October 3, 2019: Our Student Friars of the St. Bonaventure Friary (Silver Spring, MD) organized and directed the Transitus celebration with a candlelight procession, at our Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD. The procession into the Shrine Chapel was led by the student friars, as well as a friar from Tanzania newly assigned friar to the Shrine, Fr. Everest Valentine Nyaki Mkenda, OFM Conv., and two Secular Franciscans (at left). After a greeting by our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., Reading I and II were both read by Friar Israel Arauz-Rosiles, OFM Conv., a student friar of St. Joseph Cupertino Province. Between these readings, the Gospel was read by Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Nick Rokitka, OFM Conv., who serves the province as Treasurer, as well as Co-Director of the Post Novitiate Friary in which the student friars reside. Several languages were represented when the intentions were read, including Chaldean read by our student friar Raad Eshoo, OFM Conv. and German read by Fr. Paul Schloemer, OFM Conv., a friar of Our Lady of Consolation Province and the other Co-Director of the Post Novitiate Friary.
One of our student friars, br. Alejandro María Arias Mosquera, OFM Conv. painted an icon of the Stigmatized St. Francis for the occasion (upper right). Guests of Honor were the Archdiocese of Baltimore Auxillary Bishop Ermeritus, Most Rev. Denis J. Madden, and from the Priory of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies, in Washington DC, Fr. C. Antoninus Niemiec, O.P. (pictured lower left with Director of the Shrine of St. Anthony, Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Eric de la Pena, OFM Conv. In accord with the ancient tradition of Franciscans and Dominicans exchanging pulpits on their respective Feastdays, Fr. Antoninus served as Homilist for the celebration.
Students from the Catholic University of America stopped for a quick photo with our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (center). Our friars included here, in studies at CUA: (left to right) friar Raad Eshoo, OFM Conv. friar Franck Lino Sokpolie, OFM Conv., friar Richard Rome, OFM Conv., Jonathan Garcia Zenteno (postulant in blacks shirt), br. Timothy Blanchard, OFM Conv., br. Alejandro María Arias Mosquera, OFM Conv. and friar Joseph Krondon, OFM Conv.
This is the second year our friars have been serving in pastoral ministry in Columbus, GA. Again this year, Fr. Noel Danielewicz, OFM Conv. (pastor ) invited his confreres of the Franciscan Martyrs Friary to celebrate Transitus at St. Benedict the Moor Parish. Surrounded by those in attendance for the celebration, behind the altar you can find Friar Noel (leaning on the altar) along with Fr. Robert Schlageter, OFM Conv. (pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church), Fr. Manny Vasconcelos, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar of St. Anne), Fr. Paul Pantiru, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar of St. Anne) and Fr. Bob Benko, OFM Conv. (pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church).
Several Junior High students of St. Stanislaus School participated in the Transitus Service at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr, served by Our Lady of the Angels Province friars, Fr. Joseph Bayne, OFM Conv. (pastor), Fr. Paul Miskiewicz, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar), Fr. Mieczyslaw Wilk, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar) and Fr. Nicholas Spano, OFM Conv. (priestly assistance).
Elias Arias Rojas, a volunteer with FrancisCorps, took on the role of St. Francis in the Transitus Service celebrated at the Franciscan Church of the Assumption, led by Friar Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv. (pastor)
Parochial Vicar at our pastoral minstry of Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Atlanta, GA – Fr. Tom Reist, OFM Conv. (top left) joined his confreres serving at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, as they celebrated Transitus with the congregation, led by Santo Cricchio, OFM Conv (at left). Friar Santo recently returned to the area after serving his country and continuing his education through the GI Bill. He now serves as a counselor through the Holy Family Counseling Center, via an office at the St. Philip Benizi Parish Center. Serving in pastoral ministry at the parish are Fr. John Koziol, OFM Conv. (pastor), Fr. Vincent Gluc, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar), Fr. Louis Palacious Rodriguez, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar) and Fr. Martin Breski, OFM Conv. who took these photos.
Franciscans from around the world celebrate both the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi (on October 3rd) and his Feast Day (on October 4th). 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. We mark the days surrounding the Feast Day with the blessing of 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.
Starting on the weekend before the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, several friars from throughout our province began this year’s traditional Blessing of Animals; a simple act that helps us share the charism of St. Francis by blessing these special “companions” of those we serve. It is always a source of great joy for our friars in our varied ministries.
As ministries send in photos from the Blessings, we will share them here for all to enjoy.
