November 9, 2015
In This Issue
From the Provincial Minister
Provincial Minister Primo Piscitello OFM
NEW YORK - As we celebrate this month of remembrance and prayer for our beloved deceased, I wanted to share with all of you the homily that I shared with the friars of my region as we gathered last Thursday to pray for the dead at Calvary Cemetery:

WE ARE DEFINED BY WHOM WE HAVE LOST 

Not too long ago, I came across a wonderful article by columnist Anna Quindlen, reflecting on the passing of her mother a young age. She wrote "My brother and I were both teenagers when our mother died. We know that if anyone were to ask us, 'When does it stop hurting?' we would have to answer in all candor, 'If it ever does, we will let you know.' And, as a writer, as I wrote my obituaries carefully, I would always think about how little the facts suffice, not only to describe the dead but to tell what they will mean to the living all the rest of our lives. But, my mother's passing brought something into clarity: We are defined by whom we have lost."

As I was preparing some thoughts for our Mass this morning, I could not help but hear Quindlen's words - "we are defined by whom we have lost" - and think of them as a sort of prayer for our beloved deceased.

This year, as we gather, we have laid to rest four of our brothers since the last time we came together for this commemoration - Frank Genevive, Ottaviano Battolini, Benedict Joseph D'Alessandro, and Berard Tufo. And, of course, we still feel so profoundly the loss of John Scarangello. We've also lost family and friends: Maria Aguirre, mother of Nery; Ralph DeAmato, brother of Norbert; Rose Julian, mother of Mario; Gilda Pasto, sister of Claude Scrima; Robert L. Caprio, nephew of Bob; Marianna Camilleri, mother of Bishop Roberto; Rose Daly, sister of Edmund Ansaloni; Josephine Vizzari and John Bonnici, sister and brother of Madeline Bonnici; and Albert Gauci, father of our own Albert Gauci.

We are defined by whom we have lost.We live in a culture, today, that typically wants us to "get over it" when someone dies; that wants us to move on quickly; to not linger on the memory or the sadness. But the Church, in its long held wisdom, asks us to not "get over it," but rather to give voice to our grief and sorrow; to remember and hold dear those we have lost; to pray for them; and to even seek their intercession. We are called to be very conscious of the ways that their lives have had an effect on our lives; on the difference that they have made.

Today especially, we remember that these, our brothers and our family and friends, helped to shape who we are; they helped to make us the kind of people we are by being a part of and an influence in our lives; they helped to shape our community through their presence and their ministry, through their gifts and talents - and so we gather in prayer and gratitude for the gift of Frank, of Ottaviano, of Benedict Joseph and of Berard; and of the family and friends we have lost this year - for all that they meant to our lives; and we pray for them as they make their home with God in Heaven.

And we make these prayers especially here at this holy place where some of them are buried because we remember that a cemetery is not a place of sadness and grief; but instead a profound place of hope and expectation. We pray this each time we commit someone to the earth: Jesus made "the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies." As we gather here, we are aware that this place is the site of future miracles on the last day as all will rise including our brothers. And that fills us with tremendous hope and joy.

We are defined by whom we have lost. We are made better by their presence in our lives. And now we pray once again for them, for their eternal rest, for the goodness of their lives, and for the graciousness and mercy of our God, whom we entrust their immortal souls to.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
 

Fraternally,

Going to the Peripheries with the Joy of the Gospel | Year of Consecrated Life

"Brothers, there is one message that has resounded clearly throughout the month of the general Chapter: that we are being called once again to go out from the comfort of our homes and our lives. Eight centuries ago, in this place of the Portiuncula, Francis sent out his first brothers 'two by two' to preach the Gospel by example, using words if necessary. And so we are being called to be, once again, ministers of the joy of the Gospel. We are being called to be ministers of the mercy of God. And we are being called, once again, to move out to the peripheries, to the margins, to those places where people need these gifts the most - whether these peripheries be as far away as the other side of the world or as near as the street where we live. This has always been the very core of our Franciscan way of life and we are being challenged 'to begin again.'"


New library dedicated, renamed Bl. John Duns Scotus Library
NEW YORK - Saturday, November 7th saw the blessing and dedication of our Province Franciscan resource library. 

And in a move that surprised and thrilled those gathered for the celebration, Provincial Minister Primo P. Piscitello, OFM, renamed the library the Blessed John Duns Scotus Franciscan Library

Over 40 friars, Franciscan Sisters, Secular Franciscans, and friends, gathered on the eve of the Feast of Bl. John Duns Scotus at the newly-established library on the first floor of our Provincial Curia as it was blessed by the Provincial Minister. 

