For the past several years, the first week of July is set aside for our annual Community Week. This is a time for the friars to gather for Continuing Education, celebration of anniversaries, and time spent in fraternity.
This year’s Community Week was held July 1st to the 5th at Mary and Joseph Retreat House in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
On Monday evening the friars gathered for a welcome and updates from our Minister Provincial, Father Victor Abegg.
On Tuesday morning we were honored by the presence of Bishop Matthew Elshoff, OFM Cap, one of the new auxiliaries for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. He gave a presentation on the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis’s Stigmata. During Evening Prayer, Father John Farao took his oath of office and profession of Faith as the new Guardian of St. Paul the Apostle Friary in Pismo Beach.
On Wednesday morning we had a Zoom presentation by Father Anh Nhue, OFM Conv, who resides in Rome on the continuing topic of the stigmata of St. Francis. During that day’s Liturgy, which was celebrated by Father Kevin Schindler-McGraw, who is observing 40 years of priesthood, Friar Joseph Vu, was instituted in the Order of Acolyte by our Minister Provincial.
On Thursday morning the friars traveled to Nazareth House in Los Angeles to participate in the residents’ Mass along with five of our friars who are residents there. Afterward, the friars went out to lunch. During Evening Prayer, Father John Farao renewed his profession of Vows on the occasion of his 40th Anniversary of First Profession.
On Friday morning following Mass and breakfast, the Friars returned home to their respective friaries.
Commentary by: Brother James Reiter, OFM Conv
Nazareth House in Los Angeles to participate in the residents’ Mass
- Nazareth House in Los Angeles to participate in the residents’ Mass
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