GRAYMOORTODAY

There was indeed joy on the Holy Mountain on

March 14, 2009 when Bro. Raymond Rodriguez

Luis, SA, was ordained a priest. The ordination

was enriched by the presence of many of Fr. Luis’s

family, friends, and members of the Franciscan Friars

of the Atonement including Fr. James F. Puglisi, SA,

Minister General.

Most Reverend Donald James Reece, DD, the

Archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica, officiated. Arch-

bishop Reece, who also celebrated the closing of the

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with the friars (see

page 3) has a long association with Graymoor, having

served as a brother with the friars for seven years.

When he decided to seek ordination to the priest-

hood, he returned to his home diocese because, in

those days, a brother could not become a priest in

the order in which he was serving. Taking part in this

event was truly a joy for him as well as for the friars.

Raised in the Philippines, Fr. Luis is the son of

Patricia R. Rodriguez-Luis of Pamplona, Cagayan and

JOY ON HOLY MOUNTAIN ~BROTHER RAYMOND RODRIGUEZ LUIS, SA, ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD

Newsletter of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Spring 2009 Volume 41, No. 1

Glad Tidings........................................................................ page 2Friars Celebrate in Japan..................................................... page 2 One Hundred Years of Christian Unity................................... page 3 The Year of St. Paul.............................................................. page 4St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center........................................ page 5St. Christopher’s Inn............................................................ page 5Friars Welcome Novices....................................................... page 7Vocations............................................................................ page 8Graymoor Spiritual Life Center............................................. page 8Paul Wattson Lecture.......................................................... page 9Bell Tower Notes................................................................. page 10Events.........................................................................................., page 11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

continued on page 6

Fr. James F. Puglisi, SA, Minister General imposes hands on

the newly ordained Fr. Raymond R. Luis, SA.

Most Reverend Donald James Reece, DD, anoints

the hands of Fr. Luis.

Fr. Luis concelebrates his

ordination Mass with Archbishop Reece.

www.AtonementFriars.org

by Fr. Bob Warren, SA

Many find it difficultto feel Easter joythis year. Our coun-

try is still at war, the econ-omy is bad and we worryabout the future. We can all add something tothe litany of pain, illness, loss of job, divorce, etc.The friends of Jesus must have felt that same wayat the first Good Friday. They were devastatedwhen He died.

They lost the person they loved more thananyone or anything. He had been their constantcompanion for three years. They called him“Lord, master and teacher”. He called themfriends. They had given up everything to be withHim. Now, He was gone forever and darknesscovered their whole lives.

But, Jesus breaks through and tells themand us that He has ransomed, redeemed, savedand made safe all of existence. By His resurrec-tion all of life is renewed and death has been over-come. Will we still die? Yes, of course, we will.Christ not only lived our life. He died our deathand proclaimed that we have a future.

That, my friends, is our Easter joy. It isnot that we as Christians blind ourselves tohunger, war, death, and disease. We are just asaware of them as anyone. Hopefully, more so.There is still joy and we can still laugh. For justlike those early disciples of Jesus in the midst ofdeath, we have discovered a rich everlasting life.

We recall the words of Jesus to Martha—“I am the resurrection and the life, whoever be-lieves in Me though he should die will come tolife and whoever is alive and believes in Me willnever die.” ( John11: 26) This is so important.Jesus asks—Do you believe? In other words, eter-nal death is not separation of soul from body, butseparation of soul from God and we have to freelychoose to be separated from God.

A sparkling commercial insists that dia-monds are forever. I am not a gemologist, so Icannot comment. What I do know is that be-cause of Christ’s resurrection, we are forever. Wewill never die and one day every tomb like thetomb of Christ will be empty. St. Paul remindsus—for us life is Christ and He has risen. Thetomb is empty.

And that is Glad Tidings.

“I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in Methough he should die will come to life and whoever is alive

and believes in Me will never die.” ( John 11: 26)

GLAD TIDINGS

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Shortly after World War II, Fr. Peter Baptist Katsuno, SA, then in

British Columbia, corresponded with Mother Ito Mariko of

the Sacred Heart Community in the diocese of Osaka, about

the feasibility of the friars serving in Japan. Fr. Katsuno then sent

the proper requisition papers along with Mother Mariko's cor-

respondence to V. Rev. Raphael Grande, SA, Superior General of

the friars.

