On April 12, 2022, all could virtually participate in the 4:30 p.m. Archdiocese of Atlanta Chrism Mass, in Atlanta’s Cathedral of Christ the King, as Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. (a friar of our province), blessed the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens and consecrates the oil of chrism to be used throughout the archdiocese for the year. Many of our friars serving in ministry in Atlanta were also be in attendance.
Many of our province friars serving in the Archdiocese of Baltimore were on hand for the April 11, 2022 Chrism Mass. In the April 12th Catholic Review online article, Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Dennis Grumsey, OFM Conv. who serves as pastor of the AOB Pastorate of St. Casimir Catholic Church & St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church is featured (see insert at left). Watch the video of the Mass and you will see several more of our friars, including Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (Vicar Provincial) and Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv. (President of Archbishop Curley High School) seated behind the ambo.
Here are a few more videos from some of the different diocese in which our friars serve:
Presented by FranciscanVoice.org: St. Francis experienced intensely the physical humanity of Jesus, especially during the days of Holy Week when Christ becomes present in the Eucharist and dies on the Cross. Friar Jude Winkler talks about Greccio, the Stations of the Cross, the Stigmata, and Franciscan spirituality – “Francis even said our habit is shaped like a cross to remind us that we are supposed to carry the Cross every day.”
Dear Brothers: It is Easter, when Christ breaks the chains of death and rises triumphant from the grave (cf. Exultet). It is the Passover of the Lord; it is the ultimate truth of creation. The Risen One has the power to shed light on the contradictions and woes within us and to overcome the great abysses that cut through our history today.
Two of this year’s postulants are of our province: Connor J. Ouly (top right) and Marvin Paul Fernandez (to his left). Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Joe Bayne, OFM Conv. (far right) serves as Associate Director of the Postulancy, in Chicago, IL.
“A blessed Palm Sunday to you from our postulants and friars! Today, in the solemn blessing and distribution of palms, procession, and Mass, the Church ushers us into the most sacred and solemn week of the year: Holy Week. This is the week where Christ purchased Our Redemption with the price of His most precious blood! Today on Palm Sunday, Holy Mother Church has us read the Gospel narrative of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem as well as the narrative of His bitter Passion and Death. Such mysteries we have set before us in the sacred liturgy to contemplate! Our postulants and friars ventured to the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows for the Palm Sunday liturgy where they were greeted by a stunning building and a warm parish community. We will be keeping you all in our prayers during this most holy week, and we do hope you will continue praying for us. May God bless you and may Our Lady keep you!
Lord Jesus crucified, have mercy on us!
Sorrowful Mother, pray for us!“
Keep these men, and all of the men in formation for our province, in your continued prayers. For more information on vocations, contact our Province Vocation Director, Br. Nick Romeo, OFM Conv. at vocations@olaprovince.org.
CMSM (Conference of Major Superiors of Men) has produced prayer and reflection videos for each Stations of the Cross, featuring CMSM members and staff members. Our Lady of the Angels Province Vicar Provincial & Minister Provincial Elect ~ Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. presents: The Third Station: Jesus Falls The First Time. Friar Michael serves CMSM as an At-large Board Member.
As we enter the weekend of Palm Sunday, our friars want to welcome you to join us at a ministry near you, for Holy Week celebrations. Check out our “Locations” page on this province website, which includes a hyperlink to each ministry location. Click on the ministry’s hyperlink and find out times and celebrations available at each location, by browsing their own websites. If you can’t find it easily, the ministry contact information is always listed clearly on each site.
Featured here are the celebrations being held at our Atlanta, GA pastoral ministry ~ Holy Cross Catholic Church, served by Fr. Jude Michael Krill, OFM Conv. (Pastor), Fr. Tom Reist, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar), and Fr. Calixto Salvatierra Morena, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar)
Max and his family enjoyed visiting the friars and taking part in the 2016 Egg Hunt fun. He was really excited when he saw the outdoor Shrine of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv. He ran up to his patron saint’s statue saying, “That’s me! That’s Max!” Now eight, Max and his family still enjoy their visits.
On Saturday,April16,2022,10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., all are encouraged to join our friars, staff, volunteers and pilgrims of The Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD, for the Annual Holy Saturday Easter Egg Hunt. Bring your own baskets, blankets, and lawn games to enjoy a picnic lunch after the hunt is over. You can bring your own food or purchase lunch from the Plating Grace and Grub Food Truck (International Comfort Food Menu); a mobile food ministry, founded by Fr. Leo Patalinghug as an extension of a collaborative effort by The Franciscan Center of Baltimore. The Franciscan Center is the main recipient of the produce grown in our Little Portion Farm ministry, also located on the grounds of The Shrine. Be sure to check out all of the sites on the property, while you are there.
To Be Poor or to Become Poor? “The friars may live gladly among the poor… actively committed to better their conditions”
A Sign “The friars are to wear the habit of the Order”
Take a few moments to follow these four reflections, which include a video. If you have any questions about Formation or Vocations for our province, email vocations@olaprovince.org.
On April 2, 2022, our St. Clare Inn ministry, in Toronto, Ontario, held their 9th Annual (2nd as a virtual event) Spring Gala Fundraiser. This year’s theme was Denim & Diamonds! and participants were able give a donation to then enjoy food and drink packages, from the comfort of their own homes, virtually led on the virtual journey by Friar Emmanuel Wenke, OFM Conv. The video below is the introduction to the event enjoyed by participants, which includes a reflection by Kajal, one of the former day workers of St. Clare Inn, who shared her experiences over a year of working with one of the guests. It provides a look inside the incredible, and important work of one of the most unique ministries of our province.
Read more about St. Clare Inn or Donate towards their efforts, on their website.
If you live in the Toronto, ON area, and would like to volunteer in person, there are many ways to help these homeless women, with mental health challenges, to rebuild their lives. Your time and skills can help care for the women who live at St. Clare Inn: spend time with guests, teach a fitness class, help with personal grooming, teach a cooking lesson, give a craft or sewing lesson, home renovations, plumbing, electrical work, lawn care, gardening, snow removal, cleaning and window washing. For more information, or to get involved, contact the Executive Director of St. Clare Inn, Friar Tom Purcell, OFM Conv. at 416-690-0330 or friartom@stclareinn.org.
Almost two years ago, Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Br. Brian Newbigging, OFM Conv. has received permission to reprint, “Bless Us O Lord for These Thy Gifts.” Originally published in 1984 as a fund raiser to help support the education of the friars at St. Hyacinth College and Seminary (Granby, MA), the cookbook’s first edition sold 5,000 copies.
To benefit Our Lady of the Angels Province – Franciscan Charity Fund, 1,000 copies were printed for this second edition. There are still some copies left, which are available through Friar Brian directly (Newbiggingb@gmail.com), or via the Franciscan Soy Candles Ministry website. The sale price of $19.95 includes shipping and handling, so get yours today!!!!!!
Proceeds from the cookbook sales, as well as the soy candle sales, go to the Franciscan Charity Fund of our province. You can even personalize your candles to make unique gifts or enhance your décor. For more information or to order in bulk, contact Friar Brian.
Almost two years ago, Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Br. Brian Newbigging, OFM Conv. has received permission to reprint, “Bless Us O Lord for These Thy Gifts.” Originally published in 1984 as a fund raiser to help support the education of the friars at St. Hyacinth College and Seminary (Granby, MA), the cookbook’s first edition sold 5,000 copies.
