The Friars have been busy this summer, following in the footsteps of Christ and St. Francis of Assisi. Br. Fabrizio Szmanksi, SA, renewed his vows on September 6 within the celebration of Vespers in our Sisters’ Chapel in Assisi.
Br. Charles Okorie, NSA, ministered at St. Christopher’s Inn for his summer ministry, bringing his compassionate spirit and Franciscan joy to our community. Before helping with St. Christopher’s Inn, he served at the Chapel of Our Savior in Brockton, assisting with the liturgy of the chapel as well as the nursing home and the Chapel Gift Shop.
Launching the “At-One-Ment” Project for Unity and Reconciliation
Br. Paolo Nicosia, SA, ran an ecumenical event and hosted a round table on June 25. “Building Together: Unity and Reconciliation in Practice” brought together organizations engaged in social inclusion and intercultural dialogue. From this gathering, the “At-One-Ment” Project was launched in collaboration with the Pontifical Lateran University. Aimed at training agents of reconciliation in complex and pluralist contexts, the initiative highlights cooperation, continuous formation, and permanent dialogue as essential to building a more cohesive and peaceful society.
Mission and New Vocations in Japan and Peru
Fr. Jan Janoszka, SA, visited Fr. Joseph Hiramatsu, SA, and helped celebrate Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Tsurumi, where the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement have served since 1948. Meanwhile in Peru, Br. Alexander Espinosa, SA, and Br. Yasser Zamora, SA, participated in the Intercongregational Mission of the Conference of Young Religious. They also visited the sick, offered communion and blessings, and shared lunch with the local community living in extreme poverty. In the afternoon, catechism sessions were held for the children, fostering faith and hope amid difficult living conditions.
Also in Peru, the Friars welcomed new postulants: Caesar, Indilicio, and Anthony. These men will live with the Friars and prepare for their Novitiate period of formation by engaging in educational activities and programs.