Franciscan Friars Province of the Immaculate Conception

Provincial Update - April 2018

Rejoice and Be Glad! There was an interesting article published a few years ago on the Internet. The title was, “What’s Good Often Turns Out Bad.” It said that medical journals and studies usually reporting remarkable results for “wonder drugs” often exaggerate their usefulness, and what sometimes seems to be a great discovery turns out to have a lot of problems associated with it. You may have noticed the proliferation of television ads about prescription drugs. I guess pharmaceutical companies are targeting our aging baby boomers, but some of these advertisements can be alarming. Very often, after telling us what the particular drug is used for, and the wonderful things it will do to heal our ailments or relieve our symptoms, they often conclude with a long list of side-effects, some minor, some very worrying, and sometimes list among these side effects “possible death.”  This can be applied to so many other areas of our lives. Things that we may think are beneficial to the way we live- our comforts, for example, often have deleterious effects in other areas. This is one of the things that Jesus kept talking about in the Gospels- that the very things which we believe make our lives easier often turn around and enslave us. The very things which we may convince ourselves are there for our betterment often become our masters. It’s kind of like having an untrained dog at home that bites. We may love the dog, we may have developed a relationship with the dog and don’t want to get rid of him- yet, we are fearful that one wrong move may end up with a bite. Dog owners know that a well-trained and well-disciplined dog makes life easier for owner and dog alike.  The examples of celebrities, I believe, give a good example with all of this. How many people have attained such wealth and fame that they literally become prisoners in their own estates. We may think of famous people who cannot make one move without the world knowing about it- who cannot appear in public without causing a riot, and who can never do the ordinary things that we take for granted- going shopping, or to a movie, or a nice quiet meal at a restaurant, without causing a lot of publicity.  It’s no wonder that they lead such miserable and twisted lives. Often they have to surround themselves with body guards, and their homes with armed guards, cameras, and alarms.  This can even apply, in a way, to our own creature comforts. When we surround ourselves with all of the comforts of life- giant stereos, big screen televisions, entertainment systems, why go out of the house? Our society is becoming more and more reclusive because there’s no longer reason to go out and meet other people. We can have food delivered to our door, we can get movies from Netflix, with cell phones and all kind of devices we can stay in touch with everyone with the flick of a finger, live our lives vicariously through Facebook, and we can even in certain jobs work from home. Shopping is done on Amazon or Ebay, so that we don’t have to go to the store  Pope Francis has certainly stirred us up as our Pope. Earlier this month, the Holy Father issued an Apostolic Exhortation, titled “Gaudete et Exsultate” (Reoice and be Glad).  This letter, addressed to the whole world, but in particular to Christians and Catholics, calls us to seek holiness by helping others, “without any ifs or buts.” His theme hits home for all of us. Pope Francis is telling us that his main pastoral concern is to promote a missionary church that gets out into the streets, with special concern for the poorest and the neediest among us. He is urging Catholics to go out and knock on doors, to bring the church to others. He shows special concern for those about whom society doesn’t care- the poor, the elderly, the unemployed, the outcast, the stranger, the migrant, the homeless. Pope Francis, much like Saint Francis of Assisi, wants a church that goes out from the sacristy and the sanctuary, from the comforts of our friaries and homes, into the streets and the marketplace. His call is something all of us need to take seriously. As we celebrate this season of Resurrection, we realize the true meaning of Easter- to be free from the bondage of sin and death and to grow in the Lord. I hope that this Easter season becomes a source of holiness and strength for all of us.   Blessings and peace.

Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM Provincial Minister

News from the Post-Novitiate Program in Chicago Friar Josh Critchley, OFM, who is in the inter-provincial USA post novitiate program in Chicago, participated in “NeverNotMusic” , an interdisciplinary artistic event which addressed the quiet solitude of Chicago winter and the longing for solace. It addressed the tension between the poetic and instructional, comprehensible and nonsensical, and playful, accessible, and secretive. Friar Josh provided music for one of the events. In other news, on Monday, March 26, Friar Josh was installed as an acolyte by Friar Tom Nairn, OFM, provincial of the Sacred Heart Province, along with four other friars. In addition, on April 12, Friar Josh renewed his vows. Congratulations, Josh, You are in our prayers. Along with Josh at St. Joseph's friary, Chicago, nine other Franciscan brothers renewed their commitment to live according to the gospel of Jesus. Depicted in the above photo are: Back row. L to R: Javier Del Angel, Jim Bernard, Aaron Richardson, Josh Critchley.  Middle row: Roberto Serrano, Steve Kuehn, Angel Vazquez.  Front row: Jay Woods, Adolfo Navarro, Fr. Bill Harris (SJB Vicar Provincial), and John Boissy.  Pray for these brothers as they continue their formation process into the life and ministry of the friars. Province's Postulants Celebrate Paschal Triduum and Prepare to Study in Rome Dear Brothers, We wish you all a joyous Easter! As we write this article, we have begun the final week of our postulancy in Boston. The past few weeks have been very busy. We have said a bitter sweet goodbye to the sisters and residents at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Somerville and we completed our Italian course in Boston. After celebrating the Triduum at St. Leonard's, we are preparing to bid the community farewell as we depart for Rome. For this month’s article, we would like to share with you our experience during the Triduum, as well as talk about the next chapter of our formation. We were given the opportunity to participate in the Holy week liturgies at St. Leonard's parish in a variety of ways. For many of us, this was our first time serving the liturgies of this sacred time of the year. It gave us a fresh perspective of what the Tridium means, not only for us, but for the parishioners. For example, it was moving for us to witness the devotion of the people during the veneration of the cross on Good Friday. Each person showed reverence to the crucified Jesus in a special way. Also, some of us were called to not only serve our Lord at the altar, but as Eucharistic ministers as well. This was fruitful and humbling to us. The procession of the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday was a solemn experience for each one of us. Being in the sanctuary really opened our eyes to the consistency of Christ's presence and love for each and every parishioner. Easter Sunday brought joy to each one of us as we were able to serve each other and the people of God. Overall, Holy Week and Easter enabled us to serve the parishioners at St. Leonard's in different roles and to appreciate this most sacred time of the year.  The next step in our formation journey will lead us to Rome. We will depart Boston on April 12th for 3 months, in order to take an immersion course in Italian. This course will be conducted 5 days a week and will help prepare us for the Novitiate and the Theologate. We will be staying at the Convento San Francesco with Br. Gabriel Aceto, who will be our director, Fr. Antonio Riccio, and Br. Victor Treminio. We are very much looking forward to learning Italian and experiencing the heart of the Catholic Church.  As we begin a new chapter in our formation, we ask you to please keep us in your prayers, especially for safe travels and successful studies. Pace e bene, fratelli! Fraternally, The Postulants: Brian, Carl, Daniel & Jack PHOTOS OF POSTULANTS AT ST. LEONARD CHURCH BOSTON

Holy Thursday Washing of Feet

Holy Thursday Postulants

Holy Thursday

Easter Vigil

Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF: Why were the Franciscans a success? On Saturday afternoon, April 14, 2018, Sr. Margaret Carney OSF, former president of St. Bonaventure University lectured to 26 people at our Blessed John Duns Scotus Library on the topic: “Why were the Franciscans a success?” It was the seventh lecture in the series initiated at the opening of the library. As Sr. Margaret unfolded the topic, she walked the listeners through a consideration of the following areas: Franciscans and elements of new and successful evangelization. Francis/Clare and the Church. Franciscans and secular kingdoms. Franciscans and “Societal Grace.” This gave rise to some lively questions and discussion from the challenges Sr. Margaret put before the gathering. Upcoming lectures of this series are: Brother Damian Novello OSF—Franciscan Spiritual Direction on November 10, 2018. Sister Kathleen Osbelt, OSF—Franciscan Solitude on April 6, 2019.

