Franciscan Friars
Province of the Immaculate Conception
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Provincial Update - April 2020
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Easter: The Right
to Hope
Dear Brothers,
Holy Week and Easter give us a great opportunity to remember all that God has given us. After all, Jesus said in the Gospel of Saint John, “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son, that whoever believes in Him might not die, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) This great gift from God is a demonstration of His love for us, and His desire that all of us should live in His love.
The events we celebrate during Holy Week call to mind the great redemptive act of Jesus Christ- to suffer, to die, and to rise from the dead. These are our high holy days. These are special days of liturgy and prayer for the Church, when we gather together to thank our Lord and Savior for the great sacrifice of the cross.
Yet we know that at the heart of the Christian message is sacrifice- our willingness to give of ourselves for the sake of the kingdom. We know that anything in life worth achieving can only be acquired through hard work and sacrifice. Even more so with our Christian faith. If we really want the eternal life that Jesus offers us, we must be willing to put aside our sinful ways and embrace the cross to the best of our ability.
This year we have experienced sacrifice in a very intimate way. All throughout the church, we have sacrificed the liturgies and celebrations we love for our own health and the health of our greater communities. Not only did we have to surrender our Holy Week and Easter worship- but we have also in many cases have had to celebrate these days alone, or with our religious communities. Many of the traditions which we have had, be it gathering with our families for Easter Sunday, having special foods and baked goods, Easter egg hunts, photos with family and friends, all had to be “sacrificed” due to the COVID-19 virus.
With our churches and ministries closed, we have had to face the realities of our own lives- whether it be our life in fraternity, or simply looking at ourselves in a mirror. Without the frantic busy-ness that usually accompanies Holy Week and Easter, we have had to confront our own faith in the Resurrection, our own belief that from death comes new life. Pope Francis, in his annual Easter message, said it well: “Because of the Resurrection of Jesus, we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. It is not mere optimism; it is not a pat on the back or an empty word of encouragement. It is a gift from heaven, which we could not have earned on our own. ”
In the midst of the hope that the Resurrection gives, we continue to pray. We pray for all those who have been infected with the coronavirus, all those who have suffered so greatly, and especially those who have died. We pray for all those whose lives have been so brutally changed by this pandemic, for those who are dying alone, those in hospitals and nursing homes who must suffer in isolation. We pray for all our health care brothers and sisters, who risk their lives, and those of their families, in order to bring healing, comfort, and consolation. And we pray for all those whose lives have been impacted so greatly by this pandemic. Yes, the prayer list goes on and on and on, but, as people of prayer and hope, this can be our greatest contribution.
Wishing you health and peace, brothers. Again, as I have said before, please be careful, stay healthy, and observe all of the precautions handed to us so that we might all be safe.
With blessings and peace,
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Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM
Provincial Minister
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A Message from our Brothers in Formation
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From the Postulancy Program in Caledon
Hello brothers. We hope you’re keeping well given the circumstances.
Here in Caledon, like all of you, we are on lockdown and practicing to the utmost the social distancing prescribed to curb the numbers of infections. And like a lot of fraternities that I imagine have the reality of high-risk, immunodeficiency present, even extra precautions have needed to be taken.
Thus, we are still all well and healthy thank God, while our hearts go out to the families of our brothers who have lost a loved one or to any of us who may be dealing with the actual virus in whatever capacity it may be present.
As a formation house we have still kept our prayer time together as our foundation. Joseph Powell has transitioned to his new assignment, and so the guys and I still meet for Italian, while I have added some extra lessons in catechism and Franciscan Spirituality throughout the week, which has kept us busy and time has thus been passing quickly. Again, everyone has turns cooking, and now we even have to do double duty throughout the week to cover for Joseph and also Dmitry who is no longer with us and at home in Pennsylvania with his family. It’s all working out well.
The four postulants here were slated to fly out to Rome for their preparation for Novitiate on April 19. That’s not happening and so we continue our regular program till whenever this will be possible. They are very excited about this next step in their journey, albeit still a bit worried about what the Roman-Covid situation will be like when the time comes, and the brothers in Rome are eager to be welcoming them as well. We have teleconferenced with both the Brooklyn and Rome fraternities and it has been a joy to keep in touch.
We had a simple and grace-filled Easter Vigil at the centre, and below are Jimmy and Dago who prepared a fabulous ham for lunch the next day on Easter Sunday, which was fabulous!
