The Friars pray for Baltimore
A message from Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv.
The Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province are praying for everyone involved in this morning’s tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. We remember the victims and their families, may God grant them comfort and peace. We pray for the brave first responders who put their own lives at risk in the recovery effort, and we pray for strength for the government officials who are tasked with leading the Baltimore community in the aftermath of this horrifying event. During this Holy Week let us be united in prayer with the people of Baltimore.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine director meets with Holy Father
Melissa Miscevic Bramble, director of Operations at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine and Historic Site greets Pope Francis at the Vatican.
During the March 7-8 International Conference Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity held in Rome, our very own Melissa Miscevic Bramble, director of Operations at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine and Historic Site in Fonda N.Y., gave a presentation on Kateri! Melissa is doing fantastic ministry alongside the Shrine’s chaplain, Friar Joe Angelini, OFM Conv. It is great to see the 1938 dream of Thomas Grassmann continue to grow!
Melissa even got to meet Pope Francis, who sends his regards to all of Our Lady of the Angels Province. Take a look at her presentation, linked below. One point Melissa stressed was that, when Kateri faced opposition and difficulties in her life, she went deeper into her relationship with Jesus.
https://www.youtube.com/live/BfAbsGnEvP4?si=jRFmA4kknZRfd6Mc&t=8239
By Our Lady of the Angels Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv.
+Gerald Seipp Embraced by Sister Death
Br. Gerald (“Gerry”) Seipp, OFM Conv., 80, a Franciscan Friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, died peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Granby, Conn.
Born in Baltimore on Apr. 11, 1943, he was the younger son of Joseph and Anna Mary (nee Rezed) Seipp. After spending some time at Patterson High School, he withdrew to care for his ailing mother. After nine years working as manager of the Record Department at Two Guys’ Department Store on Belair Rd., Br. Gerry entered the Novitiate of the Conventual Franciscans in Ellicott City, Md., in 1973.
Br. Gerry made his first profession of vows on Aug. 15, 1974. He professed solemn vows on Aug. 15, 1977. Perhaps most remembered for his simplicity and love of trains, Br. Gerry gave more than 50 years of witness to the vocation of the religious brother in the Church.
Between 1977 and 1982, Br. Gerry ministered with the Militia of the Immaculate, based in Granby, Mass. His work there caught the attention of the minister general, who requested Br. Gerry be sent to Rome to assist with the Marian Apostolate of the Order. Instead, he moved to Boswell, Penn., where he served as a pastoral minister, laying some of the early groundwork for religious brothers’ involvement in parish life.
Between 1983 and 1996, Br. Gerry was assigned to Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baltimore. He again assisted in a parochial setting in Trenton from 1996 to 2000, before beginning a 16-year presence at the Shrine of Saint Anthony in Ellicott City. In 2016, Br. Gerry moved to Rensselaer N.Y. In 2019, he was assigned to Chicopee, Mass. With declining health, Br. Gerry moved to his final assignment at Our Lady of Angels Care Center in Enfield, Conn.
Visitation hours will be held Friday, March 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Angels Care Center (1315 Enfield St., Enfield Conn.), with a Franciscan Wake Service at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 18, at 2:00 p.m., at the Shrine of Saint Anthony (12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City Md.), followed by burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Baltimore. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Education Fund (12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City MD 21042).
Joy to the Heart: An Essay on the January Sophomore Retreat
Adrian Font ‘26 (right) with Danny Chung-A-Fung ‘24, one of the retreat leaders, at the Little Portion Farm.
When one “retreats”, it is a form of reconnecting with something foundational, whether it be with internal conflicts or external influences. Retreating, in its essence, serves as a powerful means of rediscovering and reinforcing connections. To me, the January Sophomore Retreat was a journey of reconnecting with the profound roots embedded in Xaverian history and Charism, and after experiencing that retreat I felt reconnected with that Xavierian history. Stepping out of the routine of our everyday lives provided a rare opportunity to delve into profound reflections on our true motives and how we live our lives and prioritize what truly matters.
As we know by now, the Xaverian values are woven into the framework of the Good Counsel Community. These values serve as the philosophy that contributes to the cultivation of individuals striving to become the best versions of themselves. In this retreat, we had the opportunity to focus on the Xaverian value of Zeal. To me, opening mass with Father Tom was a humbling experience where I could practice my faith. Usually, we go to Mass every Sunday with different intentions in mind, but this Mass felt different and we were nurturing different parts of ourselves. I feel that is the reason why this mass was implemented in the retreat because it contributed to our retreating.
We then had the opportunity to connect with our fellow sophomores in small groups. While we were in our small groups, we went around the room and shared our strengths and weaknesses, and it felt nice seeing others make themselves vulnerable and more relatable. One of the members in my group sang a song as her talent and it was shocking to find out that she was that talented at singing because I didn’t know that before. I think I was able to have zeal in the moments I shared with my small group because of the different environment in contrast to school. Even though I was not friends with most of the people in my small group, I was able to get to know them better- because again, a retreat is all about reconnecting.
We also played this “Xaverian Values Game” where we had to express one of the Xaverian Values by acting it out or conveying it in some sort of way. For example, to represent trust, we conducted a trust fall, which surprisingly did not convey the value well enough for the person to guess!
For most, one of the more resonating moments in this retreat was the outdoor community work at the Little Portion Farm, located on the property of the Shrine. We originally thought that we would be able to work with power tools and construct tables, but we ended up working in the fields trimming asparagus and okra crops. It felt nice to give back to the Little Portion Farm because the farm was a medium to give back to those in need, and I was happy to be a small part of it.
During our closing prayer service, the responsorial psalm came from Psalm 19:8, which says, “The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.” Directing my energy towards providing for something or someone other than myself felt good and satisfying- it’s almost as if it brought joy to my heart. I believe that Sophomore Retreat was an event that resonated uniquely with each sophomore, whether they were happy to be there, or would have rather been in a classroom at school. This retreat offered a diverse array of takeaways through the activities my retreat group took part in. The setting of the retreat was very tranquil and distracted from all the other worries I had been having.
Carving out time for reflection and connection is essential for leading more meaningful lives. I hope that each individual recognizes how much retreating and having a sense of community helps bring joy to the heart.
By Adrian Font, staff writer, The Talon, the student newspaper of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, located in Olney, Maryland.
Introducing Kristin Austin, Our Lady of the Angels Province’s new Pastoral Advocate
Our Lady of the Angels Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv., has announced that Kristin Austin, a licensed clinical social worker and certified clinical trauma professional, has been retained by the province as its new pastoral advocate. In her role as a consultant to the province, Kristin will respond to anyone who reports abuse or misconduct by a member of the province, receiving their allegation and providing pastoral accompaniment to them throughout the process and the time that they are engaged with the province on the matter.
“I have been thinking about this possibility for several years,” Friar Michael said. “We needed to find the right layperson who can share our Franciscan compassion and understanding with survivors. I believe Kristin fits perfectly. She will be in regular contact with the provincial administration. I pray that we will not need her services in the future but take comfort in knowing that if and when the need arises, we have a well-trained, experienced, compassionate person who will offer pastoral outreach in a way that we pray will bring healing.”
A graduate of St. Joseph’s University, Kristin volunteered for a year in Tacoma, Wash., and later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Maryland. She currently serves as a pastoral advocate for eight other male religious orders.
“I am sincerely grateful to Friar Michael Heine and Friar Gary Johnson for the opportunity to serve the province,” she said. “I have seen so much healing over the past 15 years in this ministry and look forward to assisting the Our Lady of the Angels Province in bringing more healing to all.”
To contact Kristin, please email her at kaustinlcswc@gmail.com or call 443-462-7787.
Friar Nevin Edwin Henry Hammon (1936 – 2024)
Fr. Nevin Edwin Henry Hammon, OFM Conv., 87, a Franciscan Friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at Enfield, Conn.
Born in Syracuse, N.Y., on Oct. 15, 1936, he was one of three sons born to Robert and Marie (nee Mautz) Hammon. Having grown up at Assumption Parish in Syracuse, Nevin entered the minor seminary of the Conventual Franciscans on Staten Island in 1951. He entered the Novitiate in Middleburg, N.Y., in 1956, making his first profession of vows on Aug.12, 1957.
Friar Nevin then went to Rome, studying at the Pontifical University of St. Bonaventure (“the Seraphicum”), where he earned his S.T.L. in 1963. During that time, he professed his solemn vows in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, on Dec. 11, 1960. He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome, on Feb. 17, 1963. Friar Nevin continued his studies at Lateran University in Rome, completing his J.C.D. in 1968. He then returned to the United States, serving as professor of Canon Law at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, N.Y., a position he held until 1987.
From 1987-1991, Friar Nevin ministered as associate pastor and director of Adult Religious Education at St. John the Evangelist Parish in New York City. Between 1991 and 1997, Friar Nevin resided in Syracuse while caring for his dying mother. Following his mother’s death and final disposition of her estate, he moved to Alabama, where he helped launch the seminary for the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, whose Constitutions and statutes he was responsible for composing.
In 1998, Friar Nevin returned to Rome, beginning a 13-year ministry as a confessor at the Vatican Penitentiary. During that time, in 2008, he was installed as a Papal Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. Returning again to the U.S. in 2012, he was first assigned in residence at Bridgeport, N.Y., before moving back to his native Syracuse. In 2022, his health beginning to fail, Friar Nevin transitioned to Our Lady of the Angels Care Center in Enfield where he remained until his death.
Visitation hours will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Care Center (1315 Enfield St., Enfield), with a Franciscan Wake Service at 4 p.m. Following a second viewing from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. at Assumption Church (812 N Salina St., Syracuse), followed by burial in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Education Fund (12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City MD 21042).
Franciscan Center in Baltimore Now Sponsored by OLA Province
The Franciscan Center of Baltimore was given a renovated dinning room and basic infrastructure for the Culinary Training Kitchen in 2022. The Franciscan Center has been a cornerstone in Baltimore, delivering vital services such as food, clothing, emergency aid, counseling and technology training. (Courtesy Franciscan Center)
Franciscan Sister Joanne Schatzlein, director of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in Wisconsin, called it “truly a gift of God” that the Ellicott City-based Our Lady of the Angels Province of the Conventual Franciscans has taken over sponsorship of the Franciscan Center in Baltimore from the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi.
The transfer was announced Nov. 29 to coincide with the feast of All Saints of the Seraphic Order, the 800th anniversary of the signing of the 1223 Rule of St. Francis which marked the founding of the Franciscan order.
The Franciscan Center was founded in 1968 by the Franciscan Sisters of Baltimore, a women’s religious community that merged with the Milwaukee-based Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in 2001.
Since its establishment, the Franciscan Center has been a cornerstone in Baltimore, delivering vital services such as food, clothing, emergency aid, counseling and technology training. The approach aims to assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency.
The decision of Our Lady of the Angels Province to assume sponsorship followed an invitation from the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. The Conventual Franciscans, an order of priests and brothers, embraced the invitation, as the sisters gradually divest themselves from certain communities.
“Our brothers’ overwhelming hospitality and their assurance that we will remain part of their family into the future affirm that we are entrusting the Franciscan Center to the right group of Franciscans,” Sister Joanne told the Catholic Review.
To commemorate the transition, a special Mass was held at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City Nov. 29.
“We think it’s a perfect fit for our friars and are really looking forward to working there,” said Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine, minister provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province.
The Conventual Franciscans have been actively involved in the center’s activities in the past, supplying fresh produce from Little Portion Farm in Ellicott City.
Angela Hall, assistant executive director of the Franciscan Center, highlighted the 24-Hours of Cooking and Serving program, where 4,000 fresh meals were prepared and delivered to various communities in need.
This culinary event extended its reach beyond the Franciscan Center, providing meals to homeless encampments, winter shelters, senior homes and selected local nonprofits. The center’s staff and volunteers worked together to deliver meals at midnight to places such as hospital emergency rooms, police stations, fire departments and public works teams. Thirty chefs, each contributing at least two hours, prepared a variety of dishes, including Italian-style meatloaf, jerk-roasted turkey, coffee-rubbed roasted brisket, and brown-sugar-glazed pit ham.
The Franciscan Center has undergone significant renovations and physical improvements in recent years, including an indoor dining room, a client choice pantry, a training kitchen, a computer lab, an education center, a clothing intake room and a new Mace Street entrance, representing a significant evolution.
The Franciscan Center, sponsored primarily for spiritual support by the friars, will maintain its independent operation. Father Heine emphasized the friars’ goal of upholding the Franciscan spirit, contributing to the board and cultivating a stronger connection with the broader Franciscan community.
“We’re really excited, and the friars are very excited that we’re doing this,” he said.
Email Adriana Montes at amontes@CatholicReview.org
Courtesy: The Catholic Review
