Franciscan Brothers

FRANCISCAN BROTHERS CELEBRATE 150th ANNIVERSARY

On Saturday, May 24, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn gathered at St. James, Cathedral-Basilica with friends, families and colleagues to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of their foundation in America.
Back in 1858 the first two Franciscans arrived from Ireland on May 31 at the invitation of Bishop Loughlin, first Ordinary of the newly established Diocese of Brooklyn. They were given hospitality by the Christian Brothers in St. James’ Parish. Shortly thereafter more Irish Brothers arrived and with new American members joining, the small band acquired property on Baltic Street where they established their motherhouse and founded St. Francis Academy, later to become St. Francis College and St. Francis Prep. Within a decade, the Brothers were also staffing seven parish schools in the new Diocese of Brooklyn.
Brother William Boslet OSF. Superior General of the congregation, was joined by Brother Peter Roddy, OSF, Superior General of the Franciscan Brothers of Mount Bellew, Ireland in marking the sesquicentennial. Brother Peter presented Brother William with a replica of a sailing vessel carved from petrified peat from of ancient Irish soil to recall the journey which was so momentous for both congregations.
Bishop Ignatius Catanello, main celebrant for the Jubilee Mass was joined by Bishop Joseph Sullivan and Bishop John Dunne of the Diocese of Rockville Centre along with over twenty priests representing both dioceses as concelebrants. Retired Bishop Thomas Daily presided in the sanctuary. Homilist was Msgr. Thomas Mulvanerty, Vicar for Senior Priests in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, who was a member of the Franciscan community prior to his ordination. Msgr. Mulvanerty encouraged the Brothers to continue in their vocation of “being brothers” to one another and all God’s people in their Franciscan spirit of courageous dedication, humble service and fraternal good will and cheer.
In addition to their 150 years of service in St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights and St. Francis Prep. in Fresh Meadows, Queens, the Brothers serve in St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington, now marking its 75th anniversary, Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School in Brooklyn, and Mount Alvernia in Centerport, celebrating its 120th anniversary. Over these fifteen decades, the Brothers have also taught in over twenty parish schools in both dioceses of Long Island, and worked in dioceses in New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Connecticut, Missouri and New Mexico. In addition to their primary apostolate of education, Franciscan Brothers also serve in ministries to the elderly, the imprisoned, those with addictions, as well as in parish ministries and diocesan offices and agencies.
Bishop Catanello thanked the Brothers for their service on behalf of Bishop DiMarzio and the people of the diocese. Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, the Brothers and their guests enjoyed a festive luncheon and an informal, reunion-like sharing of stories at Stage 6, Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, within view of the spot where the first Franciscan Brothers set foot on Long Island 150 years ago.
The Brothers’ 150th Jubilee Year will conclude with a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre in August, 2009.