Happy Father’s Day
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM,
Pastor
In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by her widowed father, thought it was only right that we honor our fathers as we honor our mothers. After gathering enough support from the local churches, businesses, and government officials of Spokane, the State of Washington became the first state to officially celebrate Father’s Day on June 19, 1910. In 1916, President Wilson honored the day by using telegraph signals to unfurl a flag in Spokane when he pressed a button in Washington, D.C. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day. It was not until 1972 that President Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a federal holiday. Fathers, you shouldn’t feel too bad. It took over 2,000 years for St. Joseph to be
remembered in the Eucharistic Prayer!
As we honor our fathers this weekend, we extend our gratitude, appreciation, and prayer to all fathers and father figures. We express our love for our fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and those who have been father figures in our lives. May God continue to bless them with all that is good and holy.
…and speaking of fathers, another “Father” (sort of) will be arriving at St. Francis Parish and Center next week. Rev. Br. Matthew Ryan, OFM has been assigned our great parish and will be moving to Long Beach Island on June 26th.
Presently, Matt is a transitional deacon and will be ordained to the priesthood in August.
Matt was born in Covington, Kentucky, and raised in Northern Kentucky, near Cincinnati, Ohio. After Catholic schooling, he studied at the University of Kentucky and earned a law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2001. He worked for 13 years as a Kentucky public defender, serving individuals on the margins of society. Matt also moonlighted as a singing server—at an Italian restaurant for 8 years. I hope he also picked up a few good recipes!
Matt met the Franciscans at the University of Cincinnati's Newman Center. Their compassion left a lasting impression, and in 2015 discerned a call to Religious life. He entered the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in 2017, professed solemn vows in 2024, and was ordained a deacon that same year. Matt has been serving his diaconate year at the
Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Matt shared with me some thoughts on his vocation to Franciscan life, “The Franciscan way — grounded in humility, fraternity, and service — has deepened my relationship with God and
others. As I prepare for priestly ordination, I look forward to celebrating the sacraments, especially reconciliation, and continuing a ministry of presence, compassion, and accompaniment. I am grateful for this vocation and for the privilege of serving the Church and the People of God.”
Please join me in welcoming Matt to our slice of paradise. Frs. Andrew, Kevin, and I look forward to welcoming him to our local Franciscan community. Please join us in
welcoming Matt to St. Francis Parish and Center.
Peace and All Good.
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