Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Perhaps it was the unusually glorious weather we’ve been blessed with of late, but last weekend’s celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi seemed extra special and festive this year.
The weekend began with the annual Transitus of St. Francis service that recounts the story of the final hours and death of Francis of Assisi on the evening of October 3, 1226. Both our new director of music, David Garrido Cid, and our former director, Gabriel Löfvall, took turns conducting our choirs and playing the organ for the ser- vice. Patricia Curtis narrated the moving story, and the friars joined in the blessing of the assembly, which included a good number of Secular Franciscans. They, in turn, provided a very fine reception afterwards. Thank you to everyone who attended, and especially our choirs who sang so beautifully.
Bright and early the following morning, the friary gardens were filled with dogs (and a few cats) for the annual Blessing of Animals. We were happy to see some newcomers in addition to many yearly regulars (along with their humans, of course). Having had to hold the event under cover because of rainy weather for several years, it was a pleasant change to have a clear and sunny morning. I confess that I’ve never been fond of the smell of a wet dog, let alone a couple dozen!
Sunday morning’s 10 AM Mass was the highlight of the weekend for me because it was an occasion to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the coming of the Franciscans to St. Patrick-St. Anthony as well as the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry. To highlight the occasion, Fr. Mike Johnson recalled the founding of the Center under the guidance of the first two Franciscan Pastors, Fr. Jerome Massimino and Fr. Jim Hynes, as well as other friars who were instrumental in establishing ministries that are so familiar to us today, such as the Sandwich Ministry.
Near the end of the Mass, Fr. Mike invited Christian Heiden to join him in signing a partnership agreement between the Franciscan Center and Levo International. The organization founded by Christian helps to address food insecurity both here in Hartford and in Haiti through hydroponic farming. In the past year, Levo has established a significant presence with a farm on Homestead Avenue near Albany Avenue.
Throughout the weekend, before and after Masses, dozens of parishioners dropped off men’s socks and underwear – some of the most requested items in our Sandwich Ministry. Thanks to Anna and Roger Eddy and their team for undertaking this hugely successful drive.
Finally, our annual Parish Brunch was held on Sunday after the 10:00 Mass in the Friary Meeting Room and adjoining outdoor spaces. A large crowd enjoyed brunch specialties prepared by a team of volunteers. The kids enjoyed plenty of outdoor fun as the adults sipped mimosas. Again, thanks to everyone who helped with the setup, food preparation, and cleanup. Your efforts were very much appreciated!
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor