January 15, 2016
In This Issue
From the Provincial Minister
Provincial Minister Primo Piscitello OFM
NEW YORK -  Let me begin by wishing each of you a very happy New Year! I hope that 2016 is a great year for each one of you and in particular in the history of our province.

As we know, we are now getting closer to our Provincial Chapter in May and that means that change is on the horizon. Change can often be a word that fills us with uncertainty and anxiety, but I think at the start of this new year, let's make it a word that is full of hope and promise. Once again, our future is laid out upon us and we are given this incredible opportunity to choose the future that will bring us happiness, holiness, healing and growth. So, let's make a conscious effort to choose those things to define this year ahead.

In his new book that just came out this week, The Name of God is Mercy, Pope Francis writes:

"I often say that it is necessary to go out: to go out from the churches and the parishes, to go outside and look for people where they live, where they suffer, and where they hope. I like to use the image of a field hospital to describe this 'Church that goes forth'. It exists where there is combat. It is not a solid structure with all the equipment where people go to receive treatment for both small and large infirmities. It is a mobile structure that offers first aid and immediate care, so that its soldiers do not die. It is a place for urgent care, not a place to see a specialist. I hope that the Jubilee Holy Year of Mercy will serve to reveal the Church's deeply maternal and merciful side, a Church that goes forth toward those who are 'wounded,' who are in need of an attentive ear, understanding, forgiveness, and love."

The Holy Father's words are powerful words to guide us as ministers in the Church, but I think they are also good words to guide us in our fraternal life together. Let us embrace this year of mercy and imagine fraternities that reveal God's deeply maternal and merciful side to one another; fraternities where we reach out especially towards our brothers who are wounded and in need of an attentive ear, understanding, forgiveness and love. 

Embracing this will truly make 2016 a transformative year for us all. Yes, the name of God is mercy, but as those created in His image, let us make mercy our name too.

Wishing you all the choicest blessings in the year ahead!

Fraternally,
New Year's Resolutions | Pope Francis

RIP: Fr. Alban Montella, 87, former Provincial Minister

Fr. Alban Montella, OFM
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Our brother and former Provincial Minister, FR. ALBAN MONTELLA, OFM (87), died peacefully on the morning of Monday, December 28, 2015 at Padua Friary in New York City.

Vincent Montella was born on September 26, 1928 in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of the late Salvatore and Elizabeth (Rozzero) Montella. He was received into the novitiate on July 14, 1947 taking the religious name Alban. He made his First Profession of Vows on July 15, 1948 and his Solemn Profession of Vows on July 15, 1951. Alban was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 19, 1955.
 
In his ministerial career, Fr. Alban served as associate pastor at St. Anthony Church in New York, as Headmaster and History Instructor at Christopher Columbus High School in Boston, Master of Formation and History Instructor at Immaculate Conception College in Troy, Prefect of Students and History Instructor at St. Francis Seminary in Andover.  
Fr. Alban also served in Provincial Administration as Provincial Vicar from 1973-1979; and as Provincial Minister from 1979-1989.

In recent years, Fr. Alban was living at Padua Friary as his declining health required the care the friars and staff could offer there. This year, Fr. Alban, celebrated his 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

He is survived by a brother, Salvatore Montella of North Providence, Rhode Island, and two sisters, Dorothy Vita of Providence, Rhode Island, and Lucy Prosser, of Greenwich, Rhode Island; and several nieces and nephews.

The wake was held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at the Shrine Church of St. Anthony of Padua, 154 Sullivan Street, New York, New York. The Solemn Mass of Christian Burial was on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at St. Anthony Church. Interment took place at the Friars' Cemetery in Wappingers Falls, New York, following the funeral Mass. 

May our brother, Fr. Alban, rest in peace.

Heavenly Father, we commend to your mercy Father Alban and all our brothers who have embraced Sister Death and we thank you for the gift of their lives. United in faith and prayer, through the intercession of our Immaculate Mother Mary, Our Holy Father Saint Francis and Our Holy Mother Saint Clare, keep us ever steadfast in your love as we strive for your vision of a world made new.
JUBILARIANS 2016
NEW YORK - The following friars of our Province are experiencing special anniversaries both of religious profession and priestly ordination this year. We wish all our brothers congratulations on their anniversaries and gratitude for all of their years of fidelity to God, our fraternity and to the people they have served. 
 
60 Years of Priestly Ordination
  • Fr. Isaac Calicchio, OFM
  • Fr. Armand Padula, OFM
  • Fr. Paul Rotondi, OFM
  • Bishop Gerald Scarpone, OFM
50 Years of Priestly Ordination 
  • Fr. Paul Guido, OFM
  • Bishop Maurus Muldoon, OFM
  • Fr. Michael Travaglione, OFM

50 Years of Religious Profession

  • Fr. Nery Aguirre, OFM
  • Br. Damian Johnson, OFM
  • Fr. Antonio Nardoianni, OFM 
New Provincials in California, Lithuania | English Speaking Conference
Provincial Chapters took place this week in two provinces of the English Speaking Conference OFM - St. Barbara Province in California and St. Casimir Province in Lithuania. Both were elective chapters.

Provincial Minister David Gaa, OFM
In California, the friars of St. Barbara Province elected Fr. David Gaa, OFM as their new Provincial Minister. Fr. John Hardin, OFM is their outgoing minister. They also elected Fr. Martin Ibarra, OFM as Vicar Provincial and elections for Provincial Council were still to take place at the time of publication.
Provincial Minister Algirdas Malakauskas, OFM

The friars of St. Casimir Province in Lithuania elected Fr. Algirdas Malakauskas, OFM, to serve as their new Provincial Minister for the next six years succeeding Fr. Astijus Kungys, OFM, who completes his second term as Provincial Minister after serving for nine years.

They also elected Fr. Andrew Nenėnas, OFM, Vicar Provincial; and Provincial Councilors: Evaldas Darulis, OFM, Gediminas Numgaudis, OFM, Julius Sasnauskas, OFM and Andrew Dobrovolsky, OFM.
Christmas Mass on the Edge of Heaven | America Magazine
 
By Richard G. Malloy, SJ | January  8, 2016 | America Magazine

"I have a room here. You have a room here. We're staying here. 
Our next room will be in heaven."

So spoke one elderly Jesuit to another after Mass on Christmas day. One of the men once laughingly told me, "I'm not 'elderly.' I prefer, 'Veteran of the long campaign.'" He himself is a veteran of the Second World War. Among these old men, something was being born.

The night before, Christmas Eve, I had the privilege and pleasure of celebrating an annual home Mass for some 50 people, families and friends. We had begun this holiday ritual about 25 years ago, when many of the group had little children, too small to easily take to church. Now, some of those children bring little ones.

We sing carols. We listen again to Isaiah and Luke. The Eucharist is filled with prayer and song, laughter and quiet remembrance of those no longer with us, the peace and gratitude that fills our hearts as another year passes. John McCutcheon's "Christmas in the Trenches" is always our Communion meditation song. Afterwards, we enjoy coffee and cookies; candy and conversation. Over a glass, we catch up on where we are in our lives.
 
But for my brothers in Manresa Hall, the Jesuit infirmary at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, life and prayer are different. These guys do not get to go out on Christmas Eve. As I had celebrated Mass the evening before, they were manning their posts in wheelchairs and hospital beds. As people listened to my homily, they were fulfilling the duties of their mission: praying for the church and the works of the Society of Jesus. They were praying for me and others as we led prayers on Christmas Eve.

These priest and brothers, bearing the cross of infirmity and illness, turned the well-worn pages of their beat up copies of the Liturgy of the Hours as we marked again the birth of Jesus in our minds and hearts. The force of prayer in their old age strengthens so many of us still able-bodied Jesuits.

In Good Company
Christmas Mass is set for 11:30 a.m. We gather in the large sunroom of the infirmary. The tree is decorated and the crèche is before the altar. About half the gang can walk or wheel themselves to their customary spots. The gentle aides wheel in several of the guys. Most are awake. Some are sleeping. The men are dressed in old man chic: slippers; comfortable, baggy pants; plaid, warm, woolen shirts. Some are able to place stoles themselves. On others, the kind and smiling women in colorful smocks and hospital scrubs gently place the symbol of priesthood, smoothing the vestment's fabric over the shoulders of those unable to do so themselves.

Father Rector presides and preaches. Brother Jack, who each day lovingly serves the men in the infirmary, works the CD player and beautiful Christmas music fills the room. One seemingly frail, thin, former high school teacher proclaims the readings in a surprisingly loud and moving voice. The homily is a full 10 minutes, a wonderful reflection on the meaning and mission of Christmas. The Eucharist is slowly distributed. Each priest receives the consecrated body and blood he so often provided for others. Each brother receives the Lord he so faithfully has served with his life.

These guys were once vibrant and vigorous Jesuit priests and brothers. In the corner, with a smile on his face, is a missionary who spent decades in India. Next to him a man who ran big and challenging city parishes. Quietly praying throughout the Mass is one of the best known Scripture scholars of the post-Vatican II era. Another, in a celebratory green and red Christmas sweatshirt, was a legendary hospital chaplain. And sitting up front is one who was both a provincial and university president. Most are elderly. One younger man in his early 60s is carrying the cross of a long-term battle with cancer and other physical ailments. He is confined to a wheelchair and hospital room while those of us who were novices with him are still running around.

"This is my body.... This is my blood." The words of institution strike me with an almost physical force. Men like these taught me and formed me when I was a recalcitrant high school kid, befriended and guided me when I entered the order and mentored me through the years. They are my brothers. They are my family. If I am lucky, and do not die suddenly without warning, their lives now are my future.

We are joined by the body and blood of Christ and our shared vows in the Company of Jesus, this least society started by St. Ignatius almost 500 years ago. The men in this room are my body and blood, and they gave their all, their bodies and blood, their sweat and their tears, their talents and treasure, to the service of faith and justice and reconciliation as Jesuits in the church. My chest is tight as I look in awe on these men who have borne Christ to so many. I am a bit stunned at how suddenly and unexpectedly grateful I feel to be part of their lineage and legacy. As the rector quietly and pointedly moves to each and every man as we all exchange the sign of peace, I feel a bond I cannot quite understand, nor articulate. Then, rough and raspy throats together voice the prayer Jesus taught us. Thy Kingdom Come. Here, at this Christmas Mass, the Reign of God is palpable.

Brother Jack pushes the button at Communion time and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" fills the room. I look around the room and realize I am in the presence of those who will soon be angels.

After the final blessing and song, slowly, the procession to lunch begins. Suffering from severe dementia, one Jesuit turns to a man with whom he was ordained years ago.

"I don't know why I'm here. I think I'm supposed to be in Baltimore tonight."

"No, Joe. Relax. We're here now."

"How long are we staying here?"

"I have a room here. You have a room here. We're staying here." He pauses and looks lovingly at his brother and quietly tells him, "Our next room will be in heaven." There will be room in the Celestial Inn for these good servants of God.

And what he told Joe could well have been said to all of us in the sunroom that Christmas morn: "Our next room will be in heaven."

Richard G. Malloy, S.J., is university chaplain at The University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa., and the author of "Being on Fire: Top Ten Essentials of Catholic Faith" (Orbis Books).
PHOTO ESSAY: Christmas around the Province
Shrine Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, New York City

Children's Mass, Christmas Eve, St. Thomas Aquinas, Derry, NH

St. Anthony of Padua, Troy, NY

Las Posadas, Our Lady of Peace, Brooklyn

St. Peter Church, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada

St. Leonard of Port Maurice, Boston, MA
January issue of FRATERNITAS available online
ROME - The January issue of Fraternitas, the newsletter of the order, is available online. You can access it by clicking the image below.


Have you downloaded the FRIAR App yet?
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Franciscan Friars of the United States are excited to announce the release of the first-of-its kind app for smart phones that creates a unique communal space for prayer by using the most modern technology for communication.

The FRIAR APP allows you to post prayers, as well as, join in the prayers of others and have friars across the country and others pray for them. The app also allows you to have a candle lit for your prayer, or someone else's prayer, in an actual Franciscan church.

The new app is available in both the Apple App Store for iPhone and the Google Play Store for Android smart phones, and can be found by searching for "friars" or using a QR code (found on usfranciscans.org or below).

There is no cost to install the app or to submit or join in prayer requests. There is a small fee to cover the cost of lighting an actual candle.



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:

=================================

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

12:00 noon Lunch

1:00 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

=================================

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 (completed)
  • December 10: Toronto (completed)
  • January 13: Wappingers Falls (completed)
  • January 27: Pittsburgh
  • March 2: Catskill 

"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 vocations@icprovince.org 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 vocations@icprovince.org.

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 vocations@icprovince.org or (800) 521-5442.
Province of the Immaculate Conception | www.icprovince.org | internos@icprovince.org
125 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012
DIRECTOR of COMMUNICATION: Thomas Washburn, OFM
Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.