Do you not know all that has been happening these days?It all started back in February 2008 when Fr Joe was re-assigned state-side.Then Fr Brad came and stayed for just about two years, and then he took an assignment state-side.Most recently Br Joe came, stayed about 2 months, and asked t go home.
Each time that has left just Fr Mike and I here . . . our Rule calls for houses of at least three, our contract with the Archdiocese is also for three. We had hoped that our friars from Poland would send two friars to help us; on March 25th they informed us they had no one to send. We hoped our Minister General could secure help from our friars in India or the Philippines, on April 13th he emailed and told us there was no one to send.
Just one year ago, Fr Mike and I – last year April in Buffalo we stood before our Province Chapter and said – with Br Joe coming in August – we have the necessary three, we recommend we renew our contract. So we did.
On April 14th – Fr Mike and I reported to the Province Council as it is now obvious that there is no third friar coming, what can we do? On Thursday, April 14th our Council voted to withdraw from the Mission in Jamaica, effective 17 July 2011.
While we had always hoped that a third, or even a 4th, friar would come and join us, we now have our answer – there is no one in line to come and help, and our rule of three cannot be fulfilled, nor set aside.
So it is with a very heavy heart that I report to you today that as of Sunday, 17 July the Conventual Franciscan Friars, St Anthony of Padua Province, USA, will be leaving St Mary’s and Missions, and handing the Mission back to the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Like Fr Mike told us in his reflection: a stranger came and walked with the two on the road for a while – then they each went their way – changed by the experience of the Breaking of the Break. Though we each will go our own separate ways – may we continue to be united through the Break of the Bread
We thank you for your love and support over these past almost six years, and we pray you will continue to work with us – in proclaiming the Good News, until that last Mass on Sunday July 17th. May the Lord give you PEACE!
Br Michael Duffy, ofm conv
2 comments:
With a heavy heart I read this. Helen and I were hoping that someday we'd be able to return for an extended period of time to help. Our time at St. Mary's changed us forever. There, my conversion really began. There, I saw Jesus in everyone... I will pray for you, Father Mike and the wonderful people at SMOR. The Light will shine after a dark night.
I am just now catching up with your postings for St Mary's, Above Rocks and upon reading this, my heart is broken. I can reiterate what Keith said here: My visit to Jamaica with others from St. Edward parish changed my life and my heart forever. The mission and each of you including all the wonderful Jamaican people, will always remain in my heart. You (all of you) have left an indelible mark and I am nearly in tears but, do understand. Its just such very sad news. I wish we could do something to change this decision but, realize there is a rule of the order to follow. Bless each and everyone of you.
All the best,
- Ann Soucy
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