Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Summer 2003 Published biannually

A FRIEND INDEED
By Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.

The first time I ever laid eyes on Kenny, it was through the small, scratched Plexiglas window of St. Crispin Friary's front door. I was surprised to see that framed Irish-looking face with a three day stubble and wispy, sandy brown hair. He was thin, almost appearing gaunt, with high cheekbones and sky blue eyes. I knew he was in our neighborhood for only one reason. I evidently startled him as I swung open the door. "What are you doing here?" I shot at him. He flinched a bit but fired back, "Father, ya gotta help me, I need three bucks"

It was the summer of 1987, and we had just recently moved into a terribly impoverished area of the South Bronx popularly known as "Fort Apache". The former parish complex given for our use was once the center of a bustling, blue-collar Polish neighborhood. Yet, two decades of drugs, crime and thread bare city budgets had brought the city's borough to its knees, making the area empty and lackluster. Many sections appeared so abandoned that a Midwesterner viewing our neighborhood from a plane window would certainly do a double-take. Below he would see a familiar pattern, though a closer look would reveal that the quilt-like landscape was neither rows of golden wheat nor alfalfa, but a grid of vacant buildings and open lots overgrown with weeds.

It is quite appropriate that the friars in Canningtown, London would have an image of the Merciful Jesus painted near the St. Fidelis Friary's front door. It is trough the friary door many find shelter, food, council and friendship and at this door the friars find Christ

The racial storms of the sixties which swept through the entire country sent many inner city residents scurrying to the suburbs for safety. Shrewd and negligent landlords covertly did their thing and cashed in on fire insurance. Thanks to them, nostalgic second generation suburbanites cruising down memory lane vainly search for the old homestead; instead of finding their family roots, they find only rubble. I continued my doorway interrogation like a suspicious New York City cop.

While haming for the camera, Br. John Anthony Boughton, origanally from Dallas, Texas, would certainly deny that his military backround has anything to do with his aggressive horseplay! In his Last Testament, Saint Francis would write, "...and God gave me brothers". Of all the gifts God bestowed on the saint, he most certainly saw, the gift of his brothers as one of the most precious. Yet, the friars know that this gift must not only be recieved, but be protected, nourished and developed. Brotherhood is built not simply by living and praying togeather, but rather in the daily effort to assist and serve one another. While working together, attending meetings, and even honest dialogue may at times be taxing, friars know that the end result, namely; peace and unity, are well worth it. With Brother John Anthony is pictured (left to right): Br. Simon Marie Dankoski and Br. Francis Mary Roaldi.

"What's your name?" "Kenny," he replied. I said, "Kenny, you're evidently not from this neighborhood, so what are you doing here?" As the old saying goes, "Every good question deserves a good answer"; and Kenny gave me one - good and long. After a half hour my head was spinning as I tried to piece together his story which was convoluted and clear as mud. As my brain grew weary from his long list of woes, I finally surrendered saying, "Okay, three bucks, but please get back to your own neighborhood!" His furrowed brow immediately smoothed out, and his sad blue eyes suddenly glistened. "Padre", he shouted, "Thanks! I'll never forget you!" Yes, Kenny was true to his word: he would never forget me. He returned the next day - and many days after that. In fact, whenever the doorbell rang at the most inconvenient hour, the friars would turn to me and say, "It's your friend". Yes, that morning Kenny and I began a very long and laborious relationship which some people might curiously have called a "friendship". It didn't take long to confirm what I suspected from the beginning: Kenny was addicted to drugs. Therefore his frequent visits were never social calls, just purely business. He never stopped by to say "Hi!", but rather, "Help!".

Along with the teens, Br. Simon Marie Dnkowski and Sister Clare Matthias, appear to be enjoying a pre-game tailgate pizza party. Thanks to the continued generosity of benefactors and hard working volunteers, the friars Youth For Christ program in both the Bronx and Yonkers teach that loving God and having fun easily go hand in hand. Although youth ministry is just one of the many apostolic works of the Church, the Holy Father sees this challenging ministry as most vital and necessary. Besides Youth For Christ, both friars and sisters travel throughout the country leading Eucharistic centered retreat weekends called Youth 2000. Those who sacrifice themselves working with young people are well aware of the time, attention, and patience it demands. Yet, in time, they have the joy of witnessing the wonderful friuts of their labor!

His life was far from boring and every day was an adventure like an action packed Hollywood movie. Kenny got himself in and out of so many crazy scenarios that he made Indiana Jones look like a librarian. Now if he played the lead role, guess who ended up as the director? I also tried to rewrite his script, but to no avail. On cold or rainy days, I even ended up as the wardrobe manager as he would show up at the friary door soaked to the bone with his hair plastered down and shivering looking like some lost dog.

