The month of March brought about some wonderful at St. Francis College.

First, Brother Padraic Campbell stopped by on his Feast Day to pay a visit. Brother Padraic is the former campus minister at Queens College and he Taught English at St. Anthony's HS and St. Francis Prep

Second, On March 22, St. Francis College celebrated it's Spring Showcase!

On Friday March 21, Saint Anthony's celebrated the Dedication & Blessing Ceremonies of three incredible facilities that will shape the future of the Friar family:⁠
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•The Rich Reichert ’70 Athletic Complex, which includes the Brother Gary Cregan O.S.F. Team Store – Honoring a legacy of excellence in sports & leadership.⁠
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•The Brother Shane Burke, O.S.F. Fitness Center – Empowering students to build strength in mind, body, and spirit.⁠
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•The Saint Anthony’s Business & Entrepreneurship Center – Inspiring the next generation of innovators & leaders.⁠
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A huge thank you to all who made these milestones possible! ⁠

Christ is risen! Alleluia! The stone is rolled away, but now the work begins. Peter says it in the reading from Acts: “He commissioned us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God . . .” We must not spend too long gaping at the empty tomb. We must incorporate the Risen Jesus into our thoughts, words and actions. We are here as His witnesses and His hands to lift up the poor, proclaim justice to the oppressed and show compassion to all. We must allow the miracle of the Resurrection to infuse us with joy, and to energize us to be faithful to the Gospel. The task is monumental; but if you lean on the community of believers, just as those early followers did, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished in the name of the Lord. As our holy father, Saint Francis said, “Let us begin, for up to now we have done nothing.” Happy Easter!

Brother Damian Novello, O.S.F.

Saint Francis Monastery

Liminal time is described as a “state, time or space that exists at a point of change.” It is when all that used to be does not apply anymore, yet what is to come has not yet arrived. Things are not as they were, nor are they as they will be. The silence of Holy Saturday totally illustrates this concept. There is no Eucharist, there are no readings (aside from the Office) assigned for the day. The Church, in her wisdom, realizes that this is a turning point. We have just come through the horrific scenes of the crucifixion of Jesus, but have not conceived of the miracle of the Resurrection. Take time with this space. Ponder the times of confusion, disappointment and the inability to see what comes next. This is life – for those whose faith is great and those whose faith is small. Take time, but know that you are on the threshold of something wondrous!

Anonymous

Most people find it easy to select a part of the Passion on which to meditate. Mine is the presence of Peter and Mary in the Garden and at Calvary. It had to be unbearable for Mary to witness the interrogations and the terrible floggings that her Son experienced. But Peter’s three denials must have cut her heart to the quick. If Mary’s heart was broken, I can only imagine how Peter must have felt. Nevertheless I have often imagined Peter’s walking up the hill, as the crowds were jeering at Jesus, and Peter’s hoping to get one last chance to look into the eyes of Jesus, just letting the Lord know how truly sorry he was. Poor Judas could not imagine his ever being forgiven by the Lord. Mary’s pain was the worst a loved one can suffer when there is seemingly no way to help a person who is suffering. I have spent many hours on retreat during Holy Week looking into her eyes at the 4th Station the Cross (when Jesus meets his mother) and asking her to be with people whom I know are suffering the loss of a loved one. On the Cross Jesus made His mother our mother, and, please God, we have all experienced the unconditional love of a mother.

Brother Vincent Adams, O.S.F.

Saint Anthony’s High School

The Gospel of Holy Thursday recounts the scene where Our Lord removed his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin and washed and dried the feet of his disciples. While we may read that passage over and over again, it becomes most penetrating when it is actually re-enacted through the Ritual of the Washing of the Feet at the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Schola at Saint Anthony’s High School observes all the Liturgies of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday, Tenebrae, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Stations of the Cross and finally Easter Vigil. For the Washing of the Feet, the twelve youngest members of Schola are selected to sit on the stairs of the sanctuary as the Priest Celebrant washes and dries each pair of feet. During the ceremony, the Schola chants the hymn “Ubi Caritas et Amor” which exults charity and love as the presence of God. This ceremony is called the mandatum because through it Our Lord demonstrated visually the new commandment that we must wash each other’s feet just as He had given the model through his poignant action.

Brother Joshua DiMauro, O.S.F.

Saint Anthony’s High School

Today’s readings are truly both comfort and challenge. Inwardly, I am comforted to recall times I have felt misunderstood, rejected, even betrayed despite doing my best to do the right, good or necessary thing. It is challenging to admit publicly to having felt that way without sounding arrogant. Do I try to defend myself in the face of criticism in hopes of being understood, even appreciated? Or, do I bear the feedback with grace, accepting my human limitations? It’s a battle between righteousness, humility and shame. These readings remind that when one risks action in the world, one risks rejection. Even Jesus in his perfection was betrayed by those closest to him. Trusting that God sees the wider picture and knows our hearts in these moments of desolation, we can pray as the psalm encourages, “Lord, in your great love, answer me.”

Peggy Bergin-Sementilli

Saint Francis Prep

In today’s readings, I’m struck by the themes of trust and purpose. Isaiah reminds us that God calls each of us from birth, shaping us to reflect His glory, even when we feel like our efforts aren’t making a difference. That really connects with the Franciscan idea that all creation has a purpose, and we are called to nurture and care for it. In the Gospel, Jesus knows He’s about to be betrayed, yet He stays rooted in trust, knowing God’s plan will unfold. When things look dark and uncertain to our understanding, we can see God in nature, in others, and in ourselves. The psalm’s line, “I will sing of your salvation,” feels like a call to action—to recognize God’s presence in the world and share His light, no matter what challenges we face.

Ben Esposito

Camp Alvernia

In these readings, I recognized the servant of God, who embodies kindness and compassion without seeking recognition. This humble servant inspires me to nurture God’s love and spread hope, even amidst criticism. My journey, while generally beautiful, has also been sprinkled with challenges. There are days when the weight of these challenges threatens to overwhelm me, making me want to surrender. Yet, I remind myself of my purpose and the unwavering love and presence of God’s goodness in my life. Despite the difficulties of raising children and teaching students about faith, I recognize the countless blessings I have received in doing so. Throughout my life, there have certainly been moments that have tested my resilience. My faith has always been my stronghold, guiding me through life’s darkest storms. There have been many times when my belief alone provided the strength I needed. The prayer “Footsteps” resonates deeply with me, reminding me that even when I feel weak, God walks beside me, renewing my spirit. I aspire to be a living example of God’s love for my children and my students, a true servant of God, demonstrating how faith can transform lives by walking the walk that is pleasing to God and God alone. I embrace the role of the servant, carrying forward hope and love. My faith guides me through life’s difficulties, and I remain committed to being a beacon of light, reflecting the grace that a servant of God embodies.

Susan Corrao

Saint Anthony’s High School

“Hosanna” is the word that greeted the Lord on his triumphal entry into Jerusalm. That is the word which inaugurates the most holy week of the Christian calendar. Yet, how quickly did that become betrayal, and crucifixion. Yet and ultimately “alleluia” is proclaimed to the glory of God. In the Franciscan world today, Palm Sunday, is particularly special for on that day in 1212 Clare took the final steps to fulfillment of her heart’s desire, to follow Jesus wholly and totally. What Francis encouraged and Bishop Guido aided Clare finally did. Can we all say alleluia!? As the young women went in procession to the chair of the bishop for their palm Clare remained seated with the other nobility. While her body was in Assisi where was her heart? Her heart was in Jerusalem where she joined the many in their hosannas and as they laid down their precious cloaks to welcome the Lord. She, too laid down the fabric of her life. The gold of her faith, the blue of her nobility and red of knighthood, green of hope, the black of fear and the yellow of her joy, the fabric of her life. All of this she offered the Lord on the day she finally “fled the world” to become the first Franciscan woman. Towards the end of her life in her fourth letter to Agnes, abbess of the monastery in Prague, and previously the Imperial Princess of Bohemia, she offered this brief biographic piece of witness “draw me after you, O Heavenly Spouse and I will run to the odor of your perfume and ... I will not tire . “ (4LAg 30-31) Can we say that today, this Palm Sunday, each of us? Can we each say draw me after you again?

Brother Thomas Barton, O.S.F.

Saint Francis Monastery

In today’s Gospel, the chief priests and Pharisees see the significant influence Jesus is having with more and more people. It is evident that Jesus has a different mindset and, much more important, a different heartset than them. Their solution? “So from that day on they planned to kill him.” Fast forward to 2025. While there is not a propensity to plan to literally crucify someone with whom we disagree, sometimes there is an intentional effort made to cancel them. How? Slandering their reputation online. Boycotting their products or services. Blowing them off. We can easily justify our behavior – after all, we are right and they are wrong. Someone once said, “Give up the need to be right, and you can create a miracle.” During this upcoming Holy Week, let us be intentional about embracing those with whom we do not agree. Doing this just might create an Easter miracle!

Brother Gregory Cellini, O.S.F.

Saint Francis College

In these times, people are quick to offer criticism and slow to offer praise and it can be very challenging to stand by your convictions and be open about your Faith. In the first reading Jesus reminds us that the LORD is with us at all times and we should be proud to exclaim his glory. During this Lenten season, let those around you know of your faith. Be confident and courageous when talking about your relationship with God, especially around our students and our own children. This example will allow them to speak about their Faith more openly and with deeper meaning if they see the adults around them taking the first step.

William Quinn

Saint Anthony’s High School

God has always only wanted to be in a relationship with us. From the time he created us, he simply wanted to know and to love us. He shows deep love through HIs commitment to us. He promises us everything, literally everlasting life with Him, if we will just trust Him with our sin, if we will just trust Him with our lives. This is the nature of the covenants referred to in today’s readings. He takes his covenants seriously, and He never fails. So why do we consistently doubt Him, His identity as the great I AM, His fidelity to His promises, even His love? We are distrustful because we as humans know how we fail Him and each other every day. We suffer from a fundamental lack of trust. Lent is about renewing our covenant with God, reestablishing trust in our relationships with Him.

Michael Clauberg

Saint Anthony’s High School

In today’s Gospel, we encounter the perils of entitlement. The Jews are claiming righteousness because they are children of Abraham. They feel that being of this bloodline gives them a “get out of jail free” card to be other than the covenant says that they should be. They have traded the freedom that Jesus speaks of for membership in a club whose rules they ignore. We, also, as followers of Jesus, may sometimes fall into the danger of believing that being part of the “club of the Church” can excuse us from the law of love which is the foundational teaching of our faith. We sometimes condemn others for being “other” – not conforming to our notions of morality, piety or doctrinal purity. Jesus accuses his detractors of trying to kill him. During our time this Lent, let us strive to make Jesus alive in our lives, showing by our example and care that all are welcome into the loving arms of God.

Brother Damian Novello, O.S.F.

Saint Francis Monastery

It is easy at times to be “worn-out” by life’s journey, as the Israelites certainly were, and we are often tempted to blame God for allowing these hardships to consume us. I cannot imagine how horrific it has been for thousands of people in southern California whose homes, if not their lives, have been destroyed by the raging wildfires. It must be easy to feel that God has abandoned them. When the attacks on the World Trade Center happened on September 11th some people thought that it was God punishing America for its wonton behavior, but our God never desires the death of the sinner, but rather gives us the strength to accept and deal with the crosses we must bear. God sent Moses a bronze serpent to mount on a pole, and whoever looked upon it would be healed, but then God sent Jesus to give His life for us on the Cross. Our response must be that of Jesus in the Garden, “O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to You. Not my will, but Thine be done.”

Brother Vincent Adams, O.S.F.

Saint Anthony’s High School

The readings speak to several important themes of trust, justice, sin and morality. As the two elder judges succumbed to the temptations of their positions of trust and earthly desires, they remind us that all of us can be led astray. It is important that we remember that as human beings we are subject to sin and that we must be mindful that our devotion to God and what we know is right is something we must work at and be vigilant in. The readings also remind us that God is there to those who ask for his help and in this case Susanna is afforded justice when she cries out for God’s help. Daniel serves as the true bringer of justice as he is empowered by God, through the holy spirit, to question those who were seemingly above reproach. It serves as a reminder that God is who we must answer to when we consider our moral choices and our decisions.

Lewis Cordina

Saint Anthony’s High School

As we enter into the last week of the Lenten season before Holy Week, certain themes emerge from the readings for this Sunday: Redemption, Deliverance, Mercy, and being made new again: a Re-Novatio. Isaiah proclaims it and the Psalmist rejoices in the Israelites’ release and return from bondage in Babylon. It is the restitution and renovation of the Israelites’ identity as a people in their promised land—the very people chosen by God to announce His glory to all of creation and His vehicle and conduit of self-revelation to the nations. “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. “ Ps. 126. The prophet Joel beckons God’s faithful people to “return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful,” as a prelude to John’s Gospel account of the woman caught in adultery. Again, we see God’s mercy and forgiveness, His redemption as the woman is restored to her prior state—un-condemned and unharmed. Redeemed and delivered from mortal peril, it seems likely that whatever became of her, she didn’t repeat her mistake and heeded Christ’s instructions to go and Sin no more. It had nearly cost her life, but she was given a new lease on life. As Catholics, we are continually given new leases on our spiritual lives. Confession, penitence, and prayer can and should be practiced all throughout the year, but the ultimate redemption is shortly at hand. Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection for which we have been preparing for weeks and which will be shortly upon us. So rather than judge, even if we believe it to be righteous, let us take humble joy in the redemption, forgiveness and joy that God so freely showers upon us, especially in and through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son.

Brother Geoffrey Clement, O.S.F.

Saint Anthony’s High School

The Verse before the Gospel often goes unattended but this one is profound: “Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.” This should be the mantra of every teacher. Before you is seated a field of minds ripe for learning and your generous heart will produce a hearty harvest. Goodness knows it is not always easy but if it were easy where is the benefit? The first reading and the Gospel deal with the plot against Jesus and it is applicable to our lives…especially with social media…that we worry about what people think and try to second guess them. Everyone has an opinion and this forum unfortunately could be so positive and productive yet people use it to tear down rather than build up. As the readings say, “But you, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge…Let me witness the vengeance you take on them”.

Brother Philip Augustine Herte, O.S.F.

Saint Francis Monastery

We are now in the midst of Lent and we have had many opportunities to place ourselves in prayer as we prepare for the Resurrection. Today’s reading is very often referred to as a prophecy of the death of Jesus Christ. I was on retreat many years ago when the Retreat Leader told us repeatedly that we could not experience the JOY OF EASTER without THE PAIN OF GOOD FRIDAY. With this thought in mind, I really love this reading simply because it allows me to STOP and REFLECT on what is coming later in Lent, the pain and suffering of the death of Jesus but the Glory of His Resurrection. Therefore, I need to prepare myself even more during these last weeks of Lent to understand the wondrous gift of SALVATION given to me by the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus. Christ.

Brother David Migliorino, O.S.F.

Saint Anthony’s High School