The order of American Franciscan monks which moved into the troubled Moyross suburb in Limerick two years ago is now to set up a new base in Derry. The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal work in disadvantaged communities across the world and have bases in several areas of New York, including the Bronx and Yonkers.
Following an invitation to set up a house in Derry from the citys bishop, Dr Seamus Hegarty, the friars are now looking at possible properties in the Bogside and Brandywell areas.
The order was founded in 1987 by well-known spiritual teacher Fr. Benedict Groeschel CFR and two other Capuchin friars and aims to return to the authentic Capuchin way of life. The monks wear grey habits, belts and sandals and many have long beards.
Although they are not expected to set up base in Derry until later in the year, the monks hosted an introductory event in St Columb's Hall last weekend called Generation Catholic.
The event was orientated towards youths, young adults, families and featured musicians called the Bronx Brothers, a group of friars who play jazz, rap and reggae music.
Fr Michael Canny, who is administrator at St Eugenes Cathedral in Derry, said he expected the monks would arrive in the city in September.
Bishop Hegarty invited them here a number of years ago and they are now planning to set up in Derry in the autumn, he explained.
They will be based in the Bogside or Brandywell area and have already picked their team.
Fr Sylvester Mary Mann, from Philadelphia, one of four friars who will move into Derry, said he and his colleagues would be doing hands-on work with the materially poor and would also do works of evangelisation, spreading the Gospel and preaching salvation through events like parish missions and youth retreats.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to us or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that we agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Source (CIN)
SV (4)