Since 1972, Religious Brothers from all over the United States have been gathering together to learn from and support one another at the Religious Brothers Conference. This annual conference is designed to promote the ministry and vocation of Brothers in the church; to serve as a resource for professional and ministerial support, as well as provide opportunities for further spiritual growth for all religious Brothers.
Three Atonement Friars attended the conference this year, which was held in Potomac, Maryland during the month of July. Br. Gregory Lucrezia, SA, came from Italy, and attended the conference for the tenth time. Br. Charles Kenny, SA, enjoyed his fifth Religious Brothers Conference, and Br. Paolo Nicosia, SA, joined for the first time. Br. Gregory shared that one of the highlights of the weekend was sharing the ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement with new members of other congregations.
The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement have a long history with this organization since its beginnings in 1959. Originally, called National Assembly of Religious Brothers (NARB), many from the Friars community were instrumental in founding and establishing the mission behind what has now become the Religious Brothers Conference.
The keynote speaker this year was Brother John Mark Falkenhain from the Saint Meinrad Archabbey who provided encouragement and insight for the Brothers. Pray that this ministry continues to grow in order to provide much needed encouragement to those who have heard the call to this vocation.