'Nature of Fire' Burns in Butler County PA
Nature of Fire is a ministry in Pittsburgh, PA, that recently started working with Sts. Francis and Clare Parish in Butler County. Founded and animated by Tony Ferguson, a former postulant with our Province (2013-2014), the program offers evangelization events to youth, young adults and parish-wide programs. The kick-off in Butler County took place at Cabot's St. Joseph Church. Fr. Matt McClain, pastor, was the celebrant for the Mass. Both he and Tony gave a talk during a Holy Hour followed by a communal dinner in the church hall. Over 300 people attended.
A Fond Farewell to our brother Reginald
Our Province has said its "farewell" to our brother Reginald Tlae, OFM Cap., who returned to his Capuchin Province of Tanzania in these weeks. Reginald said his goodbyes to the fraternity of St. Francis in Harrisburg, PA, where he has served for the past few years. He's pictured, to the left, with our Capuchin confreres Joe Morton, Carlos Reyes and Mike Rubus.
On his February 6th Facebook post, Reginald wrote:
"Time came, I arrived here. Time came again, I am leaving now. Time will come, I will come back again. Bye bye, my dear brothers, and all the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi. Welcome to Tanzania!"
He also chronicled his journey home via Istanbul and his joyous arrival back in his motherland - fortunately, with his luggage intact.
We salute him for his generous presence and service among us - and can never thank him enough for saying "yes" to the adventure of brotherhood.
Another Centenary to Celebrate: The Stigmata of Francis of Assisi
In January of this year, at La Verna in the Tuscan province of Italy, the opening celebration of the eighth centenary of the Stigmata of St. Francis (1224-2024) was held, similar to the events of last year for the crib at Greccio.
All the General Ministers were there (Massimo Fusarelli, OFM; Roberto Genuin, OFM Cap.; Carlos Trovarelli, OFM Conv.; Amando Trujillo Cano, TOR) along with Secular Franciscan Minister, Tibor Kauser, OFS, and Frances Marie Duncan, OSF, President of the International Franciscan Conference of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular -- along with numerous friars, Sisters and laity of the Franciscan Family.
The gift of the Stigmata, the wounds of Christ on the body of St. Francis, are one of two "bookmarks" of our Franciscan Spirit . . .
Our Padre Pio Prayer Center Reaches Out
We are excited to announce that we are beginning a new ministry to provide housing for pregnant and parenting women in need in the northeast Philadelphia area.
Br. Kip Shares Spirit & Life in Papua New Guinea
Our brother Kip Ledger, OFM Cap., Novice Director for our national Capuchin Novitiate Program, returned from our Custody of Papua New Guinea in December in time for Christmas and the Holidays. He was asked to give some workshops on Franciscan Spirituality to the friars there in November. He reports that he "had a wonderful time with the friars. They were extremely fraternal and hospitable! It was also nice to catch up with our USA brothers serving in Papua New Guinea: our brothers Al Carver, Thomas Choi, Tage Danielsen and Roshan Anthonypillai." Roshan wasn't able to attend the assembly, but Kip was able to catch up with him in Port Moresby when Roshan was on his way through for a visit home.
Kip led the friars in reflections on our Franciscan Spirit & Life, especially through the eyes of St. Bonaventure, one of our early Doctors of the Church, whose work The Soul's Journey Into God leads us to reflect on the various ways we come to experience God's life and in conversion of our hearts and minds to the way of the Lord Jesus.
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