by Minister General Fr. Emil Tomaskovic, SA
A lot has happened since Dec. 15, 1898, when Servant of God Fr. Paul Wattson, SA, and Mother Lurana received divine inspiration to found new religious communities for men and women at Graymoor. In that time, we have had 22 U.S. Presidents, 11 popes and two World Wars.
Through all the changing seasons, one thing has remained constant: hope.
Inspired by our faith in God, we confidently hope for peace in the world. Through the example of Christ, we assist our brothers and sisters in need so that they may experience hope.
With an unwavering commitment to At-One-Ment, the Franciscan Sisters and Friars of the Atonement have promoted hope while seeking positive change in the world and creating paths of healing and renewal for many people. During this celebratory time, we have reflected on 125 years of service to others as we look forward to God’s guidance in the future.
Our 125th year began with an anniversary Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Dec. 15, 2023. In early 2024, we continued Fr. Paul’s hope of uniting all Christians through the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute furthered that cause by taking part in interreligious meetings and dialogue throughout the year.
Our healing ministries delivered hope to the poor and sick, and administered compassion and professional treatment to men suffering from addictions.
Holy Mountain events held throughout the year reinforced our joy for life and our thankfulness to God. From retreats to concerts, our Franciscan hospitality abounded for old and new friends in our far-reaching community.
It is hope that has allowed the Franciscan Sisters and Friars of the Atonement to serve God’s people for the past 125 years, and it is hope that encourages us to keep working. We know that God will continue to lead us on paths where we can make an impact and bring His hopeful message to as many people as possible.
As we close out our 125th anniversary celebration, we eagerly await the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church. How fitting that the theme for this Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope.” We pray that all of God’s people from around the world will make a journey towards hope in their own way and that they may be blessed with the peace and love that can rightly be found in the loving arms of Our God.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.
In the spirit of hope, come visit Graymoor, a designated pilgrimage site for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
We do not teach our children the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Children are brought up to believe that it is all about fictional characters, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and his Red Nose, , Jack Frost but the Christ child is never mentioned. Children await for presents because “they have been good”. Parents put materialism ahead of the true meaning of our celebrating the coming of our Savior.
We give gifts to emulate the story of the Magi bring gift to the Prince of Peace.
We forget two things, love thy neighbor and let peace begin with me.