Sister Margaret, Fr. Provincial, Fr. Andre Cirino

Duns Scotus Library Event

Meet Rosemary McKenna, New Full Time Secretary at the Provincial Curia Rosemary McKenna began working at the Provincial Curia on February 26th as a full time secretary. She is a graduate of St. Francis College in Brooklyn. She has a varied background of office experience that included work as an administrative assistant/special events coordinator/and special projects Associate. Notably, she was the Senior Coordinator of Special Events for HeartShare Human Services of New York. She also worked for the  "Licensing Services of the New York State Liquor Authority" Rosemary has three brothers and two sisters and one of her brothers is Rev. John McKenna C.Ss.R., Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn. In addition, her sister, Maryteresa works for the Archdiocese of New York. As far as personal interests, she likes to send care packages to deployed troops and she donates regularly to no kill animal rescues and groups that train service doges for veterans and disabled people. Rosemary will be in the office Monday through Friday from 9 to 5  and can be reached at extension 113. Her email is rosemary@icprovince.org WELCOME ROSEMARY. WE HOPE YOUR STAY WITH US IS HAPPY AND FULFILLING.

HOLY WEEK THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE

St. Pamphilus Pittsburgh

St. Anthony NYC

Our Lady of Peace, Brooklyn

Saint Thomas Aquinas Derry Hosts Divine Mercy Retreat

How does one embrace the path of holiness to which we are all called? St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) Parish in Derry, NH recently hosted a six-week retreat based upon 33 Days to Merciful Love: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC. The retreat attracted forty participants from STA and other local parishes. This retreat was a much-welcomed experience in this time of mercy, providing a gentle structure for seeking to grow in holiness and to have one’s soul set on fire with God’s love. The retreat was brought to STA by two parishioners who had been touched by the graces of this program and wanted to share it with the larger community. Retreatants met on five consecutive Sunday afternoons during Lent to watch a DVD presentation by Fr. Gaitley. The series of talks explained the concepts of Divine Mercy with reference to St. Maria Faustina Kowalska’s teachings, as well as how to use “the Little Way” approach of St. Therese of Lisieux in order to make an “Offering to Merciful Love” to the Lord throughout one’s daily life. Following the video, participants moved into small groups to reflect upon and discuss questions related to the video and readings. Then, all reconvened to pray together before heading out into the next week. Participants completed the daily readings in the book on their own, beginning on March 6 th for 33 days, in preparation for making their Consecration to Merciful Love on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 8, 2018). Those who were able to attend the Divine Mercy Celebration at STA joined in the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and then the retreatants recited the consecration prayer together before the altar. A reception in the church hall hosted by the Daughters of Isabella followed. Participants’ responses throughout the six weeks reflected much enthusiasm and openness to God’s mercy and grace within their lives. Many have reported feeling spiritually renewed by the retreat experience, and expressed hope for participating in additional retreats of this type in the future.

St. Thomas Derry Walk to Emmaus Retreat Eighteen years ago, Fr. Tom Washburn, our youth ministers, and several teens got together and after many weeks of praying and brainstorming, developed our Walk to Emmaus retreat. This past weekend we held this two-day retreat for 42 tenth graders preparing for Confirmation. As you may expect, a few were eager to attend but many, or most, were reluctant, resistant, and unhappy to be spending two days at church without their cell phones. Yes, we require that they actually retreat and leave those things at home. Sunday night we returned the teens to their parents with a very different attitude and hearts that were burning with the love of Jesus Christ. Our retreat includes several talks, some done by our team and some done by special guests. This year our special guests included a Benedictine monk, a Sister, two teens who were confirmed last year, and teachers from the teen’s school. As a special treat this year, two of our team had daughters helping on team and their daughters learned our retreat theme song and taught it to the teens. Three generations of WTE team – it was very special and the kids loved it. The talks are interspersed with relevant fun activities that get the kids engaged and ready for the next talk. The teens get to experience Reconciliation which they begin anxiously but always report it is a highlight of the retreat. One thing that the teens always report touches them is palanca which they receive from their parents, sponsors, extended family, parishioners, and more. After the teens completed their 9th grade retreat, parishioners agreed to pray for one of the teens until their WTE retreat. Those prayer partners also wrote notes of affirmation letting the teen know they have been praying for them for approximately 18 months. Another very meaningful part of the treat is Adoration and it’s always well received. However, this year the team reported feeling an overwhelming outpouring of the Holy Spirit and noticed a tremendous change in the kids after spending time in Adoration. We are truly blessed at St. Thomas Aquinas to have a program and retreat that absolutely gives our teens hearts that are burning within them for Confirmation and beyond.

