March 30, 2015 – Provincial Blessing of Holy Cross Friary: Our Lady of the Angels Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (lower left row) blessed the new friary and visited with the area friars. The friars of Holy Cross, serve Atlanta’s Holy Cross Catholic Church, Roswell’s Blessed Trinity Catholic High School and Lithia Springs’ St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Also pictures here, for the visit, are the friars who live in St. Philip Benizi Friary, in Jonesboro, GA. serving the people of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church.
Our Friars are serving in over twenty (Arch)Dioceses along the East Coast, of the United States and in four within Ontario, Canada. As Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Religious gathered this week in each of diocese to celebrate Chrism Mass, it was such a joy for our friars to participate along side their brothers in Christ. The Bishops blessed the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of chrism to be used by priests and deacons of each individual diocese throughout the year. During the Chrism Mass, our priest friars present, join all priests of the diocese where they serve, to renew their own commitment to service and to receive the prayers of the people. This unique liturgy is an expression of unity of the diocesan Church with her Bishop in preparation for all liturgies throughout the year.
Diocese of Charlotte Chrism Mass 2015: Three of our friars serve in ministries within the Diocese of Charlotte. Fr. Joseph Angelini, OFM Conv. is the Guardian of Our Lady of the Angels Friary, Fr. Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv. serves as the pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Mission and Our Lady of Mercy Church, where Friar Joseph also serves as Parochial Vicar. Fr. Charles Jagodzinski, OFM Conv. is the Campus Minister for Wake Forest University, Salem College and the University of North Carolina, School of the Arts. All three of our friars are serving in Winston-Salem, NC. As Bishop Jugis stated during his homily, “Why is this Cathedral always filled to overflowing? On this day…because the Faithful love their priests.” All of our province friars feel the same way about the Faithful we are so blessed to serve. The Catholic News Herald, Diocese of Charlotte posted a highlight video of the Mass featuring Bishop Peter Jugis’ homily.
During this Mass, the Bishop blesses the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of chrism. The chrism is freshly prepared for the baptising of catechumens at the Easter Vigil and the other oils are blessed on this day as well. As the Bishop is the only minister who can bless chrism, this liturgy ritualises his presence through the chrism that will be used by priests and deacons of the diocese throughout the year.
During the Chrism Mass, all priests are invited to renew their commitment to service and to receive the prayers of the people. This unique liturgy is an expression of unity of the diocesan Church with her Bishop in preparation for all liturgies throughout the year. All are welcome.
– See more at: http://www.calgarydiocese.ca/liturgy/diocesan-celebrations/896-chrism-mass-liturgy.html?tmpl=component&print=1&page=#sthash.TShmzka1.dpuf
Bishop blesses the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of chrism. The chrism is freshly prepared for the baptising of catechumens at the Easter Vigil and the other oils are blessed on this day as well. As the Bishop is the only minister who can bless chrism, this liturgy ritualises his presence through the chrism that will be used by priests and deacons of the diocese throughout the year.
During the Chrism Mass, all priests are invited to renew their commitment to service and to receive the prayers of the people. This unique liturgy is an expression of unity of the diocesan Church with her Bishop in preparation for all liturgies throughout the year. All are welcome.
– See more at: http://www.calgarydiocese.ca/liturgy/diocesan-celebrations/896-chrism-mass-liturgy.html#sthash.YesgD0Pg.dpuf
Bishop blesses the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of chrism. The chrism is freshly prepared for the baptising of catechumens at the Easter Vigil and the other oils are blessed on this day as well. As the Bishop is the only minister who can bless chrism, this liturgy ritualises his presence through the chrism that will be used by priests and deacons of the diocese throughout the year.
During the Chrism Mass, all priests are invited to renew their commitment to service and to receive the prayers of the people. This unique liturgy is an expression of unity of the diocesan Church with her Bishop in preparation for all liturgies throughout the year. All are welcome.
– See more at: http://www.calgarydiocese.ca/liturgy/diocesan-celebrations/896-chrism-mass-liturgy.html#sthash.YesgD0Pg.dpuf
Bishop blesses the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of chrism. The chrism is freshly prepared for the baptising of catechumens at the Easter Vigil and the other oils are blessed on this day as well. As the Bishop is the only minister who can bless chrism, this liturgy ritualises his presence through the chrism that will be used by priests and deacons of the diocese throughout the year.
