September 5, 2012
It is quite normal for religious communities that have existed for some years to have dates that have a special meaning to occur on a regular basis. An example would be the feast day of one of its members. In our Franciscan community this day is celebrated by wishing the friar a “Happy Feast Day.” At his place in the refectory, a special napkin or placemat is put under his plate and a simple vase of flowers is placed next to his plate. The brother cook usually made a simple cake with which to finish the meal. As simple as these gestures may seem to many, the friar whose feast we were remembering was usually quite grateful. Such is life in the religious state!
Other examples which hold special meaning in the community are the days of investiture – the day in which we were given the habit, or to put it another way, the day in which we began religious life.
In August 2012, there were three friars who remembered their anniversaries. On August 16, Br. Anthony completed his year of required novitiate and made his Simple Profession. This means he took temporary vows for three years.
In addition, Fathers Bernard and Joseph celebrated their thirtieth anniversary of having made their Simple Profession. It hardly seems possible that so many years have passed, but that certainly is the situation.
The most important memory of August 2012 would certainly be the consecration of Most Rev. Bonaventure Strandt, OFM. This took place on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at Our Lady of the Angel’s Friary in Rochester, NY.
It turned out to be a beautiful day, with Catholics coming from numerous states. The pleasant surprise concerning those who attended was the ones who traveled from Alaska, Chile, England and Mexico! How special that day must have been for them to travel so far and attending the Mass and ceremonies which continues Apostolic Succession!
Over the years our community has had its crosses, but it also has had its joyful moments. The month of August 2012 will certainly stand out as one of the more memorable times of this Franciscan community.
May God bless you,
Fr. Joseph, OFM