The year 2024 brought countless blessings to Graymoor, as our Friars celebrated Advent and Christmas with joy and devotion in the United States, Japan, Canada and Italy.
Garrison, New York
To kick off the Advent season, we hosted a joyous concert on December 1 at Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel. Gina Creary Molinelli, a gifted accompanist in music ministry at Graymoor, was joined by Manuela Molinelli, an acclaimed opera and liturgical singer from Assisi, and Bryan Ojeda Chevres, a pianist. On that same day, our Christmas Craft Fair was in full swing, highlighted by a special raffle and a bake sale with homemade treats. Later in the month, Kacey Morabito-Grean led the Spirit of Christmas retreatants with meditation, prayer, story and song….and a Yule log! And the dedicated staff at St. Christopher’s Inn joined forces to make special Christmas gifts for our Brothers Christopher. Adding to the holiday traditions, hikers embarked on their 25th annual pilgrimage to Holy Mountain. Beginning at Bear Mountain State Park, they journeyed to St. Francis Chapel, where Fr. Tom Orians, SA celebrated Mass and the group was treated to hot cocoa and cookies.
Tsurumi, Japan
Brother Ignatius Kobayashi, SA shared heartwarming pictures from a Christmas party at a local religious school. The festive event included beautiful Christmas decorations and delicious food. The highlight of the day was the celebration of Mass, where students, staff and guests gathered to honor the true meaning of Christmas.
Toronto, Canada
St. Joan of Arc parish donated more than 100 Angel Tree gifts for families in need to our friends at the Keele Fire Station #423. Fr. Bob Langone, SA, offered beautiful words of encouragement to our local Toronto firefighters. St. Joan of Arc also said goodbye to Parish manager MJ (Ramos) Casanas, who has begun a new journey as a full-time French teacher and newlywed.
Assisi, Italy
During Advent, our young Friars gathered at Sacro Convento in Assisi, home to the novices of the Friars Minor Conventual from the Mediterranean region. This was a simple, heartfelt gathering to express our gratitude to this community, which has hosted our novices for several years as part of their Franciscan formation.
In the spirit of St. Francis, the Friars are also deeply honored to continue their support of the Caritas Emporio Solidale, a vital food bank serving families in need.
As we begin 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the gift of the Jubilee Year of Hope. We are excited to welcome pilgrims, friends and visitors to Graymoor in the coming months, sharing in prayer, reflection and celebration.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about the inspiring activities and events we have planned.
There is so much to look forward to as we journey together in hope!
