TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS - Friar Valentine Gesuale, 70, was found dead in his room at the Instituto San Francisco in Tegucigalpa on Saturday morning, October 11.  An autopsy determined that Valentine suffered a maasive heart attack.

 

Joseph John, the son of Frank and Theresa (Troppoli) Gesuale, was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on January 29, 1938.  He was received into the novitiate on August 15, 1956.  He made his first profession on August 16, 1957 and was admitted to solemn vows on August 16, 1960.  Valentine was ordained priest on June 12, 1965 at Mount Alvernia in Wappingers Falls.
 
Following his ordination, Valentine served for three and one-half years at the Cathedral Parish in Comayagua; two years as pastor at Santa Ana, La Libertad, Comayagua, and for 15 years at the Instituto San Francisco, Tegucigalpa, as teacher, vice-rector, rector and guardian.
 
In recent years, Fr. Valentine has been exclusively involved in the ministry of evangelization.  Through his down-to-earth Franciscan presence, Valentine humbly and joyfully proclaimed his faith in Jesus Christ, bringing to all he met "the peace and good of the Lord, as well as the certain hope of a better world" (G.C. 85).
 
On September 9, Valentine was in New York for the first meeting of the Province's Centenary Committee.  He was spry and energetic, with a smile and an embrace that was always reassuring.  He talked about his work and experiences in Honduras, and never stopped asking about his brothers in the Province.  Following the meeting, he was able to spend a few days with his family in Pittsburgh.  All but a few short weeks ago - a sobering reminder that we "know neither the day nor the hour" (Matt. 25:13).
           
Fr. Valentine's body will be received at St. Pamphilus Church in Pittsburgh, PA, at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, with interment in the family plot at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
 
Personal expressions of sympathy can be sent to The Gesuale Family, 4817 Havana Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15239.
 
"Friars must remember to offer suffrages for every deceased friar of the province, professed or novice.  In particular, each priest shall offer the Eucharist twice." "When news of the death of a friar is received, a concelebrated Mass in his memory should be scheduled in the friaries of the province and the foundations."  On the thirtieth day after and on the first anniversary of the death of a confrere, professed or novice, the Eucharist shall be celebrated for him in the house to which he was assigned at the time of death" (PS-8, 1-3).
 
Lord, as we mourn the sudden death of our brother comfort us with the great power of your love and strengthen us in our faith that he is with you forever.

CHICAGO, IL - At its recent meeting, the Provincial Ministers of the English Speaking Conference named Friar Gabriel Aceto to serve as Lay Delegate to the upcoming General Chapter which will take place in Assisi from May 23-June 21, 2009.

 

Each of the 14 Conferences of the Order is asked at each General Chapter to nominate a non-ordained friar to serve as one of the Chapter delegates.  Friar Andy Brophy of Assumption Province served in this capacity on behalf of the ESC at the Extraordinary General Chapter in 2005.

 

Friar Gabriel was selected out of a slate of 5 other candidates nominated by other ESC Provincials.

 

For more information on the General Chapter visit: http://www.ofm.org/capgen09/

 

Congratulations Gabriel!

 

 

NEW YORK - Approximately 20 friars gathered on Monday, October 13 - Colombus Day - at the recenly renovated Padua Friary on Thompson Street in New York City for a celebration to bless the friary.

 

The celebration included a Midday Prayer and blessing ritual prepared by Friar Frank Hanudel, followed by a festive lunch prepared by Friar Joseph Lagressa.  Guardian Daniel Morey, and the friars of the community enjoyed a wonderful time of fraternity with the friars gathered.

WINSTED, CT - Provincial Minister Robert Campagna will be present as the new parish center at St. Joseph Church will be dedicated and blessed.

 

Friar Bruce Czapla, pastor, has invited local friars to attend the celebration on Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m.  A reception will be held following the dedication and blessing.

Pictured above is the image of the Coronation of the Blessed Mother in the dome of the Sanctuary at Our Lady of Peace, Brooklyn 

 

BROOKLYN, NY - The interior of Our Lady of Peace Church has received a much needed restoration that brings this church back to its original beauty.

 

The project of restoration was begun under former pastor Friar Roderick Crispo, but the majority of the work was completed under the direction of current pastor Friar John Scarangello.

 

November 6: Mass for the Dead, Calvary Cemetary, 11:00 a.m.

 

November 9: Mass for the Dead, St. Francis Friary, Andover, MA, 2:00 p.m.

 

November 10: Mass for the Dead, Mount Alvernia Friary, Wappingers Falls, NY, 11:00 a.m.