JOIN THE EFFORT TO RESTORE NEW YORK CITY’S "MOST BELOVED CHURCH!"

On Friday, June 13th we celebrated the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua here at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Amazing as it may seem, eighty-two thousand small loaves of bread were distributed to the faithful people who came to honor St. Anthony as an outstanding preacher and miracle worker. It was a wonderful opportunity for the friars to thank the thousands of people just like you for your incredible generosity and support of our ministries, especially our outreach to the homeless and hungry in New York. People from many nations and walks of life, with very rich cultures, traditions and lifestyles, came here simply to pay tribute to St. Anthony in a church where they feel so welcomed and accepted.
 
It is here in this midtown church, steeped in the Franciscan tradition, where people each and every day can celebrate their diversity, not as something that divides us, but rather as something that unites us. Gratefully, it is in this sacred place that we can be assured of God's love and mercy as we gather for worship, meditation and reconciliation. It is no wonder that St. Francis on 31st Street is known so well as the most beloved church in New York City.
 
As I begin my second three-year term as Pastor, we are about to embark on a two month project to renovate and restore our church. I am happy to announce that we have received as a gift the most beautiful tabernacle that you may ever see in your lifetime. It was the centerpiece in the chapel of our former minor seminary in Callicoon, New York.

This acquisition offers us the opportunity to renovate further our sanctuary with the installation of a new altar and ambo.


 

 

 

 

 

Included in the project will be the repair of a major crack in our Great Mosaic.

This magnificent piece of art which depicts the Franciscan Saints of the Order of Friars Minor will also be cleaned and restored as well.

The entire church will be painted, the lighting will be enhanced and our noisy, broken kneelers will be replaced - thank God!

In addition to the time and energy involved, this project is necessary but extremely costly, as you can well imagine. To put it simply, we need your financial support.   Please give serious consideration to this honest request. Big or small, your gift will be deeply appreciated.   Please click here to go to out donation page and make an online donation.

In thanksgiving for your constant generosity, encouragement and support, I renew the promise I made when I was appointed Pastor of St. Francis in July 2005. "I will do my best to administer the programs, finances and buildings of this church but most importantly, I will try to preach the Word of God relevantly, celebrate the sacraments meaningfully and console the searching and suffering sensitively."

Please be assured of the prayers of the Franciscan Friars for a happy, restful and relaxing summer filled with good health and every grace and blessing from our Good God!
 
 
 Gratefully yours,
 
 




 Fr. Jerome J. Massimino, OFM
Pastor and Guardian