News

2009 Archive

September 30, 2009
Ten Men Accepted as Capuchin Postulants

Minister Provincial Father John Pavlik received ten men into the Capuchin postulancy, the first year of formation in becoming friars in the Province of St. Augustine. About twenty  friars were present during a week-long retreat at Paul VI Pastoral Center in Wheeling, WV, and witnessed the ten being accepted as postulants. Kevin Moshier of Avondale, AZ; James Watson of Philadelphia, PA; Roshan Anthonypillai of Sri Lanka by way of Toronto and Washington, DC; Jonathan Goodan of Somerset, Kentucky; Stanley Sobo of Oakland, Michigan; Ronald Dietz of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania; Rafael Anguiano-Rodriguez of San Pedro, Mexico; John Paul Kuzma of Erie, Pennsylvania; Travis Woodfield of Lima, Ohio; and Chady Naoum of Parma, Ohio; all were given the TAU cross as a sign of their acceptance as postulants. The cross was adopted by St. Francis of Assisi as a special form of the cross for his Franciscan family.

The postulants have already begun their formation at Padre Pio Friary in Philadelphia, under the guidance of director Father Paul Kuppe and associate directors Brother Kip Ledger and Father John Harvey. During this year of formation the postulants will become more familiar with the Capuchin way of life, understand more intimately St. Francis of Assisi, learn to pray more intensely, and undertake apostolic work, all to follow Jesus Christ more closely.

At the conclusion of this year of postulancy, these men may apply and may be accepted as novices, the second step in their formation as Capuchin friars.

Photos of each of the new postulants can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.

 

August 22, 2009
Br. James Mungovan Professes Capuchin Vows for Life

More than fifty friars gathered at St. Augustine Church to witness and celebrate the solemn profession of vows by Brother James Mungovan. The Indiana native was joined by his parents, brothers and sisters, their spouses and children, other relatives and friends for the joyous occasion.

Provincial Minister Father John Pavlik received Brother Jim's vows, and Brothers Robert Toomey and Stephen Fernandes were the official witnesses.

Brother James first professed temporary vows in 2005, and after almost four years of formation and discernment, the friars approved his request to be a Capuchin for the rest of his life. His path to Capuchin life included a two year stint as a CapCorps volunteer in Papua New Guinea. He will soon return to the island nation as a friar missionary, working at the major seminary in Madang.

His preparation for this day included a guided and prayerful pilgrimage to Franciscan and Capuchin holy places in Italy, where he was guided by Father Paul Dressler. Immediately before his solemn profession, Brother Jim was given a directed retreat by Father David nestler at Paul VI Pastoral Center in Wheeling, WV.

Brother Jim returns to Capuchin College in Washington, DC, to prepare for his missionary assignment. Hopefully by October he will be on his way to his first assignment as a solenly professed Capuchin friar.

See more photos at the Photo Gallery.

 

July 26, 2009
Sixteen Men Begin NAPCC 2009-2010 Novitiate

During Sunday Evening Prayer (II), Capuchin Friar Fr. Phil Fink, the newly appointed Director of Novices, invested sixteen men from eight Capuchin jurisdictions. As the men donned the Capuchin habit, they began their year of probation, or Novitiate. The novices will enter more fully into Capuchin life through prayer (both liturgical and private), study, fraternal life, and spiritual direction during this first year of life as a Capuchin friar. After the year is completed, they may request to make first vows.

Matthew Anselmi, Brian Stacy and Alan Trotter are from the Province of St. Augustine. From the Province of St. Mary are Matthew Janczko and Erik Lenhart. Novices from the St. Joseph Province are Vito Martinez, Parker Tiffany, Richard Reinhardt and Quan Minh Nguyen. Having just arrived from Australia on Saturday morning, Jude Makin, Kieran Cummins and John Nguyen are from the Province of the Assumption. Nathaniel Santos is from the Vice-Province of Guam. From the Province of St. Conrad is Anthony Monahan. From the Province of Our Lady of Angels is Christopher Iwancio. From Canada and the Province of the Mother of the Good Shepherd is Ken Cole.

Br. Mark Mance of California and Fr. Gerard O'Dempsey of Australia are also on the Novitiate Staff. Living with the staff and novices are Fr. Reynold Rynda of the Detroit Province and Fr. John Getsy of the Pennsylvania Province.

The Province of St. Augustine encompasses the states of Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Province of St. Mary consists of the state of New York and the entirety of New England, while the Province of St. Joseph is located in the upper Midwest, stretching from Michigan to Montana. The Province of St. Conrad is in the center of the USA, with friaries in Colorado and Kansas. Our Lady of the Angels sweeps along the Pacific Coast, with most friaaries in the Golden State of California. The Vice-Province of Guam, in addition to Guam, also includes Hawaii. Central Canada is mostly in the province of Ontario and is English speaking. The Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes in the nation of Australia, mainly along the eastern coast.

More photos are viewable in the Photo Gallery.

July 18, 2009
Seven Men Profess First Vows as Capuchin Friars

On this cool, partly cloudy July Saturday morning, seven men completed their year as novices and made vows for three years. Brother Manuel Aviles, Brother Thomas Choi, Brother Jared Denman, Brother Michael Meza, Brother Patrick Monahan, Brother Juan Antonio Ortiz and Brother Stephen Shin each knelt before the Minister Provincial, Father John Pavlik, with hands folded inside of his, and declared that they would live the Rule of St. Francis and the life of a Capuchin friar.

Families, friends and more than sixty friars were on hand to celebrate the Mass of Profession. The Old Testament reading was proclaimed in Korean, the New Testament reading in Spanish, and the Gospel in English.

The time as temporarily professed friars is a trial period, to see if Capuchin life is a good fit for each of the men. During this period they are still in the process of being "formed," along with other friars in first vows. Most of them will go to Capuchin College in Washington, DC, for the next phase of their training.

Fellow novices, Brother Bill Grace of the New York Province, and Brother David Hirt of the Detroit Province will each celebrate their first professions in their home provinces in early August.

In the photos (both on the front page and in the Photo Gallery) one will notice Father Jeff Ernst, a friar of the Province of Mid-America. Father Jeff concludes his service as Director of Novices with this profession class. Thanks to him for the wonderful work of forming men into friars for the past several years.

Friars who gathered for the morning liturgy were predominantly from the Province of St. Augustine, but other nations and provinces were also represented at the festive event.

A new class of novices arrives next Saturday, 14 in all. Of the 14 three are candidates for the Province of St. Augustine.

 

July 11, 2009
Novices Prepare for Temporary Profession

Their year of novitiate is nearing an end, and on Saturday, 18 July 2009, seven novices will make their first profession as Capuchin friars. They will be joined by family, friends and other friars as they profess the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the chapel at Kern's Spirituality Center in Allison Park, PA, during the Mass of Profession. Provincial Minister Father John Pavlik will receive their vows after the homily.

The soon-to-be professed friars hail from various parts of the world: the USA, Korea, Puerto Rico and El Salvador. Brothers Stephen Shin and Thomas Choi are natives of Korea. From the USA are Brother Michael Meza of Virginia, and Brothers Jared Denman and Patrick Monahan both from Ohio. Brother Manuel Avilés was born in El Salvador. And from Puerto Rico is Brother Juan Antonio Ortiz Berríos.

While Brother Stephen will exercise his priestly ministry in a parish of the province, the rest of the newly professed friars will move to Washington, DC, and begin studies at various schools in the capital city and join the growing fraternity of friars at Capuchin College in Northeast Washington.

May 29, 2009
Friars Assemble in Pittsburgh

More than 120 Capuchin friars of the Province of St. Augustine gathered in Pittsburgh, PA, for a triennial gathering. The Province's own Father John Petrikovic was the main speaker, having delivered three talks on the Capuchin tradition and charism. Fr. John is acting rector of the Collegio San Lorenzo in Rome. The friars were very grateful for his presentations.

Benedictine Father Roman Pauer was also a presenter and spoke of the gifts and dangers of the internet. Father Roman is a monk of the Abbey of St. John in Collegeville, Minnesota, and is a widely regarded expert on the ethical and healthy use of the internet.

The friars also attended to other business, including preparing for next year's chapter.

Of course, the Assembly was an opportunity for the friars to pray together, talk and enjoy one another, as well.

 

May 16, 2009
Brother Urbano Earns BA from Catholic University of America

Born in Mexico and now a Capuchin friar of the Province of St. Augustine, Brother Urbano Vazquéz has completed his under-graduate studies at the Catholic University of America. On Saturday, 16 May 2009, Brother Urbano received his BA degree in an outdoor commencement ceremony in the shadow of the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaaculate Conception. Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl conferred the degree on all the CUA graduates.

Brother Urbano's mother and other family members attended the graduation, as did Capuchin friar Father Carlos Reyes and other friends. The family hosted a graduation party afterwards at the family home in Northern Virginia.

Brother will begin his theological studies later this summer in Puerto Rico, studying and living with the friars in Rio Piedras. For the past year he has been a member of Sacred Heart Friary in Northwest Washington, DC, where he first met the Capuchin friars several years ago.

 More photos of Brother Urbano's graduation can be seen in the Photo Gallery, on the menu to your left. Thanks to Father Carlos for the pictures.

May 1, 2009
Br. Jim Mungovan Receives Degree from WTU

Brother James Mungovan received a Masters of Theological Studies from the Washington Theological Union on Friday, 01 May 2009. The graduation ceremony was held at Trinity Washington University in the Notre Dame Chapel located in Northeast Washington, DC. The degree marked the end of two years of studies for Brother Jim, who hopes to go to Papua New Guinea later this year.

Brother Jim entered the Capuchin Order after having been a CapCorps volunteer in Papua New Guinea for two years. He made his first profession of vows in 2005 and will make perpetual vows as a Capuchin friar in August of this year. For the past three and a half years he has been in studies and formation at Capuchin College in Washington.

Not having been in school for a number of years, Brother Jim was at first a bit reluctant to re-enter the world of academics. However, the transition back to school was quickly made, and the theological studies program at WTU was tailored to students such as Brother Jim.  That program provides students with a broad knowledge and basic understanding of the Catholic theological tradition.

Congratulations to Brother Jim on a job well done!

More photos of Brother Jim's graduation can be seen in the Photo Gallery, on the menu to your left. Thanks to Brother Matt Hindelang for the pictures.

April 24, 2009
Alumni Gather For Feast of St. Fidelis

Alumni of St. Fidelis Seminary gathered at Our Lady of the Angels chapel in Pittsburgh, PA, on the feast of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a Capuchin martyr who has inspired Capuchins since the 1500's. About 25 alumni, some with their wives, attended the 4:30PM Mass, at which Fr. Bernard Finerty, OFM Cap, presided and preached. Father Bernie is not only an alumnus; he was a member of the seminary faculty for many years. Father John Pavlik, an alum and the current Provincial of the Capuchins, welcomed the gathered friends of the seminary and invited them to a dinner, which followed the Mass.

Photos of the event are viewable in the Photo Gallery. Look to the left side menu and click on "Photo Gallery."

 

April 20, 2009
Friars return from Assisi

Friars from the Province of St. Augustine have largely returned from the Chapter of Mats and the 800th anniversary of the first Rule of St. Francis. About 1500 friars gathered in Assisi for the festivities. The celebration included prayer, study and reflection, concluding with an audience at Castel Gondolfo with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

Activities were focused on the home turf of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Francis in the old town of Assisi and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the Portiuncula. Scholars, leaders and lesser known friars led the reflective studies of the Rule, which guides the friars' way of life.

Friars from the Province of St. Augustine included the Provincial Father John Pavlik, Father Robert Craig (photo), Brother Walt Robb, Brother David Cira, Father Kevin Thompson, Brother Robert Toomey, Father Mark Carter, Father John Petrikovic and Father William Henn. The latter two are current residents of Rome.

The pilgrim friars will report on the celebration at the upcoming Assembly of all the friars of the province at the end of May.

Photos from the event in Assisi can be viewed at the Photo Gallery, accessible from the menu at left.

 

April 13, 2009
Chapter of Mats Celebrates Rule of St. Francis

Frairs from around the world are gathering in Assisi, Italy, this week to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the first Rule of St. Francis. More than one thousand friars are converging on Assisi for the festivities. From the Province of St. Augustine are Provincial Minister Father John Pavlik, and friars Father Robert Craig, Brother David Cira, Brother Walt Robb, Father Kevin Thompson, Father Mark Carter and Brother Bob Toomey. From the Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea are Vice Provincial Father Bill Fey and novicemaster Father Jonathan Williams.

