Franciscans Celebrate 150 Years

in Syracuse, New York

A social celebrating a century and a half

of Franciscan life in Syracuse, New York

When people say that time flies quickly, they’re right. This month the Conventual Franciscan Friars in Syracuse, New York celebrated 150 years of service in that city. The friars arrived in Syracuse in 1859 to serve its growing population of German immigrants. As the decades went by they continued to play an important role in the community; they kept their eyes and ears open to what the people of the city needed and tried to bring positive changes about. Their service to Syracuse continues today with the Franciscan Collaborative Ministries – a multi-pronged organization staffed by the friars, sisters, as well as lay people. The FCM runs a wide selection of programs that confront the many challenges faced specifically by Syracuse’s Northside neighborhood.

Wonderful food

On a recent weekend to celebrate the friars’ sesquicentennial in Syracuse, the friars along with their families and friends held a social at St. Clare Gardens. They also watched an old timers’ basketball game and savored a Sauerbraten dinner in the Parish Hall. All this excitement happened on the Saturday. The next day, Bishop Robert Cunningham celebrated Mass at Assumption Parish where Friar Justin Biase preached. Besides the local Syracuse friars, a number of their brothers from out of town were also present at the Mass.

Bishop Robert Cunningham celebrates Mass at Assumption Parish