Congratulations Friar Gerry!

Posted on by

On Friday, April 22, 2022, during the Syracuse University’s 4:00 p.m. One University Awards, in the University’s Hendricks Chapel, our own Friar Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv. was presented the “Chancellor’s Forever Orange Award (pictured at right), which is conferred on individual students, faculty or staff who – by virtue of extraordinary hard work, good values and commitment to excellence – embody the best of Syracuse University.”

An invitation to the friars with whom Friar Gerry lives in community in the St. Francis Friary, included this announcement:
“We can also take great pride in the many people from across our campus
who do things big and small that make Syracuse thrive.
We will celebrate many of them next week at the One University Awards on
April 22 at 4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel….
We will also recognize individuals who have made an extraordinary
impact on the University and our broader community.
This will include presenting the Forever Orange Award to
Patricia Burak and Father Gerry Waterman.”

Friars’ ministries take varied forms and can be found in diverse locations, including on several campuses of colleges and universities. Friar Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv. serves as Campus Minister for the Syracuse University (SU) Catholic Campus Ministry. His day to day work provides to the students, faculty, staff and greater community at SU with “dynamic programming that encourages community and faith-building.” The fruits of this ministry are evident in the many photos often shared by SU Catholic, including those of the thirteen RCIA students, international and domestic, who were initiated and fully initiated into our Catholic faith during the Easter Vigil, this year: two were Baptized, two received First Eucharist, and eleven were Confirmed (above).

10:30 a.m. Divine Mercy Sunday Mass, in the SU Catholic Center

In addition, the Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of Syracuse, was on site at SU to celebrate the two Divine Mercy Masses, on Sunday April 24th, for the campus community (Pictured above during the 10:30 a.m. Mass in the SU Catholic Center, with the video of the 1:00 p.m. Mass in University’s Hendricks Chapel, below).

Friar Gerry lives in community with eight other friars, in our Syracuse, NY ~ St. Francis Friary. His confreres were invited to the April 22, 2022 One University Awards at SU, to support Friar Gerry as he received a “Chancellor’s Forever Orange Award.” The friars of St. Francis Friary serve in diverse ministries, including Assumption Church, Franciscan Place Chapel & Gift Shop (located in the Destiny USA mall), and FrancisCorp chaplaincy. One even serves as a Psychotherapist for a local Counseling Center.

Provincial Visit ~ Immaculate Conception Custody (Brazil)

Posted on by

The friars of our Custódia Provincial Imaculada Conceição (Province’s Immaculate Conception Custody, in Brazil) gathered for two days of fraternity and meetings with Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (current Vicar Provincial and Minister Provincial Elect of Our Lady of the Angels Province) and the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (current Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province) in the city of São Lourenço – Minas Gerais, in Southeast Brazil. Depicted above in front of the Basílica Menor de São Lourenço Mártir, (Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence, Martyr), the friars of the Custody made a presentation with special engraved citations, pledging support for the incoming Minister Provincial (Friar Michael) and expressing appreciation to his predecessor (Friar James at right).

Friar Michael and Friar James (above) concelebrated the Mass of the Fifth Joy – “The Encounter of Jesus in the Temple” with the Very Reverend Fr. Ronaldo Gomes da Silva, OFM Conv. (Custos of the Immaculate Conception Custody) the friars of the Custody and the faithful gather at Paróquia São Lourenço Mártir. After the Gospel, proclaimed by Frei Jesus Rodrigues do Amaral, OFM Conv., Fr. James’ greeting & homily (in English) begins at the 38:10 mark in the video below:

Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv., Frei Jesus Rodrigues do Amaral, OFM Conv., Very Reverend Fr. Ronaldo Gomes da Silva, OFM Conv. and the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv.

Franciscan Pilgrimage Opportunity ~ August 13-25, 2022

Posted on by

SOME SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE

On Monday, August 15th, start the day with Mass at the Church of Our Lady Victorious, where the miraculous statue of the Infant of Prague is venerated.

After a long pandemic pause, Our Lady of the Angels Province is once again sponsoring a Franciscan Pilgrimage to a number of Marian Shrines in Europe, from August 13-25, 2022. The highlight this coming year will be to attend the Passion Play at Oberammergau, Germany. The pilgrimage will include five countries: Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. As is the past, Friar James McCurry, OFM Conv. will be the Spiritual Guide. The brochure containing all the information and details is linked: Franciscan European Marian Shrines Pilgrimage (August 13-25, 2022). The brochure is to be used to register. The reservation deadline has been extended and a few spots are still available.


