A Season of Delight and Beauty...
October Celebrations!
Fifteen SFP's and two Associates attended Region I Franciscan Federation Gathering with 72 Franciscans from surrounding cities on October 17 at Ringwood, New Jersey [photo by Brother Gabriel O’Brien].
On October 3, Sisters Anna Ingoglia, Margie Ferri, Rosamaria Guida, Marie Veronica Mulligan, Kathleen Reynolds, Rita Marie Donnelly, Frances Delaney, Moira Doherty and Mary Maloney gathered at the House of Contemplation for a day of prayer in honor of St. Francis. In the late afternoon we had the Transitus in the chapel. A ‘Thanksgiving Day Dinner’, followed celebrating God's calling us to Franciscan life and God's fidelity and love all these years.
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Each weekend in October, many buses and cars of people (especially children), come to Warwick, New York, for apple and pumpkin picking -- surrounded by the beauty of nature and farms. The leaves of orange, yellow, and red color our whole area with delight and beauty. On October 4 thousands of people from all over the state arrived for the town’s main event of the year – the Annual Apple Feast. Buses and cars arrived early. All available parking spots were taken. There were bands and music on every corner along with pony rides and places for children to feed the animals. There were farm tours, apple and pumpkin picking and joy, music, laughter and celebration! We bypassed this celebration and joined our Queen of Peace Parish for an outdoor Mass under the trees for the Feast of St. Francis. There are a large number of Polish people in North Jersey and Pine Ireland, NY. (“onion country”). Since their Polish priest had recently died, the Bishop asked our Parish to welcome this community; the parish has opened their hearts to them. |
The Mass was said in the English and Polish languages. Father Fred, our Pastor and Father Adam, our newly ordained Polish priest celebrated. He is 26 years of age and is enthusiastic. The blessing of the animals followed. Then we joined everyone for an outdoor picnic prepared by the Knights of Columbus. Parishioners brought desserts and the new Polish community brought special dishes to share. Father Fred was delighted to have eight Franciscan Sisters of the Poor at this celebration and introduced us to the Parish!
Queen of Peace – A Vibrant Community
For the past several years we have had someone in our parish enter the
seminary. Every two years the Bishop assigns a newly ordained priest to
us. Many of you remember Father Enriques from Cuba; he is now in a
Spanish-speaking parish and we miss him. There are several young people that are interested in the seminary. Pray for them and two young college students as they discern their vocation to priesthood and religious life.
The parish is also very active in young adult and youth ministry and has a
dedicated staff. Most of the young people are away at college, but Father
Fred always welcomes them home during vacations. During the Christmas holidays and in summer, he has an open house (with pizza, soda and fellowship) for them.
St. Francis Convent – Warwick, NY [photo by Sr. Mary Veronica Donohue]
More Franciscan Feasts!
On Saturday, October 10, we also had birthday celebrations at St. Francis
Convent for Sister Marie Veronica Mulligan, Mary Maloney and Kay Stern (the late Sister Helen Marie Stanton’s sister). Sister Rosamaria prepared a genuine homemade Italian dinner for 15 of us. We welcomed Sr. Mariapia who celebrates 25 years of Franciscan life this year. (as well as Sister Anna). A happy and blessed Jubilee year to them. Before the party, Sr. Teresita Samson took Sr. Mariapia Iammarino on an adventure of apple and pumpkin picking!
Franciscan Communities of Hope and Compassion
Brother Ed Coughlin, OFM, who is a well known Franciscan scholar, presented
Francis and Clare as models of “Mutual Love and Relationships.” This had also been the theme of the July Franciscan Federation Conference. The basic message was in tune with our Chapter theme: We are brothers and sisters to all creation and called to mutual relationship to all people of God's creation - a Community of hope and compassion.
During the weekend of October 31-November 1, I was in Chicago at our second
Franciscan Federation National Board Meeting. We studied more deeply the new structure and receive reports from the newly formed Commissions on Leadership, Regions and Charism. Pray for us as we look to the future!
- Sister Mary A. Maloney, SFP