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Communications
HNP Today newsletter
May 26, 2010 |
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by Jocelyn Thomas
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NEW YORK — Calling them “fine Franciscans,” Cardinal Theodore McCarrick ordained two Holy Name Province friars Saturday at a festive celebration of the Eucharist. The new priests are Lawrence Anderson, OFM, originally from Upstate New York, and David Phan, OFM, a native of Vietnam.
Cardinal McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C., celebrated the 11 a.m. Mass on May 22 at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street, assisted by Holy Name Province members and visitors. Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, and Francis Di Spigno, OFM, director of post-novitiate formation, were the vested concelebrants.
Masters of ceremony were Christopher Coccia, OFM, of St. Bonaventure University in Western New York, and Timothy Shreenan, OFM, director of liturgy and communications at the midtown Manhattan church. Several formation students participated in the Mass: Stephen DeWitt, OFM, Daniel Horan, OFM, Jeffery Jordan, OFM, Erick Lopez, OFM, and Edgardo Zea-Lauria, OFM, as well as two new Korean friars to join the Holy Name College community — Br. James Hwang, OFM, and Br. Damian Park, OFM.
Cardinal McCarrick, an affiliate of Holy Name Province, wore his Franciscan habit at the celebration of the Rite of Presbyteral Ordination and spoke fondly of Holy Name Province. “It is a special grace for me to be here today and to see some of the friars that I ordained here 28 years ago,” he said. “As we proceed to the ordination of these two fine men, I think of the wonderful service of Franciscans. We have some great leaders, and we need more like them.”
The cardinal, who has been an advisor to the HNP Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Directorate since early last year, has been supportive of the friars. “When we affiliated him in 2006,” John said, “the cardinal said to me, ‘I’m one of you now, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call me if you need anything.’”
During Mass, people admired the historic church, watching intently as the new priests lay prostrate as the Litany of Saints was sung. Many worshippers stared up at the choir loft to see the singers and musicians, while observing each priest processing to the altar to bless the new priests — the outward sign of ordination to the order of presbyters.
Several languages were used in the service. The first reading was proclaimed in English and the second reading, given by Sr. Therese LeThuy Phan, LHC, David’s aunt, was done in Vietnamese. The choir of Our Lady of Vietnam of Silver Spring, Md., sang in David’s native language.
Diverse Backgrounds
The new priests will minister at two HNP parishes: Larry, at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J., where he interned this past year, and David, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Long Beach Island, N.J., where he was an intern in 2006.
Lawrence, 45, who was born in Geneva, N.Y., holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Wadhams Hall Seminary and College in Ogdensburg, N.Y., and a master of arts degree in pastoral ministry from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, N.Y.
He completed a master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the friars, Larry worked as a high school campus minister at Aquinas Institute in Rochester, N.Y., and director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Ogdensburg, N.Y. He also worked at a radio station in Alaska.
“Ordination is the culmination of my path as a Franciscan,” said Larry. “As a priest, I will have the opportunity to enter into people’s lives, which is humbling.”
Larry, who came to know the friars while a student at Christ the King Seminary where the friars served, said he was attracted to the Franciscans because he found them to be “down to earth and happy.”
David, 41, was born in the village of Ban Me Thuoc, Vietnam, and came to the United States when he was 15 years old. He graduated from high school in Portland, Ore., and, before joining religious life in 2000, was a technician and supervisor for 11 years at Japan Aviation Electronics in Oregon. He first encountered the friars when he was 10 years old, and his family sent him to live with a Vietnamese friar in Nha Trang, Vietnam. He is one of 10 children, four of whom are committed to religious life, three as Franciscans.
Since he entered the Province’s formation program, David has been involved in various ministries, such as hospital chaplaincy, prison ministry, parish ministry and serving the poor in various areas. David earned an undergraduate degree at The Catholic University of America in 2006 and received a master of divinity degree this month from Washington Theological Union.
Before taking his assignment in New Jersey, David is traveling to Vietnam for a month-long visit. He hasn’t been home in 25 years.
Joyful Celebration
At the conclusion of the Mass, the Provincial Minister thanked Jerome Massimino, OFM, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church, and the many people who arranged the day’s events.
A luncheon in the Province’s San Damiano Hall on West 31st Street followed the Mass.
People from a variety of locations and ministries came from out of town to join in the celebration — friars from Boston to Florida traveled to the city. Representatives from St. Francis Inn, Franciscan Volunteer Ministry, Siena College and St. Bonaventure University and the Franciscan Action Network joined in the celebration. In addition, approximately 250 people came by bus from Pompton Lakes to support Larry, who celebrated his first Mass at St. Mary’s the following day. Many from David’s family were at the festive celebration — their first visit to the East Coast.
“It was exciting to be able to share the experience with so many of our friends and relatives and also to be ordained on Pentecost weekend,” Larry said.
A note of thanks to the parents “who formed us in the faith” is included in the ordination program.
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.
Related Links
“Friars Profess Solemn Vows” — August 2009 HNP Today
“Five Friars Profess Solemn Vows” — September 2007 HNP Today
“Two Friars Ordained Deacons; Cardinal McCarrick Affiliated” — December 2006 HNP Today
“Cardinal McCarrick Presides at NYC Ordination” — June 2008 HNP Today
“Cardinal McCarrick To Serve as Advisor to JPIC Directorate” — May 2009 HNP Today
