Provincials Visit to New York
Hello,

Fraternal greetings from Br. Augustine Claude and Br. Henry Vas, New York. Rev Br. Dolphy Pais, Provincial Minister of Holy Trinity Province, Bangalore India, made his first maiden visit to New York City, on 13th May, 2014 to attend the 21st Provincial Chapter of St. Mary’s Province, New York which was held from 18th to 23rd May, 2014 at New Jersey.

Br. Gerard, Br. Augustine Claude and Br. Henry Vas were present at the John F Kennedy International Airport to welcome him with garlands and flowers. Due to security reasons at John F. Kennedy Airport his flight got delayed. He had to spend about 8 long hours in the Toronto International Airport, Canada and land JFK airport exactly at 12.00 midnight. Br. Augustine Claude made all the arrangements to accommodate Br. Provincial at his friary. Since prior to the Provincial chapter New York City tour was planned much in advance, we could not change the next day program. Next day early morning we board the bus to Washington DC for the sightseeing. We had the pleasure of seeing White House, United States Capitol Building, National Air and Space Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial etc,

15th May, 2014 we visited St. Charles Hospital, Long Island, NY where Br. Henry Vas is rendering his service in the Pastoral Care Unit. Br. Provincial presented a beautiful memento to Sr. Edith, the Director of Pastoral Care Unit. She thanked the Provincial for his fraternal visit. Br. Provincial in return thanked her for all the help and support that was extended to Br. Henry Vas in the hospital and making his stay a pleasant one. After the lunch at the Infant Jesus rectory, Port Jefferson, we visited to St. Joseph the Worker Friary. Rev. Fr. John Mellit, Superior of Br. Henry Vas along with other community members welcomed the Provincial Minister whole heartedly. A good dinner was served and the visit was cordial.

On 15th, May the appointment was fixed with Rev. Br. Francis Gasparick, Provincial Minister, St. Mary’s Province, New York. Rev. Br. Provincial presented a beautiful memento to Br. Francis Gasparick. Sufficient time was taken to discuss the important points to have a fraternal collaboration between St. Mary’s Province, New York and the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, India in the near future. 16th May, the day was spent seeing the world’s most beautiful city. New York City is one of the world's most important centers of business, culture, and trade. It is also the home of the United Nations. Much of what happens in New York City affects what happens throughout the United States and around the world. New York City lies at the mouth of the Hudson River.

Nearly all the arts thrive in New York City. Most important American plays and musical comedies have their premieres in the city's famous Theatre District. The New York Public Library is the largest city public library in the United States. It has more than 11 million volumes. New York's best - known style of architecture is the towering skyscraper. The World Trade Center which was brought down by the terror attack in September11, 2001, is now newly built. New York City is the nation's most important center for mass communications. It has nearly 60 radio and television stations. New York City has several universities. The City University of New York is one of the largest universities in the world. Many of New York City's colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning are world famous. Provincial also visited Fordham University where our Indian brothers pursue their higher studies. Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York Barbour is the world-famous symbol of American freedom.

The 21st Provincial Chapter of St. Mary’s Province, New York was held at San Alfonso Retreat House, New Jersey on 18th May 2014. Br. Mark Schenk General Councilor the delegate of the General Minister presided over the Chapter. (92 Vocals, 18 Observers and 9 tellers were present for the Chapter. The significant theme of the Chapter was “Capuchin Mission in the 21st Century: His grace is sufficient”. Br. Provincial Dolphy Pais addressed the capitulars about Holy Trinity Province mission in India and our collaboration with St. Mary’s Province New York in helping Japan Mission. In the election Br. Francis Gasparik was re elected as the Provincial Minister of St. Mary’ Province, New York. The Chapter ended on 22nd May 2014.

Br. Provincial was happy to meet Rev. Fr. Damien SJ., benefactor of Br. Arun Lobo. On 24th May we had a chance to meet all the Mangalorean families and had a dinner together. Br. Provincial board the flight to Bangalore on 25th May 2014 at 3.00 Eastern Time. Br. Augustine and I (Br. Henry) were delighted with Br. Provincial’s fraternal visit.

We have some pictures to share with you brothers.

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