During the Chrism Mass, all priests are invited to renew their commitment to service and to receive the prayers of the people. This unique liturgy is an expression of unity of the diocesan Church with her Bishop in preparation for all liturgies throughout the year. All are welcome.
– See more at: http://www.calgarydiocese.ca/liturgy/diocesan-celebrations/896-chrism-mass-liturgy.html#sthash.YesgD0Pg.dpuf
Tantur Ecumenical Group on Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, (Fr. Justin Biase, OFM Conv.~4th from right)
A Reflection from the Holy Land A letter to the Minister Provincial from Fr. Justin Biase, OFM Conv.
Peace and all good things from the Holy Land! The Mass at the Holy Sepulcher was wonderful, although a bit tight with seven priests and three women packed into the inner room, and a few more folks in the outer room. It was very moving and a moment to cherish forever. I remembered (special intention) at Mass as well as … all of the friars. Thank you so much for this marvelous opportunity to be here for six weeks. I apologize for not being in touch more often, but I have been trying to stay away from the computer and sending e-mails, etc. so as not be too distracted from this special time in the Holy Land. Nonetheless, prayers for you and all the friars have been plentiful at each and every holy place.
The program is wonderful — with time for lectures, visiting the holy sites together with free time to pray, relax, be quiet or wander around the city. The lecturers are first class and include Christians, Jews, Palestinians and Muslims. Two weeks ago we went to an Orthodox synagogue for services and then we broke up into groups of two and went with a family for their Shabbat Dinner. Both were quite the experiences, especially talking with the family and their children — very devout and knowledgeable about their faith and unlike many, very knowledgeable about Catholicism.
We spent a week in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. Despite the weather – cold, cloudy and rainy – we did get a chance to visit all the sites at a leisurely pace – with time in each place for quiet prayer and reflection — though at times it was difficult because of the crowds of pilgrims. We had a wonderful guide, a Palestinian Christian who was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, humorous and deeply spiritual. We returned to Jerusalem to find six inches of snow on the ground — the bus couldn’t get up our steep hill from the road, so most walked up to the building, but a few of us older folks were taken up in a cart pulled by a tractor! It was a sight for sore eyes!
Our group numbers 15 and includes 10 priests (2 Jesuits, me and the rest diocesan), two sisters, one minister and two lay women. It’s a very diverse group for sure, but we all get along very well and have our share of laughs along the way…
As you would imagine, there is no escaping coming face to face with the great suffering of the people here as a result of the current political situation. From whichever angle you look at it, it is so sad and breaks your heart. It is terribly complicated and difficult to understand. The longer you’re here the more you see how deep are the divisions and conflicts. The staff and the program provide multiple opportunities to explore the many dimensions of life in these parts.
Our place is near Bethlehem, right by the Wall and the Check Point. Looking at the wall is depressing enough, going through the checkpoint is heart-breaking. It is literally like going into a jail. We visited Bethlehem University run by the Christian Brothers. Marvelous! Seeing and meeting young Christians and Muslims together, side by side, with so many hopes and aspirations for peace, was more than inspiring. Much prayer, generosity and hard work at peacemaking are surely needed. Last week, we also visited Hebron which was particularly sad because of the multiple checkpoints and random checks and the suffering of the people. We visited the tomb of Abraham and Sarah (now officially a Mosque, but divided in two –one side for Jews and one side of Muslims). We followed that visit with meetings with groups of Muslims, Christians and Jews who are taking initiatives to bring people together to talk, get to know one another and work towards reconciliation. Uplifting for sure — met some of the most impressive people I have ever encountered.
A young Muslim boy at prayer
Last week we also went to the Old City and had the privilege of not only walking around the Temple Mount, but also entering the Dome of the Rock and entering the Al Aqsa Mosque – both were very moving. Attached is a photo of a small boy praying.
A few days ago, we had a lecture on Eastern/Byzantine spirituality by the Abbot of Dormition Abbey here in Jerusalem. It was fantastic — he was from Belfast and was very articulate, knowledgeable and witty (as most Irishman are!!). In addition to talking about the history of the Roman/Orthodox traditions – he spoke about the spirituality that flows from the Orthodox liturgy. On Sundays, we go to different Churches for Mass. Twice now I went to the Melkite Catholic Church in the Old City — mostly because it is a friendly and welcoming community, but also because the Archbishop is an older man who radiates peace, joy and deep faith.
