Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the thirteenth successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr ~ Chicopee, MA
On the weekend of November 16-17, 2019, Friar Jobe was welcomed by the friars of our St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Friary, in Chicopee, MA: Br. Michael Duffy, OFM Conv. (Friary Guardian, Province Regent of Studies, Professor at the College of Our Lady of the Elms School of Nursing, Creator of the Elms caRe vaN, & VP Board of Directors ~ Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry), Fr. Joseph Bayne, OFM Conv. (Pastor ~ Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr), Fr. Paul Miskiewicz, OFM Conv. (photo cred: Parochial Vicar ~ Basilica), Fr. Mieczysław “Mietek” Wilk, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar ~ Basilica) and Fr. Nicholas Spano, OFM Conv. (Operations Manager ~ Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry and Mass Assistance at the Basilica). At the six weekend Masses in the parish, which is already well-known for its Marian devotion, the invitation regarding consecration to the Immaculate was warmly received.
A sampling of the many of the parishioners who enrolled in the M.I. gathered in the Lower Basilica for a photo with Friar Jobe and Friar Mietek.
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the twelfth successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
On the weekend of November 9-10, 2019 the M.I. Initiative promoting consecration to the Immaculate was welcomed by the friars of our St. Francis Friary (Syracuse, NY) as it made its 12th stop at our pastoral ministry of Assumption Church. At the two weekend Masses parishioners showed interest and appreciation for the work of the friars living at St. Francis Friary. On the left of the photo below, taken by the Friary Guardian – Friar Ed Falsey, OFM Conv. (Psychotherapist), are Friar Joseph Freitag, OFM Conv. (Pastoral Associate) in front of Friar Gregory Spuhler, OFM Conv. (Director of Assumption Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen), by with many of the parishioners who attended Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mass. At the top right center is Friar Jobe next to Deacon Phil Slominski, OFS. Friar Robert Amrhein, OFM Conv. is just over Friar Jobe’s shoulder. Also living in the St. Francis Friary are Fr. Adam Keltos, OFM Conv. (Friar Robert and Friar Adam serve in priestly ministry at our The Franciscan Place Mall Ministry as well as for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities), Friar Robert’s brother – Friar James Amrhein, OFM Conv. (retired), Friar Gerald Waterman, OFM Conv. (Campus Ministry at Syracuse University & SUNY-ESF) and the Pastor of Assumption, Friar Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv.
Under the direction of Our Lady of the Angels Province Delegate to the M.I & Provincial Delegate of our Province’s Delegation of St. Francis of Assisi (Canada), Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv. & Spiritual Guide, the Very Reverend Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (Minister Provincial of OLA Province), forty pilgrims, including six friars, participated in October 21-31, 2019 Franciscan MI Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Above is a photo of our friar pilgrims, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., Friar John Voytek, OFM Conv., Friar James McCurry, OFM Conv., Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv., Friar Robert Benko, OFM Conv. and Friar Gregory Spuhler, OFM Conv. at the October 23rd stop in Nazareth. Below is a photo of the whole group on October 25th, during their visit to Mount Tabor.
More photos can be seen in a slideshow on our Province Facebook Page
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the eleventh successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
Holy Family Parish, Kingston, ON Canada
On the weekend of October 19-20, the friars of St. Antony Friary welcomed back Fr. Jobe, as the M.I. Initiative made its 11th stop at Holy Family Parish, in Kingston, ON Canada. Reminded by the psalmist that our help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth, the parishioners pondered the role of the Immaculate and her constant intercessory help before the Lord. A great many of parishioners who attended the three Masses welcomed the invitation to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Conception and to enroll in the M.I.
Friar James Fukes, OFM Conv. (pastor) and Friar Jobe with a sampling of the Holy Family parishioners
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed part one of the tenth successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
Parish Community of St. John the Apostle, Kingston, ON Canada
Over Canada’s Thanksgiving Weekend of October 12-13, 2019, the Friars of St. Anthony Friary, in Kingston, Ontario ~ Fr. James Fukes, OFM Conv. (Friary Guardian and Pastor of Holy Family Parish, as well as Chaplain of Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School), Fr. Edward Debono, OFM Conv. (Chaplain of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul), and Fr. David Collins, OFM Conv. (Pastor of the Parish Community of St. John the Apostle, as well as Chaplain for Kinston General Hospital) warmly received Friar Jobe to the tenth stop on our M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries.
