The News From Mount Assisi The Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. Winter 2017 From the Desk of the Provincial Dear Friend of the Franciscans, Pax et Bonum! The pax et bonum above is the traditional greeting that Saint Francis used in his letters, writings, and meetings with people. Translated peace and good, it is an expression that should touch the person greeted, as it reflects the life lived by the Sons and Daughters of Saint Francis. I have good news to share with you from earlier this year. We have enjoyed many occasions when we have given thanks to God for all that He has done for us in the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. We ordained two new priests for our Province; we had a friar make Solemn Profession (life-long consecration to our way of life and service to the Church); two young men entered the novitiate, and five postulants began their Franciscan journeys. At our Province gathering we celebrated the Jubilees of so many of our friars. To all of this I say Deo Gratias: thanks be to God! It has also been my true honor to celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial for nineteen of our Brothers since beginning my ministry of service to the community as Provincial. On each of their graves are two dates, the year of their birth and the year of their death. There is a DASH between these two dates, and it is a reminder to us all of the things we do during our lifetimes that makes the difference to others and to God. The dashes of all these Franciscans tell stories of pax et bonum. As a first grader in Catholic school in Buffalo, New York, I remember one of the first lessons I learned from the Baltimore Catechism: Why did God make me? That I might learn to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this world, so that I might be happy with Him in the next. To paraphrase a quote from Saint Thomas More, the Chancellor of England and one time friend of King Henry VIII, when being prepared to be martyred for being God s loyal servant: You pray for me, and I will pray for you, and let us pray that one day we may merrily meet in Heaven! May God grant us that grace! Thank you for your prayers for me and for our community of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Your prayers and support help us minister to people around the country, world, and within our own communities. We remember you in our prayers for your peace and good! Sincerely in Saint Francis, Father Richard, T.O.R.
Father Peter and Father Joe Bring the Fruits of Your Generosity Where They Are Needed Most... Since the time of Saint Francis himself, Franciscans have been called upon to go among the poor, the hungry, the homeless and the neglected to bring them physical help and spiritual support. Father Peter Lyons and Father Joe Monahan both members of our Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus live that ministry through their work with the Catholic relief organization Food for the Poor. It is thanks to your generosity and support that our T.O.R. community members are able to undertake these missions and do so much good for so many people. Thanks and blessings to you! If we don t have a mission to the materially poor, Father Joe says, then we re just singing The Lord hears the cry of the poor... but not really doing anything about it. Father Peter and Father Joe make frequent visits to parishes around the country to educate people about Food for the Poor and build support for the organization, which works in impoverished locations primarily in Central America and the Caribbean. There, they feed the hungry and work to build new facilities and infrastructure that will enable the residents to become more self-sufficient and able to obtain food and clean water. Earlier this year, the two made a visit to the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The country has always experienced a high level of poverty, and this has been worsened in recent years by a long string of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes. The most recent of these trials was Hurricane Irma in September. While in Haiti, the two priests helped bring such things as livestock, water pumps, and new buildings in addition to food. They also helped see to the spiritual needs of the residents, who have seen their faith tested by all the trials and disasters they have endured. Though the supplies and equipment were vital and much welcomed, The non-tangibles were more important, according to Father Joe. Because of Food for the Poor, people had their faith renewed. They were given a renewed hope. Father Joe and Father Peter are aware of the similarities between Food for the Poor and the ministry of the early Franciscans. Both groups were started by lay people who wanted to live the gospel message through personal, practical sacrifice and action in addition to prayer. To learn more about Food for the Poor and the work they do, please visit: http://www. foodforthepoor.org.
New Vocations for Our Franciscan Community The lifeblood of our Franciscan community flows through our vocations those men who choose to follow the Franciscan way of life and join our Province, as well as those who take a further step toward becoming a Brother or a Priest. Thanks to your prayers and support, we are able to bring new hearts and souls into our community, at a time when their ministry is greatly needed. On June 10, we welcomed two new priests: Father James Puglis, T.O.R. and Father Jason Wooleyhan, T.O.R. Both completed their studies and were ordained by Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, at the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Saint Francis University in Loretto. Brother Vincent Yeager, T.O.R. professed his Solemn Vows on July 14. Brother Vincent turned down a lucrative career as an engineer to follow the way of Saint Francis, and now he has chosen to follow that path for his entire life, dedicating it to the service of God and his brothers and sisters in Christ. In May, two Novices were invested at Saint Francis Friary. Brother Kolbe Spencer and Brother Augustine Joseph Murphy are now in their year of discernment, under the direction of Father Jonathan St. Andre, during which time they are praying and working and reaching a decision as to whether God is calling them to follow the Franciscan way for their lifetimes. And in August, a group of new Postulants arrived in Loretto to begin the process of formation that may point the way to life as members of our community. These are Barry Blair, Thomas Costello, Ryan Hille, Will Shee, and Kevin Smith. We ask God s blessings on all of these men and pray for their guidance and inspiration as they labor in His fields. Your support, both material and prayerful, will be key to their success as it has been in the past. Just as Saint Francis and his followers relied upon the generosity of others to carry out their work, so does our Franciscan community today! Thank you so much for being a part of this centuries-old ministry.
Riding For Charity: Brother Shamus McGrenra, T.O.R. Cycles to Raise Funds for the Dorothy Day Outreach Center Brother Shamus McGrenra, T.O.R., a friar of our Province, undertakes annual bicycle journeys in order to raise money for needy families in southwestern Pennsylvania. Since beginning his charity rides in 2011, Brother Shamus has raised about a quarter of a million dollars for the Dorothy Day Outreach Center, an agency based at Saint Francis University which works to provide for underprivileged families in southwestern Pennsylvania. With his first ride in 2011, Brother Shamus raised $12,000 for the Center with a 375-mile journey. In 2013, he was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, which spread to his lungs. Despite a grim prognosis, the cancer miraculously went into remission, and Brother Shamus was back on the road. For his 2016 ride, Brother Shamus had a goal of $40,000 and ended up raising more than $57,000. In September 2017, at the age of 70, he undertook a 1,000-mile ride from Maine to Virginia. For more information about Brother Shamus s rides, and the opportunity to make a donation, please visit: https://www.francis.edu/brother-shamus-charity-ride/ The Dorothy Day Center: Social Outreach and Volunteer Service The Dorothy Day Center is the social outreach division of Saint Francis University and the Campus Ministry department. The university, in Loretto, PA, is administered by the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The social outreach program assists low-income families in the southwest Pennsylvania area by providing food through the St. Anthony s Cupboard food pantry, fresh produce from the Good Shepherd Garden Project, and clothing and blankets through the St. Clare s Thimble clothing pantry. The center also has educational and social interaction programs for children; a literacy program; help for families to pay their rent and utility bills; tax assistance; and programs for the elderly, such as an annual Thanksgiving dinner and an Adopt-a-Grandparent program for the residents of the John Paul II Manor retirement home in Cresson, PA. The Center is staffed entirely by volunteers, and is made possible by the kind support and contributions of people like you! You can learn more about the Center and its programs at: https://www.francis.edu/dorothy-day-outreach-center/