Early in 1947, Fr. Grande wrote to the Sacred Congre-gation for the Propagation of the Faith (now Evangelization)requesting a mission in Osaka. They suggested he write di-rectly to the Bishop there, Paul Taguchi (later Cardinal Arch-bishop of Osaka). In July 1948, Fr. Alphonsus Hoban, SA, whohad worked with the Japanese internees in Vancouver, ar-rived to study the area. He was met by Fr. Dennis Murphy, SA,a military chaplain stationed with the Fourth ReplacementDepot at Camp Zama, Tokyo. Fr. Hoban visited Bishop ThomasWakita of Yokohama who agreed to give the friars a missionin his diocese.

On Nov. 29, 1948, the friars and the diocese of Yokohamasigned their agreement.

The area entrusted to the community covered a popula-tion of 1,428, 456 people spread over approximately 600 squaremiles. It included one parish, St. Theresa's in Shinkoyasu, of about360 parishioners.

In 1952, ground was broken for St. Joseph's School in theTsurumi ward of Yokohama on property that had been pur-chased four years earlier by Fr. Hoban. The school, founded byFr. Katsuno, officially began on April 8, 1953 with an enrollmentof 68. Under Fr. Katsuno's direction, it developed into a primaryschool for boys and girls and a middle and high school for girls.Throughout the years, it has won many English speaking speechcontests.

Today, the friars' ministry includes several parishes in ad-dition to St. Joseph's School, which continues to thrive, and aCatholic outreach center.

FRIARS CELEBRATE 60 YEARS IN JAPAN

Fr. Pacificus Von Essen SA, celebrates 60 years in Japan at Our Lady of

Atonement Friary in Yokohama, Japan with Bro. Ignatius Kobayashi, SA,

Fr. Fidelis Fujihara SA, and Fr. Joseph Hiramatsu SA.

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by Fr. Damian MacPherson, SA

On January 18, 2009, Most Reverend Donald James

Reece, DD, the Archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica, cele-

brated the concluding service for the centenary cel-

ebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Originally established at Graymoor in 1908, the celebration

took place at Grace Episcopal Church in New York City.

It was the renowned German Lutheran theologian

Dietrich Bonhoeffer who remarked, “it is very easy to over-

estimate the importance of our own achievements in com-

parison with what we owe others.” While the friars and

sisters of the Atonement worked diligently, even without

ceasing, to mark the joyous event of the centenary of Prayer

for Christian Unity, Bonhoeffer’s remarks remind us just how

indebted we are to those friars and sisters who have gone

in faith before us. In so many ways, today we stand on the

shoulders of those early pioneers who embraced the vision

of Father Paul and the indispensable support of Mother Lu-

rana in the common commitment to pray for the fulfillment

of the prayer of Jesus, that all may be one, (John I7: 21.)

There were any number of moments of pride for the

Society throughout this eventful and grace–filled year. In

Rome, Fr. James F. Puglisi, SA, Minister General, presented

the Paul Wattson Award to His Eminence Cardinal Walter

Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting

Christian Unity, and to the World Council of Churches for

their collaboration in producing materials for the Week of

Prayer for Christian Unity. In addition, the friars and sisters re-

ceived an award from the president of Catholic Association of

Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Officers, and an interna-

tional hymn competition produced a beautiful composition

for future Week of Prayer celebrations.

The friars were recognized for their ecumenical

achievements by the Massachusetts Council of Churches

and numerous other events occurred throughout the year.

Perhaps pride occurred most when His Holiness,

Pope Benedict XVI mentioned the work of the Society and

acknowledged the vision of our founder Father Paul on

three separate occasions. The first occurred in an appear-

ance in St. Peter’s Square; then during the Week of Prayer

for Christian Unity, in the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the

Walls in Rome; and finally at St. Joseph’s Church in New

York City during his visit to the United States.

Having been fortified by the enthusiasm and re-

sponse throughout the centenary celebration of Prayer for

Christian Unity the friars and sisters go forward with re-

newed dedication towards the vision and charism of their

founders.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY AND CONTINUING

Fr. James Loughran, SA, Director, Graymoor Ecumenicial

and Interreligious Institute and Fr. James Gardiner, SA,

with Archibishop Reece in Manhattan.

The 2009 Week of Prayer as celebrated at St. Joan of Arc

parish in Toronto.

The friars and the Toronto Catholic Register spon-

sor an essay writing contest for high school stu-

dents during the Week of Prayer. Fr. Damian

MacPherson, SA, and Joseph Sinasac, editor, with

2009 winner Joshua Row.

phot

o ©

Mar

ia B

asto

ne

WWW.STCHRISTOPHERSINN-GRAYMOOR.ORG

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by Fr. Emmanuel Sullivan, SA

In his homily on June 28, 2008 at the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls where traditionally

Paul gave his life for Christ, Pope Benedict XVI marked the year up to June 29, 2009 as a time for

the Church to remember St. Paul and his significance for Christians. My personal appreciation

of the Apostle is due in part to my good Scriptural teacher, Fr. Charles Heupler, OFM Cap. He gave

me an enthusiasm and practical insight into Paul's letters we often refer to as epistles. Last year a

group of friars, clergy, and laity reflected on a book written by a biblical scholar, N.T. Wright. It was

simply entitled PAUL and intended to offer a fresh perspective on his theology. The author was con-

vinced that Paul was “one of the most powerful and seminal minds of the first or any century.”

It was on the road to Damascus as we are told in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9: 1-22) that Paul first encountered

Jesus and this event was to redefine his life—his mind and his mission. From this time he looked on the whole world

where he saw that everything could be made new and different because of Christ. One of his favorite expressions which

he uses over a hundred times is the phrase to do or to be “in Christ.” He wrote his letters to Christians in different places

and in particular situations to help them in the light of Christ's teaching to be faithful disciples.

Here a word of caution is necessary. These letters of Paul do not always ensure anyone of an easy read. In fact in

a letter attributed to St. Peter (2 Peter 3:15-17) he reminds us that Paul's letters “in some things are hard to understand” and

can be seriously misunderstood and misused. This does not mean we should avoid reading St. Paul. Quite the opposite! It

is good to remember that Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus was not a moral conversion. It was a psychological

conversion which shaped his mind and personality. If ever there was an

attempt to get inside the mind of Christ it belongs to Paul. In his letter to

the Philippians (2.5) he asks them to “have the mind of Christ” and in his

first letter to the Corinthians (2.16) he is saying that we Christians “have the

mind of Christ.” He makes this claim not for himself alone. It is the privilege

of each follower of Christ. Such a mind has to be developed and disci-

plined. Paul's theology is unique in that it reflects both characteristics. His

theology is much more than an intelligent grasp of certain truths, more than an attempt to articulate Christian doctrine

as all theology should claim. It was a very special reflection of ‘the mind of Christ’ which makes it important for all of us.

It is faithful to what Paul experienced on the road to Damascus. He writes for all of us to share with us what is important

for us to take on the mind of Christ, to take what is important and essential for our lives. Reading the letters of St. Paul is

not a matter of reading another’s mail. His letters are sent to us and are first class mail addressed to us.

That is why we are celebrating this year of St. Paul.

THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL ~ REAL LETTERS TO REAL PEOPLE

PILGRIMAGE RETREAT WITH THE FRIARS IN 2009

OCTOBER 20 ~ 30 “IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL”

Trace St. Paul’s evangelical journey through Greece and Asia Minor, where he proclaimed the Good News to the Gentiles.Visit Thessaloniki, Corinth, Ephesus, Phillipi, Athens, Patmos. GREECE AND TURKEY

($3,899. PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY INCLUDES ROUND–TRIP AIRFARE FROM NEW YORK, AND A 4 NIGHT CRUISE OF THE GREEK IS-

LANDS)

The Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, Rome

PRICES ARE BASED UPON CURRENT TARIFF AND EXCHANGE RATES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

For a fully–detailed brochure call: 800-338-2620, ext. 3326

For more information visit: www.AtonementFriars.org/pilgrimage

“If ever there was an attempt

to get inside the mind of

Christ it belongs to Paul.”

