Delayed by Volcanic Ash in Europe, OFM Conv. Minister General and Vicar General Visit Friars in New York State

Friar Marco Tasca on the left

This April, Friar Marco Tasca – Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual – and Friar Jerzy Norel – the Vicar General of the Order – were delayed in returning to Rome from their visit to the friars in the United States because of volcanic ash floating over European airspace.

Their five extra days in the United States, Friars Marco and Jerzy spent visiting friars of the Immaculate Conception Province who live in New York State. In Syracuse, they saw the various ministries that the Order runs in collaboration with Franciscan sisters and lay people. These ministries help stabilize lives as well as Syracuse’s Northside neighborhood. Friars Marco and Jerzy also had the opportunity to celebrate Sunday Eucharist while experiencing the wonderful fraternity that the Syracuse friars share with one another.

Conventual Franciscan fraternity in New York State

From Syracuse, Friars Marco and Jerzy traveled to the Albany-Rensselaer area. The Immaculate Conception Province Provincial House is located in Rensselaer. Across the river in Albany, friars staff Holy Family Parish where they also minister to the wider community. Parishioners at Holy Family have more than 20 ministries in which they can get involved and continue to develop their faith.

The final stop on Friar Marco and Friar Jerzy's journey through New York State was the City of New York itself. The Conventual Franciscans have been active in New York - specifically on State Island, one of the city's boroughs - for more than eight decades. Currently they run Staten Island's Francis Center for Spirituality. At the center the friars provide spiritual retreats for people of all ages.

Friar Jerzy and Friar Marco in Times Square, New York

Never having been to New York City, Friar Marco along with Friar Jerzy toured Manhattan and Brooklyn; in the latter borough the friars visited the Order’s Most Holy Trinity Parish. Friar Marco’s opinion of New York City was one of beaming positivity. New York is a place of energy, excitement, and creativity. The friars in New York State and around the world bring these qualities to the work that they do every day, always remembering that they are trying to imitate Jesus Christ.

(Source of all related images on webpages and homepage: Conventual Franciscan Friars Immaculate Conception Province Provincialgram.)