Province Press. from The Communications Office THE. Dear Brothers ~ May the Lord give you peace!

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1 Issue September 2018 #17 THE Province Press from The Communications Office Dear Brothers ~ May the Lord give you peace! By all these lovely tokens September days are here, with summers best of weather and autumn s best of cheer. - Helen Hunt Jackson Another summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye. When you look back on it all, you can look back on what you learned and can prepare yourself for what lies ahead as we journey into winter? Did you stop and reflect on September 11th, the seventeenth anniversary of what we have come to name 9/11? Did you reflect on how the world has changed; for the good, for the bad? Did you read more? Did you write more? Did you take pictures of beautiful things? Did you grow in your skills and passions? Did you challenge yourself? Did you stay up late talking with a brother Franciscan or with a best friend from your youth? Did you meet a friar from another Franciscan Province? Did you keep up with communications on Revitalization and Restructuring of Franciscans in the United States? Did you meet a stranger? Did you make a new friend or friends? Did you travel? Even if it was just to somewhere else in your state? Did you cook or bake something really delicious? Did you try a new food? Did you go for walks? Did you tell someone you loved them? Did you visit someone in the hospital? Did you visit one of our senior friars in a nursing home, hospital? Did you cry while reading a good book or watching a movie? Did you go to any village, town, or city summer concerts? Did you take care of your physical health? What about your mental health? Did you hug someone you missed? Did you smile and laugh daily? Did you develop a new hobby? Did you spend some time alone with God? Did you make the most out of every opportunity? Maybe you did not do any of these things or even half of them and that is okay. Maybe you want to do them more often? Maybe you will do some of them this winter? One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter. Henry David Thoreau Enjoy the colors of Autumn. Peace and good! Jim 1

Province Celebrates 70 years in Greenwood, MS Excerpts from Br Patrick McCormack reflection at Celebration Mass Throughout our lives there are many anniversaries.

Vocations were plentiful. It was to this reality that Fathers Bonaventure and Chrysostom arrived in their 1947 station wagon. They were to serve the African American community in the Delta.

ncis Mission. Fr. Nathaniel Machesky with First Communicants from 1955 The earliest friars shared in the struggle for acceptance within the African American community.

2 Province Celebrates 70 years in Greenwood, MS Excerpts from Br Patrick McCormack reflection at Celebration Mass Throughout our lives there are many anniversaries. Today we celebrate the anniversary of the first friars arriving in Greenwood. Each time we come to an anniversary, we are called to remember, to celebrate and give thanks. Let s take a few moments to remember. July 1948 the temperature was 94 in Greenwood The friars of the Assumption Province were relatively young having been a province for only 9 years, even though we have been around since Vocations were plentiful. It was to this reality that Fathers Bonaventure and Chrysostom arrived in their 1947 station wagon. They were to serve the African American community in the Delta. Their initial Catholic congregation numbered 2! Shortly thereafter Father Nathaniel and Br. Adrian followed. Thus the humble beginnings of St. Francis Mission. Fr. Nathaniel Machesky with First Communicants from 1955 The earliest friars shared in the struggle for acceptance within the African American community. Early on there seemed little acceptance by either the anglo or black communities. Faith moved them forward. Realizing that education was severely lacking in the Black community, the Friars resolved to remedy this situation. Three short years after their arrival, St. Francis School opened its doors. The school has always been at the heart of St. Francis. So much history So many stories to tell so many reasons to celebrate! Now to get to the essential portion of these 70 years We remember we celebrate and we give thanks to God and the so many who have gotten us to where we are today in a special way a celebration of blessings and thanksgiving. We do this every week as a community and to celebrate this monumental moment in our history we would be remiss in not saying thanks to those who have and continue to be Eucharist in the lives and ministry of the friars. We are ever grateful to the pioneer friars who gave their lives to St. Francis and the people of 2

the Delta. We are grateful to all the friars who continued to keep the dream alive.

They continue to be our mentors and guides.

Update your Rolodex New Provincial Staff Emails Nicole Wildes, Finance Manager: FinanceOFM@thefranciscans.

3 the Delta. We are grateful to all the friars who continued to keep the dream alive. We stand in awe of their faith, dedication, and resolve in building all that was and is, St. Francis. They continue to be our mentors and guides. We are grateful to our Province for their continued support and belief in the Mission and Ministry of St. Francis. Photography by Andy Lo. Update your Rolodex New Provincial Staff s Nicole Wildes, Finance Manager: Ramona Brown, Accounting/ Medical Benefits: Patti Bergerson, Director of Development: Brian Bangart, Property Manager Jim Gannon, Provincial Minister: Ed Tlucek, Provinical Secretary: 3

4 Provincial Definitory Meeting St. Louis, Missouri August 20, 2018 Minutes Friary Personnel and Friaries Friars in Texas; Tom Luczak and Terrence Gorski: Jim Gannon spoke with Bishop Flores about the presence of the friars in Texas. After conversations with Bishop Daniel Flores, a tentative agreement has been made which will allow Tom and Terrence to remain at Holy Family Parish, Edinburg, TX. Tom will continue as pastor of Holy Family Parish, Terrence will serve as parochial associate. Bishop Flores will name a new pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, McAllan, TX. Andre LeMay: After a long period of healing, reflection and prayer, Andre has decided not to return to Holy Family Parish and St. Junipero Serra Friary in McAllen, TX. Presently, Andre is in Edinburg packing his candy making materials and his personal belongings. October 15th, Greg Plata and Jim Gannon will travel to Edinburg, TX and move Andre and Mario s personal belongings to Burlington, WI. Anthony Cirignani: Since the Provincial Council Meeting, Anthony has returned to his pastoral ministry at St. Mary of the Angels/St. Peter and Paul Parish, Green Bay, WI. The healing of his broken ankle is a very slow process. Anthony cannot place weight on the ankle and relies on a foot scooter to maneuver. The Provincial Council will continue conversations with Friars who may be available to live with Tony at St. Peter and Paul Friary and assist him in his pastoral ministry. William Stout: After making an application to St. Catherine of Siena High School, Kenosha, WI for the position of Campus Minister, Bill Stout was interviewed, offered and accepted the position of Campus Minister. Bill started August 27th. Congratulations to Bill! Blessing upon you and your ministry! Paul Belco: Before the August Provincial Council Meeting, Paul responded to a request to visit Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville, PA, for a period of three weeks. Brother Austin asked to accompany Paul. Since the Provincial Council Meeting, Austin has been dealing with health concerns. Paul has decided to put on hold his three week visit to Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville, PA. and continue to be a support to Austin and the friars of Assumption Friary. Sergius Wroblewski: After several weeks of physical therapy at the Milwaukee Catholic Home, Sergius returned to Queen of Peace Friary, Burlington, WI, Monday, August 20th. Welcome home, Sergius! 4

5 Formation Zachary Zeman: The Council approved Zachary s application to the Postulancy Program. Welcome home, Zach! We are very happy that you have resumed your discernment with us. Since the August Provincial Council meeting, Paul Fritz Newburgh, Daniel Samsal have begun their year of Postulancy at Holy Name College, Silver Springs, Maryland. Please remember in your daily prayers; Fritz, Daniel, Zach and all our young men in our Franciscan Formation Program. Finance/Property Zack Zeman 23, Treasurer s Report: Elgin, Illinois. Provincial Treasurer, John Cella, provided the Council with financial information. Cash flow is problematic and getting worse. We are dipping more and more into our investments to cover the expenses of the Province. As we lose income through retirement and death, we will continue to face this cash flow problem. The Printery: The Gorman Group asked to purchase the Printery Building at $325,000 since the Brown County Library withdrew its request to rent the first floor of the Printery building. Since the August Provincial Council Meeting we have received the following update from Brian Bangart, Property Manager: I wanted to let you know that we have a signed contract with Gorman group to purchase the printery. The Selling price of $325,000 (appraised value) The target closing date of 12/31/2018. There is an extension of 6 months which allows them until the end of June I presume the actual closing date will be 6/30/2019. Greenwood MS: Reverend Sanchez has been appointed the new pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Greenwood. Joachim Studwell and Camillus Janas will continue their parochial ministry at St. Francis Parish and the two satellite parish communities. St. Francis School ended the academic year, Friday, May 25, Seventy-three students have pre-registered for the 2018/2019 academic year. We extend a warm welcome to Sr. Maria Goretti Scandaloria who will join the Sisters in the teaching ministry at St. Francis School. August 6th, eighty-six students walked through the doors of St. Francis School to begin the new academic year. 5

