Friar Richard Florek , OFM Conv., a Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, died on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Born in Buffalo on Dec. 23, 1944, he was son of the late Walter and Genevieve (nee Kuzara) Florek. He is survived by his sisters, Geraldine Weiss and Marianne Vidal, along with many nephews and nieces. Friar Richard grew up with the Conventual Franciscans, first as a parishioner and student at St. Casimir Parish and then as a student at Bishop Ryan High School, both in Buffalo.
After graduating high school, Friar Richard entered the Novitiate of the Conventual Fraciscans in Ellicott City, Md., being given the religious name “Chrysostom.” He professed simple vows on Aug.15, 1963. He then attended St. Hyacinth College & Seminary in Granby, Mass., earning his bachelor’s in philosophy before professing solemn vows on Aug. 15, 1966. He completed theological studies at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, N.Y., and was ordained to the priesthood in Albany on May 20, 1972.
At a time when most friars went into the high school apostolate after completing initial formation, Frair Richard bucked the trend and dove into parish life. His first assignment was to St. Casimir Parish in Riverside, N.J., where he ministered from 1972-1982. He then served three years as pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Mt. Joy, Penn., before commencing a 10 year assignment as co-pastor and then pastor of St. Paul Parish in Kensington, Conn. In 1995, he started another decade of ministry as pastor of St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Parish in Baltimore, Md. Friar Richard then moved to Boynton Beach, Fla., where he served as pastor of St. Mark Parish until 2014. He continued living in residence at St. Mark Friary until his death.
Visitation hours will be held Thursday, March 27,from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at St. Mark Catholic Church (643 NE 4th Avenue, Boynton Beach FL 33435), with a Franciscan Wake Service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark’s on Friday, March 28 at 11 a.m.Another Funeral Mass will be celebrated, in the chapel of St. Francis High School (4129 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg NY 14075) on Wednesday, Apr. 2, at 12:00 p.m., preceded by an hour of visitation. Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Buffalo N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Aged & Infirm Fund (12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City MD 21042).
On Feb. 22 and 23, the Custody of the Immaculate Conception of Brazil had the joy of receiving eight missionaries and volunteers from the Militia of the Immaculate Conception in São Bernardo do Campo/SP at the Santa Cecília Parish in Belo Horizonte/MG.
They went to spread the word about the charisma and the new open Catholic TV channel in Belo Horizonte/MG: TV Imaculada 15.1. The missionaries were received by the parish priest, Friar Fábio Soares da Silva, OFM Conv., and by the other confreres of the Convent of Our Lady of the Angels: Friar Marcelo dos Santos Silva, OFM Conv. and Friar Lindomar de Jesus Carvalho, OFM Conv. The missionaries were sent to the various chapels that make up the Santa Cecília Parish.
In addition to the publicity, miraculous medals and magazines of the Militia of the Immaculate, inspired by the evangelizing style of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, were offered to the faithful who participated in the Celebrations. Full of gratitude, we praise God for such great benefits!
“As we begin these 40 days of Lent, we ask the Lord to help us to change. We pray that the Lord helps us to change so that we may be able to experience the warmth and the sun of Jesus the Son, risen from the dead at Easter.”
~ Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Every Wednesday night, over 100 college students gather at the Newman Catholic Student Center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill for “Carolina Catholic Night” – a midweek opportunity to grow in faith and friendships, with an opening activity, a student speaker, live music, and a student-cooked meal.
In January, students were delighted to be joined by Friar Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., bishop of Charlotte, as a guest speaker and they designed an activity with him in mind: a Charlotte Trivia contest. The final question pitted Bishop Martin against his confrere and former housemate, Friar Tim Kulbicki, OFM Conv., pastor and director of campus ministry at the Newman Center. Bishop Martin shared that he had known Friar Tim since high school. Perhaps that explains the bishop’s overjoyed reaction when he won the round.
Bishop Martin read from the fifth chapter of Luke’s Gospel, when Jesus tells Peter: “duc in altum” (“put out into deep water”) and lower his nets. So many fish filled the nets that Peter and Andrew called their friends to help. “I think for many of us in our lives of faith, we are so afraid of what might be in those deep waters,” Bishop Martin said. “But Jesus says to you and to me in multiple ways throughout our lives: ‘duc in altum’ – ‘go deeper.’ Go deeper.”
