The Companions of St. Anthony is the Evangelization and Development ministry of our province. Originating in the early 1990’s through the efforts of *Fr. Martin Kobos, OFM Conv. (1988-2005 Province Development Director) and *Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. (1988-2010 Province Evangelization), this ministry has grown into a large operation focused on giving “glory to God through living the values which were so dear to St. Anthony: Love for the Eucharist; knowledge of Scripture; reconciliation and penance as part of the Christian journey; prayer; devotion to Mary, the Mother of God; and opportunities for Christian giving.”
With offices housed in the lower level of another one of our ministries, The Shrine of St. Anthony (Ellicott City, MD), and under the leadership of Lay Development Director ~ Mr. Joseph Hamilton and Spiritual Director ~ Fr. Richard-Jacob Forcier, OFM Conv., this ministry continues to strive to spread the Gospel through the disbursement of Religious Information, Materials and Goods, while facilitating the collection of financial support from our friars’ benefactors. One of the first publications created by Fr. Martin and distributed through The Companions of St. Anthony was the “Companion Prayers” guide to prayer. Although it continues to be one of the most sought after items, it is now just one of hundreds of items available through our online Friar Shop.
Several times a year The Companions of St. Anthony publishes “The St. Anthony Companion” Newsletter. The Fall 2017 (Volume 6, Number 2) edition features a cover story highlighting a young friar’s path to priesthood, as well as a reflection by Friar Richard-Jacob.
*Fr. Martin Kobos, OFM Conv. now serves as Guardian of Mother Cabrini Friary & Pastor of Mother Cabrini Catholic Church (Shamokin, PA), as well as Dean of the Northumberland Deanery – Diocese of Harrisburg. Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. has served as CFF (Conventual Franciscan Federation) Assistant General of our Order for North America, Australia, Great Britain and Ireland since September of 2010.