ST. JOSEPH’S REHABILITATION CENTER WWW.SJRCREHAB.ORG

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ST. JOE’S NAMED STATE TOP EMPLOYER

The New York State Society for Human Resources

Management has chosen St. Joseph's Rehabilitation

Center as one of the top 40 best companies to work

for in the state.

“We're proud of achieving it the first time around,”

said Katie Kirkpatrick, human resources director at St.

2009 ~ THE CENTENNIAL OF CARING

St. Christopher’s Inn is holding its Centennial Cele-

bration Dinner at the University Club in New York

City on May 12.

The event will honor Charles Townsend, president

of Conde Nast and Bro. Gregory Lucrezia SA, Secretary

General of the friars and former Inn director.

“We are pleased to honor these men,” said Fr.

Joseph's who spearheaded the effort. “But this is

something that we have prepared for, and we don't

think this happened by chance.”

Bob Ross, CEO, said St. Joseph’s is constantly

striving to better itself, and this designation is just vali-

dation of those efforts. “The satisfaction of our own feel-

ing that we have served our residents well is most often

reward enough for our hard work, but it is always nice

to receive external acknowledgement,” he says.

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S INN WWW.STCHRISTOPHERSINN-GRAYMOOR.ORG

Bernie Palka, SA, CEO and President of the Inn. “We

truly appreciate Charles Townsend’s empathy with

the struggles of our residents and his support of our

ministry. Enough cannot be said about Brother Gre-

gory, who was a former director of the Inn and con-

tinues to offer us his guidance.”

For more information about the dinner, please

call 845-335-1005.

Fr. Bernie counsels an Inn resident.

the late Vicente Luis. Before joining the friars, Fr. Luis worked in the personnel department of the Land Bank

of the Philippines and studied with the Divine Word Fathers .

Fr. Luis received the habit in August 2002, then studied at both the St. Francis Novitiate at Graymoor

and the Internovitiate at Mariandale, Ossining, NY, before professing his first vows in August 2003. After pro-

fessing his final vows in 2006, he received a Masters of Divinity degree at Regis College in Toronto. Most re-

cently, he has been assigned to St. Joseph the Worker parish in Richmond, British Columbia.

Fr. Luis says, “I had wanted to be a priest since since childhood; when I found the friars, I knew that God

had led me to my calling.”

Below are photographs from the ordination.

BROTHER RAYMOND RODRIGUEZ LUIS, SA, ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD

continued from page 1

Fr. Patrick Cogan, SA, (left) and Fr. John Keane, SA, (right)

were members of the formation team who guided Fr.

Luis through his preparation for the priesthood.

Fr. Luis prostrates himself before the altar during

the singing of the Litany of the Saints

during his ordination.

Fr. Luis with Archbishop Reece and the friars’ General Council.

From left are Fr. Dennis Polanco, SA, General Councilor; Fr. James

F. Puglisi, SA; Minister, General; Bro. Gregory Lucrezia, SA, Secre-

tary General; and Fr. John Keane, SA, General Councilor.

Fr. Raymond Rodriguez Luis, SA, with members of his fam-

ily, many of whom traveled from the Philippines for his

ordination. His mother is at his right.

- 6 -

On January 16, 2009, the Franciscan Friars

of the Atonement celebrated the investi-

ture of four young men as novices into

the community. The ceremony took place in As-

sisi, Italy, birthplace of St. Francis. The young

men, B. John Aloysious, PSA; Deogratias Mus-

abingo, PSA; Carlos Nelson Madrid, PSA; and

Angelito Cortez, PSA have been postulants with

the community during the past year.

Investiture is the ceremony in which

novices formally receive their habits. After intro-

ductory prayers, readings and reflection, the

habits are blessed and each novice is clothed.

Habits consist of a grey-brown robe, a grey-brown

scapular with a cowl attached, and a white cord

which serves as a belt around the waist.

Each novice also receives the Rule of the

Third Order Regular of St. Francis and the Con-

stitutions and General Statutes of the Friars of

the Atonement. He is instructed to both study

and meditate on these in order to prepare for

his first profession of vows, which will take

place after one year. At that time, he will re-

ceive a crucifix on a red cord to be worn

around his neck and three knots will be tied in

his belt cord representing the vows of Poverty,

Chastity, and Obedience.

