On Saturday, August 19, the Friars welcomed Fr. Martin Wendell as an Affiliate of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Fr. Wendell has known the Friars for most of his life, returning regularly to Graymoor for retreats, staying in touch with many of the Friars and fostering an active devotion to Servant of God, Fr. Paul Wattson, SA.
Minister General Brian F. Terry, SA, presided over an ecumenical service held in the St. Anthony Chapel of the new St. Paul’s Friary for the Friars and guests of Fr. Wendell.
Fr. Emil Tomaskovic, SA – who nominated Fr. Wendell for affiliation – spoke about Fr. Wendell’s long history with the Friars. Fr. Wendell lives out the charism of at-one-ment through his ministry as a parish priest, particularly as a hospital chaplain as well as through ecumenical efforts and his yearly coordination of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for the Diocese of Albany.
A luncheon was then held in the Friary dining room to further celebrate Fr. Wendell’s new affiliate status.
Since 1968, the Friars have bestowed Affiliate status on 57 individuals, recognized for their support of the Friars and their ministries. Including Fr. Wendell, there are currently 22 living Affiliates.