The day began with an academic presentation by Fr. Michael Della Penna, OFM, on his new book, The Crucified Knight: the spiritual odyssey of St. Francis of Assisi according to Henry of Avranches, and was followed by a special prayer service honoring the theology and spirituality of Blessed John Duns Scotus. Copies of Michael's book can be purchased by visiting the website of Tau Publishing.

Fr. Michael Della Penna, OFM, presenting The Crucified Knight

The Blessed John Duns Scotus Franciscan Library will serve our friars in formation, anyone involved in an academic Franciscan research project, and be available to two local Franciscan academic institutions: St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY and Felician University, Lodi, NJ. 

Friars Michael Della Penna and Richard Martignetti, both with doctorates in Franciscan Spirituality from the Antonianum, are already engaged in planning conversations with both schools. 

Attendees gathered in the library for the dedication and blessing.

77th Anniversary of the death of Fr. Richard Fagan, OFM
NOTE: This account of the tragic death of Fr. Richard Fagan, OFM, was taken from the November 8th St. Anthony's parish bulletin.

NEW YORK - This Monday we mark the seventy-seventh anniversary of the tragic death of Father Richard Fagan, O.F.M., who was associate pastor of St. Anthony's at the time of his death. Father Richard was born in Rio De Janeiro, February 20, 1911. 

He came to Boston at an early age where he lived for several years before moving to Brooklyn, New York. He entered the Franciscan novitiate, receiving the habit of St. Francis in 1929 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1935. Father Richard was assigned to St. Anthony's Church in 1936. He died at Columbus Hospital in New York City on November 9, 1938 at the age of 27.

At that time, the friary at 151 Thompson Street, directly behind the church and currently called Padua Friary, served as the Provincial Curia as well as the rectory for Saint Anthony Church. Father Richard was assigned as associate pastor of St. Anthony Church.

The fire, of unknown origin, began early in the morning around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. and was discovered by a worker who smelled smoke. He made his way up the stairs to arouse the friars, but was met by a wall of flames. The actual fire alarm was turned in by a passing cab driver. The fire quickly swept up the wooden stairway of the five story building and trapped some of the friars who were in their rooms.

Father Richard was one of the first aroused and quickly exited the building. He missed two of the priests and returned to the building to locate them, dashing through the flames in the hallway. He awakened Fr. Luigi Vitale, O.F.M, who was later injured when he jumped two stories to safety. He then awakened Fr. Bonaventure Pons, O.F.M., who was sleeping while the door to his room was burning down. Fr. Bonaventure, following instructions from Fr. Richard, started up the stairs to the roof. On the way, an explosion threw him and Fr. Richard to the roof of the building next door, where he saw Fr. Richard lying unconscious, burning and bleeding. He called for help and firemen carried Fr. Richard down a ladder. Fr. Anicleto Silvioni, O.F.M., 57, the Provincial Minister, also leaped from a third floor window to the next door roof, and was carried by firemen using an ironing board as a stretcher to a nearby tenement. Fr. Antonine Tosti, O.F.M., 68, was rescued from a ledge on the fourth floor, to which he had been forced by the flames. He was treated for exposure. Another friar, Fr. Edward Salerno, O.F.M., secretary to the Provincial, was also rescued. 

One of the most spectacular rescues was that of the pastor of St. Anthony's, Fr. Virgil Liucci, O.F.M., 40, who, after being awakened, tried unsuccessfully to get into the hallway. The flames were too intense, and as they started to sweep into his room on the second floor, he knelt briefly before an image of St. Anthony to pray. Then he tied a bed sheet to a radiator and started to lower himself to the street. The flames were shooting out the window when he was about to jump to the street, but just then he heard the fire engines approaching and was rescued. 

Not everyone survived the fire, however. Brother John Chiazza, O.F.M., a young Italian friar in this country only a short time, was found dead in his room in a kneeling position with his hands clasped in prayer. Also perishing in the fire was the friary cook, Julius Tapperio. Father Richard was taken to Columbus Hospital to be treated for burns he received on his hands, face, and legs. For five days he lay on an inflatable air mattress, suffering great pains from his burns. On the morning of his death, Last Rites were administered by Fr. Matthew De Benedictis, O.F.M., a schoolmate, and he passed peacefully to his reward. 

