*Franciscans (o f m) - British Province *
*
 « Search » 
 « Contact » 
 « Home » 

NEWS FROM WOODFORD FRIARY

See also at www.stofc.org

For the news archive from previous years click here

=======================================================================================================================================

Dr PAUL DOHERTY IS AFFILIATED TO OUR PROVINCE

Dr Paul Doherty and his wife Carla before the ceremony

Dr Paul Doherty is not only the Head Teacher of Trinity Catholic High School which is situated right next to the Friary at Woodford but a prolific author of many mainly historical books.  He has always been a fervent supporter of the Franciscans and has always insisted that Trinity High School is a Franciscan School.  Every school day  begins with a Mass in the School Chapel celebrated by a friar and open to any of the boys and girls of the school as well as parishioners and which he usually attends. The friars, wanting to recognise this devotion on the part of Dr Doherty, affiliated him into their Province in a ceremony on Friday, 27th November 2009, in the retro-chapel of the church at Woodford.  As an affiliate, he will become part of the fraternity of the Province and share in all the friars' Masses, prayers, sacrifices and other good works. 

The family joins in the happy occasion
The little gathering which includes all the friars from Woodford and Stratford sings a hymn
The Minister Provincial presides and after the Gospel reading explains what is happening
The Minister Provincial hands Paul a scroll
in token of his affiliation to the Order
The scroll affirms his admission to the Fraternity
Paul accepts the scroll
Flowers are given to Carla Doherty
The friars present greet Paul as a brother
as does Frank Fitzpatrick already affiliated to the Province
Paul with his new family
and his old family
At the reception in the Friary refectory he expresses his thanks

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE TRANSITUS OF ST FRANCIS PRESENTED BY STUDENTS OF TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

As has now become a tradition, the students of Trinity Catholic High School on the eve of the Feast of Saint Francis presented a dramatic retelling of the story of the passing or transitus of the Saint drawn from the early sources. There was a good turn-out of friars and parishioners to watch and applaud the presentation.

The role of Saint Francis
was played by Bradley Hall
The group of singers and
the School orchestra
provided the music
The production team of staff members ensured a smooth performance
The complete cast acknowledges the applause

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A RENEWAL OF RELIGIOUS PROFESSION

Brother Michele Maria Pini, a member of the Tuscan Province of the Order of Friars Minor dedicated to the Stigmata of Saint Francis, has been spending a couple of months with us in order to learn English.  He is still a student in temporary vows and these had to be renewed at the end of August until next year, when he will make his Solemn Profession of final vows for life.  His own Minister Provincial in Florence delegated our Minister Provincial to receive Br Michele's vows on his behalf.  The ceremony was carried out on Sunday, 30th August 2009, in the presence of the Franciscan community in Woodford.  Our congratulations go to Br Michele and we wish him perseverance in the Franciscan life to the end.

Our Provincial explains to Br Michele that he is making his vows to the whole international Order but in his Province
Br MIchael receives Br Michele's renewal of vows for one year in the name of his own Provincial

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE BISHOP'S PASTORAL VISIT

The Bishop of Brentwood, Mgr Thomas McMahon, made a pastoral visit to Woodford parish on the occasion of the Ordination to the Priesthood of Br Antony Jukes on Saturday, 27th June 2009 (for a full report of this with pictures click here).  On the Sunday morning the Bishop celebrated the 11.30 a.m. Mass with the parishioners and greeted them afterwards.  Then in the afternoon at 3 p.m. he celebrated the Mass of Confirmation at which 74 teenage candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Bishop presides at the morning Mass
and greets the people on their way out
The scene in the church during the Mass of Confirmation
The boys of Loyola School provide the choir
The candidates are supported by their sponsors, families and friends
The Bishop has a special word of congratulation for the newly confirmed
as they leave the church
The Bishop with Frs Brian and Austin Linus who concelebrated the Confirmation Mass

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

* * *