THE LAST CALL
By Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
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The Saint Francis
Hermitage, located in the Catskill Mountain region of New York, provides
the friars with a retreat far away from the sirens and other sounds
of the city. Friars find the quiet and beauty of the area perfect for
their monthly times of prayer and solitude. This year's novitiate was
happy to have Fr. Richard Roemer fly in from our mission in Canningtown,
London to conduct their first retreat. Fr. Richard will be returning
to the States in the Fall to assume his new responsibility as Director
of the Postulants. |
"Monks!" I suspect this one word comes to mind whenever people
see the friars waiting in the airport or walking down the street. Many people
smile and say hello, yet only if the greeting is initiated by the friars themselves.
You see, "monks" aren't supposed to speak. On fashionable Fifth
Avenue, the stylish and sophisticated stare straight ahead and briskly walk
by, tightly lipped, as if they might catch some medieval disease. Meanwhile,
the "down and outs" are refreshingly down to earth! Especially the
homeless who unabashedly and enthusiastically greet us across crowded subway
cars or streets. Silly or snide remarks generally only emanate from small
clusters of teenage boys, while teenage girls scream and laugh with one another
exactly seven seconds after we pass by. Contrary to popular fashion, some
friars sport long beards making them look like they've stepped out of the
pages of the Bible. Others wear their sandals even in the snow which seems
to draw the concern of every mother within a ten mile radius.
| Teenage years have always
been difficult but perhaps are even more so today when religion, good
example, and wise counsel may be lacking from both home and school alike.
For this reason, both friars and sisters make an extra effort to share
their faith in God and love of life with young people. This Grayfriar
photo shows Br. PierGiorgio Lo Giudice and some young friends enjoying
a day of Christian service and prayer at a shrine in Maryland. |
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| The Grayfriar News
is happy to announce the Investiture of three new novices for the sisters.
Sr. Cecilia Francis Jesse (Essex Junction, VT), Sr. Agnes Mary Holtz
(Jacksonville, FL), and Sr. Mary Thanh Le (Mobile, AL). These three
newly invested novices will begin their two-year novitiate under the
spiritual guidance of Sr. Lucille Cutrone, the Community Servant of
the Francican Sisters of the Renewal. |
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The friars are certainly aware that a well
worn and patched habit may give the appearance of sanctity, but, like beauty,
"holiness" can also be only skin deep. Saint Francis abhored duplicity
and often warned the friars against just appearing like poor men, while holding
within their hearts a great amount of wealth. Self will, he would say, was
a "purse" which had to be emptied if anyone wanted to be an authentic
follower of the poor and humble Christ.
As
you might expect, the friar's day begins and ends in the chapel. Every night
about 9:15, the friars pray "Compline" or Night Prayer. This simple
but beautiful Office begins with a few moments of silence in order for a friar
to examine his conscience and ask for forgiveness. Now, since everyone is
"up and at'em" early, spending much of their day racing from pillar
to post, no one has any energy to waste. So, by night time it's really tough
thinking through all ten commandments or pondering the depths of all eight
beautitudes. Besides, how can you remember Scripture verses when you're so
exhausted that you can't even recall your own name? So, to get the job done
quickly and efficiently, the friars have a tried and true method of sniffing
out the hidden sins in their soul even when their bodies are half asleep.
It's called "The Admonitions of Saint Francis".
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Br. Felix Mary Desilet's
poncho proves to be a help during an unexpected shower for some of our
Youth for Christ kids! Br. Felix was one of nine friars who recently
professed their final vows at St. Casimir's Church in Yonkers, New York.
Final, or perpetual profession of vows, permanently unites a friar to
the community through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
By God's grace the "crisis" of vocations for the friars means
the challenges of expansion and the needs of ongoing formation. While
the friars involved in vocation work are expecting a full house of postulants
for the Fall, eight friars are already anticipating their pepetual profession
of vows next year. |
The Admonitions are a collection
of wise sayings written by Saint Francis. Since they were written for the
friars, they have little to do with bunnies or butterflies. Most Franciscans
are well aware that Saint Francis treated the laity with kid gloves, yet when
dealing with himself and his own, he put on boxing gloves. Although a friar
may be exhausted after battling the world, the flesh, and the devil all day,
every night, like it or not, he steps into an invisible ring and goes one
round with "Franky". This is why friars appear punch drunk before
going to bed. They wonder what hit them. Let me tell you about but one of
my many bouts blow by blow.
