Dear sisters and brothers,
Greetings!
May I introduce myself as the new Franciscan pastor of this iconic parish! I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. In fact, I am the first native New Yorker to be pastor here since Father Boniface Hanley, OFM served here from 1982 to 1985. He was also from Brooklyn. I served here some years ago as a parochial vicar and I am acquainted with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. I arrived in July of this year, and I look forward to serving you as pastor in the spirit of Franciscan hospitality and pastoral ministry.
Please permit me to share this reflection about the month of November. On the Catholic calendar, November 2 is the Feast of All Souls. We offer prayers and celebrate Memorial Masses for all our loved ones and friends who were called to God to what we Franciscans call “Sister Death.” St. Francis coined the term “Sister Death” since it is a deeply personal experience when we feel the loss of a loved one. The body may die but our souls will always exist. The “soul” is the immortal spiritual part of a person; the soul does not die with the body at death, and it is reunited with the body in the final resurrection.
I vividly recall December 26, 2022. It was the day after Christmas, and I received a phone call that my oldest brother Richard died from a fire that consumed his home. He was relatively young, and his sudden death was shocking and painful for all my family members. It was a sad but poignant funeral Mass. Five weeks later, February 1, 2023, my father died of a long illness at age 98. He was a decorated World War II Navy veteran and part of “The Greatest Generation.” His funeral Mass was solemn but joyous as we celebrated his long life as a devout Catholic family man. My siblings and I supported and continue to support one another. We expected our father’s death. We were shocked at our brother’s death. All this happened within five weeks.
I encourage all who have lost loved ones whether tragically or by natural causes to attend a bereavement group for at least a short time. My siblings and I can attest to the healing effect of that fellowship.
The Feast of All Souls helps us to remember and honor our beloved dead. The ancient Roman poet, Cicero, once wrote “Memory is the treasurer and guardian of all things.” The body of our loved one may have died but our memory of that person will always live within us. Please fill out the form below to send us the names of your loved ones to be remembered during the month of November. You can also use this form to submit photos. The Franciscan priests of the parish will remember all these intentions at all Masses throughout November.
Finally, the true American holiday, Thanksgiving, will be celebrated on Thursday, November 28. Many residents of America celebrate Thanksgiving as part of our national heritage for giving thanks for what we have in this great country. As Catholics, Thanksgiving has special importance.
The word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.” We give thanks not only what we have, but also for what God has provided us in our life together in the Church. I encourage all parishioners and friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi to be generous in this appeal. Your generous giving will help us fund our music ministry and the needs in our sacristy, such as Communion hosts, altar wine, purificators and new vestments for the priests and altar servers. We are truly thankful for your generosity!
On behalf of the Franciscan friars and our pastoral staff, we share our prayers on All Souls Day and give thanks to God on Thanksgiving Day!
Blessings to all,
Father Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor