Sunday, August 14, 2022: Our Lady of the Angels Province’s Syracuse, NY pastoral ministry ~ the Franciscan Church of the Assumption enjoyed a postponed celebration in honor of the 175th Anniversary of the parish’s founding.  The actual 175th Anniversary took place in 2020, but due to COVID restrictions, the celebratory Mass at the time, with Bishop Douglas J. Lucia (video), and other events were very limited.

The full celebratory events were two more years in the making and it was a joy for all present to combine this event with the “Goodbye Mass” for Friar Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv. (pastor) and Friar Nick Spano, OFM Conv. (parochial vicar), who are moving onto their new assignments. At right is a photo as they gave the Solemn Blessing at their last Liturgy at Assumption. Friar Rick will now serve as pastor of Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary Parish, in Brooklyn, NY. Friar Nick will now serve as pastor of St. Patrick Parish, in Trevorton, PA and pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish, in Coal Township, PA.

The parish enjoyed a great day of celebration including Mass with the Bishop, and a celebration following by a joy filled reception. The new FrancisCorps 24 volunteers and staff joined in the 175th Anniversary celebrations, taking advantage of the opportunity to grab the photo below with Friar Rick, Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (Minister Provincial), Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv. (Vicar Provincial), and their new Chaplain & Parochial Vicar at Assumption Church ~ Friar Nader Ata, OFM Conv.
Friar Rick has served not only as the pastor of Assumption Church since 2015, but also as the Chaplain of FrancisCorps since 2017.

SIDCE NOTE: Although the parish was founded in 1845, the Franciscan Friars Conventual have been serving the people of Assumption Church since 1861; building a new church in 1865 (consecrated on May 3, 1867), and finishing the towers in 1872.