would like to remember the generosity of example, spirit, faith and fortune given to we modern day American Catholics, by the entire Carroll Legacy.
St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church, in Elmhurst – NY, held a 50th Anniversary of Ordination party for two of our friars there. Fr. Herman Czaster, OFM Conv. and Fr. Patrick Gallagher, OFM Conv. both live in the friary there and serve the people of the parish.Our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., was able to be in attendance, as well as many friars, family, friends and parishioners. There are many pictures from the event in the parish’s 10-25-2015 Bulletin.
In a thank you in that bulletin, Fr. Herman wrote,
“My Dear Parish Family of St. Adalbert, I wish to take this opportunity to Thank You for making my 50th anniversary of Priesthood so meaningful and uplifting. The number of you who participated at the 11:30 Mass and also at the social that followed will never be forgotten.
The Lord Jesus Bless You All.
Fr. Herman”
Fr. Pat wrote,
“To the Friars, Staff and Parishioners of St. Adalbert, The celebration of the Golden Jubilee of my Ordination was a joyous and deeply moving experience for me and for my family and friends who were able to join us, and for you too as I happily heard from many of you and that was because of you. Thank You with all my heart. The Lord surely guided me when I suggested to our Provincial Fr. James, that I would like to come to St. Adalbert’s.
God Bless You All,
Fr. Pat”
Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) of North America, Australia, Great Britain and Ireland
In October 2015, the members of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) of North America, Australia, Great Britain and Ireland met at St. Bonaventure Friary in Chicago from the 12th to the 16th of October, hosted by the friars and postulants living there. The meeting agenda included approval of statutes, presentations, assignments and financial matters. CFF meets twice yearly. Its next meeting will be hosted by OLA Province at Boynton Beach, Florida, in February 2016. Those in attendance (left to right): our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., Fr. Jozef Blaszak, OFM Conv. (Custos of the Canadian Custody of St. Maximilian Kolbe), Friar Cornelius Mary Scott, OFM Conv. (Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody), Br. Jim Doyle (Secretary of the CFF and friar of our province), the Very Reverend Fr. Jim Kent, OFM Conv. (CFF President and Minister Provincial – Province of Our Lady of Consolation), the Very Reverend Fr. Michael Zielke, OFM Conv. (CFF Vice President and Minister Provincial – St. Bonaventure Province), the Very Reverend Fr. Christopher Dietz, OFM Conv., (Minister Provincial – St. Joseph of Cupertino Province), Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. (Assistant General of the CFF and friar of our province), Fr. Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv. (Custos of the Sacro Convento, Assisi), Fr. Peter Damian Massengill, OFM Conv. (Custos of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody and friar of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation).
Two of our province friars from Costa Rica, friar Henry Ramírez Vargas, OFM Conv. and friar Kevin Gabriel González Vega, OFM Conv. are studying in the Seminario San Maximiliano Kolbe (Novitiate) in Itagüí, Antioquia, Colombia. In early October they were both invested with their habits by our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. The Custos of the friars in Colombia, Fr. Jhon Jairo Molina Castañeda, OFM Conv. also invested four friars from the Columbian Custodia Provincialis Columbiensis S. Francisci (Custody of the Spanish Province of Dominae Nostrae a Monte Serrato “Our Lady of Montserrat”).
The Custos of Custodia Provincialis Columbiensis S. Francisci (Colombia), Fr. Jhon Jairo Molina Castañeda, OFM Conv. and Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. are assisted by Colombia’s Seminario San Maximiliano Kolbe Novice Master Fr. Sidifredo de la Cruz, OFM Conv., during the Investiture Ceremony.
All of the newly Invested outside of the Seminario San Maximiliano Kolbe (Novitiate) in Colombia, with our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (center), including the two Costa Rican Novices, friar Henry Ramírez Vargas, OFM Conv. and friar Kevin Gabriel González Vega, OFM Conv. (each end)
The newly invested novices, friar Henry Ramírez Vargas, OFM Conv. and friar Kevin Gabriel González Vega, OFM Conv, are joined by their Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (back left) and their former Postulant Director in Costa Rica, Fr. Marco Umaña, OFM Conv. (back right), to carry the liter holding a figure of St. Francis of Assisi, used during the Transitus Ceremony.
Congratulations Friar Jorge Rodríguez Barillas, OFM Conv., on his October 4th Diaconate Ordination, at Our Lady of the Assumption, in Alajuela, Costa Rica, by Bishop Gabriel Enrique Montero Umaña OFM Conv., Bishop of San Isidro de El General and friar of our province.