Friar Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. (Pilgrimage Director – jobe.abbass@gmail.com)
Our Lady of the Angels Province – Delegate for the Marian Apostolate

Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph ~ 125th Anniversary

Posted on by

Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022: Several of our friars were invited to share in the 125th Anniversary celebration of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSSJ), in Hamburg, NY, at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church.  Our Lady of the Angels Province friars on hand included Fr. Ross Syracuse, OFM Conv. (pastor – bottom right) who hosted the event, the Very Reverend Fr. Michael Zielke, OFM Conv. (Minister Provincial of St. Bonaventure Province – 2nd from bottom left) presided at the Mass, and the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province – bottom left) preached the homily, and Fr. Mark David Skura, OFM Conv. (Instructor at St. Francis High School and Chaplain for the FSSJ Motherhouse) received the Sisters’ renewal of vows. Other area friars in attendance were Fr. Charles Jagodzinski, OFM Conv. and Br. Daniel Geary, OFM Conv. (Chaplain & Director of the Fr. Justin Rosary Hour).

There are more photos of the celebration available on the FSSJ website.

Homily for 125th Anniversary of FSSJ

April 30, 2022 M.I. Pilgrimage Announcement (3)

Posted on by

We believe that Our Lady and St. Maximilian are now asking us, as a community of Franciscan Friars Conventual to sponsor the 1st Annual Franciscan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 30, 2022. The Program for the day is below and we invite all friars, M.I. members, and all the faithful to join us in celebrating our devotion to the Immaculate Mother of God. If you are already enrolled in M.I., you should have received a letter with instruction on registration. If you are not, simply join us for the day, making your own arrangements or making them via a group from your parish or community.1st ANNUAL FRANCISCAN PILGRIMAGE
TO THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
SPONSORED BY THE FRANCISCANS OF
OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS PROVINCE, USA

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022
PROGRAM

  • 11.00 a.m. – WORDS OF WELCOME from the Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, ORIENTATION from Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., Provincial Assistant of the Militia of the Immaculate
  • 11.30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – LUNCH TIME
  • 1:00 p.m. – 1.30 p.m. – Seated Overview TOUR of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica)
  • 1.30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – COMMUNAL PRAYER
  • 2:00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. – EUCHARISTIC LITURGY and CLOSING
  • 3.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. – FREE TIME (There is a scheduled Vigil Mass at 4.30 p.m. The Basilica closes at 6.00 p.m.)
Posted in MI

Franciscan Soy Candles

Posted on by

Our Franciscan Soy Candles Ministry is getting ready for the busy month of May with Mother’s Day, Honoring Our Lady, College Graduations and so much more. These candles are also a unique customizable addition to any Birthday or Weddings Celebration centerpieces. Individually they make great gifts for any occasions and the custom labels can even be used as a special remembrances of loved ones. Created by our friars to benefit our province’s Franciscan Charity Fund, this season features many new designs. As always, candles can be ordered by the case, and Br. Brian will be happy to work with you to add your own touch. Visit the website: Handcrafted Franciscan Soy Candles for more information or to place your order today!

Holy Week & Easter 2022

Posted on by

Easter Greeting from Fr. Richard-Jacob Forcier, OFM Conv., the Rector and Director of The Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD:

Easter Sunday at Holy Cross Catholic Church (Español Ministry), in Atlanta, GA

Holy Saturday Egg Hunt at The Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City, MD

Matriz São Pedro e São Paulo, in Paraíba do Sul – RJ (Baptism during the Easter Vigil, celebrated by Frei Michel da Cruz Alves dos Santos, OFM Conv., a friar of our Province’s Immaculate Conception Custody, in Brazil)

Postulants of the North American Provinces after Easter Vespers in the St. Bonaventure Friary (Conventual Franciscan Postulancy USA) Chapel, in Chicago

Easter Sunday at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, in Jonesboro, GA

Easter Vigil at St. Lucie Catholic Church, in Port St. Lucie, FL

Blessing of the Easter Food at Our Lady of the Cross Parish, in Holyoke, MA.

Egg Hunt at St. Casimir Church, in Baltimore.

Two students Baptized and 10 Confirmed during the Easter Vigil at Syracuse University

Easter Sunday Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church, in Kensington, CT: