Br. Alex Shares Thoughts on the Franciscan & Dominican Intellectual Tradition
Our Br. Alex Hostoffer, OFM Cap., Director and Guardian of our Padre Pio Center in Philadelphia, PA, was asked to share his thoughts in a discussion of The Franciscan v Dominican Intellectual Tradition, the Universal Banality of Sin, and the Hope of Renewal through Love. In this episode of The Culture of Life podcast, our brother sheds light on two of the main Catholic intellectual traditions-the Dominican and the Franciscan heritage of thought. His thoughts face humanity's long struggle with sin and how the world is "perishing due to a lack of love."
St. Frances Academy in Baltimore Spotlights Br. Connor
Our brother Connor Bannon, OFM Cap. has been working at Baltimore's St. Frances Academy this school year, and the school put the "Spotlight" on Connor and his work with the faculty and students. And they let us know a little about Connor and his work and "fun facts" that included Kanye West and a horse named Hercules (tell us more, Connor!) . . . .
- Brother Connor teaches our Freshmen Religion classes. He asks that we pray for his wisdom, knowledge, patience and perseverance.
- Brother Connor's mission at St. Frances Academy is to help scholars to encounter Jesus through prayerful study.
- Fun Facts about Brother Connor: He enjoys eating spicy food, jamming out to Kanye West, reading, watching Oklahoma football and working out at home.
- Also, a horse named Hercules once fell on him.
- Favorite Bible Verse: For the wages of sins isdeath, but the gift of God is eternal life In Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
'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 . . .
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