We are also marked as of late with additional sorrow over the passing of our beloved Fr. Fred Mazzarella, on Good Friday, who was such a gift to all of us, especially here at the centre. I can’t count how many times he made himself available to me where together we would go to the Ontario Food Terminal, and given his many connections, being so beloved by many, he was able to arrange for me to get as many vegetables and fruit and all kinds of things gratis, which would help curb costs at the centre, given the large-sized groups that book their retreats with us here. Fr. Fred will be missed by all of us and we wish him eternal rest in the joys of heaven. May he rest in peace.
We would like to wish you all, brothers, a safe and blessed Easter season.
Peace,
Pierre & Caledon Postulants
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From the Postulancy Program in Brooklyn
Everything started on the feast of St, Joseph. We had to self-quarantine because of fear of a close call with the COVID-19 virus. Thank God none of us got it but some of our parishioners did get it and some sadly passed away.
We observed the celebration of postulant Nelson Aldair Calderón Orante’s 21th birthday on Monday, March 23
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. We all take turns cooking and cleaning... the guys continue their English lessons online. On April 6 we celebrated Fr. Octavio’s birthday. The day began with us waking Fr. Octavio up with the mañanita and ended with a special cooked meal, pasta.
On Palm Sunday, we started the transmission of our liturgical services on Facebook. Holy week was both special and strange for all of us. Special because we were able to celebrate it with a more calm and spiritual approach and strange because we were celebrating our services in an empty church. It really made us reflect and appreciate more our people and our work as priests and religious. We lived our holy week with the strong conviction of our faith. Our parishioners really boost our celebration by being ever so close to us via social communication like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. We even kept with our devotion to St. Anthony with the celebration of the Thirteen Tuesdays online. Our people love it because it brings them peace and comfort.
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Happy Birthday Nelson Aldair
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Happy Birthday Friar Octavio
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From the Convento S. Francesco, Rome
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Dear Brothers,
Greetings from Rome! This year has been a year to remember. Many things have been happening here in our convent. One of the most impactful of course is something we share with the wider global community, the COVID-19 Pandemic. Firstly, I would like to convey how we have been during this special time. It has been a time of testing patience and adapting to new things. Our classes at the Antonianum have all been moved to an online platform. Some of our classes are video hosted by the professors, others have not but prefer a written method. As a community of students from different backgrounds, we have learnt our strengths and weaknesses very quickly. Online learning is definitely different from a traditional in-class setting. However, it has allowed us to experience new things that perhaps we might not have had the chance to experience. Therefore, we have also developed new skills. The tone in the convent has been to embrace this time and to utilize it to grow in different ways.
On the 19th of March, the solemnity of St. Joseph, Antonio Riccio celebrated 50 years of priesthood. We were able to celebrate with a fraternal lunch together and of course Antonio celebrated mass that day. Later that evening, Antonio shared with us pictures of himself as a young friar. This was really interesting to see and prompted us to think about perseverance in our own vocations. We all appreciated the value of him sharing his story. It was important to us to see his journey and perhaps envision our own. We also had another celebration this month. Yasser Peña’s birthday! We were also very happy to celebrate along with Yasser and wish him well in his ongoing discernment.
One of the most interesting and joyful things that happened was we were able to celebrate the Easter Vigil together. All of us had some role in the mass, Victor Treminio read the Exsultet, Daniel Cavalieri, Daniel Luna, and Jack Sidoti read the readings. Yasser Peña and Jack both had roles in serving the altar, with myself as organist. It was a great learning experience for us all. We had the opportunity to have an intimate Easter Vigil that somehow echoed the Friars of old, which were probably celebrating simply as well. This in itself was a great gift and a great moment of Franciscan formation.
The weather here in Rome has been improving with lovely spring sunshine. Occasionally we get the odd rain shower but nothing that is too grey. We have been trying our hand at planting some new plants upstairs on our terrace. So far we have lemons, oranges, and mint. We are currently growing tomatoes, chili peppers, and sage. We have also used our wonderful terrace to have our famous BBQs! Our last one was Easter Monday. They are a great way to get some air, play some music, and celebrate our fraternity here.
We are all thinking and praying for all of our brothers. We all feel very close to the province and are proud of the progress we have made here during this time. Please keep us in your prayers.