This Grayfriar photo does little justice to a wonderful work of art created by Brother Paulus Maria Tautz. Brother Paulus, who studied art in his native East Germany, was comissioned to sculpt a statue of St. Francis for Holy Apostles Seminary where he attends school with Br. Michael Kmiotek. The four foot bronze statue depicts the Saint dramatically displaying the stigmata as he stands aside a feeding lamb symbolizing the saint's total conformity to Christ in his gentleness, innocence and self sacrifice. Friars travelled up from New York to attend the formal unveiling and congratulate Br. Paulus. Standing around the bronze statue of their founder are (left to right): Br. Francis Mary Roaldi, Br. Philip Maria Allen, Br. Peter Marie Westall, Br. Paulus, Fr. Glenn Sudano, and Br. Michael.

One day he desperately needed dry pants - and it wasn't raining. Before drug addicts loose their job, family, and friends, they loose their dignity. One night while preparing for bed, the doorbell rang. Guess who? I opened my window, leaned out and looked down. There below me was my "friend" leaning against the front door casually waiting and whistling like it was midday instead of midnight. To prevent a second ring, I silently sped down the stairs. As soon as I opened the door he broke into a big smile, threw open his arms and cried out, "Padre, we gotta talk!" Before I could say one word, he quickly slipped past me and slid onto the wooden bench in the tiny front foyer.

"A most beautiful sermon in stone" was the term used at the dedication of and blessing of an outdoor shrine to Our Lady directly behind St. Francis Hermatige. The grotto was biult by friars under the direction and expertice of Br. Benedict Joseph Delmari (friar on right), a professional bricklayer from England Br. Benedict Joseph is one of a growing number of men who serve the community as lay brothers, and not as ordained priests. The brothers may be described as those friars who do not offer Eucharistic sacrifice but imitate it through a humble and selfless offering of themselves. Many brothers have skilled hands making them experts in manual projects. Other brothers hold responsible positions directing community apostolates and being local servants, that is, superiors in the friaries. New Zealander Br. Dominic Bormann, a lay brother stationed at Our Lady of the Angels Friary, is pictured with Br. Benedict Joseph. Folks, don't let the photo fool you, when it comes to defending their home teams, these football fans aren't so chummy!

He slapped his hand down next to him and said with a smile, "Padre, have a seat." Frankly, I was too tired to be angry, so I uttered a prayer for patience and wearily sat down. That's when he bent his head, buried both hands in his long hair, and began a "confession" which was unexpected and so inspiring that I soon forgot about bed. In my never ending effort to bring Kenny to Christ, I had given him a book. In fact, it was the only book I thought he just might read. It was the popular paperback classic, The Cross and the Switchblade, a story of a Brooklyn gang member who had a conversion and eventually became a Christian pastor.

In this touching Grayfriar photo, we see Father Marie Antoine Aurejac from France, giving it a go at story-telling. This year, the friars from St. Felix Friary gathered over fifty neighborhood children and their moms and treated them to a Christmas party which helped bring home the true meaning and message of Christmas. Supporting parents in their efforts to establish a strong religious foundation for their children is an all important responsibility of both the clergy and religious, especially in today's highly secularized society. Everyone agrees - when it comes to talking to little ones, women are the ones who really have the magic touch. Yet sometimes friars have to face the dauting task and just do it themselves! This photo, however, proves that Father MarieAntoine might have had at least one kid in his youthful congregation who was actually listening

Kenny said nothing about the book so I just presumed he never read it. Well I was wrong, he did read it and its message hit the mark. For the very first time, he came clean and admitted his mistakes, his manipulation, and most of all, his need for God. Admittedly, I at first doubted his sincerity but when his voice cracked and the floodgates opened, I knew it was the real deal. The subject soon switched from God to me. He began a long litany of gratitude and praise in my honor, which if heard by the Pope, could only mean instant canonization. One by one he began to remember and recount the times I helped him and the many things I taught him. Hearing all his accolades made my face feel flush and my body all warm inside.

Br. Columba (far left) is especially joyful knowing he'll be seeing family and friends as he travels home to Ireland this summer. The friars will begin the three-week mission in July traveling throughout Ireland preaching in parish churches, schools and cathedrals. As with the monthly parish missions here at home, the mission in Ireland will be very Franciscan - Eucharistic and gospel centered. The friars will bring the people of Ireland a message of hope and encouragement, calling everyone to a greater fidelity, renewed devotion and personal reform in Christ. The friars pictures are: (left to right) Br. Columba Marie Jordan, Fr. Andrew Apostoli, Fr. Bernard Marie Murphy, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Br John Paul Ouelette, Br. Francis Mary Roaldi, and Fr. Bob Lombardo.

Although uncomfortable, I must admit his kudos were pleasurable. I gobbled up every adulation like eating a fistful of hot buttered popcorn. Our midnight meeting ended with some spiritual counsel and a tearful blessing. As I slowly walked him to the door, he suddenly stopped and asked, "Fr. Glenn, did that guy write any other books?" Although exhausted I knew I couldn't let this pastoral opportunity slip by. I asked him to sit and wait while I looked in our library. As I excitedly made my way up the friary stairs, I heard the familiar "squeak and click" of the friary's heavy steel front door. I stopped and thought, "Why would he be leaving now?" That's when my secret city-born-and bred "rat alarm" went off in my head. I turned on a dime and flew down the staircase two steps at a time then bursting through the foyer door. There was Kenny sitting quietly on the wooden bench. I wasn't sure whether it was my imagination or intuition, but he was sitting just a bit too upright and was sporting a "cat-that ate-the canary" look on his face. I turned and glanced over to our supply closet in the adjacent room. The door was slightly ajar Without saying one word, I marched over to the front door, opened it, then stood aside, stiff like a soldier. Looking forward and speaking through clenched teeth, I ordered: "Kenny, Leave!". Still seated he politely asked, "Fr. Glenn, what about the book?"

His obviously feigned innocence stoked my coals and made me burn so bad I knew he could feel it four feet away. Without another word, he leapt up and briskly walked out. I shut the door so quickly behind him I nearly caught his heel. Peering out the Plexiglas window, I saw him walking down the street turning now and then to see if I would come out. I immediately knew the whole scenario. When I left the room he hit the supply closet and then pitched the stolen food outside for later retrieval. When I saw him turn the corner, I went outside and spied the stolen goods hidden behind the bushes. I carried the cardboard carton inside and angrily tossed it back in the closet. That's when I heard a voice somewhere inside me say, "Hey, the street smart Brooklyn boy got taken!" Another voice chimed in: "You don't want to tell the brothers about this one!" Then both voices in a cynical sing-song: "Nice friend, Father!"

I was angry. I was embarrassed. I was humiliated. I didn't know what to do or where to go. Without a thought I ran into the friary chapel. The faint fragrance of incense from the evening holy hour still scented the air. The chapel was dark except for the outside street light which cast a thick swatch of gold on the oak floor and altar. The mystical ambience brought a bit of calm but a turbulent storm still raged within me. I was furious not only at Kenny's betrayal, but at myself. I almost felt nauseous when I though of how I ravenously consumed all his praises, all that "popcorn" - and right out of his hand! I wasn't sitting there for thirty seconds when something surprising and unexpected happened. Almost in an instant, something crystal clear emerged within me revealing what was at the center of my emotional storm. Interestingly, the more I pondered the bitter truth presented to me, the more sweetness and peace pervaded my soul. In my enthusiasm, I quickly got up, made a most irreverent genuflection, then bolted out of the chapel and back to the supply closet. I knew by this time Kenny would have been back to recover his hidden treasure. Sure enough, when I looked outside there was Kenny walking in the other direction, empty handed and, I suspect, humiliated. I called out, "Kenny!" He kept walking pretending not to hear me. I shouted louder: "Kenny!" He stopped and slowly turned around and stood there silently staring at me. His thin frame and wild wispy hair were silhouetted by a lone street lamp.

Serving the many material and spiritual needs of Hispanic immigrants is the purpose of Casa Juan Diego, the friars' newest apostolate located in Yonkers. Although especially designed to assist day laborers from Central America, "Casa" also provides support for women too, especially young moms and their children. Together with volunteers; English classes, immigration assistance and other practical services are offered by the friars. However, the very heart of the apostolate is spiritual, providing visitors not only with helpful information but also a positive experience of the Catholic faith in a familiar and family-like environment. Our Grayfriar photo shows Br. Philip Maria Allen and Br. Anthony Marie Baetzold serving up some arroz con pollo with faithful volunteers: (left to right) Cleo, Charlie, Cony and Dulce.

Then raising a pair of bright red rosary beads into the air, I called, "C'mon over, I want to give you something." Kenny slowly approached walking with his head slightly bowed like a guilty little boy. "These are for you", I said as I lifted the rosary into the air again.He stopped a few feet away, tilted his head and squinted as if to say, "What's that?" I smiled and calmly said, "Kenny, on the big beads say an Our Father, on the small beads, a Hail Mary - and please do me a favor, say this rosary - for me."

The Honduran mission is especially blessed to have the medical expertise of Br. Damiano Maria Vaissade. Not a day passes when some medical need arises in the poverty stricken area surrounding San Serafin Friary in Honduras. For well over a year, the friars have been sponsoring medical missions where volunteer doctors and health care professionals from the States provide free medical attention for the very poor. Children, especially those who return home without their unsightly scars and birth defects, do not consider the miracles performed through simple surgery minor. The friars are presently involved in a cooperative effort in constructing a more permanent medical facility for more regularly scheduled medical missions. Ground breaking has also begun for Casa de Guadalupe, an apostolic center adjacent to Convento San Serafin, which will provide spiritual, educational, and material assistance to the needy of the area.

"Fr. Glenn, I'm sorr-" I quickly cut him off. "Listen, no need to apologize. Kenny, you see what you did to me tonight? You praised me saying, 'Thank you. You're great. I love you…' But you said these things for your own selfish reasons. Tonight I realized something very sad, I do the same thing to others - even to God - and all the time. Besides, the praise you gave me tonight didn't belong to me; I took them from God. So, you see, both of us are thieves.

Fr. Bob Lombardo poses with four men who reside at St. Anthony's Residence located next to St. Crispin Friary. Fr. Bob, who has been stationed at St. Crispin's since the community's birth, has utilized his gifts and talents over the years to create a wonderful oasis in an otherwise neglected area of the South Bronx. His spiritual vision and eye for beauty are evidenced in St. Adalbert's Church, the Padre Pio Shelter, and of course, St. Anthony's Residence. Smiling for the Grayfriar camera with Fr. Bob are: (left to right) Felix Velasquez, James Miller and Jorge Richards.

Kenny stood there silent and stunned, not because of my spiritual insight but because I apparently wasn't angry. He reached out, took the beads, then quickly put them around his neck Bronx style. Avoiding my eyes, he said, "G'night Father", then turned and walked past the bright street lamp and into the dark. I felt sad for him because I thought he was more confused than contrite. I suspect Kenny slept soundly that night. It was just another daring adventure and another amazing escape. I received, no doubt, two special gifts that night, namely, insight and acceptance. I was given the grace to see that there was an "I" at the very center of my emotional storm, an ego which made me secretly believe I was better than Kenny. I prided myself in being his benefactor, instead of being his brother. I was his friend while he was, in fact, my foe.

The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are proud to present to our readers our four most recently ordained priests! From left to right: Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, Fr. Sylvester Mary Mann, Fr. Juniper Mary Sistare, Fr. Joseph Mary Dean. All four friars have been classmates from the beginning of their postulancy in 1996. Fr. Luke, Fr. Juniper, and Fr. Joseph were graduates of the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Fr. Sylvester came to the friars via the United States Marines. Now with their seminary studies behind them, the friars will enter more fully into the life and work of the community. Fr. Luke Mary, for example, has been assigned as the new vocation director. Fr. Sylvester will now be assisting Fr. Glenn Sudano, the Community Servant. Fr. Juniper will be devoting his time with the youth of the South Bronx. Finally, Fr. Joseph Mary will be serving at the St. Anthony Residence and assisting with the lay associates. Mary, the Mother of all priests, continue to silently stand behind them for many years of faithful service!

It has been said that there are only two people in the world who will tell us the complete truth about ourselves, namely our best friend and our worst enemy. Like skilled physicians both can see our ailment - one just happens to have bad bedside manners! Struggling with such an "enemy" isn't easy, but with God and His grace, spiritually these battles can be to our benefit. True, no one enjoys a good kick in the pants, but the saints teach us that if we're facing in the right direction, that is, towards Christ, then even evil and unjust acts can propel us closer to our heavenly goal. Saint Bonaventure wrote, "Saint Francis preferred to hear himself blamed rather than praised, knowing that blame would lead him to amend his life, while praise would drive him to a fall." Yes. One night God used a drug addict to push me off my high horse named "Saint Pride". Although it was painful, I am now grateful. Kenny eventually died of AIDS, and I pray he's finally with the Lord. On earth he was my friend in need, but now with Christ, may he always be, a friend indeed.

The joy of giving oneself to Christ as a religious sister is a wonderful feeling felt by too few young women nowadays; which makes Sister Frances Teresa of the Annunciation all the more grateful for the gift of her special vocation. Born in Colorado and raised in Nevada, Sr. Frances sees her call as a gradual and often mysterious unfolding of God's will. After graduating college, she landed a job as a financial analyst for a casino in Las Vegas. It was there she had a curious encounter with a homeless man which eventually led her to a radical change of life and becoming a lay missionary for three years. Her spiritual journey both ended and began in September 2000 when she joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. By the way, Sr. Frances is in charge of the convent's finances, but now she's working with much smaller numbers!

After spending six months as postulants and one year as novices, deep bonds of brotherhood and friendship are formed between classmates which often last a lifetime. After this period of initial discernment and formation the newly professed friars are assigned to various friaries where they more fully participate in the apostolic life of the community. After a recent community celebration, the newly professed got together for a five minute class reunion photo. They are (left to right) Br. Columba Maria Jordan, Br. Nathanael Mary Lysinger, Br. Samuel Nix, Br. Philip Maria Allen, Br. Louis Marie Leonelli, and Br. Daniel Marie Williamson.

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