The remains will be reinterred in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Beaver Meadows, PA St. Francis Friary: The building will be vacated by October 1, 2018.

6 6 Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville, PA: Conversations continue with several individual interested in the Sybertsville property. Transfer of the remains of nine Friars, interred in the cemetery on the grounds of Holy Dormition Friary, took place between Monday, September The remains will be reinterred in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Beaver Meadows, PA St. Francis Friary: The building will be vacated by October 1, It will be empty through the winter while bids for the demolition are collected and reviewed. Requests for Funds: St. Mary of the Angels Parish, Green Bay; the Council reviewed the request and approved $5,000. Regarding the request from the Franciscan Province in the Philippines. The Council reviewed the request and agreed to contribute $10,000 toward the construction of the Spirituality Center. Planning 2020 Provincial Chapter Planning Committee: Chair: Paul Reczek Committee Members: Andre LeMay Maxwell Klug Joel Szydlowski Greg Plata Jason Welle Carmen Scuderi Edward Tlucek (Liasion for Provincial Council) for the details of the meals. Prioritizing Provincial Ministries: There have been conversations among the Provincials about prioritizing our ministries as we move into discussions about the future. We identified The ABVM Province Priorities: St. Francis Mission, Greenwood, Mississippi Byzantine Ministry Franciscan Presence in The Valley, Holy Family Parish, Edinburg, Texas Franciscan Pilgrimage Program

7 Praesidium Update: December 11 + 12, 2018, Reaccreditation Visitation from Praesidium.

7 7 Praesidium Update: December , 2018, Reaccreditation Visitation from Praesidium. CMSM Meeting: The ABVM Provincial Council was invited and accepted the invitation to participate in the Region V Meeting, Techney, IL, October 29, How have we responded to the Poor: A donation to the Philippine Province Future dates for the Provincial Council Meetings: October 29, 30, 31, 2018; Techney, Illinois December 18, 19, 20, 2018; Francis + Clare Friary, Franklin, WI February 5, 6, 7, 2019; Francis + Clare Friary, Franklin, WI March 26, 27, 28, 2019; Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville. May 7, 8, 9, 2019; Lourdes Friary, in Cedar Lake, IN June 25, 26, 27, 2019; St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, FL. Jim s Calendar: September 27- November 30 September 27-October 5: Franciscan Pilgrimage for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady October 6-12: US 6 Provincials Meeting and Provincials of the English Speaking Conference Meeting, hosted by Sacred Heart Province, St. Louis, MO October 15-19: McAllan + Edinburg, Texas October 22-25: Participate in the Union of The OFM Provinces, Canada. October 25-28: Francis + Clare Friary, Franklin, WI October 29-31: Provincial Council Meeting, Techney, IL. November 1+2: Virtual Pilgrimage, Our Lady of the Lake Health, Baton Rogue, LA November 3-7: Francis + Clare Friary, Franklin, WI November 8-10: CTU, Session II, Diversity + Interculturality Course November 11-14: Francis + Clare Friary, Franklin, WI November 15-19: Annual Meeting of the Staff for the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, AZ November 20-30: Francis + Clare Friary, Franklin, WI

12 Men Begin Franciscan Journey Postulancy Program By. Fr. Greg Friedman Jesus said to his disciples, and to us, Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.

8 12 Men Begin Franciscan Journey Postulancy Program By. Fr. Greg Friedman Jesus said to his disciples, and to us, Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Jesus might have said that you do not know the day, but I know it. That day was yesterday, and today, and tomorrow. In these words, Franciscan Provincial Minister Father Jack Clark Robinson, of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, exhorted the 12 men entering the postulancy program of six U.S. Franciscan Provinces, on Thursday, August 30, in Silver Spring, M.D. Father Jack went on to spell out the challenges which the postulants will face: individual challenges, individual affirmations, meant for you and for you alone.[and] the challenges that we face together. They come in your community here, among the friars of the six Provinces, and in the Church in our world. The group which will face those challenges are a diverse gathering of ages, backgrounds and places of origin: Edgar Alberto (HNP), 27, comes from El Salvador and more recently, Durham, North Carolina. They bring a variety of educational preparation: business management, theology, philosophy, anthropology, education, language study, environmental science, global studies. They come to the friars through contact with the Franciscans in their families and parishes, as well as other religious. The new postulants were welcomed at a Eucharist celebration which was attended by the local friar-community at Holy Name College, Silver Spring, friars from the six collaborating provinces, and Franciscan lay volunteers also based there. Father Jack included in his homily a far-reaching prediction for the postulants: You will, God grant, make solemn profession of vows, five, six or more years from now, into a Province not yet born. But our challenge and the hard work that we must do together before your day of solemn profession is to bring that new Province into being, by offering our best selves the best Franciscans each of us can be individually; offering the best of our inheritance from our six mothers (now there is a thought six mothers!) and offering the best of our dreams, which is where you are 8

9 so very important, to make that truly a new sign of the power of God at work to change our world. Edgar Alberto (HNP), 27 Fritz Newburger (ABVM), 22, Daniel Samsel (ABVM), 26, Cleveland Ohio. El Salvador New Orleans, Louisiana. Adolfo R. Mercado (SB), 44, Sacramento, California. Neil Pavao (SH), 22, Douglas, Georgia. The Postulant Bunch Joshua Richter (SJB), 21, Hamilton Ohio. Carlos Wagner (HNP), 39, Cali, Colombia Michael Specht (HNP), 24, St. Bonaventure, New York. Zack Zeman (ABVM), 23, Elgin, Illinois. Josè de Jesús Osorio (OLG), 26, Mexico Bruce Tran (SB), 29, Los Angeles, California. 9

Friars and Parishoners gather in the front entrance of the friary to

Friars share stories and gather in the dining room where many meals

Finian Zaucha, pastor of 12 years at St.

were submitted by Fr. Brendan Wroblewski St.

10 Friars and Parishoners gather in the front entrance of the friary to prayer one last time on Thursday, August 2nd. Friars share stories and gather in the dining room where many meals have been shared for decades. Fr. Finian Zaucha, pastor of 12 years at St. Mary of the Angels, spoke of his wonderful experiences in the community. Friars Say Goodbye to St. Mary of the Angels Friary in Green Bay, WI Photos and Descriptions were submitted by Fr. Brendan Wroblewski St. Mary of the Angels Deacon Paul Umentum forcefully speaks of Friars and the parish. James Melotte, long-time volunteer and friend of the friars stopped along our walk through the Friary for a photo with pastor, Fr. Anthony Cirignani. 10

New Volumes on Vatican II to be Published Friar s Work Published This fall, Palgrave Macmillan will publish two volumes of essays on the Second Vatican Council.