Fr. Richard's body lay in state at St. Anthony's for three days, and thousands paid their last respects. The Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at the church on November 12. Fr. Virgil Liucci, O.F.M., the pastor, was the celebrant, and was assisted by Fr. Michael Di Pietro, O.F.M., as Deacon, and Fr. Henry Borelli, O.F.M., as Subdeacon, both of whom were Fr. Richard's classmates. Two other classmates, Fr. Paul Bertolami, O.F.M, and Fr. Andrew Bacigalupo, O.F.M., were acolytes. Outside, 1,000 or more people stood mourning for the popular priest. Fifty priests and four monsignors attended the mass. Among the clergy were the Very Rev. Anicleto Silvioni, O.F.M., the Provincial Minister, and the Very Rev. Alphonse Parziale, O.F.M. the Provincial Vicar. Father Richard was survived by a sister, Colette, his half-sister Marilyn, his half-brother John, and his stepfather, Mario De Costa. His burial was at the Franciscan Friars plot at Calvary Cemetery.

Father Fagan Park sits at the intersection of Prince Street and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). It was one of several wedge-shaped plazas developed when Sixth Avenue was extended south of Carmine Street in the mid-1920's. It was named in memory of Father Richard Fagan by local law in 1941 and was one of several properties along Sixth Avenue and West Houston Street improved and rehabilitated by NYC Parks Department in 1960. 

Over the weekend, people gathered to clean and beautify Father Fagan Park.

In 1994, three callery pear trees were planted and three bronze plaques were installed on the northwest corner of the parcel in memory of the three firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the Watts Street blaze. These three brave men, Captain John Drennan, and Firefighters James F. Young and Christopher Siedenburg died from the fire on March 28, 1994 and were members of Ladder Company 5, Engine Company 24 of the Fire Department of New York, which sits very close to Father Fagan Park.

Over the weekend, people gathered to clean and beautify Father Fagan Park.
Remembrance of our Beloved Deceased in November
NEW YORK - November is our traditional month to remember our beloved deceased, and as always, moments of prayer and fraternity to remember our brothers, family, friends and benefactors who have died are being scheduled throughout the Province.

Each year we remember and pray for all of our dearly departed, but we also recall in a special way those who have passed in the course of the last year. This year we remember in a special way:

Deceased Friars:
  • Fr. Frank Genevive, OFM (November 27, 2014)
  • Fr. Ottaviano Battolini, OFM (February 7, 2015)
  • Fr. Benedict Joseph D'Alessandro, OFM (February 8, 2015)
  • Fr. Berard Tufo, OFM (February 11, 2015)
Deceased Family:
  • Maria Carlotta Aguirre, mother of Fr. Nery Aguirre (November 1, 2014)
  • Ralph DeAmato, brother of Fr. Norbert DeAmato (December 4, 2014)
  • Rose Julian, mother of Fr. Mario Julian (December 7, 2014)
  • Gilda Pasto, sister of Fr. Claude Scrima (December 13, 2014) 
  • Robert L. Caprio, nephew of Fr. Robert Caprio (January 1, 2015)
  • Marianna Camilleri, mother of Bishop Roberto Camilleri (April 8, 2015)
  • Rose Daly, sister of Fr. Edmund Ansaloni (May 5, 2015)
  • Josephine Vizzari, sister of Madeline Bonnici (June 2, 2015)
  • Albert Gauci, father of Fr. Albert Gauci (July 20, 2015)
  • John Bonnici, brother of Madeline Bonnici (October 17, 2015)
  • Carmen Rauseo Caprio, sister-in-law of Fr. Robert Caprio (October 23, 2015)
The following commemorations have been scheduled:

Downstate New York Region:
Calvary Cemetery Chapel
Thursday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.
Luncheon to follow at Our Lady of Peace Friary, Brooklyn

Upstate New York Region:
Mount Alvernia Friary Chapel
Wappingers Falls, New York
Wednesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m.

New England Region:
Province Cemetery
St. Francis Friary, Andover
Saturday, November 28, 11:00 a.m.

As additional regions schedule their celebrations, they will be published here.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Friars of the Downstate New York Region gather to pray for the dead on November 5 at Calvary Cemetery. The Provincial Minister blessed the graves following Mass.
Forgive everything | FRANCISCAN LIVING
By Fr. Michael Della Penna, OFM

During the meeting of the friars of the General Chapter with Pope Francis on May 26, 2015, there was a very moving and powerful encounter between a friar and the Pope that you won't read about in any newspaper report or magazine. 

It happened during the brief encounter a friar had to personally shake the hand of the Pope. As the friar approached the Holy Father, General Minister Michael A. Perry announced that the friar was a confessor at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. As the two shook hands, however, the Pope did something unexpected. He looked into the eyes of this friar and said slowly and deliberately, "Forgive everything!" As the friar began to turn away so they next in line could approach, the Pope reached out and placed his other hand over his and repeated again slowly, "Forgive everything!" 

Touched by this profound and prophetic gesture, the friar returned to his seat after the brief encounter in tears - so deeply did this simple admonition from the Vicar of Christ effect him. "Forgive everything!" 