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Journey Journey into God A Centennial Franciscan Retreat Experience August 9-17, 2018 Mt. Alvernia Retreat House  Wappingers Falls, NY Friar Andre Cirino, OFM Josef Reisch, OFS For more information check out website:  www.assisijourney.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS PROVINCE RETREAT SCHEDULED Our Province Retreat has been scheduled for October 14-18, 2018 at Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center, Wappingers Falls NY. This retreat will held together with the Capuchin Franciscans of the St. Mary Province. 2019 PROVINCIAL CHAPTER The 2019 Provincial Chapter has been scheduled for Sunday, June 16 to Friday, June 21, 2019. The chapter will be held at Mt. Alvernia, Wappingers Falls NY.

Personnel Changes As of May 1, 2018, Friar Joaquin Mejia, OFM assigned as associate pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Derry New Hampshire.

Thank you to all our Province's brothers for your fraternity and ministry. God bless you always.

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DOWN MEMORY LANE

100th Anniversary of the Province at St. Anthony's NYC, June 2010 Fr. Joe Lorenzo, OFM, Pastor; Cardinal Timothy Dolan; Cardinal (and Province affiliate) Oscar Rodriguez; Minister General Jose Carballo, OFM, Minister General; Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM, Minister Provincial.

"The Castle" Morgantown

Friars at Morgantown

Our Lady Help of Christians, Pgh

East Liberty deteriorating

Friar playing basketball at Terra Sancta School, Jerusalem Franciscans in the Holy Land Wearing traditional brown robes held in place by a white belt with three knots symbolizing vows of “poverty, chastity and obedience,” Franciscan friars have long been a part of occupied Jerusalem’s landscape. Since being dispatched to the city 800 years ago by the Catholic order’s founder, St. Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans have for centuries ensured a permanent Christian presence in the Holy Land. Pilgrims know them primarily as the Guardians of the Holy Sepulchre, protecting the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, considered by many to be Christianity’s holiest site.  But the Franciscans, who are also responsible for the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem where Jesus is traditionally considered to have been born, are not limited to only symbolic roles. Based in the Monastery of St. Savior in Jerusalem’s Old City, the order also runs schools for 10,000 students, half of whom are Muslim. Brother Paulo, a young Brazilian seminarian, teaches and coaches basketball to Palestinian students at the Terra Sancta school, which is supported by the monastery. The friars also manage hundreds of apartments in the old city, hostels for pilgrims and a series of charities for occupied Jerusalem’s shrinking Christian community. Of the Old City’s 40,000 residents, 6,000 are Christian, with 3,000 of those Catholics – a number three times lower than it was 70 years ago. As the friars grow old or are weakened by illness, the monastery provides care for them in an infirmary on its roof. Ninety-four-year-old Brother Mario Tangorra cannot imagine ending his life elsewhere, he told Le Figaro Magazine recently. “When anxiety gets the best of me, it’s enough for me to contemplate the Holy Sepulchre’s bell tower to find peace,” he said. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sister Lois Christopher Retires from Provincial Curia Staff On Thursday, April 12, Sister Lois Christopher, OSF, retired from the staff of the Provincial Curia with a coffee social attended by the staff. Sr. Lois, a Franciscan Sister of Allegany, first came to St. Anthony's Convent in 1981. As a registered nurse, she worked at the now-closed Saint Clare Hospital on the upper West Side of Manhattan. She retired from nursing in 2000. For about a year and a half, she worked at St. Anthony's Church office part-time, while also working the parish office for St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. She was then hired by the Province to work at the Provincial Curia, and over the years held various positions. Most of the friars will know her by voice, as for years she was the Provincial Curia receptionist in the office. When St. Anthony Convent closes in June, Sr. Lois will join the community of the Motherhouse at Allegany, New York. Thank you, Sister Lois, for your years of service to the Province and the friars. God bless you and keep you safe and healthy.