The first, Catholicism Opening to the World and Other Confessions: Vatican II and its Impact, focuses on issues such as ethics, social justice, church-world dynamics, and economic activity, all in

These volumes originated in a major international conference in Washington, DC, bringing together over 200 theologians to celebrate and reflect on the fiftieth anniversary of the conclusion of the

11 New Volumes on Vatican II to be Published Friar s Work Published This fall, Palgrave Macmillan will publish two volumes of essays on the Second Vatican Council. Jason Welle co-edited both books with Vladimir Latinovic (University of Tübingen) and Gerard Mannion (Georgetown University). The first, Catholicism Opening to the World and Other Confessions: Vatican II and its Impact, focuses on issues such as ethics, social justice, church-world dynamics, and economic activity, all in ecumenical context. The second, Catholicism Engaging Other Faiths: Vatican II and its Impact, explores issues of interreligious dialogue, missiology, and theological Fr. Jason Welle method. These volumes originated in a major international conference in Washington, DC, bringing together over 200 theologians to celebrate and reflect on the fiftieth anniversary of the conclusion of the council. All of the contributors were present for that gathering, including Cardinal Walter Kasper, John O Malley, Susan Wood, Charles Curran, Peter Phan, Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, and the late Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, among many others. Looking Ahead to the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4th --submitted by Jason Welle As you prepare for the celebration of the Solemnity of Our Holy Father St. Francis at your various ministry sites, you might consider utilizing resources provided by the Catholic Climate Covenant. Inspired by the saint who saw all created beings as his brother or sister, Catholic Climate Covenant produces a free 90-minute educational program to help parishes, schools, and faith communities explore how they can better care for creation and the poor. The 2018 Feast of St. Francis Program - "Who is My Neighbor in a Climate-Threatened World? focuses on the relationship between climate change and migration/refugees. The program includes prayers, readings, discussion questions, a short video, and suggested activities. To download the program go here: If you have any questions or need clarification on any aspect of the Feast of St. Francis program, please contact Paz Artaza-Regan (Paz@CatholicClimateCovenant.org). 11

Young Friars Gather in Silver Spring by Fr.

fraternal fellowship, and ongoing formation.

The event involved outside speakers to provide input, as well as time for the friars to discuss on their own issues in their

Mary Gautier from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) gave a presentation on changes and trends in

provided friars a self-assessment instrument to evaluate their physical, emotional and spiritual health at this stage in

John Aherne facilitated discussion of the Revitalization and Restructuring process in the American provinces, giving friars

Friars also looked forward in anticipation to next summer, when the Minister General, Michael Perry, will convene an

Several friars from the gathering in Silver Spring will travel to Taizé on behalf of their provinces, so our conversations

12 Young Friars Gather in Silver Spring by Fr. Jason Welle Thirty-six friars from across the country gathered at Holy Name College August 7-10 for four days of prayer, fraternal fellowship, and ongoing formation. This gathering of SPUTY (Solemnly Professed for Under Ten Years) included friars from all seven American OFM provinces. The event involved outside speakers to provide input, as well as time for the friars to discuss on their own issues in their common life. Dr. Mary Gautier from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) gave a presentation on changes and trends in American parish life and Quinn Conners O.Carm. provided friars a self-assessment instrument to evaluate their physical, emotional and spiritual health at this stage in their religious lives. John Aherne facilitated discussion of the Revitalization and Restructuring process in the American provinces, giving friars a chance to reflect together on what distinctive role they can play in the wake of the historic vote of May, Friars also looked forward in anticipation to next summer, when the Minister General, Michael Perry, will convene an international Chapter of Mats in Taizé, France. Several friars from the gathering in Silver Spring will travel to Taizé on behalf of their provinces, so our conversations together included time for discussion of the message they would bring on behalf of young friars in the U.S. Guardian Walter Liss and the residents of Holy Name College were gracious hosts for the event, which enabled friars traveling here for the first time to not only see the home of the national postulancy program, but also got a taste of the dynamic multicultural ministry at St. Camillus Parish and St. Francis International School. Jason Welle (ABVM) and Bob Barko (SH) were co-chairs who primarily organized the event. Participants from Holy Name Province included George Camacho, Juan Turcios, John Aherne, Jeffrey Jordan, Ramon Razon, Casey Cole, Edgardo Jara, and Erick Lopez. 12

Province Press. from The Communications Office

Province Press. from The Communications Office Issue February 2018 #11 THE Province Press from The Communications Office Franciscan Friars Assumption BVM Province Summary of the Provincial Council Meeting Franklin, WI January 16, 17, 18, 2018 Minutes