Peace and all good, Br. Carl Green
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Photos from the Convento: Friar Antonio Riccio's Fiftieth Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, celebrated on March 19:
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From Friar Josh Critchley, OFM
Interprovincial Post-Novitiate Program
Chicago
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Not much to report on my end. We are hunkered down here the same as everywhere else. We had a very nice Triduum at home, the brothers put a lot of effort into the celebration, it was as good a time as possible under the circumstances.
I personally have been dealing with the coronavirus for a month now. My lungs still are not very good. Working on a plan with my doctor to hopefully clear out the last remnants from my lungs. Boy this thing is nasty let me tell you! Frustratingly, I was not able to get tested officially due to a lack of testing, but my doctor said there is a very strong likelihood that this is the new virus based on my symptoms. Would love your prayers for a speedy recovery from this...I'm almost there for sure but it is just taking its time leaving!
We are currently on break from classes (although its hard to tell the difference with everyone in quarantine). We are starting up again next week with May Term classes which run for a month from mid-April to mid-May. Then have to wait and see what the summer will bring for all of us. Personally, I am expecting to have to stay in Illinois until June at the earliest...Chicago mayor strongly hinted that social distancing guidelines will be extended into May. If Illinois residents have to shelter in place still, I am not going anywhere! But just have to wait and see about that, it is certainly uncertain times. School is online now of course which is good, I have been able to keep up with classes more or less despite being sick for the past month.
I hope you and the guys are well and safe! I have been praying for you guys a lot right there in the epicenter. Please continue to stay well!
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Friar Rick Martignetti gives talk, question and answers on EWTN Vatican Facebook
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On Holy Thursday, April 9, 2020, Friar Rick Martignetti, chaplain of Ave Maria University in Florida, gave an online presentation on “The Ministerial Priesthood and the Priesthood of the Baptized” on EWTN Vatican Facebook page. Rick began his presentation by sharing memories of his own ordination to the priesthood twenty-seven years ago at St. Michael Church in Waterbury, Connecticut, by Archbishop Daniel Cronin, and his first Mass at his home parish of St. Leonard Church in Boston. Rick shared some of the details of both events, sharing some of the light hearted details, such as a cake made in his own likeness with a huge head, and also the deeply spiritual aspects, such as giving communion to his mother as a priest for the first time, bestowing his first blessing and praying over so many family members and friends. He expressed the feeling of awe when, laying prostrate on the sanctuary floor during the Litany of the Saints, or the imposition of hands by the Archbishop, that the whole church, in heaven and on earth, was calling upon God to give him the blessings and grace he needed to carry on this awesome calling as a priest. Rick stated that, as a priest, he was called to “fall in love with God’s people”, and as part of this loving relationship, be willing to sacrifice- die to his own self-interest, to bring the love of God to others. He reminded his viewers that, as members of the laity, they, too, were called to the priesthood, not the ministerial priesthood but rather the “Priesthood of the Baptized.” They, too, are called to sacrifice, to bring God’s love to others. Through baptism, all share in the priesthood of Christ, and are called to bring God’s message of hope to others, especially during these trying times. The COVID-19 pandemic brings new opportunities to do this. He reminded his viewers that God hasn’t disappeared or abandoned us but is present with us in new ways. At the end of the talk, Rick fielded several questions that were asked online. Rick’s talk was broadcast on Facebook throughout the world, with times given in such places as Dublin and Rome. Rick concluded with a special blessing.
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A Message from
Friar Francesco Patton, OFM
Custos of the Custody of the Holy Land
On Coronavirus
There's a time for everything under the sky," says the Qoheleth. A few weeks ago we reported a large number of pilgrims present in the Holy Land: their growth was clearly visible in the streets and Shrines.
A few weeks later, the situation and the statistics are quite different due to the spread of the Coronavirus also in Israel and Palestine. A drastic drop, recorded by the Franciscan Pilgrims' Office in Jerusalem: the Office has cancelled all the masses booked by groups of pilgrims in all the sanctuaries of the Holy Land from March 12. Thousands of celebrations were still held in January and February, and by March their number dropped to zero.
The feeling is that of a dramatic moment, clearly a moment of emergency, because we've witnessed this reality in recent years only during wars or moments of physical danger. Now the danger is this virus, which is now widespread throughout the world and it is right, at this time, to protect people's health. It is right to temporarily suspend pilgrimages, and it is also right that we are the ones praying in the holy places for all those who cannot come to visit them, for all those who are suffering because of the pandemic, for all those who are giving their lives in caring for the sick. Let us pray, because these are nevertheless places that bring us back to the mystery of salvation and to the many healings that Jesus himself has worked.