Curia Staff bids farewell to Sr. Lois

Br. Paschal clowns around with Sr. Lois

Outreach to the Homeless for Franciscan Ministries One of the ministries that I was most proud of during my twelve years as pastor of the Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua in New York City was the JoyJ Initiative, a wonderfully Christian and uniquely Franciscan outreach to people living on the streets of Manhattan. The JoyJ Initiative is based on the words of Jesus in John 15:11- “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”  In February, 2013, the first homeless outreach was held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament on 71st Street in NYC with three volunteers distributing a few items from the back of a car. In June, 49 volunteers distributed 125 comfort bags at various locations in the city. Not long after, representatives of JoyJ met with me in my office, to see if St. Anthony’s would like to get involved.  Their idea was simple - that showing others the love of Christ would bring joy to the hearts of the homeless and the needy - but also great joy to our own hearts as we encountered in a special way those that society had passed by.  In February 2014, one of the Blessed Sacrament group spoke passionately at all our parish Masses, and of the desire to bring that ministry to Saint Anthony's. The proposal was simple - each person could find in their own busy schedule some time to reach out to others by preparing "Comfort Bags" to be distributed on the street. And these would be the means by which we could encounter the poor Christ who did not have a place in which to lay his head.     The response was, to say the least, tremendous. Over 50 people signed up immediately for the establishment of a JoyJ Chapter at St. Anthony's, and many others donated to the project.  As weeks went on, the enthusiasm grew. We had several organizational meetings, and what emerged was a new generation of parishioners getting involved in our parish.   Finally, after much discussion, deliberation, preparing, shopping, and planning, the JoyJ Initiative at St. Anthony's was born. Comfort bags were prepared which included street sheets- information on how to get assistance for food, shelter, medical assistance, legal help, etc. in Manhattan. Also placed in the Comfort Bags were ponchos, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, liquid soap, bottled water, cookies, granola bars, a fresh sandwich (which would be prepared the day of the distribution), and other essential items. Also, 60 McDonald Arch cards worth $10.00 each would be given out. But what was even more important was encountering each homeless person as a child of God, speaking to them, getting to know them, hearing their stories, even praying with them.    On Saturday, May 3, 16 members of Saint Anthony's, assisted by some of the veterans from Blessed Sacrament Church, assembled for last minute instructions. The excitement was unbelievable. The joy was tremendous. Each volunteer realized that, not only would they be assisting those most in need, but that they would also have an opportunity to see face to face (and hopefully speak to) those people who have been cast aside in our city. Even in such a wealthy neighborhood as SoHo- where the rich and the famous not only shop but live- the face of the poor Christ is clearly evident.   Each was given some bags, distinguished and easily recognized by their bright florescent green color, along with a similar green scarf for identity, and business cards. We met at the front steps of the church for a prayer, and, after taking some photos, were off to the races. Some went north, south, east, and west. Concentration would be on places where the homeless assemble- such as Washington Square Park, just three streets north of the church, as well as Penn Station, Grand Central Station, Tompkins Square Park. As word came back of the experiences, it became obvious that what we had set out to do was accomplished beyond our wildest expectations. Parishioners spoke of special encounters they had with the people on the street.     For me as pastor, it was an uplifting experience. And it showed what we are capable of doing in the future. Who knows where all of this will lead? Certainly, the enthusiasm this has generated hadn't been seen in a long time. Not only did our volunteers have a tremendous religious experience, but the Initiative brought what I had long desired- many younger adults to be part of our worshipping community. The St. Anthony Chapter grew to hundreds of volunteers, many of them in their twenties and thirties. Many of these volunteers came forward as indispensable leaders of the initiative, not only on the parish level but also for the entire ministry itself.   Since then, the JoyJ Initiative has grown tremendously through the efforts of the many volunteers and the program leaders. Currently there are eleven Catholic parishes in Manhattan that have active chapters. The program has expanded to other states:  New Jersey, Georgia, Missouri, and California. Chapters have been started in in other countries: Colombia and Ecuador in South America, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and in Italy. Outreaches have also been organized for schools, colleges, corporations, and such organizations as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the American Civic Association.    The latest statistics can be found on its website. The number of volunteers- 2,817. Homeless lives touched 11,790. Essential items distributed: 148,000.  As you can see, what started out with three volunteers working out of a car truck has grown tremendously in five years.   A GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND INVITATION FOR ALL OF US The JoyJ Initiative continues to grow and would like to reach out to other Franciscan and non-Franciscan ministries to become part of this wonderful outreach. Parishes, friaries, provinces, or even individuals are welcome to be part of this ever-expanding ministry. All those ministering in the JoyJ Initiative are volunteers- thus one hundred percent of every cent donated goes completely to the homeless. The main requirements for new chapters are to find volunteers and offer a place to store items during the two weeks before the outreach. The JoyJ leadership will walk hand in hand with each new chapter to get them started, including financial support.  Information, photos, videos and contact information can be found on its website, www.joyj.org . Emails can be sent to info@joyj.org . The Facebook place is https://www.facebook.com/thejoyjinitiative/   Personally, I can’t say enough about the JoyJ Initiative, and what it can do for your parish or ministry. And, of course, what a wonderful opportunity to involve more people in such an outreach.   If anyone would like to speak to me personally about this, my contact information is located in this Newsletter.   Fr. Joe Lorenzo, OFM Editor Saint Anthony Chapter Outreach

Comfort Bags all prepared

Washington Square Park NYC

Rome, Italy JoyJ Outreach in front of the Vatican

Prayer Requests

PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE FRIARS  WHO HAVE RECENTLY DIED Friar Robert Artman, OFM Friar Albert McMahon, OFM Friar Lucius Annese, OFM Friar Juniper O'Connor, OFM Friar Louis Diego DeTomasso, OFM Friar Mark Brown, OFM Friar Francis de Sales Paolo, OFM Friar Maurice Peltier, OFM (St. Barbara Province) Friar Conrad Rebmann, OFM (St. John Baptist Province) Friar Clement Comesky, OFM (Holy Name Province) Friar Gary Maciag, OFM (Holy Name Province) Friar Fred Schneider, OFM (Sacred Heart Province) Friar Robert Leonhardt, OFM (Sacred Heart Province) Friar Richard Jeske, OFM (Sacred Heart Province) Recently Deceased Family and Friends Rick (Enrico) Luongo, former simply professed friar Joseph Zammit, father of Friar Jimmy Zammit, OFM,  Grace Alfano, mother of deceased Friar Savio Alfano, OFM Let us pray for our infirm friars: Friar Flavian Mucci, OFM Friar Claudio Moser, OFM Friar Charles Soto, OFM Friar Clement Procopio, OFM For our friars in skilled nursing facilities: Friar Philip Adamo, OFM Friar Giles Barreda, OFM Friar Francis Hanudel, OFM Friar Lawrence Stumpo, OFM For our infirm family and friends: Patricia Houck,(cousin of Friar Patrick Boyle), serious cancer diagnosis Maria Tagani (daughter of St. Francis Centre staff member) Astra Fernandes (mother of Friar Conrad Fernandes) Gloria Salinas (mother of Friar Octavio Salinas) Please pray for all friars, families, friends, and benefactors, living and deceased.

Province of the Immaculate Conception, New York NY 125 Thompson Street New York NY 10012 212-674-4388 NEWSLETTER CONTACT Please send any articles, news items, or photos to Friar Joseph F Lorenzo, O.F.M. St. Anthony Friary 24 Harrison Street/ PO Box 487 Catskill NY 12414 Cell: 917.337.9833 Office: 518.943.3451 xt. 314 jolorenzo@aol.com jolorenzo1@me.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.ICProvince.org