A prophetic, Franciscan, Catholic community welcoming all people through prayer and outreach.

We extend a special welcome to everyone visiting the Shrine for the first time.

Saturday, August 11 – Friday, August 17, 2018

Telephone: 617-542-6440
Prayer Request Line: 617-553-4100
The Good Word: 617-542-0502
Text-to-Give text “DONATE” to: 617-712-2233
August 11, 2018
The Feast of St. Clare of Assisi

Greetings of peace.

Several of you have asked me why we are sometimes slow in depositing checks that you give us. We are
in the midst of changing our accounting system and this is the reason for the recent delays. This new
system goes “online” on Monday, August 13, at 9am. We expect to be processing many transactions next
week and will clear up any backlog. We expect that the new system will be more efficient and accurate.
Thank you for your patience with us.

This week the Church throughout the world celebrates two important days: The Feast of St. Clare of Assisi
on Saturday, August 11, and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Wednesday,
August 15. St. Clare lived a cloistered life of poverty and prayer. Her holiness was so well known during
her lifetime that the Pope himself came to Assisi to visit her on her deathbed. (Think about that. That
probably wasn’t a convenient trip for the Pope in the year 1253.) Wednesday the 15th celebrates the
Assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven. This is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Vigil Mass for
this Solemnity will be on Tuesday afternoon at 5:15pm, and we will have the usual Wednesday Mass
schedule, with an additional Mass in English on the first floor church at 5:15pm.

Have a good week.

Fr. Thomas Conway, OFM

Executive Director

May Almighty God bless you
May He look upon you with the eyes of
His Mercy and give you His Peace.
Here below may He pour forth
His graces on you abundantly
and in Heaven may He place you
among His Saints.
May the Lord be with you always
and wherever you are, may you be
with Him always.
Franciscan Blessings on the
Feast of St. Clare of Assisi
Franciscan Missionary Union presents….
Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
With Optional 4-Night Jordan Post Tour Extension
May 27 – June 4, 2019
For more information contact Brother Paul
O'Keeffe
St. Anthony Shrine
(240) 393-0532
pokeeffe@thefranciscans.org
St. Clare was one of Francis’ first followers and founded the
Second Order of Franciscans, known today as the Poor
th
Clares. Her Feast Day is celebrated on August 11 .
St. Clare was born around 1193-1194 and grew up in an
aristocratic, well-respected family in Assisi, Italy. Her father
was a knight, and her mother was of noble lineage. Her
family home was adjacent to the Cathedral of San Rufino.
When Clare was only a teenager, she heard Francesco
Bernardone (St. Francis) preach in the piazza of the
cathedral. She was immediately moved by his vision of
Gospel life. For his part, Francis had heard about Clare and
wanted to meet her. Over a period of more than a year, she
and a companion met with Francis to learn more about his
manner of living the Gospel. She joined Francis on Palm
Sunday night in March of 1212 and with him founded a
community of women intent on following in the footprints of
the poor crucified Christ through a life shaped by poverty,
contemplation and community. Their mission was to rebuild
the Church through the witness of their way of living the
Gospel in Community.
Clare is not as well-known as some other medieval women,
but she is the first woman to have a Rule for a religious
community approved by the Church. She directed the "Poor
Ladies" (the name by which her community was known in
medieval times) from its beginnings until her death in 1253.
Clare was a woman in love with Christ, and she wanted all
people to know the joy of union with him. She did not
emphasize poverty for the sake of poverty, but poverty as a
way to union with the Lord. She wanted nothing to hold her
back from embracing Christ, her Beloved One. Clare
advised other women about following Christ, and one of
those women was Agnes of Prague, to whom she wrote:
"May you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the
path of prudent happiness, not believing anything that would
dissuade you for this resolution or that would place a
stumbling block for you on the way, so that you may offer
your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection
to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you."
- Second Letter to Agnes of Prague 13-14 (2LAg 13-14)
Clare allowed herself to be
transformed by the love of Christ
she experienced in her life. Soon
others joined her, and together
they shaped a life of prayer,
poverty, penance and community
that enabled them to embrace the
poor Christ in love. It was a life in
which they found freedom and
peace in Christ.
SOURCE:
https://www.stanthony.org/novena-
to-st-clare-of-assisi/
What an outstanding volunteer leadership team we have for this year’s Franciscan Dinner and Pope Francis Award.
This extraordinary committee is working tirelessly to help us reach our ambitious goal of one million dollars this year.
Their focus right now is soliciting sponsorships for our signature event on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the Westin
Boston Waterfront. To date, they have raised $415,000 in gifts and pledges. Here is our group of all-stars.

Honorary Chairs: The Honorable Martin J. Walsh and Ms. Lorrie Higgins
Honorary Co-Chairs: Ginger McCourt, Angela Menino and Kathy O’Donnell
Event Co-Chairs: Joanne Hidaka and Ben Niedermeyer
Event Committee:
Patti and Larry D’Angelo
Fr. Thomas E. Conway, O.F.M.
Donna DePrisco
Karen Fish-Will
Melissa Fish-Crane
Beth Floor
Linda Dorcena Forry
Ted Grant
Joanne Jaxtimer
Mary Ann Jordan
Br. John B. Maganzini, O.F.M.
Jan A. Miller
Anne T. Moran
Thomas N. O’Brien
Robert A. O’Neill
William P. Purcell
Fr. Frank R. Sevola, O.F.M.
Fr. Ronald P. Stark, O.F.M.
George R. Taylor
Brian F. Ward

If you would like information about becoming a sponsor, please see Fr. Tom Conway, O.F.M.
or Maryanne Rooney-Hegan, Director of Development 617-778-1645. Thank you.

Welcome Fr. Jeffery Jordan, OFM to the St. Anthony Shrine Community!
Fr. Jeffery grew up in Royston, GA in a devout Protestant family. Growing up in the Bible-
Belt South, Sacred Scripture had always played a vital role in his family, and, as such, it
would continue to shape both his religious and academic interests. After graduating from the
University of Georgia in Linguistics and Romance Languages (French/Italian), Fr. Jeffery
worked in International Container Shipping in Tampa, FL, whereby he managed government
import regulations and process management. Welcomed into the Catholic Church in 2002 in
Tampa, FL Fr. Jeffery would later meet the friars of Holy Name Province when the province
assumed the pastoral responsibilities of his parish, Sacred Heart.

Fr. Jeffery joined the friars in 2007, and he completed his M. Div. at the Washington Theological Union/ Catholic University in
2013. Interested in higher education, he taught the Introductory Scripture course at St. Bonaventure University the following
year. In 2014, he left for Rome, Italy to study Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute (the “Biblicum”). Fr. Jeffery
was ordained here at St. Anthony Shrine by Cardinal O’Malley on January 3, 2015, the feast of Holy Name Province.

Fr. Jeffery received the Licentiate in Sacred Scripture by the Biblicum in May 2018, and he has only recently joined the friar
community here at the Shrine. Fr. Jeffery will continue doctoral studies in theology at Boston College, concentrating on Sacred
Scripture.

In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning new languages, and traveling. He looks forward to being part of the St. Anthony
Shrine community.
 INTERN INSIGHTS

My name is Madison, and I worked as an intern in the Development Office of

St. Anthony Shrine this summer. I am a rising sophomore at the College of
the Holy Cross, and am looking to pursue International Studies as my major.
My jobs at the Shrine were varied, but I focused on two main tasks. My first
task was to deliver Mass schedule information to different hotels around
Boston. I really liked doing this, as I got to walk around and navigate the city
which was fun. My second task was to interview a few donors, volunteers,
and friars at the Shrine. The purpose of these interviews was to compile
information to build a file of stories the Shrine can use for appeals, social
media, and donor profiles. I was able to hear from people with different
backgrounds, and learned about how they got connected with the Shrine. I
also talked to Father Gene, learning about his decision to become a Friar
and the work that he does for the Prison Ministry. Within the office, I also did
Madison Ward some organizational projects and helped count the gifts that came in the
St. Anthony Shrine Summer Intern
2018 mail.

I learned a lot about the Shrine and the work that it does during my time here. I have attended Mass here
with my family for many years, but I never realized how much the Shrine does for the community. It was not
until I read about the ministries and heard from those I interviewed that I understood how many programs
are available for those seeking help. One of my friends from high school was also working at the Shrine this
summer, interning for Boston Healthcare for the Homeless at the Women's Health Clinic. I learned more
about the clinic from her, as she worked with the nurses to assist women who came in for help. We both
attended an all-girls high school where service and social justice was promoted to respond to the needs of
the world. The ideals we were taught are something that I greatly value, and it’s inspiring to see how the
Women’s Health Clinic is working to meet the needs of vulnerable women in Boston. I also volunteered at
the Franciscan Food Center one Thursday, which helped me get a better understanding of how that ministry
is run and the people it serves. I met many welcoming and kind people at the Food Center, both volunteers
and those getting food that day. Overall, I truly enjoyed my experience this summer, and am glad that I
worked at the Shrine. As this was my first job in a professional setting, I learned various skills and lessons
that I will take with me, and consider my time at the Shrine to be a very valuable experience.

Update on the Shrine’s Veterans Ministry

St. Anthony Shrine welcomes veterans from the New England Center for Homeless Veterans for a monthly
veterans appreciation lunch through our Veterans Ministry. Each month, a special meal is prepared by the
Friary Chef and is served by fellow veteran volunteers and facilitated by Mary Ann Ponti, Director of
Outreach.

Guests, volunteers and the Franciscan Friars of St.

Anthony Shrine sit down together to enjoy this meal.
Stories and laughs are shared and guests learn about
additional ministries and services that are available to
them at the Shrine, such as the Franciscan Food Center,
the Father Mychal Judge Recovery Center, Spiritual
Direction and counseling services.
Recently, one of our Veterans Ministry volunteers,
Thomas Kelley, a retired Captain in the United States
Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War, was featured in Naval
History magazine. He is shown here with (left to right) Mary Ann Ponti, Boston City Councilor (and Shrine
volunteer) Ed Flynn and Fr. Tom Conway, OFM, Executive Director of St. Anthony Shrine.

The Shrine is grateful to our nation’s veterans for their service!

 PRAYER OF A PARENT ON THE DEATH OF
A CHILD “Into the Light” Mass
Loving God,
for Those Affected by Suicide
The loss of my child has broken me. I am like a
shattered pane of glass; pieces of me are missing and Saturday, September 8, 2018
I will never find them again. I am enveloped in
sadness, anger, bitterness, sorrow and grief. I have no
words to describe the pain that consumes me.
St. Anthony Shrine
4:00pm Mass
No one can comfort me. No one understands me.
What will happen to me? Will I ever experience Please join the Shrine’s worshipping community for
gladness, joy and peace again? a special Mass for those affected by suicide.

Stay close to me, Lord, in my suffering. Put your Reception immediately following
arms under mine and bear me up, for I fear that if I in the 1st floor lobby.
fall, the weight of my suffering will prevent me from
ever getting up again. Sponsored by
the Shrine’s Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents
Support my arms, Lord, so that they will not be
closed but outstretched to support my (spouse, For more information, call 617-542-8057.
children, relatives) when they need my comfort.

Let me place my grief in you, Lord, so that it does not FRANCISCAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
burn me into a shell, unable to radiate love ever CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
again. 2018 – 2020

Protect me from the anger and bitterness that attack
me, Lord. Let me not seek out the dark places that
beckon me with their false promises of protection and
relief.
Touch your finger to this gaping hole in my heart, so
that while waiting to be closed, it will be filled with
your presence and love.
Have you become increasingly interested in developing
your life of the spirit? Do you find people wanting to
talk with you about their lives? If so, you might be
called to the ministry of spiritual companioning. St.
Anthony Shrine is offering a training program in
spiritual direction, with classes meeting on Saturday
eight times a year for two years. For further
information please see our brochure at:

Whisper your assurances to me, Lord, so that in time, https://stanthonyshrine.org/ministries/spiritual-

I will be able to feel certain hope and true faith that
my child and I will one day be together again,
forever, with you.
Amen.
direction-certification-program/
or contact Carol Mitchell at 727-492-8315
or cmitchell@stanthonyshrine.org

St. Anthony Shrine’s Emmaus Ministry for Grieving

Parents serves the spiritual needs of parents whose
children of any age have died by any cause, no matter
how long ago. It offers One-Hour, One-Day, and
Weekend Spiritual Retreats providing peace and
comfort to grieving parents by focusing on the
promise of eternal life. See www.emfgp.org for more
information.
 Announcing a new Bereavement Group
Fall 2018
If you are dealing with the death of a loved one,
grief can be a very lonely and isolating experience.
Working out your grief can be easier if you have
others to lean on.
The Shrine is now accepting registration for its
Fall Bereavement Group.
The group will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 25th
and run for 8 consecutive weeks (6pm-7:30pm).
For more details or to register please call the
Shrine today at 617-542-6440 ext 251.
Ask for Han Bertrand.

Worship Ministers Needed

We are looking for additional Lectors and Eucharistic
Ministers at St. Anthony Shrine. Both weekend and
weekday Masses are in need. If you are interested,
please email Fred Brown, Assistant Director of Worship
at: fbrown@stanthonyshrine.org
A training session will be held on
Saturday, September 15th 9:30am - 2:30pm.
Registration required.

“Let your gentle spirit be known to all.

The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4)
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
enkindle in us the fire of Your love

Prayer for Gentleness

Holy Saint Anthony, gentlest of Saints,
hear my prayer. Bless my life this day
with the gentleness and kindness of Jesus.
❦ Fill my heart with love for God and for
my neighbor that all my words and actions
may radiate with joy, peace, consolation,
and understanding. ❦ May gentleness of heart always
be my desire as I seek to serve our God
with love for all. ❦ May I mirror the blessing
of a gentle spirit to my sisters and brothers.
I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi, who

modeled the gentleness of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Anthony of Padua, gentle servant of God, pray for us.