Watch a video of the ceremony at

www. AtonementFriars.org/clothing

FRIARS WELCOME NOVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

Fr. James F. Puglisi, SA, Minister General with novices

from left: Angel i to Cor tez, PSA; Carlos Nelson

Madr id, PSA; Deograt ias Musabingo, PSA; and B.

John Aloysious, PSA

The clothing ceremony in Assisi.

Friars, novices, and sisters outside the Assisi Friary in the

birthplace of St. Francis.Our friars in Italy.

- 7 -

The Vocation Ministry is mid-way between two yearly

Come and See retreats, when men, discerning their

interest in the religious life spend a weekend at Gray-

moor. This March men traveled from around the country

to visit our community and learn about our ministries.

The Graymoor Spiritual Life Center is presenting Shoot-

ing from the Heart—an illustrated natural history pho-

tography lecture, by nature photographer Bruce Colin

on Saturday, May 2, at 2:45 p.m. The lecture will coincide with

the opening of Moments in Nature, an exhibit of photographs

from India, Africa, and North America and the Hudson River

Valley—including Graymoor, by Colin and several associates

(see page 12).

Colin, whose passionate quest to capture stunning

wildlife images has taken him from the wetlands and wildlife

refuges of North America and the Hudson River Valley to the

savannas of Botswana and the sal forests of India, says that

he has learned that “the outdoor photographer must be

struck with a sense of wonderment and a spark of adventure.”

Otherwise, “the photographer will merely trophy hunt and

render lifeless, spiritless images.”

“I discovered that my approach to photographing

wildlife and my appreciation of the natural world echoed the

basic teaching of St. Francis,” Colin said.

“We’re delighted to feature the exquisite work of

Bruce Colin and his associates,” said Fr. James Gardiner, SA,

the Center’s director. “Our hope is that many people will find

these photographs inspiring and invite them to look at the

natural world with greater appreciation.”

THE GRAYMOOR SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTERThe event is part of the Moments in Nature ex-

hibit on view through the Summer.

For more information, call the Graymoor Spir-

itual Life Center at 845-424-2111, or email graymoor-

center@atonementfriars.org.

- 8 -

The retreats are designed to reveal to both

the man and the friars whether he is able to con-

tinue the application process.

Men considering the call with the friars as

either priests or brothers, should be between the

ages of 18 and 40 years old, in good health, psy-

chologically mature, and without major debt.

God’s call to everyone is first of all to ful-

filling and joy-filled lives. If God is calling you to re-

ligious life, it is because he wants that joy and

fulfillment for you.

For information about the October retreat,

call our vocation department at 800-338-2620, ext.

2126 or visit www.AtonementFriarsVocations.org.

Please continue to pray for our vocations.

Participants and friars at the March Come and See retreat. Bro.

John O’Hara, SA, Vocation Director, is at far right. Fr. Kenneth

Cienik, SA, (left) and Bro. Kevin Goss, SA, (right) also participated.

VOCATION NEWS

Fr. Carmen Giuliano,

SA, led a group of

friars and sisters in

prayer at the grave of John

Reid (also known as

Brother Philip, TSA) in Wa-

terbury, CT in mid-March.

Reid, who died in 1922 at

age 82, was the first mem-

ber of the Union That-

Nothing-Be-Lost.

Fr. Paul Wattson, SA,

founder of Graymoor and

the UNBL, visited the grave annually until his own

death in 1940.

Watch a video entitled The Story of John

Reid, the Miser of Waterbury at www.AtonementFri-

ars.org.

PILGRIMAGE TO WATERBURY

On Friday, April 24, the friars hosted a special

Benefactor Day at Graymoor to thank area

benefactors for their continuing support and

generosity. The day began with a reception, continued

with Mass and lunch, and ended with a gathering

where participants had an opportunity to speak with

friars including Fr. Emil Tomaskovic, SA, (above), Fr. Bob

Warren, SA, and others.

Additional Benefactor Days will be scheduled

at Graymoor and other locations around the country.

For more information call 845-424-2107 or visit our

website at www.AtonementFriars.org.

