The Lady Clare of Assisi Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans celebrated the transitus or "passing over" of St. Francis of Assisi on the anniversary of his death, October 3, with a prayer service at Holy Family Church on St. Thomas.
Michael Matthews and Candis Pemberton were married at St. Ann Church on St Croix on September 22. Ms. Matthews is preparing for the reception of the sacraments through RCIA classes, which she attends accompanied by her husband. For the past five years, Mr. Matthews has been the radio technician at the parish each Sunday, broadcasting the 9:30 a.m. Mass live over WRRA-FM. He is also the parish's part-time maintenance worker. He was named after his pastor, Msgr. Michael Kosak.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Donald Reece of the Diocese of Saint John's-Basseterre, Antigua and Barbuda as coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kingston in Jamaica on October 12. As archbishop, he will serve 56,200 Catholics, including 57 priests, 19 permanent deacons and 287 religious.
The archbishop-elect was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1934, was ordained a priest in 1971 and consecrated a bishop in 1981.
Br. James Petrait, OSFS, science teacher at St. Joseph High School on St. Croix, was reappointed the Regional Coordinator for the Brisson Regional Community of the Toledo-Detroit Province of his religious order, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. He was first elected four years ago to coordinate five members of his community who were in disparate locations. As he begins his third two-year term, the group expands to 10 members (eight priests and two brothers) stretching from Mexico to Belgium. Traditionally, members of a regional community either live together or within a reasonable distance; this community is connected through the internet and other technology.
THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * November 2007 * Page 8