Fingerprints: Making a Far-From-Retired Difference
When there are fingerprints on something, it usually means there was someone involved in creating, changing or developing that thing. That's true, too, with our brother, priest-friar Richard Zelik, OFM Cap. Though a self-described “senior friar” now and “almost semi-retired,” he continues to leave his fingerprints on several different ministries that make for an interesting and challenging week.
On weekday mornings, he celebrates Mass for the School Sisters of Saint Francis at Mount Assisi. Over the past few months, fr. Rich shared the commitment of that daily celebration of Mass with confrere Jonathan Williams, OFM Cap., who was also a welcome guest presider for the Sisters. Jonathan recently passed to the Lord, and he is genuinely missed by the Sisters. They expressed their gratitude for the Capuchin Franciscan presence and often take time to chat with us after Mass.
Jonathan Williams, OFM Cap., 1944-2023
View the video of our Prayer Vigil & Funeral Mass for our brother
Our brother Jonathan Williams, OFM Cap., died from complications related to Parkinsons Disease at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, on Thursday, January 12, 2023. He was 78.
Born to Glen and Bertha (Micek) Williams on March 18, 1944 in Atwood. KS, he was given the name Patrick at his baptism at Sacred Heart Church and attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Atwood before entering St. Francis Seminary High School in Victoria, KS, administrated and staffed by our Capuchin friars. In 1962, he entered St. Fidelis College Seminary in Herman, PA.
Francis Yacobi, OFM Cap., 1949-2022
Our brother Francis Yacobi, OFM Cap., died at AGH West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, on Saturday evening, December 31, 2022, following several months of declining health. He was 73.
Francis was born to Xavier Francis and Anne (Petty) Yacobi on May 11, 1949, in South Bend, IN, and was baptized at St. Joseph Church, the family’s parish.
He attended Catholic elementary schools in Indiana and Illinois, graduating from Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, IL, in 1967. Frank earned Business Administration degrees in marketing and management at Northern Illinois University.
Discerning a vocation to Capuchin life and the priesthood, Frank was accepted into the Capuchin formation program and took pre-theology courses at Borromeo Seminary in Wickliffe, OH, from 1983 to 1984.
In 1984 he was invested as a Capuchin novice at St. Conrad Friary, Allison Park, PA. Frank professed temporary vows as a Capuchin friar on July 13, 1985, and perpetual vows on August 2, 1988 with our brothers Michael Greb, OFM Cap., and David Nester, OFM Cap.
Merry Christmas!
We pray that your Christmas be filled with the light and goodness of our God who comes to take on our human nature. Truly, Emmanuel, God-with-us, is the source and goal of our celebrations.
Our Capuchin novices of a few years back prepared this Christmas Video of the "Carol of the Bells," led by their Assistant Novice Director and guitarist, our brother Kip Ledger, OFM Cap. We thought it well-worth a "re-run." May all peace and good be yours throughout this holy season . . .
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Celebrating the Season as we cry out, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Featuring Musicians from our fraternity
at Capuchin College, Washington, DC:
Cello: Cap Corps volunteer Tessie Schonder
Violin: Br. Luke Kim, OFM Cap.
Piano. Br. Bob Herrick, OFM Cap.
Video courtesy of Br. Pablo Lopez, OFM Cap.
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