In Capernaum, until a few days ago thousands of people arrived every day and now the site is empty. But that is the place where Jesus gave new life to the daughter of Jairus, it is the place where Jesus healed the woman who was bleeding and where he made that beautiful speech about the bread of life...reminding us that those who believe in him and those who receive him with faith are already in another dimension that with the vocabulary of the Gospel is called eternal life.
The Custody of the Holy Land, as Pope Francis had already done, proposes to continue to make the celebrations accessible in live streaming, thanks to the help of technology.
This allows people to stay in contact. Those who have been here as pilgrims can somehow see these places again, join spiritually in the celebration held here. For us, it is fundamental to live the dimension of prayer and mystery that each one of these places carries in itself. Starting with the most important ones, such as the Holy Sepulcher or Bethlehem, which is temporarily closed. For us it is fundamental to celebrate, to pray, to remember that God came among us in His Son Jesus and that in His Son Jesus overcame evil...even physical evil, even sickness, even death.
It is important that we make a different kind of pilgrimage, which is the pilgrimage of prayer, one of the very strong dimensions of a pilgrimage. A constant, daily, unceasing prayer, so that the pandemic will stop and so that we can find a remedy...and unceasing prayer for the sick, for the nurses, the doctors...and for the people who are suffering.
Note: Photos below are from the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Despite the absence of pilgrims, the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land continue the daily schedule of prayer and liturgies.
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May Birthdays
Take time to wish our friars a Happy Birthday!
Courtland Campbell
- May 5th - 65
Alexis Anania
- May 18th - 89
Dennis Wheatley
- May 21st - 70
Richard Donovan
- May 26th - 68
Roderick Crispo
- May 30th - 92
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Saint Anthony Friary, Catskill
Together- but not too close!
Greene County, NY is a fairly rural location by standards of our province. Many fewer cases of Covid 19 are being reported here than major cities, at least at the time of this writing, yet the need to take necessary precautions has not escaped the friars at St. Anthony, Catskill. As a community with an especially high-risk group, the brothers have practiced physical distancing while avoiding social isolation. Avoiding confined spaces, attempting to keep a safer distance, less interaction with our employees, who are on a reduced schedule, and handwashing until we are all chapped, are just a few of the precautions that we are all following.
The brothers have not forgotten their responsibility for those in need. In an act of generosity and hospitality, the brothers have partnered with Greene County Department of Health. They have agreed to host those who have tested negative but have been in contact with those who have tested positive for the Covid 19 virus. These people, who must be quarantined for up to fourteen days, will be allowed to make use of the bottom wing of the friary where a restricted area has been set up, using the side entrance. Meals and all other provisions are supplied by the Department of Health. The friars have already hosted a guest who had no other place to quarantine. Although this arrangement poses no risk to the friars, it does point to the ability of even our most aged and vulnerable brothers to reach out beyond themselves in time of need. Peace to all from Catskill.
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The brothers maintaining "proper physical distance"
Below: Easter in Catskill
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TORONTO GOOD FRIDAY
PROCESSION CANCELLED
The annual Good Friday procession through downtown Toronto streets is another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nearly seven-decade-long tradition that for three hours each Good Friday brings to life the Stations of the Cross and Jesus’ final steps to the cross will not be gracing the streets of Little Italy this Easter.
Fr. Francis Walter pulled the plug on this year’s procession March 18. It’s likely that health officials and city authorities would have done so in any case and Walter had received a letter from the Toronto Police Service saying it wouldn’t be able to provide security for the event.
“These are unusual circumstances,” said Fr. Francis, adding that the cancellation of the April 10 event comes with great sadness but which has been met with understanding from parishioners.
“They understand, it’s all circumstances. There hasn’t been any protest,” he said. “We have many elderly people that come to that procession and I just don’t want to put them in any danger. I don’t want to be responsible for that.”
Toronto’s Cardinal Thomas Collins said it’s sad to see the cancellation of an event that draws thousands to the streets around St. Francis of Assisi Church to celebrate the faith, but it’s where we’re at in trying to combat COVID-19 that has brought the cancellation of Sunday and daily Mass in churches nationwide.
“We would never normally do it but this is not a normal situation,” said the Cardinal. “We have to follow wisdom in this case (and) cooperate for the good of wider society.”
The procession has grown into one of the largest of its kind since its humble beginnings, often drawing near 100,000 people from Toronto and beyond. When it first started — out of St. Agnes Parish just up the street from St. Francis of Assisi — it was a much smaller affair, with a procession of priest, altar boys and the congregation following, ending up in the church. But it’s grown beyond its origins as a family affair and taken on a higher profile in ensuing years, with bands and actors portraying all the people in the Passion story, from Jesus and Mary to the Roman centurions.
Where only a portion of College Street was shut down for the procession in its early days, now the whole street is closed and streetcars re-routed so that the thousands can line both sides of the street to witness the procession.
But Fr. Francis, the pastor at St. Francis of Assisi since last summer, is confident all will be back to normal for 2021.
“The nuts and bolts of it are always in place so we can always have a procession. It’s just a suspension,” he said. “We’ll have it next year, God willing.”
Excerpts from an article in "The Catholic Register" by Mickey Conlon, March 20, 2020
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NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS IN CENTRAL AMERICA
DEALING WITH VIRUS
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Some of the brothers have shared with
us their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Friar Angelo Falzon, La Paz, Honduras.
I am writing this email just to say: ‘Hello,’ in this critical moment of our history, where all humanity is being tested for its deeds.
Over, here (Honduras) all friars are ok. In the parish up to now we do not have yet a single case of Covid 19 and I am asking the Good Lord to keep it away, since it is so destructive. However, in the country as you might have heard, we do have a good number and it is expected to increase daily. All three mayors have closed down:
-all entrance and exits of the towns and villages has been closed. There is surveillance 24 hours a day.
-all church and civil activities have been stopped.
-life is at a standstill.
What is the parish doing at the moment:
Firstly, at this moment, since the parish does not have a church’s radio or TV, the parish is publishing a local weekly bulletin with the name: ‘In praying together we are united.’ Usually, it has a biblical text and explanation, prayers, activities and announcement. In this way, I keep in touch with them and at the same time, they will keep united with the parish. Also, it has another end, i.e. to encourage the people to pray and persevere in this crisis. The people like it (the bulletin) and more are asking for it. The parish makes this through the photocopier. At the moment the photocopier, which is small, is working without mercy. I hope that it will stand the pressure of work, since I never thought of using it for such an end.
Secondly, the local ministry of health has asked the parish to lend the hall, which can take about 200 beds. I told them that if they need it, it will be at their disposal. I hope that they will never use it. This is the time to unite and help each other as much as we can. I spent two days emptying it from all chairs (900), sound system, boxes, etc.
Thirdly, I am using the “Whatsapp” to keep in touch at least with the celebrators of the word. Sometimes they have problems or difficulties and the parish used to help them keep going through life. Technology is a blessing at this moment.
Hope that you and all the province are doing ok. Give my greetings to everybody and as I ask for your blessing, I pray for all.
From Friar Albert Gauci, Juticalpa, Olancho, Honduras.
JUST A FEW WORDS TO LET OUR FRIARS KNOW WE'RE ALL OK.
IF FR. ROBERT SAYS THAT IN THE STATES AT FIRST THERE WAS CONFUSION... JUST IMAGINE HERE IN HONDURAS! MAYBE, MORE THAN CONFUSION. AT FIRST HERE IT WAS ALL KIND OF A JOKE. IN HONDURAS WE GET A MEXICAN BEER CALLED "CORONA" THAT THESE PEOPLE LOVE AND DRINK LIKE WATER. SO YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW THE NAME OF THE VIRUS BECAME THE TOPIC OF THE ACUTE SENSE OF HUMOUR OF ALL HONDUREÑOS! WHAT MORE, FOR THESE PEOPLE CHINA IS A COUNTRY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOON AND NOBODY BELIEVED THAT SUCH A TINY "ANIMAL" WOULD MANAGE TO MAKE THE TRIP FROM CHINA TO HONDURAS WITHOUT GETTING SLAUGHTERED CROSSING THE OCEANS. LONG STORY SHORT... THE "ANIMAL" IS HERE AND THERE'S ALREADY ABOUT 10 CONFIRMED CASES. AND... SAME HERE, ALL OUR CHURCHES CLOSED, NO MASSES, NO FUNERALS, NO NOTHING. THE STATE OF OLANCHO IS COMPLETELY SEALED FROM THE REST OF HONDURAS. THERE'S A "TOQUE DE QUEDA" (CURFEW) FROM 8 P.M. TO 6 A.M. ALL OVER OLANCHO AND THE ARMY AND THE POLICE PATROL THE STREETS TO ENFORCE IT. OUR HOGAR DE ANCIANOS HAS BEEN COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND IT'S ONLY ME AND THE NUNS WHO CAN GO IN TO GET FOOD, MEDICINE AND OTHER STUFF FOR THE ELDERLY. WE, AS PRIESTS, FEEL A LITTLE USELESS AND HELPLESS AS WE NEVER HAD TO FACE SOMETHING LIKE THIS. I'VE BEEN HERE FOR THE LAST 47 YEARS AND... NEVER AND NOTHING LIKE THIS! I'M ONLY SAYING 2 MASSES A DAY, ONE FOR THE KIDS AT OUR ORPHANAGE AND ANOTHER ONE FOR ALL THE NUNS WHO WORK HERE IN JUTICALPA. WE'RE TRANSMITTING ANOTHER THROUGH RADIO CATÒLICA DE OLANCHO FOR ALL THE CATHOLICS OF THIS HUGE STATE. WE FEEL A LITTLE BAD SINCE WE HAD A GIGANTIC PROGRAMME FOR LENT AND HOLY WEEK AND... ALL OF A SUDDEN WE DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW LONG THIS "STATE OF SIEGE" IS GOING TO LAST. I REALLY ADMIRE THESE PEOPLE SINCE YOU CAN SEE THAT THERE'S NO PANIC AND NO FEAR AT ALL. HERE "DEATH" IS REALLY A SISTER WITH WHOM WE LIVE FACE TO FACE EVERY DAY. THANK GOD ALL OUR FRIARS ARE OK AND WE TRY TO IMPROVISE, BE CREATIVE AND ACCOMPANY THESE POOR PEOPLE IN THESE DIRE MOMENTS. WE ALWAYS PRAY FOR ALL YOU GUYS. PLEASE, REMEMBER THE PEOPLE OF OUR MISSIONS IN YOUR PRAYERS.
GREETINGS FROM OLANCHO TO ALL MY FRANCISCAN BROTHERS.
PADRE ALBERTO GAUCI O.F.M.
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Ministry in a time of Pandemic
How "Social Media" is changing the face of Evangelization
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Anyone who has been involved in any kind of ministry, particularly those engaged in parishes, retreat centers, or chaplaincies, knows how important faith-based organizations and places of worship have been to the spiritual, physical, moral, and psychological fabric of their communities. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the shut-down of church activities and services due to civil and ecclesiastical edict, our religious communities have been forced to look for other means to evangelize and meet the many needs of their people.
The church, in its history, has always sought to bring the church’s comfort and support to those in need, and a pandemic is no reason to abandon our call. During the 1918 flu pandemic, priests and consecrated religious were in the streets, locating and, in many cases, burying influenza victims. Religious sisters in particular were at the forefront in bring assistance and consolation to all in need. Even though the risk of transmission of the flu was very high, church ministers risked their own health in order to assist those in need.
The church continues today to find new ways to spread the Gospel. Although current practice forbids public services and Masses, including weddings and funerals due to the risk of spreading the coronavirus, many churches and religious ministries have been forced to find other means, many of which were unknown or even unimaginable during past pandemics.
Modern social media has presented new opportunities to the church. The Vatican, local archdioceses and dioceses, and many parishes have chosen to use the internet as a way of bringing liturgies to their congregations.
Some of our friars have been very creative, especially dealing with the dilemma of celebrating Lent and the beautiful liturgies of Holy Week under such restrictions. A great way of meeting the religious needs of their people has been the use of such social media tools as Facebook, Instagram, and local websites. Through the use of other applications, such as Zoom, Facetime, Instagram, WhatsApp, and instant messaging, parishioners, families, and friends have been able to keep in communication with each other In a new and most unique way. Many who thought of themselves as “technologically challenged” have discovered, many times through their own children and grandchildren, the benefits of having a computer, iPad, or iPhone, in order to keep up the lines of communication when actual physical interaction has been considered dangerous and impossible.
