Joy abounded at our Centenary celebration, September 14, 2019.
On September 14, 1919, Father Claude Crookston founded the Order of Saint Francis in the Episcopal Church. The OSF went on to become the American Province of the Society of St. Francis.
On Sept. 14, 2019 we celebrated 100 years as Franciscan Brothers in the Episcopal Church. Our celebration mass began at 11 AM at the Church of St. Luke in the Fields, Manhattan. Our Bishop Protector, the Rt. Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick presided. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry preached. Two new novice Brothers were clothed as Brothers Columba and Gregory, and our Brother Thomas made his first Profession in vows.
Our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, never fails to be energizing, funny, inspirational and deeply challenging. We were honored to have him preach our Centenary celebration.
Robert Fitzpatrick, our Bishop Protector, was Celebrant for our Centenary Mass, while Phil Geliebter TSSF served as Deacon.
What better way to celebrate the past than to ensure our future? Our new Brothers Columba and Gregory were received and clothed as Novices at our Centenary celebration.
Our time of celebration was also a time of deepening commitment, as Brother Thomas made his First Profession in Vows, receiving the triple knotted rope with the charge: “As you are bound in Christ, so in him you are set free. From now on, call nothing your own.”
Following our Centenary, Brother Christopher John, Minister General (left), and Brother Luke Manitara, Minister Provincial for the Solomon Islands (center), visited Mission House at St Mary’s and took in some of the sights in NYC. Prayers for their safe travel today: Chris to London and Luke back home to the Solomons.
