Regional News - FRANCISCAN FOCUS

FRANCISCAN FOCUS

Fr. Roberto Donato - Obituary

12/18/2021

Fr. Roberto Donato, ofs - Obituary

Dear brothers and sisters and friends of Father Roberto,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Fr Roberto passed away earlier this morning. Although we are rejoicing in knowing that he is no longer suffering and is entering into our Father's joy, we will also miss his love, wisdom and faithfulness.

Fr, Roberto Donato, ofs From Franciscans of Halifax archive

Father Roberto's funeral will be held in Rome on Saturday, December 4th, at 2:00pm (Rome time), which Providentially corresponds with our 9am Saturday morning Mass at St Catherine's. Although this is not an official memorial Mass, you are welcome to join us in prayer that morning. As more official arrangements are made here in Halifax, we will let you know the details.

We ask you to pray for the repose of his soul, for his family and for all who are mourning the loss of our founder and friend.

Fr. Roberto was born in 1960 in Italy. He was ordained to the Priesthood at St. Mary’s Cathedral on December 7, 2002, by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, after which he served in various parishes as well as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese. In October 2005, Fr. Roberto and Archbishop Prendergast began the Franciscans of Halifax, and Fr. Roberto served as their moderator until July 2014.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone mourning this death.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Port Said Garden - Public Domain Image from Facebook, etc.

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Lombard, John Joseph 'Sean' - Obituary - December 14, 2021

12/16/2021

Lombard, John Joseph 'Sean' - Obituary
December 14, 2021

Age 83, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at home. Born in Medford, he was a son of the late Charles and Mary (Mannion) Lombard. Sean had been employed with Consolidated Bathurst in Montreal and later New York, from where he retired. He returned to the old homestead in Medford and was a member of St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church in Canning and St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Kentville. He is survived by sisters, Claire (Greg) Bishop, Greenwich; and Maureen (Andre) Roux, Johannesburg, South Africa; many nieces and nephews.

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John Valentine Evans - Obituary November 26, 2021

12/16/2021

John Valentine Evans - Obituary November 26, 2021

Published on November 26, 2021

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John V. Evans on November 23, 2021 at the age of 91. John fought a long and valiant battle against cancer with dignity, strength, and humour, protecting his loved ones from his suffering to the end. February 14, 1930 - November 23, 2021

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Enquirer, Dennis McCormack's New Publication

11/12/2021

Light From Light - A delightful book of poems by Dennis McCormack with images and graphics.

Dear Fellow Franciscans:

Here is a new publication by Dennis McCormack, who is an Enquirer with the Queenship of Mary Fraternity, Dartmouth. He has just had a book of poetry published (with images). It has been a labor of love which has lasted 2 ½ years, however, it has turned out very well.

This work features poems which fall into 4 categories: Seascapes, Angels & Saints, Poets' Philosophy, and Special Occasions, written by Dennis McCormack (with selected images, layout and formatting by me, as per Dennis’ approval).

It would make a great Christmas gift, Birthday gift, etc. and it is a joy to see and read while relaxing before the fireplace. Please let me know if you purchase a copy so that Dennis and I may send you a ‘Thank You’ e-mail.

Here is the direct link to Amazon.ca for the book. Amazon Books - Canada.

Blessings and all good to you and your family from us both,
Byron Samson & Dennis McCormack

Obituary - Lévesque, Brother Robert-Joseph

10/30/2021

Lévesque, Robert-Joseph

Montreal Gazette; Published: October 28, 2021

LÉVESQUE, Brother Robert-Joseph (Joseph Henry), O.F.M. In Montreal, on October 26, 2021, at the age of ninety-four years, after sixty-nine years of religious life, Brother Robert-Joseph Lévesque, Franciscan, passed away. He will be deeply missed by the members of his Franciscan Fraternity, by his nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends. Funeral Mass at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence, 5655 de Salaberry Street in Montreal, Friday, November 5 at 2 p.m. Burial at Le Repos St-François d'Assise Cemetery, 6893 Sherbrooke East, Montreal.

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Obituary - Hughes, Dorothy Olivet

10/30/2021

Hughes, Dorothy Olivet

It is with sadness that the family of Dorothy Olivet Hughes announces her passing on October 20, 2021 at Neill Hall. Born in Coles Island, NB, on April 11, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Millidge and Olive (Clark) Ryder.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Gordon Edward Hughes; sons Brian Ryder, Terry and Roger Leet; daughter Joyce Leet (Larry Holleran); step-daughters Karen Hughes and Christine Gallant (Collin); grandchildren Michael Leet, Brandon Leet-MacFarlane; great grandchildren Aiden Leet, Karley Leet and Mason MacFarlane, as well as several cousins.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was predeceased by her first husband Harry Leet; step-son Greg Hughes, and grandchild Devon DeAnglis.

A special thank you to the amazing staff of Frederick Hall and Neill Hall for the care they have given Dorothy.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Cemetery. The live stream of the graveside service will be available to watch at 2pm on Saturday, October 23, at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/1403007. For those who wish memorial donation may be made to the SPCA, CARMA or the Alzheimer’s Society. www.mcadamsfh.com

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A Warm Welcome - Fr. Maurice Richard, OFM Conventual

10/1/2021

A Warm welcome to Friar Maurice Richard OFM Conventual who hprayas been appointed Spiritual Assistant to St. Francis of Immaculate Heart of Mary Fraternity in Ottawa.

Friar Richard is a Canadian friar who grew up in Greenfield Park, Quebec. For the past several years he was assigned to the St. Joseph Cupertino province Provincial Office in Arroyo Grande, California, as Assistant Director of novices.

As of August 3, he was reassigned by his Franciscan leadership to Ottawa, where he is ministering at St. Ignatius Martyr Roman Catholic Church there and taking on the position of parish priest.

His assignment to serve as Spiritual Assistant is effective as of September 15, 2021.

Pax et bonum brother Maurice!

May you find many great blessings in the fulfillment of your office as Spiritual Assistant. Our prayers go out to you daily!

This document may be downloaded in PDF

New Regional Spiritual Assistant: Br. Gerry Clyne, ofm

9/12/2021

Br. Gerry Clyne, ofm

“…the Seculars that have kept me Franciscan.”

I was born a twin in 1960 in Ottawa and raised in a strong Protestant Evangelical family. Besides my twin, who is a minister, I also have a younger brother and a yet younger sister.

After I graduated from a Methodist Bible college with a Bachelor of Theology I became a Catholic in 1986 and entered the Franciscan Postulancy in 1988 in western Canada. I made my Solemn Vows in 1994.

As a Franciscan I have worked in retreat houses and was Vocation Director for almost twelve years. My history with the Secular Franciscans goes back to the beginning of my Franciscan story. I was in process to become a Secular when I received word that I had been accepted into the First Order.

With the Seculars I have been Local, Regional and National Spiritual Assistants. I have always said that it has been the Seculars that have kept me Franciscan.

Les Frères Mineurs Capucins - Thanks to Inspiring Franciscan Community!

9/12/2021

Dear brothers and sisters,
Greetings of peace to you all.

It was a fraternal privilege to be at your service as the Regional spiritual assistant (RSA) of the Secular Franciscan Order (RFEC) for the last two years since August 2019. I am deeply indebted to you all for your fraternal welcome, generous understanding and prayerful support in my role. You are a joyful and inspiring Franciscan community! I count it as a personal blessing to be amongst you, at least for this shorter period.

Last September, I was entrusted with the general leadership responsibility of my capuchin province in Québec and since, I was in consultation with the regional council and the first order communities to find a new face for this responsibility.

Some prayers are answered late, but better! It is my immense pleasure to know that there is a new regional spiritual assistant for the OFS-regional fraternity of eastern Canada, from today onwards. Let me extend a warm welcome to Br. Gerry Clyne, OFM to Montreal and to this new mission. Knowing that he is the right person for this fraternal responsibility, I assure you all my prayerful support.

Peace and all good,

Bro. Benny Vincent, OFM cap.
Montréal, 02 sept. 2021.

Br. Benny Vincent, ofm cap Stepping Down as Regional Spiritual Assistant

9/12/2021

Brothers and Sisters,

It is with sadness that I say goodbye to Br. Benny Vincent, ofm cap, who is stepping down as out Regional Spiritual Assistant to focus on his duties as the Provincial of the ofm cap in Quebec. Br. Benny gave us his all and we in turn wish him God speed and we send him a spiritual bouquet of prayers. Br. Benny has written a letter to all of us which will be placed on our website.

It is also my honor to welcome Br. Gerry Clyne as our new Regional Spiritual Assistant (RSA) effective September 5, 2021. Br. Gerry has provided us with a short biography which I have attached to this email as well.

Br. Gerry will focus his time and energy on our Region by:

1) taking on the role of RSA.

2) taking on the duties of Fr. Georges Morin as local Spiritual Assistant or St. Patrick's Fraternity and Immaculate Conception, both of them in Montreal.

3) leading an online course for those who are interested in exploring the role of Spiritual Assistant. This is the same course outline I sent to everyone earlier today.

Over the next few weeks he will be orienting himself to our region and will be contacting the Spiritual Assistants and local fraternities.

Br. Gerry will reside at the Friary in Montreal. His email is gerryclyne@outlook.com. The Regional Directory will be updated and sent to the local Councils later this month with his coordinates.

Please join me in saying thank you to both of these Brothers for their dedication to our Secular Franciscans.

Michel
David, ofs
Minister
Regional Fraternity of Eastern Canada