Several of our Province’s parishes and ministries have taken advantage of the wonders of modern technology to do this. Three of our parishes in particular, St. Leonard’s in Boston, Our Lady of Peace in Brooklyn, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Derry, have utilized their Facebook pages and other means to bring the beauty of the Holy Week Liturgies into the homes of their parishioners. Other friars have also participated to various degrees, such as Friar Rick Martignetti, Chaplain of Ave Maria University in Florida, and Friar Pierre Farrugia at St. Francis Centre in Caledon, have reached out in bringing prayer services and talks to others.
Friar Michael Della Penna, Pastor of St. Leonard’s, tells us of the extensive outreach his parish has developed in order to maintain and strengthen the parish’s connection with its parishioners. They have been working on bringing masses and services online via the parish website, Facebook, and YouTube. St. Leonard’s has been broadcasting on these media outlets the full array of Holy Week Services, all done with much beauty and reverence, including the special services of the Triduum. Also included are St. Anthony devotions, the rosary, Stations of the Cross during Lent, “Meet the Saints” presentation given by one of the friars, and other items. Live streamed services can be found on the parish website at saintleonardchurchboston.org.
St. Thomas Aquinas in Derry NH livestreamed their Holy Week services and special Masses on their Facebook page. These are still available on their Facebook timeline.
Our Lady of Peace in Brooklyn also did extensive livestreaming of their Holy Week liturgies on their Facebook page, and these are still available for viewing. They are also streaming the Thirteen Tuesdays in honor of St. Anthony.
Friar Rick Martignetti, besides his talk on EWTN Vatican (seen in a separate article), live streams daily Masses on the Ave Maria University Facebook page every day at 11:15 AM, as well as talks, the Holy Week Masses and services, two-minute homilies, and a talk called “The Hero’s Journey.
All these parishes, as well as Ave Maria University, also continue to offer online Sunday Mass.
Friar Pierre Farrugia also uses social media to stream the recitation of the rosary, and various talks.
All of this presents new opportunities as well as challenges in evangelizing.
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Friar Orlando, Our Lady of Peace Easter Vigil
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Friars Octavio and Orlando at Our Lady of Peace
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Friar Michael preaching online
at St. Leonard's, Boston
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Friar Gabriel at St. Leonard's- "Meet the Saints"
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Divine Mercy Sunday St. Thomas Aquinas in Derry
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Friar Rick's
Two-Minute Homilies
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Friar John-Sebastian Laird-Hammond, OFM
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On Friday, March 19, 2020, our brother, Friar John Sebastian Laird-Hammond, O.F.M., passed into eternal life at the age of 59. Sebastian succumbed to the COVID-19 virus and was also suffering from a variety of ailments, including leukemia. He was reported as the first person in Washington D.C. to have died from the virus. Sebastian had recently been approved by our Provincial Definitorium, as well as the Custodial Council of the Custody of the Holy Land, for transfer into our Province.
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For many years he had been running the day-to-day operations of the Holy Land Monastery in Washington as business manager and was heavily involved in fund raising for the Custody. He had expressed a desire to do the same in our province, raising funds for our missions in Central America. He was known for his Francsican joy and hospitality. He served not only the visitors to the Monastery, but was an advocate for the lay staff as well. He was a founder and chaplain of the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild, which focused not only on the maintenance of the Monastery’s rose gardens, but also created an urban farm that donated 20,000 lbs of vegetables to organizations in the metro DC area. Sebastian was also a permanent deacon. Sebastian had requested prior to his death that his body be cremated and his cremains buried in his native Indiana. Rest in peace, Friar Sebastian.
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Friar Frederick Mazzarella, OFM
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On April 10, 2020 (Good Friday), our brother, Friar Frederick Mazzarella, OFM, passed into eternal life at the age of 87 at the Providence Villa Nursing Home in Toronto, Canada. Frederick, who was baptized Arthur, was the son of Antoinette (Perrilla) and Frederick Mazzarella and was born in New York City on September 23, 1932. He was a vocation from our own Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Greenwich Village. Fred ministered in our
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missions in Central America, and for many years in parishes in Toronto, and was known for his kindness and humor. He was also a part-time chaplain for the police department of the city of Toronto. Many of the friars will remember his great arsenal of jokes, and, at provincial meetings and chapters, he would delight at entertaining the friars with his stories.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no viewing or funeral Mass. He was buried in Toronto. There will be an opportunity for a Mass and celebration of Fred's life at a future date. An interesting Youtube video can be found below about Fred’s involvement as a Toronto police chaplain. Rest in peace, Friar Fred.
