Spotlight
The Capuchin Province of St. Joseph was joined by the Province of St. Mary as we celebrated our 150th anniversary.
Celebrants who attended include the Capuchin General Minister from Rome, Mauro Jöhri, and the Provincial Minister, Efrem Bucher from Switzerland. The provincials of the two sponsoring provinces, Michael Bank and Daniel Anholzer concelebrated and hosted the event. Capuchin Provinical ministers, bishops, friars and other religious from throughout the world attended. Countries represented include Guam, Nicaragua, Panama, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, Canada and the U.S.
Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan presided at the liturgy and former Capuchin General Minister, John Corriveau preached.
To commemorate the Jubilee, a historical plaque was erected on the Calvary hill.
Other events included a cemetery service and the blessing of a new sculpture, Sister Death, The sculpture was created by Capuchin friar Michael Gaffney.
Evening prayer was celebrated with the neighboring Schools Sisters of Notre Dame whose pioneer leader is credited with encouraging and helping to sustain the early foundation of the Capuchins.
The friars and Capuchin partners file down the hill as the St. Lawrence bells toll. The Sisters' bells respond, welcoming the Capuchins to the School Sisters of Notre Dame "hill."
Friars examine materials that were created for the celebration.
Ministry exhibits from both St. Joseph & St. Mary provinces demonstrate the Capuchin dedication to the poor and to those in need.
The Capuchins were well established in Europe when two Swiss diocesan priests, John Frey and Gregory Haas, arrived in New York after a 49 day sea voyage. They then took an eight day train trip to Milwaukee where they secured horses and journeyed northward to a hill called Mt. Calvary, located in central Wisconsin. It was the end of a perilous journey that began in Switzerland. The foundation for their friary was laid on the hill where a parish church had been established for the German-speaking settlers in the area.
Originally the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph spanned New York to Montana. In 1952, the increasing number of friars and the logistics of serving such a vast area were challenging. The existing province was split into two provinces and the Capuchin Province of St. Mary was created. In addition, other provinces were established by Bavarian, Italian and Irish Capuchins. Today, there are eight provinces in North America with approximately 1,000 Capuchin friars serving the poor and disenfranchised.
More photo's from the 150th: