St. Carthagh's and St. Edmund's Catholic Churches

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani

Born in Lucera, Francesco entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1695. After his ordination 10 years later, he taught philosophy to younger friars, served as guardian of his friary, and later became provincial minister. When his term of office ended, Francesco became master of novices and finally pastor in his hometown.

In his various ministries, he was loving, devout, and penitential. He was a sought-after confessor and preacher. One witness at the canonical hearings regarding Francesco’s holiness testified, “In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the word and deed of holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance.” Francesco showed himself a loyal friend of the poor, never hesitating to seek from benefactors what was needed.

At his death in Lucera, children ran through the streets crying out, “The saint is dead! The saint is dead!” Francesco was canonized in 1986.

With grateful hearts for God’s grace of one faith, one baptism, one hope and one Lord Jesus Christ, the  Good News of God’s unconditional love for all, we stand united as a community of God’s people in the  Archdiocese of Kingston. Conscious of our equality in God’s eyes and His personal love for us and  imbued with the evangelical zeal of our patrons and Mary, the Mother of the Church, we reflect God’s  goodness in our community and in our dealings with others. Guided by the Spirit and assisted by prayer  and the Sacraments, we strive to deepen our personal relationship with Christ Jesus and to share him  with others.

On behalf of Archbishop Mulhall, I am forwarding the following message:
 

To mark the fifth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, on the 19 March 2021, Pope Francis inaugurated a special year dedicated to the family entitled, Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”. This special year will highlight the importance of the family within the domestic Church and encourage community ties between families through several spiritual, pastoral and cultural proposals.

In preparation for the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has provided the attached resource brochure, in English and French, with pertinent information and suggestions for the special year, which will open on the 19 March 2021 and conclude on the 26 June 2022 at the celebration of the 10^th World Meeting of Families, in Rome.

Throughout the year, the Dicastery will be providing supplementary information and resources. You are also invited to consult the Dicastery’s website dedicated to the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family”:

http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/amoris-laetitia.html

Lord Jesus, you have captured my heart for you. Make me strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in love that I may seek to please you in all things and bring you glory and praise. Keep me ever watchful for the coming of your kingdom today and every day of my life.