As we brothers prepare for the beginning of the Year of Mercy, it can't be a coin cidence for us that the year begins on our Feast Day, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th. As  the Year of Mercy begins, let ask ourselves one question: 

How will we as brothers embrace the Year of Mercy as an opportunity to reconcile any hurts that exist between each other? 

Our beloved founder Saint Francis wrote in his Letter to a Minister:

"I wish to know in this way if you love the Lord and me, His servant and yours: that there is not any brother in the world who has sinned - however much he could have sinned - who, after he has looked into your eyes, would ever depart without your mercy, if he is looking for mercy. And if he were not looking for mercy, you would ask him if he wants mercy." 

Brothers, this is what the Year of Mercy is calling forth in us - that we should never look into the eyes of another brother and not see mercy. As we prepare to begin the Year of Mercy in just about a month, let us all discern together ways that we can become more merciful, first and foremost, with each other. Please send me your suggestions on ways that we can facilitate this mercy ([email protected]). 

It's my hope that before we begin to preach about the grace of God's Mercy to the people we serve, we search our own hearts and ask what we can do to help heal the hurts and wounds within our own family /fraternity. Am we willing to take the words of Pope Francis to heart and forgive everything?

Franciscan Living is an occasional column from our Office of Ongoing Formation.
Regional Meetings Underway | Our Future in Hope
NEW YORK - The first regional meeting in preparation for the May Provincial Chapter took place last Wednesday in Boston. The next one will take place this Wednesday in New York City. 

As a reminder, each of the Regional Meetings will follow the same format:

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10:00 a.m. Our Future in Hope: Our Reality Now
                        Facilitated by General Visitator Niall O'Connell

12:30 p.m. Lunch

2:00 p.m.   Brothers for the 21st Century: Proposed Models for Reconfiguration
                        Facilitated by Thomas Washburn (ESC Executive Secretary)
 
Regional Meetings will be chaired by Definitor in the region

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Friars are expected to make every effort to be present for the full day as these are valuable and very important conversations about the future of the Province and will shape the conversation of the Provincial Chapter.

General Visitator Niall O'Connell, OFM, is also asking that friars read a brief reflection prior to their Regional Meeting. It can be downloaded here:


Just to remind you of the schedule of Regional Meetings:
  • November 4: Boston (completed)
  • November 11: New York City
  • December 10: Toronto
  • January 13: Wappingers Falls 
  • January 27: Pittsburgh
General Visitator Niall O'Connell, OFM, addressing the friars in Boston
Friars of the New England Region gathered in St. Leonard's Hall
Friars gathered at St. Leonard's in Boston
Deadline for Chapter Registration - November 16
NEW YORK - A reminder that the deadline for registering to be a delegate to our upcoming Provincial Chapter is approaching.

According to Provincial Statute 28-1: "All solemnly professed friars who are not ex-officio members of the provincial chapter have the right to be delegates to it, with the all the rights and duties that entails, provided they declare that intention to the secretary of the province at least six months prior to the chapter."

The deadline for declaring yourself a delegate is November 16. If you need an additional copy of the form to declare yourself a candidate, you can download it below and send it in to:

Secretary of the Province
125 Thompson Street
New York, NY 10012

"Come and See" weekends announced by Vocation Team
NEW YORK - The Vocation Team has announced the "Come and See" discernment retreats for the year ahead and are asking each parish or ministry site to promote them in their bulletins and other materials.

"Come and See" Vocation Retreat Schedule
  • February 5-7, 2016 
  • April 15-17, 2016
Each retreat will take place at Immaculate Conception Friary in Boston.

Vocation Preaching around the Province

A member of the Vocation Team would also like to come to your parish or place of ministry to preach about vocations. Please email [email protected] to schedule their visit.

We are all Animators of Vocations

Finally, the Vocation Team recognizes that we are all called to be vocation animators. Please share with us the name and contact information of any young man in your parish or ministry or that you know who you think may have a vocation to our way of life. Again, please let us know at [email protected].

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

Please run the following announcement in your bulletin for the next several weeks:

"Come and See" Vocation Reatreat (Feb 5-7, 2015)
The Franciscan Vocation Office is holding a "Come and See" vocation discernment retreat for young men (ages 18-38) who are considering a calling to our Franciscan way of life. The retreat will take place Feb. 5-7 at Immaculate Conception Friary in Boston. To register for the retreat contact the Vocation Office at [email protected] or (800) 521-5442.
Latest issue of Fraternitas available online
ROME - The latest issue of Fraternitas, newsletter of the Order is available online. Click the image below:

From the Archives
St. Anthony Feast Procession circa 1971, New York City