One
morning I had just finished celebrating Mass and was spending a few quiet
minutes in the chapel to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. I heard the phone
ring in the kitchen. Looking at my watch I thought, "Nine o'clock, it's
a bit early; it must be one of the friars". I quickly left the chapel,
walked into the kitchen, picked up the phone and said, "Fr. Glenn!"
A woman's voice asked, "Is this Fr. Sulano"? Between the name change
and an overly sweet sing-song voice, I thought it was a friar having some
fun. I smiled and said slowly, "Can I help you"? Well, it took a
few seconds but I realized it wasn't a friar at all; the lady with the kindergarten
voice was for real. Soon it became clear to me that the person didn't want
to talk to me but at me. She was a telemarketer reading a sales pitch. I sighed,
sat down and listened with half an ear while watching the brothers pour their
coffee and dig in to their cornflakes.
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| The community of friars is pleased to
present two of our brothers who have been ordained to the holy priesthood,
Fr. Thomas Francis Cacciola (right) and Fr. Angelus Marie Houle (left).
Both friars were ordained at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in May by Archbishop
Edward Cardinal Egan together with four diocesan seminary classmates.
Community members, together with family members and friends, celebrated
first Masses in the Bronx, but also in Lancaster, California, home of
Fr. Thomas Francis, and Manchester, New Hampshire, home of Fr. Angelus
Marie. The friars are looking forward to the ordination of four friars
to the diaconate this Fall, while their priestly ordination is scheduled
for May 2003. We also are happy to introduce the two permanent deacons
who are particularly close to the friars. Pictured with Fr. Thomas is
Deacon Tim Slominski, a lay associate of the community, and with Fr.
Angelus, Deacon Joseph Moscinski, the father of Fr. Fidelis. |
I've received telemarketing calls before and actually have used them
as a perfect opportunity for evangelization. Callers are surprised when
I tell them they've called a friary. It's prime time for public relations,
and, for many, the first time they have ever spoken with a Catholic priest.
I've had wonderful conversations about the Church, faith and prayer. However,
this morning I just didn't have the time. I had tons of work waiting for
me in my office. Besides, it was early and I hadn't enjoyed even my first
cup of coffee. But, quite frankly, I was also put off because the caller
was far from professional.
Since
many of the telemarketing companies are centered in the South, the women
sound like elegant Southern Bells. This woman sounded like she walked off
the street and into the office. "She's not going to sell anything to
anyone", I thought to myself. Feigning a certain air of enthusiasm,
she read her script from a storybook: "Wouldn't it be wonderful being
on a cruise ship headed for the Bahamas and other beautiful and exotic getaways?
Imagine: eleven sun and fun-filled days aboard a magnificent modern ocean
liner? Yes, spend eleven days meeting new friends, swimming in our olympic-sized
swimming pool, playing tennis on real clay courts. Enjoy three all-you-can
eat banquets each and every day. And each morning, Fr. Sulano, you can use
our inspiring interdenominational chapel for your religious services or
ceremonies. The rest of the fun-filled day is allyours. Of course, Fr. Sulano,
you pay nothing, if you bring only thirty members of your congregation..."
Now the needle on my annoyance gauge jumped to life.
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Thanks to teams of volunteer doctors
and nurses from the States, the friars in Honduras are able to provide
free medical treatment for the many poor living in the neighborhood
of Convento San Serafin (Saint Seraphin Friary). As the influence and
the apostolate slowly takes root, friars envision the construction of
a permanent medical clinic and community center. Thanks to the generosity
of benefactors, the friars have also aided in the construction of houses
for the very poor in the mountain region outside the city. This Gray
Friar photo shows Br. Agostino Miguel Torres and Br. Matteo Marie Dengler
assisting doctors in performing some minor miracles for the poor.
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Everyone
is smiling but, thank God, it's not just for the camera! Like most people,
Franciscans enjoy a good laugh, but unlike many people they find their
joy in serving the Lord and others. Mother Teresa of Calcutta would often
say that joy is the irrefutable sign of the presence of God! Therefore,
wherever Christ is loved and served, even in the midst of trial and difficulties,
we find true joy. Studies and experience show that vocations to the service
of the Church are born out of a healthy Catholic family life when combined
with the spiritual support and good example of happy and holy clergy and
religious. The friars and sisters are greatly encouraged in seeing the
great number of young people who both volunteer or participate in the
activities of the two communities. Let's introduce the people behind those
smiles: (left to right) David Miller, Sr. Regina Economopoulos, Jesse
LoGiudice, and Br. Thomas Joseph McGrinder. |
As she
continued to talk, I was making an heroic effort to be patient. Meanwhile,
my mind walked upstairs to survey the paper work piled high on my desk. Amazingly,
before my eyes it magically began to multiply. Slowly, the desk began to creak
and sag in the middle. Then the clock above my desk went wild, the sweep hand
spinning wildly around like a South Western windmill. I began to panic.