The image at left is a painting by Giotto of the Pope granting the Church's approval for the Rule of life that Francis wrote for his followers. That particular Rule no longer exists, but it paved the way for many thousands of men throughout the centuries to embrace the Franciscan way of following Jesus Christ. Capuchin friars are one of three branches of the First Order of the Franciscan family, along with the Observants (OFM) and the Conventuals (OFM Conv). Today there are about 30,000 friars who belong to those three branches. Many, many more men and women belong to various Franciscan religious communities.

Photos can be viewd at the Photo Gallery, accessible from the menu at left.

April 13, 2009
Earthquake and the Friars

News from the earthquake struck area of Italy has it that the Capuchin friary in L’Aquila was extensively damaged by the tremor.   No friar was seriously injured or is missing after the quake.  The brothers from the friary of L’Aquila, however, will have to leave the friary due to the extent of the damages which have rendered it unsuitable for habitation at this time. Reports also include the sad news that the Poor Clare Monastery suffered severe damage.  Sister Gemma Antonucci, abbess of the Poor Clare nuns of the convent of Santa Chiara of Paganica, was killed in the earthquake.  The rest of the nuns were taken into the home of a family member of one of the sisters. It is also reported that the provincial headquarters of the OFM’s (St. Bernardine Province) was destroyed, and the basilica which holds the remains of St. Bernardine was severely damaged.

Friars in the area have responded generously since the disaster struck. Capuchin friars are on hand in the "tent cities" to minister to their fellow quake victims. Without much care for their own accommodations, the friars are once again, as they have many times in history, been there for the people who have lost family members, friends and property.

April 11, 2009
Easter Vigil Baptisms at Sacred Heart Church in DC

The Easter Vigil at Sacred Heart Church in northwest Washington, DC, was standing room only. After the traditonal outdoor lighting of the Easter fire and Paschal candle, and readings from Scripture, Capuchin friar Father Stephen Carter baptized a number of catechumens. In this photo, Father Steve immerses the candidate into the waters of baptism.

The Mass was in three languages: English, Spanish and Creole. The Capuchins have cared for the multi-cultural parish for almost 25 years. It has been the home to many groups of immigrants over the years: Ethiopians, Vietnamese, Haitians, and many Latin American immigrants. Father Stephen has been at the parish for most of his priestly life.

April 10, 2009
Capuchin Friar Preaches Good Friday at Vatican

Capuchin friar Father Raniero Cantalamessa again preached the Good Friday homily at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI presided at the Good Friday liturgy with thousands in attendance. Father Raniero preached about the centrality of the crucified Chirst for our Christian faith.

Father Raniero is the papal preacher, a post that has been assigned to Capuchin friars for a number of centuries. By tradition, it is the only liturgical celebration at which the Holy Father does not preach; rather, the Capuchin friar preaches on Good Friday.

March 24, 2009
Friars Remember Archbishop Romero

On the 29th anniversary of the murder of San Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero, Capuchin friar Father Carlos Reyes celebrated a mass of remembrance at Sacred Heart Church in Washington, DC. Many parishioners there are from El Salvador and some even remember the Archbishop when he was alive. Father Carlos is also a native of El Salvador, and he holds dear the memory of the slain archbishop.

On March 24, 1980, gunmen entered the small chapel where the Archbishop was celebrating Mass. He was gunned down because of his frequent outspokenness on behalf of the poor and marginalized of the Central American country. Archbisop Romero was adamant that the government respect the rights of all people.

Capuchin friars have been at Sacred Heart Church since 1984, when the late Cardinal James Hickey was archbishop of Washington. Cardinal Hickey was a good friend of Archbishop Romero.

Pope John Paul II declared Archbishop Romero a Servant of God.

March 23, 2009
New Director of NAPCC Novitiate Named

Father Philip Fink, OFM Cap, has been named Director of Novices of the Capuchin intercontinental novitiate,  located in western Pennsylvania. He will take up his new post in July to welcome a new class of novices from Capuchin jurisdictions in the US, Australia, Canada and Guam. Father Phil is a friar of the Province of St. Augustine and will replace Father Jeff Ernst of the Province of St. Conrad, based in Denver, CO. Father Jeff has been asked to return to serve in his home province. He leaves St. Conrad Friary and Novitiate in good shape for the new director.