Franciscans from around the world celebrate both the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi (on October 3rd) and his Feast Day (on October 4th). The definition of “transitus” is the “transit of a person or property en route from one place to another.” For Franciscans, Transitus marks the night Francis left his earthly life, to move onto a life in heaven with Our Lord Jesus. He died, on the evening of October 3, 1226, a small man in his forties who had wanted to live a simple life in service to God. Traditionally Saints’ Feast Days mark the date of death and are remembered with special mention, prayers, and scripture readings. For us the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4th is so much more. It is a day filled with celebration and joy; blessing animals, gathering for meals and enjoying the fellowship of our brothers and those we serve. Just as with all of the saints, it is the day Francis obtained Eternal Life.
In his time the message of St. Francis of Assisi attracted many followers across Europe. Francis could have led a life of luxury and earthly power. He was born into a wealthy cloth merchant family in Assisi, Italy around 1181 or 1182. As a young man he spent his days admiring Troubadours who traveled across Europe and performed their poetic songs to audiences. He also partook in raucous celebrations and planned on becoming a knight. His forays as a warrior against nearby Perugia ended in capture and imprisonment. The time in isolation allowed Francis to reflect on what God really wanted him to do in life.
Today, in the 21st century, there are three Franciscan First Orders (Friars Minor aka O.F.M with brown habits and short hoods, Capuchin Franciscans aka O.F.M. Cap. with dark brown habits and long hoods, and the Conventual Franciscans aka O.F.M Conv. with grey/black habits). The Conventual Franciscans, the Order to which our friars belong, span the globe. We are recognized by our grey (often almost black) habits, the three knotted cord representing the Vows of Poverty, Chastity & Obedience, and with “O.F.M. Conv.” following printed names of the members. The friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province serve up and down the East Coast of North America, as well as in several other countries and many celebrations took place in our friaries, shrines & ministries throughout our province commemorating these days; so important to all Franciscans.
The Transitus was celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at the conclusion of the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, October 3rd. Students and alumni from Bishop McCort Catholic High School who portrayed the grieving friars and St. Francis. These “friars” bore their “Holy Father St. Francis” during the ceremony, in a solemn procession accompanied with prayers and music. They are pictured here, along with Fr. Anthony Francis Spilka, OFM Conv., Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day Dinner in Raleigh NC. From Blessed Sacrament Friary in Burlington NC: Friar Briant, Friar Paul, Friar Gerald and Friar Vincent. From Our Lady of Guadalupe Friary in Pittsboro NC: Friar Ramond, Friar Joseph, Friar Jacek and Friar Michael. From Our Lady of the Angels Friary in Winston-Salem, NC: Friar Joseph and Friar Carl. From St. Anthony of Padua Friary in Durham NC: Friar Brad, Friar Bill, Friar Michael, Friar Andrew, Friar Michael and friar Emanuel.
Blessing of the Animals: The friars of St. Francis Friary (Syracuse NY), including Fr. Brennan-Joseph Farleo, OFM Conv. bless the animals of the community surrounding the many ministries located in Syracuse, including The Franciscan Church of the Assumption.
To celebrate Pope Francis’ last stop on his USA tour, a group of fifty-two (52) pilgrims from Our Lady of Mercy Church, of Winston-Salem, NC bused up to Philadelphia by coach on September 26-28, 2015. According to Our Lady of the Angels Province Friars, Fr. Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv., pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church and Our Lady of Fatima Mission, “It was a spectacular and very spiritual event all in one. It still is difficult to imagine about one million people praying together and celebrating the Mass. There were plenty of things to endure, like security and the subway ride back to our buses, but all of our group were simply overjoyed to be there in Philly with Pope Francis.”
friar Don Bassana, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of Consolation Province), friar Israel Arauz-Rosiles, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of Consolation Province), fr. Maximilian Avila, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province), friar José María Lindo OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province), friar Patrick Roth, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province) and friar Thomas Fetz, OFM Conv. (St. Bonaventure Province) wait in the Basilica for Mass to begin. There, on large screens, they could view the Liturgy live that was taking place just outside of the Basilica doors.
Friar José María Lindo OFM Conv., a friar in formation for Our Lady of the Angels Province, living in St. Bonaventure Friary (Post Novitiate), studying at The Catholic University of America, and his thoughts on their experience during Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S., where he and his brothers attended the September 23, 2015 Saint Junipero Serra Canonization Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception:
“Our wait for Pope Francis was worth every minute. It was a moment of so much anxiety and at the same time bonding as we sat on a pew for nearly 6 hours. The most amazing moment for me was receiving his blessing and “forwarding” his blessing to all our brothers and benefactors that made this moment possible for us. This whole experience was filled with brotherhood and love as we met our brothers from other orders and religious institutions. We all had a special glow on our faces we were just bursting with genuine joy. It was a true encounter with Christ through pope Francis!”
Photo of friar José María’s viewpoint as the excited gathering “inside” of the Basilica, including the arms and top of the head of friar Luis Palacios Rodriguez, OFM Conv., another friar in formation for Our Lady of the Angels Province, is greeted by Pope Francis.
friar Luis Palacios Rodriguez, OFM Conv. excited to be so close to the Holy Father
Excerpt from a September 17, 2015 letter from the Most Reverend Fr. Marco Tasca, OFM Conv., Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Rome)
Giving One’s Life
The Heart and Possibility of the Mission
In View of the Beatification of Friar Miguel and Friar Zbigniew
The year dedicated to the consecrated life is coming to an end. It has been a year of deeper understanding about what it means to be prophetic in the heart of the Church and for the world. Now we are on the cusp of a jubilee year whose theme will be mercy, that mercy upon which “our salvation depends” and which is “the bridge that connects God and man” (Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus no. 2). On December 5, two of our confreres, Friar Michał Tomaszek and Friar Zbigniew Strzałkowski will be beatified. …
My dear brothers, may the Lord give you Peace!
Friar Marco Tasca Minister General
Events Connected to the Beatification
December 4, 2015: Prayer vigil late evening and night – Cathedral of Chimbote
December 5, 2015: Beatification, 10:00 a.m. – Chimbote Stadium, Ancash Region, Peru
December 6, 2015: Mass of Thanksgiving, 10:00 a.m. – Señor de Mayo Church, Pariacoto
December 7, 2015: Mass of Thanksgiving, 8:00 p.m. – Nuestra Señora de la Piedad Church, Lima
December 8, 2015: Mass of Thanksgiving, 8:00 p.m. – Cathedral of Lima,
presided by His Eminence Juan Luis Cardinal Cipriani Thorne, Archbishop of Lima
Please take a moment to read: “A Witness to the Life and Martyrdomof Friars Michał Tomaszek and Zbigniew,” by Fr Jarosław Wysoczański, OFM Conv., who lived and worked with these two friars, who “dedicated themselves to serving the people with both hands — with the Gospel and charity — in order to restore to them the dignity of the sons and daughters of God.”
Newman/UNC see the Pope in Washington D.C.: Seven students, who form the core of our Climate Justice group at the Newman Catholic Student Center Parish at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, made pilgrimage to Washington D.C. to participate in events surrounding the Pope’s visit. On Wednesday, they participated in a workshop hosted by Franciscan Action Network, which helps college students to better understand and implement “Laudato Si” on campus. That evening they took part in an interfaith prayer vigil where members of the Franciscan Family and others broke their 10-day fast for Climate Justice. Much to our surprise we were gifted at the last minute two tickets for the outdoor balcony of the Capitol and five other tickets for the Capitol lawn. After the Pope’s speech we all enjoyed the Interfaith Climate Justice Rally/Concert on the National Mall, which was sponsored by Franciscan Action Network.
Giavani verso Assisi Pilgrims with Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv. (left) and The Most Reverend Fr. Marco Tasca, OFM Conv., Minister General of the Order of the Friars Minor Conventual (center)
Giovani verso Assisi 2015: Nine young adults (4 from Newman/UNC, 3 from Duke and 2 from the Syracuse area, one of which is an alum of FrancisCorps) represented the USA at this year’s Youth toward Assisi (Giovani verso Assisi 2015) retreat. The experience was totally revamped and included: a scavenger hunt across Assisi (where participants learned about the life of Francis along the way), many workshops on Franciscan themes with the most popular being playing Frisbee while learning about teamwork, serving the hungry in a San Egidio soup kitchen, and street evangelization in the various piazzas throughout the city of Rome. Also new to the program was a testimony of Polish Catholic rappers and an evening of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the lawn of the Seraphicum.
Items presented by Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv.
Parish Administrator of Newman Catholic Student Center Parish