On this tenth stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour, in keeping with the weekend, along with the leper and Naaman the Syrian, those celebrating Mass together at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church gave thanks to God especially for our faith and for the Virgin Most Faithful, the Immaculate Conception. All three Mases were well attended and with many M.I. enrollment among the parishioners. In the photo is a sampling of the parishioners of St. John the Apostle along with Friar David (center), and Friar Jobe (two to his left). Between them is pictured Fr. Varghese Puthenpurackal, OFM Conv. who arrived in Canada two weeks ago from India. He is assigned to our St. André Bessette Friary, with Friar Jobe, to serve as Chaplain for Ottawa’s Queensway Carleton Hospital. This was his first time visiting our Kingston parish and friary.
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed part one of the ninth successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church ~ Baltimore, MD (Rosedale Community)
St. Michael the Archangel Church ~ Baltimore, MD (Overlea Community)
Church of the Annunciation ~ Baltimore, MD (Rosedale Community)
On the weekend of September 21-22, 2019, the Our Lady of the Angels Province friars serving one of the two Pastorates of the Archdiocese of Baltimore for whom we serve welcomed Friar Jobe on the first part of his ninth stop, of our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. The Baltimore County pastorate includes St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church, St. Michael the Archangel Church and the Church of the Annunciation. The second Archdiocese of Baltimore Pastorate where friars of our province serve is located in Baltimore City.
The friars of St. Michael Friary, in the Overlea area of Baltimore County, are aided often by friars from other Baltimore area friaries, serving in other ministries, assist their confreres of these two Archdiocese of Baltimore Pastorates. On this particular weekend, Fr. Chris Dudek, OFM Conv., who lives in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Friary and serves in ministry at our Archbishop Curley High School (Baltimore), came to assist with Masses at St. Michael the Archangel Church, and presided at the Mass where Fr. Jobe preached. He is pictured in the group photo from St. Michael the Archangel Church below – centered under Fr. Jobe.
Sampling of the St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Church Parishioners
Sampling of the St. Michael the Archangel Church Parishioners
Sampling of the Church of the Annunciation Parishioners
After being warmly received by the friars who reside at St. Michael Friary, Fr. Jobe was quickly able to appreciate the extent of the ministry involved here. With a total of ten Masses in the three parishes, Fr. Jobe was only able to preach at five of the Masses this past weekend. Next weekend, September 28-29, 2019, he will return for part II of the ninth stop of our Province M.I Initiative Tour, to preach at the remaining five. A great many of the parishioners responded positively regarding Marian Consecration and the M.I. in general, a sampling of whom are pictured above, along with Friar Jobe and Friar Tim.
On Monday afternoon (September 23, 2019), Friar Jobe visited with St. Michael-St. Clement School’s “Children of Mary.” Friar Jobe spoke to the students about the Militia Immaculata and total consecration to the Immaculate. The school Principal, Mr. Paul Kristoff, joined the students for the presentation, as well. (Friar Tim – left, Friar Jobe – 2nd to left)
After his time in the Baltimore area, Fr. Jobe will head back North to Canada, where his next stop (#10) will be at our Kingston Ontario pastoral ministries ~ the Parish Community of St. John the Apostle, October 12-13, 2019 and Holy Family Parish, October 19-20, 2019.
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the eighth successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, in Athol Springs (Hamburg), NY
On the weekend of September 14-15, 2019, several Our Lady of the Angels Province friars serving in the Athol Springs, NY area, including ~ Fr. Ross Syracuse, OFM Conv. (Friary Guardian and Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church) and Br. Daniel Geary, OFM Conv. (Chaplain of our Fr. Justin Rosary Hour) warmly received Friar Jobe to the eighth stop on our M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries.
On this eighth stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour, parishioners were quite positively engaged. Many of the 500 attending the Masses decided to make their consecration to the Immaculate and enroll in the M.I. In the photo are some of the parishioners along with Friar Jobe (green vestments – center), Friar Ross (in habit – front) and Friar Daniel (in habit – over the shoulder of Friar Jobe).
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province has been progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the seventh successful and rewarding stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
The Franciscan Church at St. Bonaventure, in Toronto, ON
On the weekend of September 7-8, 2019, Our Lady of the Angels Province friars ~ Br. Tom Purcell, OFM Conv. (Friary Guardian and Executive Director of St. Clare Inn), Fr. Boniface Reinhart, OFM Conv. (Turning 92 later this month, Friar Boniface is the 2nd oldest friar of our province), Fr. Mark Steed, OFM Conv., Fr. Dennis Mason, OFM Conv. (Pastor) and Fr. Peter Knaapen, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar) welcomed Friar Jobe to our Province Canadian Delegation of St. Francis of Assisi’s St. Bonaventure Friary and The Franciscan Church at St. Bonaventure, for the seventh stop on our M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries.
The Masses were well attended and the parishioners were interested and engaged by the message of St. Maximilian to consecrate ourselves to the Immaculate so that, as instruments in her hands, all might be drawn closer to Christ and His Sacred Heart in the world. In the picture above, Friar Jobe (center in green vestments) is with many of the parishioners who decided to enroll in the M.I. as well as many others joined the photo to celebrate the September 8th Nativity of Our Blessed Mother.
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province is progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the sixth stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary’s Parish, in Brooklyn, NY
On the weekend of August 24-25, 2019, Our Lady of the Angels Province friars ~ Fr. Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, OFM Conv (Friary Guardian and Pastor), Fr. Nader Ata, OFM Conv. (Parochial Vicar), Fr. Russell Governale, OFM Conv. (Vocations Director) and Fr. Tomaz Ryba, OFM Conv. (Friar from Krakow serving as Parochial Vicar) welcomed Friar Jobe to our Most Holy Trinity Friary and Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary’s Parish (Brooklyn, NY) for the sixth stop on our M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries.
With the help of our friars serving at the parish, our message was well received in the parish’s three languages – Spanish, Polish and English. The weekend was made all the more special since that Monday, August 26th was the Feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa (see note below). Many of the parishioners who made their personal consecration to the Immaculate, after the 12.30 p.m. Mass, are pictured above, with Friar Raphael (center right in green vestments) and Friar Jobe (center left in dark grey habit).
Note taken from the parish’s August 27, 2019 bulletin: “The devotion to Our Lady of Częstochowa centers on the icon of our Blessed Mother. Painted on wood, the icon itself depicts Mary pointing with her right hand and holding the Infant Jesus in her left; technically, this depiction of the Blessed Mother is identified in iconography as Hodegetria. As in other icons, Jesus looks like a small man held by his Mother, an imagery that reminds the faithful that Jesus is fully mature in His divine nature. Over time, due to exposure to devotional candles, the image has darkened, and consequently, Our Lady of Częstochowa is also known as the “Black Madonna.” As to its origins, tradition holds that St. Luke painted the icon on a wooden table top made by St. Joseph, which Mary had kept when she moved to Ephesus and lived under the care of St. John the Apostle. Remember St. Luke included in his Gospel details of the annunciation, visitation, Christmas, the presentation in the Temple and the finding in the Temple, which were not included in the other Gospels and which he must have learned from Mary herself. St. Helena is credited with finding the icon.”
Consistent with our Franciscan charism and tradition of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our province is progressing in our efforts to more fully tap into this devotion from our Kolbean heritage, through the example of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, OFM Conv., and the continued efforts of his Militia of the Immaculata’s (M.I.) unconditional consecration to the Immaculate. With a view to promoting consecration to the Immaculate among the faithful served through the ministries of our friars of Our Lady of the Angels Province, Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., who serves as our Province MI Assistant, has completed the fifth stop on our Province M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries. Over the next few years, Friar Jobe will preach at the Masses to encourage the faithful to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate and to enroll in the M.I.
On the weekend of August 17-18, 2019, Our Lady of the Angels Province friars ~ Fr. Miroslaw “Mirek” Podymniak, OFM Conv (Friary Guardian and Pastor), Fr. Herman Czaster, OFM Conv. and Fr. Stanisław Czerwonka, OFM Conv. (Friar from Krakow serving as Parochial Vicar) welcomed Friar Jobe to our St. Adalbert Friary and St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church (Elmhurst, NY) for the fifth stop on our M.I Initiative Tour of our pastoral ministries.
All four Sunday liturgies were well attended and the parishioners warmly received the invitation to make their personal consecration and join the M.I. In the photo are Fr. Jobe (green vestments) and Fr. Mirek (standing behind in habit) together with some of the faithful at the 11.30 Mass who made their consecration. On the weekend of August 24-25, 2019, our M.I. Initiative Tour moves to Most Holy Trinity Parish in Brooklyn, NY.