“It meant a lot to see Bishop Mike take time out of his busy schedule and spend some time with us students,” said Patrick Jones, a junior from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jefferson. It was nice, he said to “have that reminder to live our faith boldly in the middle of a busy semester.”
— Photos provided by Joseph Pham
Reprinted with the permission of the Catholic News Herald, Diocese of Charlotte.
Situated on 236 acres of rolling hills and woodlands in the heart of the Baltimore-Washington area, the Shrine of St. Anthony offers a unique opportunity to “come away and rest awhile.” (Mk 6:31)
The Franciscan Friars Conventual are pleased to welcome all Pilgrims of Hope to the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland, especially during this Jubilee Year. Virtual pilgrims can experience the beauty of this holy place and walk the halls on a unique virtual tour experience.
Dive in and learn about the design of our chapel, see a first-class relic up close, and even view photographs of the original construction of the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary almost 100 years ago. The virtual tour also features 13 murals depicting the life and ministry of St. Anthony of Padua.
The Syracuse University Catholic Center celebrates a weekly “Community Night” every Thursday, beginning with Mass at 7 p.m., followed by a delicious catered dinner attended by about 100 students. The students select the menu. On the final Thursday of the month, students are asked to “pay it forward.”
After dinner they make bologna and cheese sandwiches to bring to the Assumption Food Pantry on the north side of Syracuse. The pantry is run and operated by our friars. On Jan. 30,2025, more than 600 sandwiches were made in less than 20 minutes. “As they say, many hands make light work,” said Syracuse University Catholic Chaplain Friar Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv. “On Friday morning, I invite those students who have an hour free to join me in the delivery. The sandwiches are served for lunch that day.”
Members of local faithful fraternities Pi Kappa Alpha and Psi Upsilon also attended. Theta Chi usually attends as well but members were engaged with their annual philanthropy event.
+ Friar David Young, OFM Conv., a friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province living in England, died on Jan. 11, 2025.Born on March 1, 1933, Friar David made Solemn Vows as a Greyfriar on Nov. 29, 1957. After having studied in Beaumaris, Wales, and Rome, he was ordained a priest in the church of St, Clare, Manchester, England, on July 19, 1959. He exercised his priestly ministry in many parishes including Liverpool (1962-64) Dublin, London, Rye, and Manchester. He was also called to teach in the seminaries in Beaumaris and Canterbury, and a Grammar School in Manchester.
For a time, he was editor of the Crusader magazine and the Director for the Crusade of Mary Immaculate. Friar David retired from active ministry, due to ill health, some six years ago and his final assignment was at the friary in Liverpool. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m., at St. Clare’s, Blackley. This will be followed by interment at Allerton Cemetery, Liverpool.
The main Marian project for this quadrennium is to visit our pastoral ministry sites and preach on the lives of three contemporary Polish saints (Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Faustina Kowalska, OLM and St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv.) and their devotion to Mary Immaculate. The holy lives of these great saints of the twentieth century continue to bless the Catholic Church and the world. We will look at each saint’s unique “entrustment” to the Immaculate Mother of God that inevitably led to a deeper relationship with Christ and a fuller understanding of God’s will in their lives. At every stop on the tour, first-class relics of the saints will accompany us for the veneration of the faithful. More information will follow, but for now, check out the tour schedule and be sure to join our friars at a parish location nearest to you.
Our Lady of the Angels Province Marian Apostolate Three Contemporary Polish Saints and their Devotion to the Immaculate
Following the success of our province’s first annual pilgrimage, to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. back in April 2022, Our Lady of the Angels Province friars will sponsor the Second Annual Franciscan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington D.C., on Saturday, April 29, 2023. We hope this will become an annual, fraternal gathering and celebration, looking forward to being together with you to honor the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States and our Order. Gather your family, friends or group and meet Friar Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. (pictured below) there, ready to begin the day together. Be sure to arrive well before the 11:00 a.m. WORDS OF WELCOME so you (or your group) will be able to find parking. (More info on the Basilica)
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
11.00 a.m. – WORDS OF WELCOME from the Very Rev. Michael Heine, OFM Conv., Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province and Msgr. Vito Buonanno, Director of Pilgrimages at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
11.30 a.m. – LUNCH TIME
1.00 p.m. – CONFERENCE “Behold Your Mother” by Rev. James McCurry, OFM Conv.