Franciscan Spiritual Gift Items We offer the following gift items as a way of thanking you for your generosity in donating to the missions, ministries, and good works of our Franciscan community. To request one of these items, please check the appropriate box on the enclosed response form when you make your offering. Blessed Nativity Chaplet Bracelet This Bracelet, which easily stretches to fit most wrist sizes, also serves as a Chaplet. The ten beads are of royal purple color, in honor of the Newborn King, and are separated by silver-toned spacer beads. The attached medallion is a full-color enamel image of the Holy Family gathered at the Christmas manger, with the Star of Bethlehem overhead. This Chaplet Bracelet makes a wonderful accessory or gift for the Christmas season. It is blessed by the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. and is available with your gift of $10 or more in support of our ministries. The Saint Francis Peace Prayer Keychain This Keychain features a prayer card encased in a durable, clear acrylic casing. One side is a full-color, gold embossed painting of Saint Francis while the other side contains the famous Peace Prayer ( Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace... ) that has long been associated with him. The Keychain, blessed by the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., can be sent in gratitude for your offering of $5 or more. S a i n t Francis Legacy... and Yours! We have been called to heal wounds, unite what has fallen apart, and bring home those who have lost their way. This is the calling of Saint Francis of Assisi, and of those of us who strive to follow in his footsteps. We look forward to carrying his vision of love, prayer and service into a new year of ministry. We pray we can continue and expand our work and serve God in every new opportunity He gives us. We serve through... Our food pantries and soup kitchen; Wellness and senior care programs; Literacy and language tutoring; Constant prayer, liturgy, and the Sacraments; Education, including the two Catholic universities we administer; Individual ministries of service and prayer by all our priests and brothers. As a partner in our ministry, you too are a part of Francis legacy. And we hope you ll continue to join us in meeting his challenge. The enclosed folder outlines opportunities to do so through year-end charitable gifts, helping you decide on how to make the most effective gift you can in the most financially responsible way. Together, we can do so much more than we could apart! We would be happy to discuss other planned giving options with you. For more information please call us at (814) 419-8880, email us at info@franciscanfriarsloretto.org, or write to us at the address on the last page of this newsletter. Thank you and God bless you for your faithful support, and your prayers!
Congratulations toour 2017 Jubilarians! The following members of the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus all celebrated milestone anniversaries of profession or ordination during the past year. All of them, and all of us, thank you for the support that is necessary to enable such faithful service. Please pray for all of these men as they pray for you! Br. James Boyle, T.O.R. 50 Years Professed Fr. Andrew Draper, T.O.R. 50 Years Professed Devoted many years to teaching in secondary education and working in parish ministry; now in ministry of prayer at the Motherhouse. Worked as a teacher in secondary education and providing religious education in parishes; in ministry of prayer in Pittsburgh, PA. Pursued a ministry of secondary education and for many years was a pastor in North Carolina; presently a pastor in Portage, PA. Fr. James Morman, T.O.R. 25 Years Ordained Fr. David Morrier, T.O.R. 25 Years Professed Fr. Dominic Scotto, T.O.R. 50 Years Ordained Fr. David Tickerhoof, T.O.R. 50 Years Ordained Served in formation ministry, as a seminary and university professor, and in campus ministry at Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. Worked in university ministry, parish ministry in South Dakota, and hospital and parish ministry in St. Petersburg, FL. Fr. Terrance Adams, T.O.R. 50 Years Ordained, 55 Years Professed Has served in parish ministry and as director of our retirement house at Mount Assisi, Loretto, PA. Worked in university ministry and ministry of prayer at the Motherhouse. Fr. Alex Bombera, T.O.R. 75 Years Professed Fr. Joseph Connolly, T.O.R. 55 Years Professed Spent 30 years as a missionary in India and 20 as missionary in Brazil; was a pastor in South Dakota, and now serves in a ministry of prayer. He is the senior member of the Province, and at 98 is the longest serving member. Spent many years in secondary education including as principal of Bishop Egan High School in Fairless Hills, PA; served in parish ministry and presently as a pastor in Sarasota, FL. Fr. Ronald Mohnickey, T.O.R. 50 Years Professed Has worked in spiritual retreat ministry, as a Novice Master, university teacher and in general ministry. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/franciscanfriarstorloretto FRANCISCAN FRIARS, T.O.R. Mount Assisi Loretto, PA 15940-0500 (814) 419-8880 (Calling Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm EST Mon.-Fri.) www.franciscanfriarsloretto.org FFL394NL-17