We interviewed parishioners, Jennifer Yennes-Vizhnay, of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Clarksville, Indiana and Becky Morris, of Holy Family Parish in Louisville, Kentucky and asked them to share their impressions of the pastoral leadership of the Conventual Franciscan Friars in their respective parishes.

Jennifer Yennes-Vizhnay and Becky Morris may live on opposite sides of the Ohio River, but they both share an enthusiastic love for the Conventual Franciscans and their leadership of their respective parish communities.

In Jennifer’s case, a certain urgency brought her family and several other families from another parish in Indiana to St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Clarksville. “While I had been a member of my previous parish community since I was 19, the parish was forced to close its Catholic School. We were heartbroken, and when we approached friar Joe West, the pastor of St. Anthony’s and Sheila Noon, the principal, they immediately put us at ease. `We’re so sorry that this has happened to you and your children,’ they both said, `But we welcome you to St. Anthony’s with open arms.’ And welcome us they did!”

Top: Friar John, OFM Conv. and friar George with parishioner Becky Morris at Holy Family Parish in Louisville, Kentucky. Bottom: Jennifer Yennes-Vizhnay and friar John Bamman share a moment before the weekly Children’s Mass at St. Anthony Padua Parish in Clarksville, Indiana.

Becky Morris of Holy Family Parish in Louisville, Kentucky, remembered her response to the news that the Conventual Franciscans would be leading her parish of 30 years: “We were thrilled! The friars came to us when we were at a low point in our parish. All of the friars who have served us have worked, prayed and celebrated alongside of us. They lead by example, whether it’s helping to set up tables and chairs for an event, or cleaning up after an event, to taking time to be present at parish events as well as being available after Mass to speak with you.”

Becky remarked that in their homilies, friars George and John weave the social justice teachings of the church. “Friars John and George allow me to edit printed versions of their weekly homilies,” Becky said, “I don’t change the substance of their message; I just edit them for clarity and flow. I then send them out to over a hundred parishioners who love to receive them. Their homilies provide much food for thought.” Jennifer reiterated the value of the friars’ preaching at St. Anthony’s, “No matter your education or background, their homilies are so relatable and meaningful,” she said.

Jennifer found the witness of the friars in their habits very meaningful and comforting as well as the fact that when speaking to her pastor, friar John Bamman, “You know that you have his undivided attention.”

The friars in both parishes also emphasize the importance of service, of giving back to their communities, especially to those on the margins, with members from both parishes, especially the young, ministering at the Franciscan Kitchen in Louisville. “I think that it’s good to model this type of service to our children,” Jennifer said. Becky echoed the same sentiment and spoke of how the friars encouraged service in other ministries.

In the case of Holy Family parish, the friars minister to the Syro-Malabar community and host a Syro-Malabar liturgy every other Sunday. (The Syro-Malabar Roman Catholic community is one of several Eastern Rite Churches that are in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The Syro-Malabar community traces its origins to St. Thomas the Apostle, who evangelized parts of India.) “Friar George has invited two members of the Syro-Malabar community to serve on our parish council. They even help friar George with his food booth at our annual Picnic.”

Both Jennifer and Becky treasure their experience of the friars leading their respective communities and know that they, and their fellow parishioners, have grown in their faith alongside the friars who serve them.