BR. JOHN MAGANZINI, O.F.M.

St. Anthony Shrine
Regular Schedule of Mass and Confession Times at
St. Anthony Shrine UPCOMING EVENTS FOR
YOUNG ADULTS
Thursday, August 16 @ 7pm: Bible Study on Tap at 730 Tavern in Central
Sq., Cambridge. Please join us as we discuss the 8/19 Gospel over BYO
apps/ drinks/ dinner. No Bible or Bible Study experience needed.
Friday, August 24 @ 6:30pm: Let’s meet at the Shrine and head over to the
North End together for the opening ceremony of St. Anthony’s Feast! In
addition to the exposition and blessing of the statue of St. Anthony, there will
be music and food.
Sunday, August 26 @ 2:15pm. Volunteer at the Cambridge Rehabilitation
and Nursing Center (8 Dana Street, Central Sq. T Stop in Cambridge). This
is a great, on-going project where members can extend their time and talents
to the residents of the Center while going to Mass. We are scheduled to help
set up Mass, do the readings and responsorial psalm, lead songs and
provide companionship. We could use your help!
Friday, August 31 @ 7pm: Farewell party for our Young Adult Ministry
Director, Erin Murphy at 730 Tavern in Central Square, Cambridge. Stop by
and wish Erin well as she leaves her position at the Shrine to return to school
To RSVP or for more info, please email: SAS20s30s@stanthonyshrine.org

2nd Collection on August 11 th and 12th

The 2 collection on August 11th & 12th will go to support the
nd

REGULAR EVENTS Franciscan Food Center at St. Anthony Shrine.

Monday
Open OA Meeting, Auditorium Classroom 12:15 p.m. DATED MASSES: There are a number of Masses available for
A.A. 12 Step Meeting/12 Traditions Meeting (Closed) 5:45 p.m.
Rosary Prayer Group (3rd Monday) 11:30 a.m. September and October 2018. To select a Mass, please visit the
Information Booth in the 1st floor lobby, which is staffed during
Tuesday
A.A. Discussion Meeting (Open Meeting) Noon weekend Masses and also from 11:30am to 1:00pm Wednesday
through Friday.
Wednesday
Remembrance Day for Deceased (3rd Wed.) All Masses
Anointing of the Sick - Mass (2nd Wed.) See web
SA Meeting (Open Meeting), Auditorium Foyer 7:00 a.m.
Seniors Program (On break in August) 10:30 a.m.
Women’s Spiritual Reflection Grp (2nd &4th Wed. – on break July/Aug)
12:30 p.m.
Grupo Hispano de Oracion 4:00 p.m.
Bread on The Common (2nd & 4th Wed.) 4:00 p.m.
Mass in Spanish 5:15 p.m.
LGBTQ Spirituality (3rd Wed. – on break July/Aug) 5:30 p.m.
A.A. Discussion Meeting (Open Meeting) 5:45 p.m.

Thursday
St. Augustine Group (S.L.A.A.) Meeting Noon
Rosary Prayer Group 12:30p.m.
Men’s Spirituality Group (2nd and 4th Thursday) 5:00 p.m.
Lectura y reflexión del evangelio 5:30 p.m.
A.A Big Book Meeting (Closed Meeting) 5:45 p.m.
Friday
SA 12 Step Meeting, Auditorium Foyer 7:00 a.m.
Open OA Meeting, Auditorium Classroom 12:15 p.m.
Saturday
Secular Franciscans Formation (2nd Sat.) 10:30 a.m.
Centering Prayer Group (1st & 4th Sat.) Noon
Vietnamese Secular Franciscans (2nd Sat.) 1:00 p.m.
Secular Franciscans Fraternity Meeting (2nd Sat.)
Rosary Prayer Group
1:00 p.m.
3:30p.m.
SENIORS PROGRAM NOTICE
Sunday
Please note: There is no Seniors Program for the
Emmaus Ministry Prayer/Discussion (1st Sun. – on break July) 11:00 a.m. month of August. We hope you enjoy the summer
Healing Service (2nd Sun.) 1:30 p.m.
Nurses Together in Healing Ministry (1st Sun.) 1:00 p.m. break and we look forward to seeing you back in the
Rosary, Vespers, Benediction 2:55 p.m.
Hispanic Secular Franciscans (1st Sun.) 3:00 p.m. Seniors Program on Wednesday, September 5th!

100 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110

www.stanthonyshrine.org
Telephone: 617-542-6440 Prayer Request Line: 617-553-4100 The Good Word: 617-542-0502 Text GIVE to: 617-712-2233