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Province News Briefs
Transitions
Friar Phillip Pacheco, OFM has left St. Thomas Aquinas in Derry and is seeking a rescript from the Holy See for a return to the lay state.
Friar Joseph Powell, OFM has been appointed Administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry.
Change of Address: St. Anthony Friary, Catskill NY no longer has a Post Office box. Address mail to 24 Harrison Street, Catskill NY 12414.
Friar Vincent de Paul Ciaravino has moved to Padua Friary, NYC
Update to Necrology: We discovered four omissions from the newly-printed Necrology 2020. Please add these names to the listing of our province's deceased:
Friar Edwin Bobrek, died March 24, 2014. Encinitas, CA
Friar Gregory Imbroll, died May 10, 2014. Toronto, Ontario
Friar John Scarangello, died August 30, 2014, Onset, MA
Friar Frank Genevive, died November 27, 2014, Boston, MA.
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PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE FRIARS
WHO HAVE RECENTLY DIED
Friar Herb Rempe, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Frederick Mazzarella, OFM
(Immaculate Conception Province)
Friar Anthony Lavorin, OFM
(St. Barbara Province)
Friar William DeBiase, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar Allan von Kobs, OFM
(Holy Name Province
Friar Andrew Buvala, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
F
riar Henry Kolbok, OFM
(Assumption Province)
Friar Frank Waywood, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar John-Sebastian Laird-Hammond, OFM
(Immaculate Conception Province)
Friar Ivo Toneck, OFM
(St. Barbara Province)
Friar Venard Kommer, OFM
(Sacred Heart Province)
Friar Romuald Chinetsky, OFM
(Holy Name Province)
Friar Valentine Young, OFM
(St. John Baptist Province)
Friar Bruno Kemp, OFM
(St. John Baptist Province)
Recently Deceased Family and Friends
Brother of Friar Aziz Eissa
(Died in Egypt)
Mary Grzybinski
(Sister of Bishop Maurus Muldoon, OFM)
Nancy Tan (
From Precious Blood Parish)
The father of Friar Giovanni Rinald
i, OFM, Secretary Genera of the Order
Friar Giulio Mancini, OFM
(Former Provincial of the Assisi Province and nephew of Fr. Walter Mancini, OFM)
Let us pray for our infirm friars:
Friar Josh Critchley, OFM
Friar James Goode
Friar Dominic Poirier, OFM
Friar Peter Hoang Cao Thai, OFM
Friar Friar Vincent Ciaravino, OFM
Friar Michael Perry, OFM (Minister General)
Friar Mario Julian, OFM
Friar Aubert Picardi, OFM
Friar Jim Villa, OFM
Friar John Bavaro, OFM
Friar Simeon Distefano, OFM
Friar Thomas Hollowood, OFM
Friar Amedeo Nardone, OFM
Friar Armand Padula, OFM
Friar Flavian Mucci, OFM
Friar Claudio Moser, OFM
For our Infirm Family and Friends
Rita D'Alessio (Niece of Fr. Louis Troiano)
Maria Elena Middleton (Niece of Fr. Louis Troiano- 17 years old)
For all infected and affected by the virus.
For our friars in skilled nursing and rehab facilities:
Friar Isaac Calicchio, OFM
Friar Daniel Morey, OFM
Friar John Bavaro, OFM
Friar Philip Adamo, OFM
Friar Lawrence Stumpo, OFM
Friar Clement Procopio, OFM
Please pray for all friars, families, friends, and benefactors,
living and deceased.
For all those affected in any way by the coronavirus.
For medical personnel and first responders.
For those in our nursing homes and hospitals.
For families separated from their loved ones due to quarantine.
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BROTHERS:
Please print out a copy of this newsletter to share with those in your community who do not have email. We hope that every friar in our province will have access to the Newsletter and that a printed copy will be posted on your friary bulletin board.
Thank you
The Management
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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.
Provincial Curia
125 Thompson Street
New York NY 10012
Cell: 917.337.9833
Office: 212.674.4388 Xt. 113
jlorenzo@icprovince.org
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.ICProvince.org
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