Photo's can't capture and keep the innocence and purity of youth, which becomes an all too fleeting moment in the lives of children throughout the World. Here we see Br. Matteo and Lenin Zavala, a candidate for the friars, enjoying the antics of some little ones outside San Seraphin Friary in Honduras

If I had driven past a sign reading, "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here", it would have all made perfect sense. Although I was unfamiliar with the area, the directions seemed simple enough. Besides, the parishioner assured me that the trip from the friary to her house was under twenty minutes "a straight run". Yea, straight as a pretzel", I said under my breath as I pulled into the same cul de sac for the third time.

As a newly ordained deacon, this was my first pastoral visit to a parishioner who recently moved into a new development located just on the edge of the parish. Yet my frustration this day was not finding the development, but finding the parishioner!

As some of you are well aware, suburban sprawl has given rise to many developments sometimes called "planned" or "adult-living" communities. Some are actually quite beautiful with little lakes, winding paths and creative landscaping and lighting. Others, however have a sort of "military base" look to them. The houses bring back childhood memories of Monopoly and are constructed in three exciting styles: "plain", "basic", and "quaint' -Especially in the evening, one could get the impression there's really only one house with hundreds of mirrors. This accounts for some humorous yet, at times, embarrassing incidents when elderly residents can't find their way home from shopping or inebriated husbands who tip toe in after hours only to awake on someone else's living room couch. As I was weaving my way through the development I was getting very impatient knowing I couldn't blame my present predicament on either dementia or drink.

Br. Gabriel Mary Bakaar (on left) and Br. Francis Mary Roaldi are pictured with Guadalope Arzola and her three children at this year's Thanksgiving party at Casa Juan Diego. This storefront apostolate was begun in order to serve the many needs of the Spanish speaking community in Yonkers. "Casa" is opened six days a week, providing day laborers from Central America a place to socialize in a familiar environment, enjoy a warm Central American meal, and learn more about their Catholic faith. Guadalupe attends one of three evening English classes presently taught by Br. Francis Mary. The center is also popular with neighborhood children who gather there every Friday night and enjoy some creative catechises under the direction of Br. Lawrence Schroedal and assisted by Br. Gerard Matthias Kanapesz.

My experience was somewhat surreal. Since the development was still being constructed, there were no trees, shrubbery or sod. I felt like I was touring an abandoned Siberian labor camp. There wasn't a person. nor even pet in sight. As my "twenty minute trip' was turning into a forty minute jaunt, I decided to leave and head to the nearest phone. But just then, in the far distance something moved. At this point I couldn't have cared less if it was either man or beast, so I quickly accelerated and aimed my car up the unpaved hill, A huge cloud of dust followed me as thousands of pebbles loudly pelted away at the bottom of my car.

As I approached the house I saw a middle aged woman jumping, smiling, and waving away. She looked a bit like a retired cheerleader attempting an old routine. Suspecting that this was my parishioner who gave me the "simple directions, I was tempted to step on the pedal and drive real close covering her head to toe with dust! Well, both charity and reason prevailed, so I slowly pulled up and got out of my car, trying not to look too annoyed By her smile I suspected she do the same.

After our mutual introductions and apologies, I handed her the directions in a way which said, " Here you throw these out!" Taking the paper in both hands she stood there carefully reading every word on the page. Suddenly she threw her arms down, closed her eyes, and groaned, "I bet it was the kids! Oh I'm so sorry, I forgot to tell you!" In an exasperated tone she then explained that all the residents were having problems with kids from outside the development. Evidently they enjoyed sneaking about the streets at night and twisting all the signposts around! While the contractors were waiting for the cement to be poured, mischievous minded boys were going to bed many nights and laughing themselves to sleep. Well, believe me, neither of us were laughing, and I we had our chance that day; both of us would have taken our turns twisting little necks!

The mission in Honduras continues to flourish as friars continue to settle in and serve the material and spiritual needs of their neighbors. Located in a very poor section of the city of Comayagua, the friars residing at the Convento de San Seraphin are slowly yet steadily setting down roots and feeling right at home. Learning a new language while embracing an extremely simple lifestyle only seems to stir the hearts of friars like Br. Matteo Marie Dengler and Fr. Terry Messer (in center), two of six friars assigned to the mission. Fr. Marie Antoine Aurejac (on right), originally from France, recently visited the mission with his novice Master Fr. Conrad Osterhout. Besides his native French, Fr. Marie Antoine also speaks Spanish which might make him a perfect candidate to return at a later time- and stay!

Although this little incident happened years ago, I recount this story for you because it holds a very relevant message for us today. Even though childish pranks are both innocent and perhaps understandable it would be very different it the roles were reversed What if adults sent kids in circles, leaving them lost, alone and frustrated? In fact something similar yet more sinister is happening, today, because of irresponsible adults, children are not only losing their way; some are loosing their lives! Twisting signs is bad enough, removing them is wicked.

While it is all-important to discuss and decide upon environmental issues, one would think that we should first stop and consider what we are doing to our most valuable resource- our children. Ironically, as we do our best with both education and legislation to protect our environment, we do very little to protect the young. We allow them to wander aimlessly through life, giving them wrong directions. Yes, the signs of times are twisted indeed, and those who know better are to blame.

I suspect many of you remember when many things in life were set in stone. Wherever you went- school, work, church-almost everyone measured life with the same yardstick. As a child, the law which was enforced at home was reinforced in school. Even Hollywood was part of the team. Be it T.V. or the movies, although the scripts were different, the message was was the same. No matter which way you turned, we were pointed in the right direction and handed some simple but significant directions for life: avoid evil and do good. Though the past was far from perfect, one must admit, today children have more and know more, yet they also moe lost, anxious, and afraid.

Welcome to our new postulants! (Front now left to right): Philip Allen (San Diego, CA), JuliusMandago(Tanzania) David Williams (Alexandria, VA). (Back row left to right): Steven Lysinger (Houston, TX) Jeff Nix (Dallas, TX), Lou Leonelli (Newark, NJ) Pierre-Jean LeGretian (France), Brian Jordan (Ireland)

I find myself attending funerals of those who can literally be described as a "dying breed". They were all over eighty and lived good, simple, and upright lives. These are the Uncle Don's and Aunt Lena's of the World. They may not have been outwardly pious, but their religion was real. Although not the best educated, their example became the best of teachers. While they may never have had much money, they were wealthy in many ways. Most of all they were for us children, simple, yet very secure signs even in life's most dark and stormy days. One can only wonder what has happened in the past forty years- who spun the signs? Divine mandates have given way to personal opinions. Sex has turned from procreation to recreation. Marital difficulties now easily point to divorce, and children, once considered a special blessing, are now a financial burden. Education was valued as the key to knowledge, today only to economic success. Moms staying home tending kitchen and kids was a sign of love, today it's a form of slavery. While clergy, once consulted and respected are now insulted and suspected. Also, days and seasons are no longer holy but holidays and churches are often locked while stores are always open.

How is it that we now have laws, which protect eagle eggs yet prosecute those who protect unborn infants? By what logic does a country preserve its symbol yet destroy its future? The same government which prints "In God We Trust" on its currency censures a teacher for explaining to her class what this might just mean. It is increasingly becoming more apt and ironic that the icon of American liberty is acracked bell. While everyone is outraged about brainwashing children in Afghanistan, what about here in America? No need to turn on CNN, tune into MTV; sit back and discover why Johnny is so hyperactive, depressed, or angry. Stay home one Saturday and play a videogame especially designed for kiddies. Play for hours like they do, and maybe you won't flinch either the next time something blows up or dies. Last but not least, get information highway, the Internet and see if you can get to your destination without being broadsised and disabled for life. One Catholic school recently told me her daughter went to her computer to help complete a project for her religion class. When she punched in the word "Chastity" she saw some things I can’t put into print. Talk about terrorism. Friends, adults are supposed to pray with children, not prey on them. Yes, terrorism must be dealt with, but not all terrorists wear turbins; some wear neckties. Some plan their evil acts from fortified bunkers while others from fancy boardrooms. Some are hiding out in Afghanistan, plenty more in America. Our sweet savior had something bitter to say about hose who lead little ones astray. They can hide from us, yet not from him. Little do they realize that in their impiety and insolence, their necks are even being measured for millstones.

Dedication day at the St. Francis Hermitage brought all the "team players" together. Let us introduce them to you! (From left to right) Cathy Hickey (friend and benefactor), Tony Cellini (Town Supervisor), Rita Woodford (generous benefactor who donated her property), Sister Imelda, (member of the board), Pat Mickelson (contractor), Fr. Benedict, Bishop Catanello, Fr. Glenn, Glenn Smith (Engineer), Fr. John Lynch (friend and adviser), Vincent Stempel (Attorney)

The multi-million dollar toy industry employs media and marketing experts who had honored their skills in squeezing what they can from kids. They know that the children don't control the purse strings but often enough their parents who buy anything just so junior won't whine or be without. First it was the Cabbage Patch craze, then moms made a mad rush for beanie babies. Later, tickle-me Elmos entertained everybody for ten minutes before they got intensily annoying. Then Pokeman had his day in the sun. Now it's Harry Potter's time to shine. The experts know what's trendy today is tacky tomorrow; so undiscerning adults and undisciplined children are a winning team, which keeps their business in the black.

Defending America's freedom is important, but defining freedom is the first step. Freedom doesn't mean choosing what I feel to be right, but what we know to be right. If only feelings determined are decisions, then the Flat Earth Society would have millions of members. Pope John Paul II says, "Divine law is the sole standard of human liberty." But this modem prophet of God only speaks nonsense to those who measure truth with rubber rulers. Losing one's sight is sad, but to loose one's insight is a tragedy. Another prophet chided our past president and indeed all of us: Mother Theresa warned that nuclear war would be the direct result of abortion. If you find this reasoning absurd or a bit obtuse, let me put it in my native Brooklynese: What comes around goes around.

"To whom much is given", the Savior said, "of him much will be required". In the light of this Gospel parable, those blood red stripes and white bandages on "Old Glory" can be a painful reminder of the lashing given the unfaithful servant who didn't protect God's glory. For every bumper sticker or billboard, which proudly shouts, "United We Stand", we need two which whisper, "Together We Kneel". America why subject your children to an anxious and uncertain future? Signs set in sand leave your future only to a twist of fate. If charity begins at home, so too does justice and truth. Your noble deeds of old were accomplished only through Divine grace working through human effort. It is only on your knees and calling on the might of your Maker that you can ever hope to set things straight once again. This wonderful work, which the Bible calls "repentance", that is, the turning from self-serving to self-giving, is the only true measure of your greatness and beauty. What begins with a prayer will end in peace, but in between the two resides repentance. Here's a true labor of love, which can be described to the children as simply a humble yet heroic twist of faith.

This past June the community with the final profession of eight friars. The church of Saint Adalbert adjacent to the friary in the Bronx proved inadequate to handle the large number of friars, friends, and family members who gathered to witness this special event. In this photo, Br. John Anthony Boughton is pictured placing his hands in those of Fr. Glenn Sudano, the Community Servant. This medieval gesture of obedience is part of the right of profession where by the friar publicly professes to live the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Br. John Anthony, a convert to the Catholic faith, is originally from Texas and is presently residing at Saint Leopald Friary and attending St. Joseph Seminary, both located in Yonkers, NY

Fancy footwork by Sister Guadalupe Tinajero gets the attention of Sister Francis Teresa O'Donnell and some young friends during a lunchtime soccer match at Youth 2000's Major Event. The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, like the friars, are dedicated to bringing the Gospel message to all people. Although far from cloistered, both communities are characterized by an evident spirit of prayer fostered by periods of adoration, recollection, silence and solitude. It is from these that flow both deep fraternal bonds and openness to love and serve others, especially the young.

Serving the spiritual needs of fireman, police, and rescue workers was both a necessary and rewarding experience for many friars who made their way to Ground Zero. Friars readily took the opportunity to pray, speak a word of encouragement, or just be a prayerful presence. Since religious habits act as magnets to many in the media, the message of God's mercy and the Holy Father's gospel of Life would be heard throughout the country and indeed, the world. Standing with one of New York's Finest, is (from left to right); Br. Sylvester Mary Mann, Br. Joseph Mary Dean, Br. Luke Mary Fletcher.

This is a familiar photo for all those who attended Youth 2000 prayer festivals. Not only at Youth gatherings, but also at parish missions and retreats, Franciscans of the Renewal call the attention of those gathered to Christ present in the blessed Sacrament. Seeking a greater fidelity to the idles of St. Francis, the friars often preach about the humility of Christ given us so powerful in the crib, the cross, and the Holy Eucharist. It is interesting to note that of the many new communities, which are presently emerging throughout the world, one essential element is common to all, namely, the centrality of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Gray friar photo shows the newly ordained Fr. Fidelis Moscinski processing with the monstrance at a Youth 2000.

The use of drama to teach the faithful about the truths of Faith is a very old tradition kept alive in many cultures throughout the world. Capuchin preachers of old employed certains drama in their parish mission such as processing in the church with a cross while wearing a thorny crown. This Gray friar photo shows Br. Joseph Mary Deane representing Christ Crucified at Youth 2000 gathering in New York. Traditionally take to the streets on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, yet the friars are eager to share the faith in airports and subway platforms. This year, the friars used drama to commemorate the Transistus, the death of St. Francis. A live Nativity complete with constuming, music, and live animals will be held once again by the friars of St. Crispin's in the Bronx.

Br. Simon Marie Dankoski pauses for a picture as he and his fellow novices at Saint Francis Hermitage located in Monticello, New York. Under the direction Fr. Conrad Osterhout and assisted by the professed friars of Saint Joseph Friary, the newly constructed friary received the necessary finishing touches. Landscaping, gardening, and stonework went full steam thanks to the enthusiasm and ingenuity of this year's novitiate class. The hermitage friary, constructed on the edge of sixty wooded acres, provides the necessary silence, solitude, and beauty, especially important for Franciscans engaged in an active urban apostulate.

This year's Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway brought many neighborhood residents flocking to the doors of both Saint Crispin Friary and the adjoining Saint Francis Center. Through the generosity of benefactors, friars, sisters, and volunteers distributed hundreds of thanksgiving basket to needy families. Making holidays special, especially for the young, requires both generosity and hard work, yet both always end with a deep sense of satisfaction. Fr. Benedict, pictured with Br. Nicholas Beal, is no stranger to such service for New York's needy. Although known worldwide as an author and speaker, Fr. Benedict enjoys nothing more than serving those in need. Br. Nicholas has recently returned from St. Fidelis Friary in London and now resides at St. Leopald Friary in Yonkers.