This Week's Bulletin

Phone Number
24 Hours
212-736-8500

135 West 31st Street
New York , NY 10001
 



Spring 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Throughout the centuries, there have been a great number of individuals who have reached the status of celebrity and enjoyed popularity and are recognized for their extraordinary achievements. With the passing of time, the new generations seem oblivious at their history. There is one exception though! St. Anthony of Padua is the name of a saint whose popularity has never diminished and continues to be celebrated and revered throughout the passing of time. On June 13, the Franciscans and the devout all over the world will be one in spirit as we celebrate the life and legacy of St. Anthony also known as one of the great “miracle workers” because of the innumerable miracles performed by his intercession.

Yet we are drawn to this remarkable saint for another very important reason – his unwavering love for the Gospel. In the words of Pope John Paul II, St. Anthony stayed true to its teachings with a “courageous consistency” that is simply awe-inspiring. His sermons and actions on behalf of the poor challenged others to see that the Gospel is so much more than words – it is meant to be brought to life.

St. Anthony’s clear message resonates today as strongly as ever. In this great metropolis where so many are struggling, the Franciscans follow in his footsteps by acting out of faith, conviction and compassion. We strive always to live the Gospel fully; to share the truth of God’s Word while doing all we can to help people out of material and spiritual poverty. Here on 31st Street all are welcome to experience renewal, just as if St. Anthony were here to greet them.

We warmly extend an invitation to join us on June 13 for the celebration of St. Anthony’s Feast Day! It is a splendid day when people from the greater New York area and neighboring states visit our church to share in the Masses celebrated in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean. The inspiring homilies and wonderful music are certainly a way to reach to everyone’s heart and to uplift spirits. You can literally see the love and hope St. Anthony inspires which is manifested in the faces of parishioners and visitors. On this day, you can also take part in one of our favorite Franciscan traditions being the annual blessing and distribution of 80,000 loaves of St. Anthony’s Bread – a powerful symbol of the gift of faith we give one another each day. It is a reminder that we rely on one another for sustenance – friars, friends, benefactors and all who seek a deeper relationship with Christ.

Historically “St. Anthony’s Bread” has also meant the giving of alms to the church out of gratitude for St. Anthony’s intercession, a practice going back many hundreds of years and continuing to this day. In turn, the church distributes the “St. Anthony’s Bread” in a manner that will benefit those in most need as well as to help support this “house of peace” where miracles happen each day. This is a role the friars at St. Francis Church continue to embrace every day with faithful hearts, attending to the needs of the people in our midst who rely on us for sustenance for their hunger and for spiritual guidance. An example of these efforts is the long-established St. Francis Breadline along with some of the newer ministries such as our Immigration Center, Counseling Center and St. Francis Cares have become vitally important sources of hope in the city. Serving “the least among us” is a sacred calling for our friars, one that we promise to always uphold through support from friends like you.

 As we humbly follow the path set out for us by St. Francis and St. Anthony 800 years ago, we are very grateful to you for walking with us on this faith journey. I ask for your financial support and for your presence to help St. Francis of Assisi Church to continue being the guiding light and the source of inspiration and hope this city so desperately needs.

 The Franciscan Friars and I will remember you and your loved ones during our Special Masses offered on this special day, June 13. May the spirit of St. Anthony continue guide and protect you always!

 

Gratefully,

Fr. Jerome Massimino, OFM
Pastor and Guardian

P.S. Please send us your Special Intentions to be included in our special Masses to be offered on the Feast of St. Anthony. Thank you and God bless!

Special Intentions for remembrance at Mass on the Feast of St. Anthony, June 13



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