2.00 p.m. – COMMUNAL PRAYER
2.30 p.m. – EUCHARISTIC LITURGY and CLOSING
3.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. – FREE TIME (There is a scheduled Vigil Mass at 4.30 p.m. The Basilica closes at 6.00 p.m.)
________________
During the Our Lady of the Angels 2022 Provincial Chapter, our friars elected Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. for another four-year term as Province Delegate for the Marian Apostolate. In that capacity, he hopes to continue promoting devotion to the Immaculate Conception by way of a number of initiatives.
More Province Marian Apostolate News:
~ August 19-29, 2023, the friars will again lead a pilgrimage to Marian Shrines in Europe. This year we will travel to the most important Holy Shrines in England and Scotland, including attending a performance of the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The well-planned program promises to be an unforgettable experience. Information and Registration Flier.
~ Finally, in the Fall of 2023 and continuing for three years, Friar Jobe will be carrying out a tour of all the pastoral sites of Our Lady of the Angels Province. He will be highlighting and comparing the lives of three contemporary Polish saints in relation to the Immaculate Mother of God: St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., St. Faustina Kowalska, OLM and Pope St. John Paul II. Invoking their intercession and blessing for the tour, he will be accompanied by first-class relics of these saints. The schedule of dates for the ministry site visits will be finalized over the next few months. More information will follow.
At the July session of our 2022 Our Lady of the Angels Provincial Chapter, our friars again elected Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. for another four-year term as Province Delegate for the Marian Apostolate. In that capacity, he hopes to continue promoting devotion to the Immaculate Conception by way of a number of initiatives.
Mark Your Calendars!
Following the success of our province’s first annual pilgrimage, to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. (April 2022), Our Lady of the Angels Province friars will sponsor the Second Annual Franciscan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington D.C., on Saturday, April 29, 2023. We hope this will become an annual, fraternal gathering and celebration, looking forward to being together with you to honor the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States and our Order. Gather your family, friends or group and meet Friar Jobe there, ready to begin the day together. Be sure to arrive well before the 11:00 a.m. WORDS OF WELCOME so you (or your group) will be able to find parking. (Info on the Basilica)
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
11.00 a.m. – WORDS OF WELCOME from the Very Rev. Michael Heine, OFM Conv., Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province and Msgr. Vito Buonanno, Director of Pilgrimages at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
11.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. – LUNCH TIME
1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m. – CONFERENCE “Behold Your Mother” (Rev. James McCurry, OFM Conv.)
2.00 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. – COMMUNAL PRAYER
2.30 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. – EUCHARISTIC LITURGY and CLOSING
3.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. – FREE TIME (There is a scheduled Vigil Mass at 4.30 p.m. The Basilica closes at 6.00 p.m.)
________________
~ August 19-29, 2023, the friars will again lead a pilgrimage to Marian Shrines in Europe. This year we will travel to the most important Holy Shrines in England and Scotland, including attending a performance of the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The well-planned program promises to be an unforgettable experience. Information and Registration Flier.
~ Finally, in the Fall of 2023 and continuing for three years, Friar Jobe will be carrying out a tour of all the pastoral sites of Our Lady of the Angels Province. He will be highlighting and comparing the lives of three contemporary Polish saints in relation to the Immaculate Mother of God: St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., St. Faustina Kowalska, OLM and Pope St. John Paul II. Invoking their intercession and blessing for the tour, he will be accompanied by first-class relics of these saints. The schedule of dates for the ministry site visits will be finalized over the next few months. More information will follow.
During the Our Lady of the Angels 2022 Provincial Chapter, our friars elected Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. for another four-year term as Province Delegate for the Marian Apostolate. In that capacity, he hopes to continue promoting devotion to the Immaculate Conception by way of a number of initiatives.
At the July session of our 2022 Our Lady of the Angels Provincial Chapter, our friars again elected Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. for another four-year term as Province Delegate for the Marian Apostolate. In that capacity, he hopes to continue promoting devotion to the Immaculate Conception by way of a number of initiatives.
