Paul Patlo, OFM Cap., 1969-2021
Our Capuchin brother Paul Patlo, OFM Cap., passed to the Lord’s eternal life on December 26, 2021, at Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). He had suffered from kidney and liver failure for a number of weeks in Kimbe, his family home, where he was cared for by family until his illness required hospitalization in the nation’s capital. Paul was 52. His death marks a sad milestone for our Province: he was the first native friar from our mission to pass.
Paul was born in West New Britain-Pomio on October15, 1969, to his parents, Philip Kepipe and Francesca Kempole. His decision to be a Catholic priest goes back to his high school years in 1982 at Malmal High School in Pomio. When he completed grade 10 in 1985, he was accepted at St Peter Chanel Seminary in Rabaul to begin his priesthood studies. After objections by his father about his choice of schooling, however, Paul had to withdrew from the seminary and worked for two years as plantation supervisor with the New Britain Palm Oil Development (NBPOD) Company. The young man was not satisfied with the life he was living, however, and his desire to be a priest grew stronger and stronger.
Our Work in New Baltimore, PA, Highlighted in Video
Our brother Mark Pattock, OFM Cap., and the work of the people of St. John the Baptist parish in New Baltimore, PA, was featured in a 30-minute interview on the recent barn restoration. St. John's also hosts a retreat center where groups can find some tranquility and peace in the beautiful countryside. Of course, the restored barn makes that countryside all the more lovely.
Produced by the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown in their Proclaim! The Good News of Altoona-Johnstown series. Mark appears on a "blustery day" in New Baltimore, interviewed by host Tony DeGol, and we learn a lot about the history of the place our friars call "home." The video was published on October 24th.
Our New Motherhouse Annex is Blessed Indeed
On Saturday, September 25th, a number of friars, friends and benefactors were able to join the friars of St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh for the long-delayed dedication and blessing of our new building. Bishop David Zubik of the local diocese was able to celebrate the Mass and blessing for us. The Mass also marked the "Consecration of the Altar," even though the rite had to be a tad abbreviated because of a no-incense restriction
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The blessing of the new annex to the friary had to be limited given the bishop's schedule, but he was able to follow the Mass with a blessing of the friary's living room and dining room before he moved on to the blessing of the new Hyacinth Epp Hall, created to host our larger events. The complex, completed in March of 2020 was delayed due to our pandemic, but having the ability to gather with our friars, families and friends was itself a wonderful blessing.
Promised for Life: Br. Edgar Pereira, OFM Cap.
Our brother Edgar Pereira, OFM Cap., made his solemn commitment as a Capuchin Franciscan on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Friars, families and friends celebrated the event in a 2-hour Liturgy during which Edgar professed his lifetime commitment to living in obedience, without anything of his own and in chastity within our Capuchin brotherhood. As our vow statement reads, the "Lord has given me this grace," and we praise the Lord as our brother fully takes on our life, praying and ministering among us, so that all women and men may know the Lord's immense Peace and Goodness.
See this edited video of excerpts from the Mass and Profession of Vows . . . .
Blessed Moment: Our St. Fidelis Alumni Weekend
THANKS to all who made our Alumni Weekend such a successful & blessed Moment! We gathered on Friday, August 6th, for our Annual Fr. Bill Wiethorn Golf Outing and on Saturday, August 7th for our Alumni Mass & Picnic.
See the video collection of photos below -- and a big THANK YOU goes out in a special way to Dave Schaffner Jr. and his crew that made it happen.
On to 2022!
Cleveland Capuchin Ministries "Come Back"
Our Capuchin Franciscan Brothers Phil Bernier, David Nestler and Bob Marva invite you to worship with us and join the other women and men of faith for support and for the work of being "church." The invitation is now airing in the Cleveland Metropolitan area, and the three who pastor parishes in Cleveland, OH, are excited to "have you back." It's good for the Church, it's good for the community and it's great for you!
We're present at the Conversion of St. Paul & St. Peter Church, downtown,
as well as at St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Parish and at Holy Spirit Parish. Join us!
Alumni of St. Fidelis Seminary: It's Picnic Time!
Finally, we got the message: all Alumni of St. Fidelis are invited to attend Mass and an Alumni picnic with your families on Saturday, August 7, 2021.
Reunite with old friends and enjoy the retelling of our memories growing up together!
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