Father Phil, currently chaplain to the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, PA, will return to familiar surroundings. In fact, he was the first director of novices at the Allison Park, PA, friary in the mid 1980's, when the program was moved from Annapolis, MD. Since then he has also served as Vicar Provincial and, eventually, Provincial Minister of the Pennsylvania (St. Augustine) province. Father Phil is a trained and certified psychological counselor and has been a spiritual director to many friars, nuns and priests.

Father Phil will join two current members of the novitiate staff, Father Gerard O'Dempsey of the Australian province, and Brother Mark Manse of the California province. They will be increasingly busy as the number of candidates for the Capuchin Order continues to grow.

March 16, 2009
North America and Pacific Capuchins Meet in West Virginia

The semi-annual meeting of the leaders of Capuchin friars from North America, Australia and Guam was held in Wheeling, WV, at Paul VI Pastoral Center. Fr. John Pavlik of the Province of St. Augustine (and president of the conference - NAPCC)  hosted and chaired the meeting of major superiors. The Definitor General from Rome, Brother Mark Schenk  also attended the meeting. The following friars were present: Fr. Dennis Ward (Australia), Fr. Joe English (Guam), Fr. Paul Duplessie and Br. Ignatius Feaver (Central Canada), Fr. Francis Salesse and Fr. Jean Claude LeFleur (Quebec), Fr. Matt Elshoff (California Province), Fr. Charles Polifka and Fr. James Moster (Denver Province), Fr. John Celichowski and Br. Robert Smith (Detroit Province), Fr. John Gallagher and Fr. John McHugh (New York Province), Fr. Nick Mormando (New Jersey Province), Fr. Oscar Guerendiain (Mexico and Texas Vice-Province), and Fr. John Pavlik and Fr. John Pfannenstiel (St. Augustine Province). The two day meeting dealt with a wide range of issues facing the Capuchin friars in North America and regions of the Pacific. (In the photo, Brother Mark Schenk - facing the camera, and Fr. John Pavlik consult between meetings.)

March 10, 2009
Tanzanian Friar, Fr. Wolfgang Pisa, Jubilee Scholar

     Capuchins number almost 11,000 world-wide, and the fraternity among the friars crosses national boundaries. Almost ten years ago the friars of the Province of Saint Augustine initiated a project to periodically host friars from abroad to study in the United States and live with American friars. This year Capuchin friar, Father Wolfgang Pisa of Tanzania is one of two friars currently studying in the US.
    Father Wolfgang is a Capuchin of 18 years and has a distinguished record of service to the Order and Church. After serving one compulsory year in the Tanzanian military, he was accepted as a Capuchin postulant. Two years later he made his first vows and was ordained a priest in 1999. He is the son of John and Pundesiana Pisa, and the oldest of seven children.
    Our brother and guest student has degrees in philosophy and theology, as well as a Bachelors degree from Dar es Salaam University in Economics, Geography and Environmental Management. He has served as a seminary professor, dean of studies, and rector. Father Wolfgang was elected to the leadership council of the Capuchins in Tanzania and served two consecutive terms. He also attended Franciscan studies in Lusaka, Zambia.
    Father Wolfgang lives at Capuchin College (Washington, DC)  with nearly 30 American friars and attends Catholic University to study Moral Theology and Ethics. When he returns to Tanzania, Father will likely resume teaching in the major seminary.

March 5, 2009
In memoriam: Fr. Sebastian Miklas, OFM Cap

Father Sebastian Miklas, OFM Cap., died on March 5, 2009 at the Jean Jugan Center of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, DC. He was 96. Father Sebastian, a Capuchin Franciscan friar of the Province of St. Augustine was born in Wheeling, WV, in 1912. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1939 and assigned to Capuchin College, where he would spend the rest of his life. He taught economics at The Catholic University of America for five years, until he became the founder and director of adult education at CUA. This later developed into evening courses and led the foundation of CUAÕs Metropolitan College in 1979. He held the position of director for many years. For the past fifty years Father Sebastian had been prominent in the field of education. Until five years ago, at the age of 90, he gave seminars to federal government workers on pre-retirement. For twenty years he held the office of secretary for the Franciscan Educational Conference in America, editing twenty volumes published by the organization. He is the author of "The Economic Views of Alfred E. Smith." In the city of Washington he was known as a popular preacher and lecturer. He was a pioneer in television, originating the "Spiritual Scrapbook" and "Hello, Father" series. He had also appeared on the national "Catholic Hour" series on NBC Radio. In 1974 Father Sebastian received the Papal Medal at Catholic University from Archbishop Jean Jadot, the Vatican ambassador to the United States and was cited for his more than 25 years of distinguished service in adult education.