BENEFACTOR DAY AT GRAYMOOR XXX PAUL WATTSON LECTUREby Fr. John Keane, SA

The XXX Paul Wattson Lecture was held at the Uni-

versity of San Francisco on February 23, and the

next day, February 24, in Sacramento, at the Pas-

toral Center for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento.

The speaker on both occasions was Professor Elsa

Tamez from the National Biblical University in Costa

Rica.

Professor Tamez spoke about the need for a rel-

evant ecumenism where the Christian Churches can

become active by not only discussing academic theo-

logical topics, but also by becoming more involved to-

gether in global issues such as stopping hunger and

wars. Coming from the Methodist Christian tradition,

Tamez emphasized the vision of John Wesley to make

the world feel the strength of our common concerns

as Christians.

Tamez quoted the work of Peter Jenkins of Penn

State University, who was a Paul Wattson speaker sev-

eral years ago. Jenkins, she said, has indicated how the

Christian world is becoming divided theologically into

northern and southern hemispheres—the north being

more liberal and the south being more conservative in

their understanding of the Sacred Scriptures. Tamez

feels that such divisions among Christians can be

solved by concentrating upon what some theologians

in Latin America call the “crucified poor.” She firmly

believes that Jesus Christ came to serve the poor not

books. In order to have a relevant ecumenism, Chris-

tians should concentrate more on the place of the

poor in the world than on the importance of interna-

tional academic discussions and dialogues.

Fr. John Keane, SA and Professor Tamez

- 9 -

Bro. Pius MacIsaac, SA and Fr. James Gardiner, SA, burn

palm branches that were blessed last year. The ashes

were blessed on Ash Wednesday during the morning

and evening Masses celebrated at Graymoor.

PREPARING FOR LENT

BELL TOWER NOTES

Fr. Elias D. Mallon, SA,was invited to organize

a weekend program on Christian–Muslim Rela-

tions by the Chesapeake Conference of the

United Church of Christ. Fr. Mallon spoke at the

conference in Baltimore where he also held two

seminars. He preached at a parish of the UCC in

Baltimore and then arranged a dialogue with

Imam Syed Naqvi (pictured left) at Christ Church

near Fort McHenry.

- 10 -

On February 4, Fr. James Gardiner, SA, participated in the UN

Commission for Social Development at the United Nations in

New York City. He was one of four panelists presenting on the

challenges and best practices for religious leaders as they as-

sist persons who are suffering from the social exclusion expe-

rienced by those living with HIV/AIDS. The other panelists

included an imam, a rabbi, and a Buddhist chaplain.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass marking the 25th

anniversary of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, the friars’ parish in

Apex, NC. Fr. David Fitzgerald, SA, Pastor (left) and Bishop Emer-

itus F. Joseph Gossman (right) concelebrated.

Let us also

remember and pray

for our benefactors

who have passed.

Bro. Joseph Buettner, SA

1930— 2008

Fr. William Dillon, SA1942— 2009

Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute

Third Graymoor Lecture Series

Monsignor John A Radano, PhD,

recently of the staff of the Pontifical Council for

Promoting Christian Unity, Rome

Ecumenical Dialogue in the 21st Century

Some Steps Forward and Some Continuing Concerns:

A Catholic Perspective

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Church of the Holy Family

315 East 47th Street (East of 2nd Ave.)

New York, NY 10017 (Parish Hall)

Reception/Gathering: 5:30 - 6:00 PM

Lecture, followed by discussion: 6:00 - 7:30 PM

RSVP: 212-870-2330

GRAYMOOR LECTURE SERIES

May They Rest in Peace

- 11 -

GRAYMOOR ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE - 2009 CONFERENCE

”FORMATION FOR LEADERSHIP“

From May 17 through May 20, Graymoor Ecu-

menical & Interreligious Institute (GEII) will

co-sponsor its biennial educational confer-

ence at Graymoor. This year’s conference, Forma-

tion for Leadership will include several daily

presentations to provide instruction on the history,

theory, and practice of the ecumenical movement

offered in the context of ecumenical prayer and

companionship.

The event’s co-sponsors include Graymoor

Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute (www.geii.org),

the Massachusetts Council of Churches (www.mass-

councilofchurches.org), the Paulist Office for Ecu-

menical and Interfaith Relations (www.paulist.org),

and the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion (www.sistersof-

sion.net).