To make matters
worse, what absolutely irked me, was she kept referring to me as Fr. Sulano.
After awhile, I squeezed out a smile and said: "that's Fr. Sudano".
Intent on getting through her text, she didn't hear a word. "Yes, Fr.
SuLAno..." Was it my imagination or did she say "La" louder
just to annoy me? Imagine, Fr. SuLAno, you can choose the time and date of
your departure..." Now, as I gently rolled the first correction at her
feet like a bochee ball, this time I decided to toss the second like a soft
ball. "Excuse me, Miss that's Fr. Sudano". Nothing. She continued
to read her script like she was reading and running downhill. She was barreling
without brakes, flying past every attempt I made to have her stop or at least
slow down. After the third SuLAno, I had had it. Time to play hardball. I
pitched the next one high and inside almost hitting her head - "Lady,
it's not Sulano it's Sudano, Su-DA-no, S-U-D-A-N-O". She didn't flinch
and continued to talk. I said over her voice, "My God, help me!"
Finally, throwing any patience I thought I had to the wind, I shouted into
the phone: "Lady, listen! I'm sorry to disappoint you but i don't do
cruises!! did you hear me! father sudano-does-not-do-cruises!
Silence.
Was it my imagination, or did she actually stop? Without a word, I heard what
sounded like the flipping of plastic pages. "Oh no", I thought to
myself, "she's looking for the 'I Don't Do Cruises' section". Before
I could say another word, she opened, aimed, and fired another fresh can of
whipped cream at me - "Fr. SuLAno, imagine, loads of sun and fun, entertainment,
tennis, hot tubs, visiting port cities for strolling and shopping..."
Well, by this
time the vein on the side of my head was bulging and on the verge of bursting.
Meanwhile my guardian angel had me in a half Nelson with one hand trying to
cover my mouth. Of course he could do absolutely nothing to stop the verbal
venom I was quickly concocting in the backroom of my brain: "Listen,
Little Miss Sun-and-Fun, you're speaking to the wrong person. First of all,
I'm a friar - a monk O.K.? - and we don't go on vacation cruises. And besides
don't try to take me as a fool; this trip is not 'free'. In fact, you're using
me. Forget it, lady, you couldn't get me on your rotten rowboat even if you
filled your hot tub with a million dollars!
"Plus, I could
think of plenty of things I'd rather do than eat all day and get sea sick.
Like go to a Tupperware party or have dental surgery in Calcutta! And besides,
lady, I'm a Catholic priest, and I don't do services, I don't do ceremonies,
I do sacrifice!!" Slam!
| The front
door of Saint Crispin Friary in the Bronx has been a place of charity
and hospitality for many. Literally tons of food have passed through
those doors in the past 15 years! Each Monday, for example, donated
food is distributed to the needy of the neighborhood by friars and friends.
Of course, holiday time brings more people, yet, the Lord also faithfully
provides more assistance. Volunteers like John Campiglia and Anna Baptista
make Br. Maximilian Mary Stelmachowski's job easier and more enjoyable.
Br. Maximilian and all the friars residing and working in the South
Bronx appreciate the generous service and ongoing fidelity of the lay
associates and volunteers. While the friars often get the recognition,
they well know to whom the credit really belongs. |
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Well, right
reason and prudence prevailed and I didn't say those things. How the whole
affair ended, I frankly forget, but I do remember both of us hanging up very
frustrated. Later that evening, to entertain the brothers, I replayed the
whole affair at the dinner table. I must admit, although I don't have a single
ounce of Irish blood in me, I told a great story. Some of the brothers were
holding their sides and pounding the table. Later in the evening, as it was
time for Compline, we all made our way to the chapel. As prayer leader that
week, it was my job to read the nightly Admonition. Well, I stood up to do
the reading, forgetting I was stepping into the ring. Here's what this humble,
holy friar read to his brethren:
" 'Blessed
are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (Mt 5:3). There
are many people who spend all their time at their prayers and other religious
exercises and mortify themselves by long fasts and so on. But if anyone says
as much as a word that implies a reflection on their self-esteem or takes
something from them, they are immediately up in arms and annoyed. These people
are not really poor in spirit. A person is really poor in spirit when he hates
himself and loves those who strike him on the cheek (cf. Mt 5:39)." Well,
the thirty seconds of silence after the reading felt like thirty years. It
was so quiet I thought everyone could hear my heart beating. The soiled state
of my soul was stretched out like a laundry line from one end of the chapel
to the other, my sins flapping in the breeze: "Hypocrisy", "Pride",
"Conceit". Although physically tired, I was spiritually on my toes
after spending one round in the ring. In fact, both the singing of the Salve
and the rosary took on a certain depth and a dimension I never knew. After
praying, the friars lingered in the chapel kneeling quietly in the dark. In
time, one by one, they stumbled out of their pews, kissed the floor as is
our custom, and silently made their way upstairs. I stayed alone sitting in
the back, but as my body tottered on the edge of sleep, my mind went off to
work.
