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
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.
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.”
Sunday, January 29, 2017: Before beginning his Apostolate Year, in our ministries in Chicopee, MA, friar Luis Palacios Rodriguez, OFM Conv. visited our friars at St. Lucie Catholic Church, in Port St. Lucie, FL. Our Lady of the Angels Province Prefect of Formation, Fr. Mark Szanyi, OFM Conv. (who also serves as pastor of St. Lucie Catholic Church) installed friar Luis to the Minor Ministry of Acolyte. (the chief offices of an acolyte are to light the candles on the altar and carry them in procession, to prepare wine and water for the sacrifice of the Mass, and to assist the sacred ministers at the Mass and other public services of the Church.) Friar Luis now begins his Apostolate Year, which is often the precursor to the Profession of Solemn Vows.
Our Lady of the Angels Province Vicar Provincial, Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM Conv. traveled to Brazil, January 14-18, 2017, to meet with the Custos and the Custodial Definitory for an entire day (Jan. 17) and then help facilitate a Custodial assembly (Jan. 18) to prepare for the friars’ upcoming Ordinary Chapter in, April 2017. During the day-long assembly, marked by fraternity, fine food, discussion, and prayer, the friars took a straw vote that expressed a firm resolve to move toward becoming a province and to make a reasonable timeline for this goal a central piece of their next four-year plan. The friars spent a good portion of time in small groups to provide input for chapter planning. A special commission was formed to evaluate the current ministries of the Custody and help the friars envision possibilities for future ministries. The friars in Rio continue to be grateful for the prayerful support of the Province as they move forward.
Taken from an article to our friars, written by Fr. Michael Lasky, OFM Conv., who serves as Chairman of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of Our Lady of the Angels Province:
On January 1st, Pope Francis marked the 50th World Peace Day with an address entitled Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace. In his conclusion he names many of the difficulties and conflicts in our world today, and then he says, “Every such response, however modest, helps to build a world free of violence, the first step towards justice and peace.”
One of the best responders, a masterful practitioner of non-violent responses, is the co-president of Pax Christi International, Marie Dennis. Marie was recently named the National Catholic Reporter’s Person of the Year for 2016. She believes that making peace in today’s world requires not only new ways of acting, but also of seeing, and thinking. If you are interested how we: as individuals, as a community, as a people of faith might make what the Pope calls a “modest response” to the many forms of violence found in our communities, then consider reading Marie Dennis’ book, St. Francis and the Foolishness of God, revised edition.
Marie and her co-authors use scripture and stories from the life of St. Francis to speak to contemporary difficulties that we as Americans face. Through their commentary they challenge us to see and think differently. Each section ends with an invitation for the reader to respond with prayer and in action. I have personally used this book for my own spiritual reading, for the book club at the Newman Center/UNC Chapel Hill, and in the friary in Durham, NC for spiritual sessions of house chapter. Each time new insights and challenges emerge.
To give credit where credit is due…Thank you to Fr. Curt Kreml, OFM Conv. for introducing me to this book, which keeps giving. Also thank you to Fr. Andy Santamauro, OFM Conv. and your good example, of using the book for a day of recollection for Holy Cross Parish, in Durham, NC.
In hope,
Friar Michael
Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Br. Michael Duffy, (OFM Conv.) DNP, APRN-BC serves as the Coordinator of the Accelerated Second Degree Program and a Professor in the Elms College School of Nursing. He is pictured in the lower picture center. Each year he and his student put their education into practice by serving the people of Jamaica through this International Clinical Experience.
Each year, our Friars celebrate Epiphany Extractions. Franciscans hold great reverence for the saints. We customarily celebrate the Epiphany as a feast for promoting personal holiness. During the para-liturgical ceremony of the Extractions, each friar draws the name of a saint (who becomes his patron for the year) and a short spiritual exhortation (as a focus for spiritual refinement). During Epiphany the community also renews the sanctity of our homes (friaries) by processing to bless each room.
Early in Franciscan history, this tradition developed for our friars. We Franciscan Friars Conventual would like to share this cherished tradition with you. The ritual is simple. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Choose a card randomly. On the card will be the name of a saint, a mystery in the life of Jesus or perhaps a particular devotion. Announce your choice to the people praying with you. Some of them may have their own experience with your choice. Read up on it in Catholic literature or on the internet. With the help of the Holy Spirit, look for some direction in your life and spirituality from these “living words of God.” You may be surprised how your choice touches your journey of faith.
Remember too, that we are all saints. Sinners too, but saints nonetheless. What can others see in us that reflects “the living word of God?” Your Epiphany patron may help you plan your resolutions or just be your companion in prayer, in the New Year. Look at this as just one more gift from God on Epiphany, the Feast of Gifts.
Peace!
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us Pray: God, Who instructs the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that we may be truly wise in the same Spirit and ever rejoice in His consolation.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
On Friday (January 6, 2017) evening the friars of Immaculate Heart of Mary Friary (Baltimore, MD) hosted our friars serving and studying from the Washington DC, Silver Spring MD Ellicott City MD and Baltimore MD friaries, for the extraction of patron saints and saying for the coming year. Following the extractions was a social and dinner. During the meal prayer the friars participated in the traditional oplatki (Christmas wafers) and shared a fond wish to one another for the coming 2017 year.
On Sunday (January 8, 2017), our Jersey Shore Friars gathered for the annual Epiphany Extraction Liturgy which was also a farewell celebration for Friar Greg Spuhler, OFM Conv. (moving to Our Lady of Guadalupe Friary, in Pittsboro, NC) and Friar Phil Blaine, OFM Conv. (moving to a care center in Enfield, CT).
FrancisCorps volunteers joined our friars from the Syracuse area to celebrate the Solemnity of Epiphany with a sumptuous meal and a lot of laughs, while snow fell dutifully outdoors.
Our friars in the Shamokin, PA area celebrated a belated Epiphany celebration including the friary blessing (shown here with the “Chalking of the Door” by Friar Martin Kobos, OFM Conv.), a festive dinner and Epiphany Extraction service. Once again, the Friars of Mother Cabrini Friary also invited area Religious Sisters and other guests to join them for this year’s Epiphany and Extraction of Patron Saints celebration. Extractions took place following a delicious meal and desserts. The Wisdom of the Holy Spirit was most evident in who got which patron saint and scripture quote for 2017!
Photo taken by our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. Eleven friars gathered for Christmas dinner prepared by Fr. Tom Lavin, OFM Conv. (2nd from left) and Br. Douglas MacMillan, OFM Conv. (4th from left) and their helpers. Fr. Vincent Lachendro, OFM Conv. (seated) was well enough to join the brethren for a few hours at the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary, in Ellicott City.
Our friars of Saint John Paul II Friary, Holyoke shared Christmas dinner with the Italian Missionary Sisters of Assisi.
The friars of St. Bonaventure Friary (Toronto, Ontario) share a wonderful Christmas Dinner together.
Christmas Mass with our friars and the congregation of the Franciscan Church of the Assumption, in Syracuse NY
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.
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. 
Each year, our Friars celebrate Epiphany Extractions. Franciscans hold great reverence for the saints. We customarily celebrate the Epiphany as a feast for promoting personal holiness. During the para-liturgical ceremony of the Extractions, each friar draws the name of a saint (who becomes his patron for the year) and a short spiritual exhortation (as a focus for spiritual refinement). During Epiphany the community also renews the san