Information:

800-338-2620, ext. 2111

A Century of Prayer for

Christian Unity is a cele-

bration of the 100–year

history of the Week of

Prayer. A collection of

six important essays, it is

a wonderful resource for

understanding the theol-

ogy and practice of

common prayer for the

reconciliation of Chris-

tians.

Among the contributors

are Walter Cardinal

Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Pro-

moting Christian Unity, and Fr. James F. Puglisi, SA,

Minister General of the Franciscan Friars of the

Atonement and director of the Centro Pro Unione,

Rome.

The book, published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Company, can be ordered from the Graymoor Book

& Gift Center: 845-424-3671, ext. 3155 or www.Gray-

moorBooks.com.

May 2

Moments in Nature Photo Gallery Opening & Reception

Graymoor, Garrison, NY

May 12

St. Christopher's Inn Centennial Dinner

New York City

May 14

Graymoor Lecture:

Ecumenical Dialogue in the 21st Century

New York City

May 17 - 20

GEII 2009 Conference:

Formation for Leadership

Graymoor, Garrison, NY

June 18

Heritage Day

Graymoor, Garrison, NY

June 22 – July 10

Centro Pro Unione Summer Course:

Introduction to the Ecumenical &

Interreligious Movements

Rome, Italy

June 27

Jubilee Celebration,

Graymoor, Garrison, NY

June 29

10th Annual Graymoor Golf Classic

Mt. Kisco, NY

September 9

Sponsor Day

Graymoor, Garrison, NY

For more information

800-338-2620

EVENTS

Graymoor Today • P.O. Box 301 • Garrison, NY 10524-0301 • 1-800-338-2620, ext. 3519 • www.AtonementFriars.org

GRAYMOOR CONTACTS:Benefactor Services 845-424-3671 ext 3519 Book & Gift Center 845-424-2100GEII 212-870-2330

St. Christopher’s Inn 845-335-1000Spiritual Life Center 845-424-2111Vocations 845-424-2126

GRAYMOOR TODAYPublisher: Friars of the AtonementGraymoor Today is a publication of the Franciscan Fri-ars of the Atonement, a Roman Catholic religiouscommunity with social, ecumenical and pastoral min-istries in the United States,Canada,England, Italyand Japan. Since 1898,they have worked for the rec-onciliation of men and women with God and eachother as well as serving those in need.

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“It was Truly a Miracle!”

St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love

for God and charity for his creatures,

made you worthy, when on earth, to

possess miraculous powers. Miracles

waited on your word, which you were

ready to offer on behalf of those in

need. Encouraged by this, I ask you to

hear my prayers.

A benefactor affirms:

“I am very grateful for St. Anthony's intercession. When a

beautiful healing card arrived in the mail, I sent it to a friend.

As an afterthought, I asked St. Anthony to help find a tenant

for an apartment I had that had been vacant for over a year. A

few weeks later a friend asked me if I still had that apartment.

She said she knew someone who was desperately seeking a

new place to live. Three weeks later my new tenant moved

in!”

“Thank you St. Anthony for finding my tenant!”

ST. ANTHONY’S CORNER VISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.AtonementFriars.org

Pray With Fr. Bob Warren, SAPray the Lord's Prayer, St. Anthony's Prayer and

Hail Mary with Fr. Bob.

Meet the Friars of the AtonementLearn about the friars and their good works.

Listen to the Ave Maria HourFirst brought to the airwaves in 1939 and continuing

until 1965, the Ave Maria Hour is now webcast.

Visit our NEW Planned Giving PagesThrough planned giving, there is a way to create a lasting

legacy and a permanent tribute to the friars. To learn more, visit our new planned giving pages.

Sign-up for Monthly e-NewsletterReceive monthly updates about friar missions,

events, and activities.

Request Mass/Healing Cards On-lineAn assortment of Mass cards, healing cards, and enroll-

ment in the Graymoor Spiritual Union are available.

Watch Archived VideosVideos include the Ordination of Fr. Luis, Clothing ofthe Novices, a special Lenten Message, Closing Cere-monies of the Week of Prayer Centennial, and more.