Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace.

We had a good weekend celebrating St. Benedict the Moor, remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and recognizing our call to communion. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, calling for an end to division among them. Some claimed to be better than others based on their baptismal affiliation through individual apostles or preachers. Paul reminds them and us that our focus is Christ. A homily for St. Benedict the Moor noted his and the friars’ grace in belonging.

“The challenge St. Benedict the Moor presents to us is his total response to the Lord’s command at the Last Supper: I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Such as my love has been for you, so should your love be for one another. The integration of Benedict the Moor into a community of Franciscan confreres racially and ethnically different from himself, their mutual acceptance and love for one another, the choice the friars made to have Benedict, though illiterate, become the superior and guardian of their religious community — these present a timely challenge. They are a source of great encouragement toward holiness through love of neighbor for the love of God. And the challenge and encouragement are further enhanced by the power of Benedict’s example to not only love his neighbor as himself but to love as Christ loved, as he said to his apostles:  Your love for one another must be such as my love has been for you. In this love, we find true communion with all humanity.”

We are in the middle of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We recognize the variety of gifts and charisms of the many ways the Gospel is lived among us. All the baptized participate in the Body of Christ. Our vision is Christ and the inbreaking of the Reign of God. This vision calls us to respect differences and accept various views. Pope Francis’ call for a synodal church is an invitation to hear various voices. We are to listen to people both in and outside of the church.

We are linked by a common desire to nurture the community’s life.

With the people of Isaiah’s prophecy, we have walked in darkness and have seen a great light. The darkness of division within our world, nation, and church creates a longing for the great light of God’s love. We hear Jesus empowering people in Matthew’s Gospel as he says, “you are the light of the world.” Illumined by God’s love, we, like Benedict, form an integrated community where racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual difference are accepted in mutual love. We choose to love as we have been/are loved.

Thank your participation in this graced community and group of friends who gather here, in person and online. We are blessed by the grace each person brings to our communion. Our vision is also attentive beyond our doors and welcomes the migrant, the stranger, and the one seeking Christ’s presence.

Thank you.

Thomas M. Gallagher, ofm

On Monday, January 16, 2023 our nation will commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We will have only one Mass.

Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM. (also available on Livestream) 

There will be no confessions, and the church offices and adult education center are closed. *

(*please note: when the church offices are closed all ministry meetings, classes and self-help groups are suspended)

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace.

We celebrated the feast of the Baptism of the Lord on the day after Epiphany. This brings to a close our celebrations of Christmas 2022. Thank you for all your support during the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. Our gatherings were beautiful. Many people braved the cold to be with us for Christmas in person and many more participated from home. All our ministers and ministries were experiences of grace. Thank you all. We also had visitors from around the globe. It is good to be a place where so many feel welcome. Your hospitality is a great gift.

As I write this letter, we have just received a statue of St. Benedict the Moor. St. Benedict was born (1525) to enslaved African parents who had been brought to San Fratello, a small town near Messina, Sicily. He, himself, was freed at birth. Benedict, a shepherd, did not attend school. He was kind to the poor. After encountering Franciscan Friars, living as hermits according to St. Francis’ rule for hermitages, he gave away his possessions and joined the friars. He became the leader of the small band of Franciscan hermits which was later incorporated into a larger fraternity living the Rule of St. Francis. He was recognized for the depth of his spiritual understanding and was asked to work with the novices. Ultimately, he became the Guardian of the friar community. He was not a priest, nor had he had the opportunity for studies. He was known for his intuitive understanding of the scripture and human nature. Benedict had a reputation for healing and for his care for the poor. It is also to be noted that he enjoyed cooking. He served as a cook for the community of hermits and later for the larger friar community. St. Benedict died in 1259. We are blessed to have him as our brother. (No doubt, Fr. David would have asked him to film something for Friar Chef!)

This incredible work is a gift from a donor. Indeed, it recognizes our own Secular Franciscan Fraternity of St. Benedict the Moor.

Blessings and thanks,

Thomas M. Gallagher, ofm

TOGETHER LET US HELP OUR NEWLY ARRIVED MIGRANT & REFUGEE SISTERS & BROTHERS!

You may have heard on the news that since last month there have been more than 22,000 & counting migrants & refugees bused from Texas & Arizona to New York City.  The New York City government, Catholic Charities of New York, Brooklyn & Queens, & numerous other organizations have been assisting these new arrivals with food, clothing, shelter & legal assistance.

When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

Fr. Julilan Jagudilla, OFM reflects on this situation:

Recently, 2 friends of mine asked me the following questions.  “Why do you bother helping these political illegals?”  “How did you end up doing what you are doing for migrants & refugee?  I felt that the 1st was a loaded, intrusive & dismissive question while the 2nd question opens up an opportunity for reflection.

Why bother?  Are these migrants & refugees really a bother or are they our sisters & brothers whose situation calls for our Christian response?

Our Catholic faith reminds us that someone’s immigration status does not define a person’s dignity as human beings created in the image & likeness of God.  No can we let someone’s immigration status alienate us from each other – together we are all part of the Body of Christ.  There are ample reasons why we must get involved.

Here at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi through our Migrant Center we’re responding to their needs by providing migrants with food & necessary clothing especially during this cold season.

We invite you to be part of St. Francis’ Christian response to the needs of our migrant & refugee sisters & brothers?  We are offering easy ways to make a big impact during this Christmas Season.  We have created wish-lists which enable us to request exactly the items we need, and make it easy for you to help:

If you are choosing to donate directly toward our assistance of the migrants, which helps us purchase items that are needed but not donated, please select “Migrant Center” from the “Fund” list.

Volunteer:
We also need volunteers to assist in a variety of ways, and while speaking Spanish is helpful it is not necessary.  To find out way you can help please ontact Fr. Julian (212) 736-8500 ext. 328 or jjagudilla@stfrancisnyc.org

May the Good Lord bless you & your loved ones for your generosity!

PLEASE NOTE: 
WE DO NOT ACCEPT USED CLOTHING, SHOES OR OTHER USED ITEMS. 
Thank You.

The Christmas flowers and wreaths which adorn our church at Christmas are offered to honor the birth of Christ and to glorify God. Thank you to everyone who donated toward our Christmas decorations.

In Memory of:

Bob & Joan Andrejko
Alfonso Ang
Carlina Apolinaris Acevedo
Ernesto Argiro
William S Austin
Thelma Austin
Edward Basso
Members of the Bertha and Charles Degnan Family
Members of the Brown Family
Joseph & Mary McCaffrey Cadigan
Robert Carter
Francisco Castro Astacia
Providencia Castro Gilbride
Amelia Catajan
Members of the Catajan Family
Charmaine Chapman
Frank and Helen Cherichella
Members of the Cherichella Family
Members of the Cipriani Family
Eliza Mary Clarke
Michael and Mary Cosie
Members of the D’Amato & Nuzzi Families
Members of the de Jesus Family
Members of the Diaz Family
Thomas & Theresa Dolan
James & Mary Dunleavy
Members of the Dunleavy Family
Anna & Michael Dunleavy, Sr.
Members of the Falcetano Family
Dawn Fisco
E. Friend
Members of the Generozzo Family
Members of the Gilbride Family
Molina Gilbride
Thomas Aquinas Gilbride
Joan Dorothi Gilbride
Ruth Anne Gilbride
John Robert Gilbride
Irene J. Gorski
Joseph A. Gorski, Sr.
Janet Gover
Corinne Granok
Lorna Greig
Jack & Betty Huston
R. Isaac
Jane R. and Charles Janiak
Lawrence & Mitzi Kane
M. Knowles
R. Knowles
M. Kuerzi
Members of the Lauricella & Canestra Families
Sr. Jo Laurienzo, S.N.D.
Benedicto Le Hien
Helen Massicci
Carmelite and Victor Maynard
Fr Gerald McCaffrey OFM
Helen McKeon
Joan Melone
Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Murgo, Sr.
Members of the Navarro Family
Elizabeth Nixon-Hearne
Francesco Nuzzi
Onesefero Pacina
Marcelina Pacina
Michael & Stella Palmaoessa
Fondine Perkins
James Perkins
Eric A. Rivera,D
Candida Rose
Members of the Castro-Apolinan Family
Gerchow Rose
S. Ross
Phylis and Vito Rossi
Members of the Rossi Family
Frances & Stephen Rosty
Rudy Salve
Alex Salvo
Karen Scott Cosie
George Soresco
Jessie Sotto
Sheila Sparling
Jack Staub
Faith & Jack Staub
Charles Staub
Augusto and Maria Preciosa Tanghal
Members of the Tanghal Family
Ruth Thorne
Larry Thorne
Anna Tran Thi Vinh
Kiah Traverso
Regina & Edward Trochimczuk
James V. & Anna Tufo
Joseph Sr. & Mary Tufo
Members of the Tufo Family & Friends
Celeste Vazanna
Elohenia Valdivia
Dorthey Wendt
Jennie & Charles Wildes, Sr.
Julian Young
Lourdes Young
Ann Regina Young
Ben Young
Charles Ramirez Young

And for the Special Intentions of:

Jenny Arecius
Sylvia Blanco
Diane Jawahir
Amy Koy
Pedro A. Tavarez
Miguel and Manuelitas

Thank you!

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Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Peace and all good in this New Year! Welcome to 2023!

Over the years, the Feast for this day has changed. When I was young, it was the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus. This was to keep memory of Jesus’ rootedness as a child of Abraham. His family roots embraced the Covenant with the liberated people wandering
in the desert. It marks him as belonging to the people shepherded by David and the voices of the prophets. The psalms were, for him, a way of prayer. The revelation of God to the people Israel was imprinted in his being.

Shortly after the Second Vatican Council, it was the World Day of Peace. We need to remember our constant prayers for a just peace. Our nation, church, and world are terribly divided. The war in Ukraine, the unrest in Peru, and the thousands of migrants fleeing violence and poverty cry out for a new world of compassionate peace. The shootings of school children, racist violence, and the safety of our streets echo the cry for peace.

Today, we are asked to remember Mary, the God-Bearer, “Theotokos.” We celebrate Jesus coming among us, having taken flesh from his mother, Mary. In his praises of the Blessed Mother, St. Francis speaks of Mary as Jesus’ robe, his tabernacle, and his palace. We remember the blessings of Mary and her primacy as the God- Bearer. We also know that we, like Mary, have been overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and are empowered to be the bearers of God’s presence in our world.

Let’s can combine these images. We are members of the Body of Christ, the People of God, through our baptism. Our shared history with Jesus marks us as a people of the Covenant. Our Covenantal bond transcends the Law of the tablets of stone and is inscribed on our hearts. We are bound to the Covenant of love. The prophets’ voices, the psalmists’ prayers, and the Evangelists’ words call us to live the mission of Jesus in our time. We belong to Christ and to one another. Jesus’ gift to the disciples in his resurrection was and is peace. It is peace through compassionate justice. It is the peace that Pope Francis discusses in Laudato Si’, a peace in communion with all of creation. Finally, through the gift of the Spirit, we are sharers in Mary’s experience of bearing Christ into the world. By our lives, we embody his loving presence.

May 2023 be a year of grace and peace for all. May we live our call as the People of God, peacemakers, and God-Bearers. Thank you for all the many ways you bring his love into being in our world.

Peace and all good,

Thomas M. Gallagher, ofm

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace this Christmas.

Prayers and blessings for you and your loved ones as we gather to remember the birth of Jesus and celebrate the great love our God has for us. We have journeyed through our Advent season as the nights grew longer and the weather colder. We were warmed by the hope-filled messages of the Prophet Isaiah and the beauty of Matthew’s Gospel. We were invited into the mystery of God’s unfathomable love for all. John the Baptist heralded the coming of Jesus. Even John was amazed at the mission of Jesus, who came as one who would bring healing, hope, and inclusion. He is the fullness of God’s love.

We celebrate the “Word made flesh” and are invited to embody that same Word in our day-to-day lives. We realize this in our prayer, care for one another, and generous hospitality. Like Jesus, we offer healing, hope, and inclusion. We are sharers with Jesus in the love of God. Thank you for all you do for the Migrants, the Bread Line, and the Food Pantry. These ministries are a great blessing. Thank you for your ministry of hospitality, reading, ministering the Eucharist, serving at the altar, and praying for the community. You bring the Word to life for us all.

While many of us party and celebrate these days, we remember our sisters and brothers for whom this season is difficult. We remember those who have lost a loved one; are lonely; have a recent diagnosis that weighs heavily on them and their family; have been marginalized by family, or struggle with the season. I remember my experience in Hartford after the Sandy Hook deaths of children and teachers. Understandably, many people were not in the “Christmas Spirit.” I am sure this is true for many communities, including Uvalde, Colorado Springs, Ukraine, and Russia. Our loving prayers for healing, hope, and inclusion are especially significant for all who suffer.

With the Friars, the Pastoral Leadership Team, and the staff of the Church, I wish you a blessed and happy Christmas.

Peace and all good,

Thomas M. Gallagher, ofm

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, May the Lord give you peace.

We light our fourth Advent candle and have completed the wreath. How has the journey been for you? Each Advent is an opportunity for a new beginning and deepening of our relationships with God and our world. How blessed we are to make this journey together.

I thank you for your participation in the life of the community this season.

Please join us on Sunday afternoon for the annual Carols with the Choir. Our musicians have prepared a spectacular program to engage our imaginations with beauty and wonder.

One of the blessings of this Advent has been the Soup and Scripture gatherings on Monday evenings. Meredith has prepared delicious soups, and the conversations have been very engaging. Each table had time to get to know one another and to share their insights on the Gospel. Many also shared how the text opened them to new ways of seeing themselves and the presence of God in their lives. I suspect we will begin again in Lent.

This Sunday, we hear the Annunciation to Joseph. Unlike Luke’s Gospel, where the Annunciation is to Mary, Matthew tells us of Joseph’s encounter with the Angel. Joseph is told not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. He takes her into his home, unaware of the unexpected journey that this affirmation of God’s invitation will mean. He will encounter homelessness as they arrive in Bethlehem, become a refugee as he flees into Egypt, and experience the parent’s fear of a lost child. When we say yes to love, we never know where it will lead. Saying yes to love is saying yes to the one who says, do not be afraid; what you are about is nurturing “Emmanuel” —God with us.

As we approach Christmas, let us continue to pray for peace. We pray for peace in our homes, communities, nation, and world. Jesus, Emmanuel, the bearer of God’s peace, liberation, and healing, was born into a violent world. He died a violent death, and when he was raised, he offered peace. Our message continues to be peace rooted in God’s love for all.

Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Christmas,

Thomas M. Gallagher, ofm

The Christmas trees, the wreaths and the poinsettias will again adorn our sanctuary this Christmas.  We offer them to honor the birth of Christ and to glorify God.

It is also a way to remember your loved ones and share the beauty of the season with the whole community.  We invite you to memorialize members of your family, friends or other loved ones with a donation for our Christmas decorations. Donations and the names of those received by December 20th will posted on our parish website for Christmas.