"She
was very nervous as she picked up the phone. Besides, she was also tired after
staying up late practicing with grandma who acted as her coach. Reading was
never her best subject when she was in school. She grew up quicker than most
since mom was hardly ever home. A man she never called dad was already dead.
In time, she moved in with someone who promised her the world but left her
nothing - nothing, that is, besides a broken arm and a baby. Now, besides
God, grandma, and her little boy, she's all alone. More than once she thought
of giving up, but grandma would warn her: 'Girl, you gotta get on with your
life, have faith, find a job, things will get better, you'll see'. So, for
once she decided to listen and found her first job."
I awoke with
a start as a sense of guilt hovered about me. Was it just my overactive imagination?
The admonition acted like a powerful searchlight scanning the depths of my
heart, and there, on the bottom, hidden from the eyes of men lay my treasure:
my "valuable time" and sense of self-importance. It was then I asked
myself, "How is it possible that I, who received Him so reverently at
the altar this morning, could reject Him mere minutes later on the phone?
How sad it is to admit that while I was guarding my gold, the poor and humble
One passed me by." I hated, but had to face, this frightening fact: that
what could have been the very first call on her very first day, became, because
of me, a wealthy friar, her very last.
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Br. Juan Diego
and the brothers raise pigs, chickens, and rabbits not only for
their own needs but for the needs of their neighbors. Br. Juan Diego
has recently returned from the Honduran mission for his final profession,
and will remain in the States in order to begin his studies in philosophy
and theology. Of course, he will be traveling back to Toronto this
July to participate in World Youth Day. Thanks to the generosity
of benefactors, he and other friars from San Serafin will be able
to bring some young people from Honduras to a country and a city
Br. Juan Diego believes to be the best in the world! |
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| Receiving the holy
habit of Saint Francis is highly anticipated by postulants who have
spent six months preparing to enter the year long novitiate. Men
who are seriously considering joining the friars frequently visit
and enter into a period of discernment with the vocation director
and others involved in vocations and formation. For some, the path
to the friary door is straight and simple, for others more complicated.
However, discernment and not recruitment proves to bring the best
results for both candidate and community. This photo shows Fr. Glenn
Sudano, Community Servant, congratulating Br. Columba Maria Jordan,
from Ireland, on the day when he and his seven classmates were invested.
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Casa Juan
Diego, located in Yonkers, New York, has become a home away from home
for many Spanish speaking immigrants and "day laborers" from
Central and South America. Directed and staffed by the friars from St.
Felix, "Casa" provides a home cooked meal each day, but also
social services including English classes, immigration assistance, and,
of course, religious instruction. The friars have been assisted by a whole
host of friends and volunteers who not only keep Casa clean, warm, and
friendly but also centered on Christ - the essential foundation upon which
the friars build all their apostolic efforts. Enjoying the festivities
with Br. Solanus Maria Benfatti (left) and Br. Gabriel Mary Bakkar are
Lydia and Jacobo. |
| Art Wiser is a man
who bears an important message: Vita! (Life) The Annual Right to Life
March held in Washington, D.C. brings together an outstanding array
of diverse individuals and organizations who are united in their public
witness to the sanctity of human life. It is truly an ecumenical event
drawing Christians and non-Christians alike in an effort to change the
unjust law of the land in regard to the innocent unborn. Many New Yorkers
know the Franciscans of the Renewal often take this all important message
to the streets as they pray and counsel each week outside abortion "clinics"
in both the Bronx and in Manhattan. This photo shows Art, a member of
the Bruderhoff, stopping to greet Fr. Benedict Groeschel. The Bruderhoff
Community has, in recent years, developed close ties with the friars,
and, while not members of the Catholic Faith, have displayed an extraordinary
friendship and solidarity by publicly supporting and defending the Church's
moral and social teachings |
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