February 13, 2009
In memoriam: Fr. Marvin Justi, OFM Cap

Fr. Marvin Justi, OFM Cap, died Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at Vincentian Regency in Pittsburgh, PA. He had battled cancer for several years and was 75 at the time of his death. Born to John and Naomi Justi on May 31, 1933, in Billerio, Italy, he was given the name Lawrence at his baptism. He attended elementary school in New Brighton, PA, at St. Joseph Catholic School. He was accepted into St. Fidelis Seminary High School in 1946 and continued his studies at St. Fidelis College, both in Herman, PA. At his investiture as a Capuchin friar on July 13, 1952, he was given the name Marvin. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1958, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. After ordination Father Marvin was assigned to St. Fidelis Seminary as a professor, prefect and spiritual director. In 1969 Father Marvin was assigned to Quigley High School in the Ambridge, PA, and remained there until 1972, at which time he moved to Shawnee, Kansas, as a co-pastor at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. After several short-termed assignments in Washington, DC, Dover, Ohio, and back in Herman, PA, Father Marvin returned in 1980 to the region of his childhood years, Beaver County, PA. After three years as parochial vicar at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, he embarked on a career of hospital chaplaincy, for which he is most recently and fondly remembered. With his gentle pastoral style, Father Marvin was a beloved presence in Beaver County Medical Center. In 2002 Father Marvin was assigned to St. Joseph Church in Cabot, PA, where he resided while serving as part-time chaplain at the V. A. Medical Center in Butler, PA, until his illness prevented him in 2007. At that time he moved briefly to St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh and, eventually, Vincentian Regency.

February 1, 2009
Capuchin Friar Ordained in Papua New Guinea

On February 1, 2009, in the open field near the cathedral in Mendi, Papua New Guinea. Capuchin friar Paul Patlo was ordained to the priesthood by Capuchin Bishop Stephen Reichert. Friars from around the country were present for the ordination.

The cathedral was unable to accommodate the more than 2,000 people in attendance, and the local parishes prepared a two day feast for the wonderful event for all those who participated.

Father Paul’s first assignment is as a parish priest in Tari, PNG.

January 26, 2009
Three Papua New Guinea Friars Profess Final Vows

Thanks to the work of missionary friars from the Province of St. Augustine, the Capuchin Order continues to grow in Papua New Guinea. On Sunday, 25 January 2009, three friars made life-long vows to life as Capuchin friars. Brothers Christopher Drua, Norbert Kawai and Barnabas Alu made their vows to the Vice Provincial, Father Bill Fey at the seminary chapel in Madang, PNG.

On the following day Brother Isaiah Ita made his first vows as a Capuchin. He will continue his formation in Madang, PNG, at Padre Pio Friary.

Brother Isaiah (at left) makes his profession to the Vice Provincial, Father Bill Fey.

January 22, 2009
Friars in DC for Pro-Life Mass and March

They started with Mass at the National Shrine in northeast Washington and then joined thousands of other pro-life demonstrators to send a message to the new president and congress about the sanctity of human life. The Provincial Minister, Father John Pavlik, was the main celebrant for the packed crypt church mass, and Father Moisés Villalta was the homilist. Scores of friars and Capuchin students were joined by parishioners from Capuchin parishes to celebrate the morning Mass. It was a great way to send an army of witnesses to the streets of the nation’s capitol. The Capuchin Pro-Life Mass is a yearly event on the day of the Pro-Life March in DC.

January 17, 2009
Librarian Becomes Capuchin Affiliate

For twenty years Mrs. Patricia Coughlan volunteered her expertise as a librarian at the Capuchin Novitiate at St. Conrad Friary. Now, with her retirement, Patricia has become an affiliate of the Order. In a brief but lovely prayer service on Friday, 16 January 2009, Father John Pavlik bestowed the honor of affiliation on Patricia. Past director of novices, Father Robert L. McCreary and current director Father Jeff Ernst spoke of Patricia’s great contribution to maintaining and upgrading the library. For her many year so service, the friars are forever grateful.