Fr. Paul Pantiru, OFM Conv. enjoys his first Blessing of the Animals at his new ministry with us. Friar Paul is a friar from Romania who is serving as Parochial Vicar at our pastoral ministry of St. Anne Catholic Church.
Fr. Manny Vasconcelos, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar) spent some time with the school children and staff, blessing the classroom pets.
The school families gathered to have their animals of all sizes (living and stuffed) blessed by Fr. Paul Lininger, OFM Conv., pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community.
Fr. Tim Dore, OFM Conv. (Pastor of the Baltimore, MD Pastorate) even got to bless a few turtles at the October 6th Blessing at St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church.
Friar Tim had as much fun as the parishioners and their pet, at the October 5th Blessing at the Church of the Annunciation.
Fr. Joe Benicewicz, OFM Conv. (Pastor – center), Fr. Michael Englert, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar – far left) and Fr. Piotr Tymko, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar – 2nd from left) bless the animals for a crowd of gathered parishioners.
Friar Piotr enjoyed getting to know a few of those being blessed.
Last fall, the Franciscan Mission Association (FMA) appealed to help provide clean drinking water to villages in Ghana, West Africa, via the “Wells for Ghana” project. Through the generosity of benefactors, the friars were able to turn one well into THREE!
Each summer, the FMA brings Friar Missionaries serving in other countries to speak at our pastoral ministries; preaching appeals on behalf of the FMA. Friars of our own province, who have served as missionaries, also participate. Fr. Emmanuel Oposika Acquaye, OFM Conv. is a friar of the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana (of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua in Northern Italy) who has been living, studying and working in our Province. He has preached FMA Mission Appeals since his arrival in the USA several years ago. In March of 2018, he was the subject of a video filmed by our FMA, at our Shrine of St. Anthony (Ellicott City, MD). In it he explained the great need for a source of clean drinking water in many villages in Ghana.
Thank you, to all who contributed to this effort!
For more information, visit the FMA Website’s “Ways to Give” page.
September 21, 2019: The parish community of The Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure, in Toronto, Ontario marked the 40th Anniversary of Friar Peter’s Ordination with a special Liturgy followed by a festive gathering at the Parish Centre.
Ordained to the Priesthood in May of 1979, Friar Peter has served for decades, in pastoral ministry at St. Bonaventure. He currently serves the people of God, as Associate Pastor.
Our Lady of the Angels Province Vicar Provincial – Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (center) concelebrated the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Blue Mass, on Sunday, September 27, 2019.
Presiding at the Mass was Archbishop William E. Lori. Bishop Adam J. Parker and Our Lady of the Angels Province friars, Fr. Chris Dudek, OFM Conv. (2nd from left) and Fr. Dennis Grumsey, OFM Conv. (Pastor – pictured 2nd from right) also concelebrated the 10:00 a.m. Blue Mass, at our pastoral ministry of St. Casimir Church (Baltimore) – honoring Maryland men and women in law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technical, military and other first responders serving at the federal state and local levels in the region. The event was sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Maryland Catholic War Veterans.
After the Mass, the parishioners and friars enjoyed some fellowship and a crab feast, with those who travelled from our pastoral ministries in Chicopee, MA and in Shamokin, PA, to join in the celebrations.
Former Custos of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi & now the Newly Elected Definitor for the newly formed Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya – Fr. Kazimierz Szulc, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province – Very Reverend Fr. James, Minister General of our Order – Most Reverend Fr. Carlos Trovarelli, OFM Conv. and the First Minister Provincial of newly formed Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya, the Very Reverend Fr. Obed Karobia, OFM Conv.
September 25-27, 2019: Our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. traveled to celebrate with the Franciscan Friars Conventual of the newly established Province of St. Francis. The new borehole project there was funded by our province, in order to supply water for our Franciscan House of Studies in Lang’ata, Nairobi. Prior to its installation, for over six months, the 60 friars there had no water, as their well went dry at 93 meters. The newly installed borehole is now 400 meters.
While in Kenya, Friar James was able to visit the National Shrine of Our Lady, in Nakuru’s Subukia Sub-County. Administered by our Franciscans for over 10 years, the Shrine was the site of the September 26th inauguration celebration for the newly established Province of St. Francis – formerly a Custody of the Gdansk Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe (Poland). The Shrine is located about 4 hours northwest of Nairobi and was the site of most of the festivities. It is situated directly upon the Equator and also includes a small open-air mosaic chapel (photo insert at left) constructed by the Friars on the Equator line. Friar James was honored to be invited to speak at the Province’s Inaugural Mass and give a toast at the reception.
