BOSTON, MA - Friar Ronald Siciliano, 85, went to his eternal reward on Christmas Eve of congestive heart failure at Saint Patrick's Manor, Framingham, MA.
 
Albert Gerard, the son of Pasquale and Concetta Carrino Siciliano, was born in Boston, MA, on June 27, 1923.  After graduating from Saint Francis Seminary, Andover, he was received into the novitiate on August 14, 1942.  He made his first profession on August 15, 1943 and was admitted to solemn vows on August 15, 1946.  Ronald was ordained priest on May 8, 1949.
 
Following his ordination, Fr. Ronald was given a wide variety of responsibilities within the fraternity - teacher, athletic director, prefect of students, guardian, procurator, chaplain, associate pastor, and pastor.  His ministry assignments included Christopher Columbus High School in Boston; Saint Francis Seminary in Andover; Mount Carmel Church, East Boston; Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Cambridge; Mount Carmel Church, Watervliet; Saint Anthony Church, Troy; Sacred Heart Church, Palenville; Saint Kilian Church, New Bedford; Saint Peter Church, Portland; Saint Joseph Friary, Buzzards Bay; Saint Margaret / Saint Mary Churches, Buzzards Bay; Saint Christopher Friary, Boston; Saint Leonard Church, Boston.
 
His body was received at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, at Saint Leonard Church in Boston, with a Wake Service at 7:00 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated there at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29. Fr. Ronald will be buried at Saint Francis Cemetery, Andover, at a later date.
 
Personal expressions of sympathy can be sent to his nephew, Mr. Anthony Siciliano, 3 Patricia Road, Framingham, MA 01701.

"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).
 
Father, we entrust our brother to your mercy.  You loved him greatly in this life; now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace for ever.

CALEDON, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Pediatric Nurses at Headwaters Hospital were all smiles when the staff from the St. Francis Centre arrived. 

 

The Centre has, for the past four years, been providing a little Christmas cheer to the children at the hospital.  Since deciding to "adopt" the Pediatric Unit, the Centre has brought gifts and donations of all sorts on a yearly basis. 

 

It began with toys for all the children and blossomed to books and mobile cart.  After learning that the hospital was trying to replace old TV's in the children's rooms, the Centre is now working to provide a new one each year. 

 

Donna, head nurse on the ward, says the efforts of the Centre help to make what is a very difficult time for both children and families, more acceptable.  Somehow, the staff of St. Francis gets just as much out of the experience. 

 
Friar Alvin Te took this photo of the Nativity in St. Peter's Square, Rome.

 

 

Pictured is Advent at Agape in Sonsonate, El Salvador. Friar Flavian Mucci is presiding.