Conventual Franciscan Friars from all points of the globe came to Carey, Ohio, to celebrate  100 years of Conventual Franciscan service at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio.

L to R: Fr. Marco Tasca, OFM Conv. (Minister General of the Order), Bishop Leonard Blair of Toledo, Fr. John Stowe, OFM Conv. (Pastor of the Shrine)

Fr. Marco Tasca, OFM Conv., Minister General of the Order and the 119th Successor of St. Francis of Assisi, visited with all of his assistants who lead the Conventual Franciscan Order around the world: The Vicar General of the Order, Father Jerzy Norel; the Secretary of the Order, Father Vincenzo Marcoli; the Assistant General for North America, England and Ireland, Father Jude Winkler; the Assistant General for Africa, Father Tadeusz Swiatkowski; the Asistant General for Latin America, Father Jorge Fernandez; the Assistant General for Asia and Australia, Father Benedict Seung Jae Baek; the Assistant General for Central Europe, Father Milijenko Hontic; the Assistant General for Eastern Europe, Jacke Ciupinski; and the Assistant General for the Mediterranean lands, Father Valentin Redondo Fuentes.

Fr. Berard Marthaler, OFM Conv., gave a presentation.

More than 60 friars from the Province of Our Lady of Consolation and from other provinces in the United States joined in the celebration.

Friars and friends gathered for a dinner Saturday evening where Fr. Berard Marthaler, OFM Conv., gave a presentation about Fr. Aloys Fish – the first Conventual Franciscan pastor for the Shrine (serving from 1912 to 1929).

Friars vesting in the Old Church

The Friars vested in the Old Church Sunday morning before processing to the Shrine for Mass. A well-attended reception followed Mass. And, after the reception, pilgrims participated in a Rosary Procession, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture reading and homily, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and prayers for healing.

Pilgrims enjoyed the reception in the Shrine Cafeteria.