Friar James and Friar Marek in front of the Shrine.
Also in attendance from our province was Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. Friar Marek was formerly a friar of the Gdansk Province who served as one of their early missionaries in Kenya. Friar Marek is now a friar of our province, serving as Parochial Vicar at our St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church pastoral ministry in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Fr. Jerzy Auguścik, OFM Conv., a friar ad tempus of the Gdansk Province, serving in pastoral ministry for our province, as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Hope Parish (Coal Township), Mother Cabrini Catholic Church (Shamokin), and St. Patrick Parish (Trevorton) joined in the celebrations as well, as did Our Lady of the Angels Province friar and Assistant General of our Order (CFF), Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv.
At the Inaugural Mass of new Province in Kenya: Friar Marek, Friar Jerzy, Friar Jude, Friar James, with another friar of the Gdansk Province serving in the USA, as Parochial Vicar of St. John Kanty RCC, in Clifton, NJ – Friar Boguslaw Czerniakowski, OFM Conv.
In memory of his sister + Lillian H. Waddy, who died on June 1, 2017 of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS – also knowns as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Bro. Ed Handy, OFM Conv. joined some of his family members, to participate in the annual 3 Mile “Walk to Defeat ALS” held in the Canton Waterfront area of Baltimore (MD); an awareness event and fundraiser to support research studies in ALS.
Originally from Baltimore, Bro. Ed retired last year after 30 years of ministry with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ. He began his ministry with them in 1988 as a teacher of special education with the Mt. Carmel Guild School for Students with special needs. Eight years later, he was assigned to St. Bridget’s Transitional Housing and Supportive Services Program for Homeless Men Living with HIV/AIDS. He spent 22 years there, serving as a residential counselor. Friar Ed now lives back in his home town of Baltimore, in our St. Casimir Friary.
On Sunday, October 20, 2019, our province’s Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody (known as the Greyfriars of Great Britain/Ireland) will celebrate the Simple Profession of Fr. Terence Bateman, OFM Conv., friar Kyle Banks, OFM Conv. & friar Peter Flynn, OFM Conv., at The Friary, in Oxford, where Fr. Terence spent his time in Novitiate and where friar Kyle and friar Peter began their journey as friars; deepening their understanding of religious life in preparation for the Novitiate and being vested in the habit of our Order. Since November 2018, Friars Kyle and Peter have spent their time in Novitiate at our InterProvincial Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, CA. Fr. Terence will keep his name, but friar Kyle will take the name John Paul, and friar Peter will take the name George. Please keep these men in your prayers.
Fr. Terence being clothed by Fr. Jesmond Pawley, OFM Conv. (Custodial Vicar) and Fr. Colin Mary Edwards OFM Conv. (Most Recently Ordained Friar of the Custody – July 4, 2019). He was Invested in our habit and entered the Novitiate on October 31, 2018.
Friars Peter (3rd from right) and Kyle (2nd from right) entered the InterProvincial Novitiate, November 2018
The mural {created by our own Fr. Joe Dorniak, OFM Conv.} painted above the Sanctuary Space of our Chapel in The Shrine of St. Anthony (Ellicott City, MD) depicts St. Francis receiving the Stigmata.
September 17th – Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francisof Assisi
Excerpt from the January 27, 2010 General Audience with Pope Benedict XVI:
“In 1224, at the hermitage in La Verna, Francis had a vision of the Crucified Lord in the form of a seraph and from that encounter received the stigmata from the Seraph Crucifix, thus becoming one with the Crucified Christ.” Read More
Domenico Ghirlandaio, Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata, 1483–1486, fresco, Sassetti Chapel, Santa Trínita, Florence.
Note: The Franciscan Coat of Arms can be found throughout the ministries, friaries, missions and sites served by the many Orders of Franciscan Friars. All have the same key elements: the image of the crossed arms with nail wounds in the hands – one representing Christ and the other St. Francis of Assisi who bore the Stigmata. There is also a form of the cross often depicted as the letter “T.” It is actually a “Tau,” the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
A favorite passage for St. Francis of Assisi was Ezekiel 9:4 “… and the LORD said to him:Pass through the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and mark a T (X in English translations) on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the abominations practiced within it …” The faithful of God were signed with the ‘tau’ and spared. “… But do not touch anyone marked with the T …” (Ezekiel 9:6)
St. Francis’ love of this verse was cemented through Pope Innocent III’s use of this imagery during his November 11, 1215 homily at the Fourth Lateran Council, the most important religious event in the time of St. Francis. Every Catholic in the Church of that time was challenged to take the symbol of the Tau Cross as the sign of their own Passover and Pope Innocent III ended his homily with “Be champions of the Tau!”
October 3, 2019: Our Student Friars of the St. Bonaventure Friary (Silver Spring, MD) organized and directed the Transitus celebration with a candlelight procession, at our Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD. The procession into the Shrine Chapel was led by the student friars, as well as a friar from Tanzania newly assigned friar to the Shrine, Fr. Everest Valentine Nyaki Mkenda, OFM Conv., and two Secular Franciscans (at left). 
After a greeting by our Minister Provincial, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., Reading I and II were both read by Friar Israel Arauz-Rosiles, OFM Conv., a student friar of St. Joseph Cupertino Province. Between these readings, the Gospel was read by Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Nick Rokitka, OFM Conv., who serves the province as Treasurer, as well as Co-Director of the Post Novitiate Friary in which the student friars reside. Several languages were represented when the intentions were read, including Chaldean read by our student friar Raad Eshoo, OFM Conv. and German read by Fr. Paul Schloemer, OFM Conv., a friar of Our Lady of Consolation Province and the other Co-Director of the Post Novitiate Friary.
Guests of Honor were the Archdiocese of Baltimore Auxillary Bishop Ermeritus, Most Rev. Denis J. Madden, and from the Priory of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies, in Washington DC, Fr. C. Antoninus Niemiec, O.P. (pictured lower left with Director of the Shrine of St. Anthony, Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Eric de la Pena, OFM Conv. In accord with the ancient tradition of Franciscans and Dominicans exchanging pulpits on their respective Feastdays, Fr. Antoninus served as Homilist for the celebration.
This is the second year our friars have been serving in pastoral ministry in Columbus, GA. Again this year, Fr. Noel Danielewicz, OFM Conv. (pastor ) invited his confreres of the Franciscan Martyrs Friary to celebrate Transitus at St. Benedict the Moor Parish. Surrounded by those in attendance for the celebration, behind the altar you can find Friar Noel (leaning on the altar) along with Fr. Robert Schlageter, OFM Conv. (pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church), Fr. Manny Vasconcelos, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar of St. Anne), Fr. Paul Pantiru, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar of St. Anne) and Fr. Bob Benko, OFM Conv. (pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church).
Several Junior High students of St. Stanislaus School participated in the Transitus Service at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr, served by Our Lady of the Angels Province friars, Fr. Joseph Bayne, OFM Conv. (pastor), Fr. Paul Miskiewicz, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar), Fr. Mieczyslaw Wilk, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar) and Fr. Nicholas Spano, OFM Conv. (priestly assistance).
Elias Arias Rojas, a volunteer with FrancisCorps, took on the role of St. Francis in the Transitus Service celebrated at the Franciscan Church of the Assumption, led by Friar Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv. (pastor)
Parochial Vicar at our pastoral minstry of Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Atlanta, GA – Fr. Tom Reist, OFM Conv. (top left) joined his confreres serving at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, as they celebrated Transitus with the congregation, led by Santo Cricchio, OFM Conv (at left). Friar Santo recently returned to the area after serving his country and continuing his education through the GI Bill. He now serves as a counselor through the Holy Family Counseling Center, via an office at the St. Philip Benizi Parish Center. Serving in pastoral ministry at the parish are Fr. John Koziol, OFM Conv. (pastor), Fr. Vincent Gluc, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar), Fr. Louis Palacious Rodriguez, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar) and Fr. Martin Breski, OFM Conv. who took these photos.
The school families gathered to have their animals of all sizes (living and stuffed) blessed by Fr. Paul Lininger, OFM Conv., pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community.
Our Lady of the Angels Province Vicar Provincial – Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (center) concelebrated the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Blue Mass, on Sunday, September 27, 2019. 
While in Kenya, Friar James was able to visit the National Shrine of Our Lady, in Nakuru’s Subukia Sub-County
Note: The Franciscan Coat of Arms can be found throughout the ministries, friaries, missions and sites served by the many Orders of Franciscan Friars. All have the same key elements: the image of the crossed arms with nail wounds in the hands – one representing Christ and the other St. Francis of Assisi who bore the Stigmata. There is also a form of the cross often depicted as the letter “T.” It is actually a “Tau,” the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