We had a wonderful day visiting St. George’s Monastery in the Judean Hills below Jerusalem. Had to walk down a steep hill and then back up the other side to get to the place — beautiful. From there we hiked into Jericho along a path along the side of the hill. It took about an hour and a half with spectacular scenery all along the way. From there we visited Jesus’ Baptismal site. Thankfully I have had no problem with my knee, except having to pace myself going up or down hills. On the hike to Jericho, I had a cane to keep help keep me balanced — since the path was very rocky, but other than that, no problems at all. Of course, being the ‘oldest’ in the group, everyone is very solicitous!!
Most Reverend Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. (Bishop of Savannah, GA & friar from our Province) was also on a pilgrimage in the Holy Land. The two friars reunited to share a meal.
Gregory [Hartmayer] and I were able to get together on Sunday evening for a leisurely dinner at what else but an Italian restaurant!! Recommended by the hotel where he was staying, it wasn’t half bad! It was a fun evening. His group was literally on a marathon since they only had a week. Makes me appreciate all the more the six week spread that allows for time for prayer and relaxation, as well as multiple visits to favorite places.
Just returned from an overnight to Nablus — and the site of Jacob’s well. In the middle to the West Bank, it was amazing to see how friendly and warm the people were to us. It was the exception when people didn’t say ‘hello”, “good morning or afternoon”. Children would spontaneously wave to us and smile. Marvelous and much different than Jerusalem.
Hard to believe that I leave here for Padua in a couple of days. Unfortunately, I will miss the trip to Qumran, Dead Sea, Masada and Mt. Sinai. Not so bad since, except for Sinai, I have been to all the places before… But for now it is good to be here, in a totally different place and environment, and to be connected in a special way to Christ in the land that was His, complicated and messy as it is at the present moment.
Okay for now, my brother. Thanks again to you and the Province for allowing me this special time away. I will be in touch from Padua and then from Assisi. Assisi following the Holy Land — can’t get much better than that! From there to Bari on Easter Monday for a visit to the home town [of my family] and then on to Rome before heading back to the States on April 16th.
Note: Fr. Justin was the last Minister Provincial of the Immaculate Conception Province.
After the union of the Immaculate Conception Province and the St. Anthony of Padua Province, creating the new Our Lady of the Angels Province, he has spent some time on a much deserved renewing sabbatical, including his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Please continue to pray for him and for all of our friars.
SAVANNAH, GA: The Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., was on hand in celebration of the Feast of St. Patrick. From the 8:00 a.m. Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, to Savannah’s 2015 St. Patrick’s Day Parade shown on live television, then on to give the address at the annual black-tie dinner for 600 men of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Savanna, the day was made even more joyous, as it was celebrated with the Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., who is not only the bishop of Savannah but also one of our friars. (Click here to read the address given at the dinner)
Fr. James & Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo got to ride in style with Bishop Gregory during Savannah’s 2015 St Patrick’s Day Parade. photo source: Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer
“Lorica of St. Patrick” (St. Patrick’s Breast-Plate) I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ’s birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.
I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.
I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th, in our St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Friar Luís Henrique and Friar Willian pronounced their solemn vows in the hands of the Custos Provincial, Fr. Antônio Molisani, OFM Conv. Among those present were friars from all of the friaries of our Brazilian Custody~Immaculate Conception, family members, members of the Secular Franciscan Order, parishioners, and friends of the two friars. The Mass celebration was marked with several signs of Franciscan spirituality, such as the Rule of St. Francis, sandals and the music, as well as the words of the Custos whose homily gave emphasis to the meaning of consecration to God in a world of consumerism and superficiality. Fr Antônio concluded with the assertion that their consecration, taken on for all their lives, should lead Friars Luís Henrique and Willian to joy and happiness.
Mishawaka, Indiana ~ February 24-25, 2015: The Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, visited our St. Francis Novitiate, where he gave two days of conferences to our North American Conventual novices, as well as to the novices of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, themed “Mary in the Franciscan Tradition” and “Franciscan Silence.”
Saturday, February 14, 2015 Diocese of Savannah Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. (a friar from our province and former pastor of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church) came back to the diocese of Atlanta to ordain Friar Gabriel Scasino, OFM Conv. to the Order of the Priesthood, at 11:00 a.m. Mass, at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, in Jonesboro, GA, on Saturday, February 14, 2015. The Ordination was followed by a light reception in the parish hall. The next day, at 10:45 a.m., Friar Gabriel presided over his Mass of Thanksgiving with the parish, friars, friends and family. He continued to serve as Chaplain at Our Lady of Mercy High School, in Fayetteville, GA and as a parish priest at St. Philip Benizi, where he has been serving as a deacon since August of 2015. (Update: Fr. Gabriel is now serving at our San Damiano Mission in Brooklyn, NY)
Lord God, send forth upon him the Holy Spirit, that he may be strengthened by the gift of Your sevenfold grace to carry out faithfully the work of this ministry. May he excel in every virtue: in love that is sincere, in concern for the sick and the poor, in unassuming authority,
in self discipline, and in holiness of life. May his conduct exemplify Your commandments and
lead Your people to imitate his purity of life. May he remain strong and steadfast in Christ, giving to the world the witness of a pure conscience. May he in this life imitate Your Son, Who came, not to be served but to serve, and one day reign with Him in heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Fr. Tom was born in Boston and professed his first vows as a Conventual Franciscan (OFM Conv.) in 1980 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1987, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Albany, NY, by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. He had already earned a BS in Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy before becoming a friar and continued his studies as a Franciscan earing a Certificate Pre-Theology-Philosphy from St. Hyacinth College and Seminary (MA), in 1982 and completing his Masters in Divinity (Theology), from St. Anthony-on-Hudson (NY), in 1987. Throughout his time as a friar, Fr. Tom has served on many councils, commissions and committee for the province.
He began a life of ministry as a parochial vicar for 2 years at St. Stephen Parish (Shamokin, PA) and in 1989 became part of the staff of The Franciscan Center (Buffalo, NY), providing transitional care for young men in need. He returned to parish life in 1993 where he served for 8 years as co-pastor of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church (Kensington, CT). He continued in parish ministry at St. Edward the Confessor Parish (Stafford Springs, CT) and St. Stanislaus Parish (Chicopee, MA) until his election to Province Secretary in 2005. He returned to St. Edward the Confessor Parish, as pastor in 2010 and in 2012, moved to St. Joseph Cupertino Friary (Ellicott City, MD) to become the co-director of the Postulancy (the first stage of formation), while assisting the needs of the pilgrims of the Shrine of St. Anthony to which the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary is adjacent. The Postulancy has since moved to Chicago, but Fr. Tom stayed in Ellicott City and this year began his chaplaincy at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, in Olney, Maryland.
Please keep Fr. Tom, his ministry, as well as all of the friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province and their ministries, in your continued prayers To hear more about Fr. Tom’s new ministry, please view this video interview, conducted and posted by Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Fr. Jarosław Wysoczański, OFM Conv., our Order’s Secretary General for the Animation for the Missions (SGAM), came to the USA on a speaking tour that included many sites around our Province. In this photo he was engaging students from our parish school at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, in Chicopee, MA. His presentations included information about two Franciscan Friars, Michał Tomaszek and Zbigniew Strzałkowski , who were martyred in Peru. In the past, he had served as their Guardian.
Lord, You anointed your sons Miguel, Zbigniew and Sandro with the gift of the priesthood. You sent them as messengers of the Good News and crowned them with the Palm of Martyrdom. Glorify them also with the Crown of the Saints. By their blood shed for You, give us constancy in the faith, protect our lives and give us the gift of peace. Receive the the innocent victims of violence into Your kingdom and grant them the everlasting reward. Amen.
San Salvador (February 2-7, 2015): Our Lady of the Angels Province friars, the Friar James McCurry, OFM Conv. [OLA Minister Provincial], Friar Russell Governale, OFM Conv. [OLA Vocations Director] and Friar Anthony Kall, OFM Conv. [OLA Definitor Liaison – Diverse Ministries & Senior Friars Commissions] were in attendance at a joint meeting comprised of the Custody of Maria Madre de los Probres (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala) and the Delegation of Nuestra Señora de los Angels (Costa Rica). The meeting was held to elaborate and define the Common Formation Directorate to guide a future single Custody in Central America, that included vocation promotion as well as other important future needs of the friars in that area of the world. Also on hand, alongside the Secretary General of Formation, the Minister Provincial of Our Lady of Consolation Province, and the friars of the area, were Provincial Delegate of the Provincial Delegation of Costa Rica ~ Friar Jorges Dobles Ulloa, OFM Conv., the General Assistant of the Conventual Franciscan Conference ~ Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. and the Order’s Minister General ~ Friar Marco Tasca, OFM Conv.
To read more about this event or other OFM Conv. News, visit the Order’s Website.
El Salvador: Friars at Tomb of Archbishop Oscar Romero
