Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the eighth successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.

St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, in Athol Springs (Hamburg), NY

On the weekend of September 14-15, 2019, several Our Lady of the Angels Province friars serving in the Athol Springs, NY area, including ~ Fr. Ross Syracuse, OFM Conv. (Friary Guardian and Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church) and Br. Daniel Geary, OFM Conv. (Chaplain of our Fr. Justin Rosary Hour) warmly received Friar Jobe to the eighth stop on our M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries.

On this eighth stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour, parishioners were quite positively engaged. Many of the 500 attending the Masses decided to make their consecration to the Immaculate and enroll in the M.I.  In the photo are some of the parishioners along with Friar Jobe (green vestments – center), Friar Ross (in habit – front) and Friar Daniel (in habit – over the shoulder of Friar Jobe).