Sep 28, 2023 2 min read Around the Province

Around the Province

News and updates from around the Province of St. Joseph

New Retreat Season Begins at Capuchin Retreat

The Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington Township, Michigan has just launched the 2023-24 retreat season with the theme In the Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Retreat weekends are available from now through May 2024 with weekends earmarked for men, women and married couples. Find the weekend best suited for you!

A color landscape photograph of teepees at the Crow Fair in Crow Agency, Montana.

Crow Fair Celebrates Tribal Heritage in Montana

In Summer of 2023 from August 17-20, our friars ministering in Crow Agency, MT visited the 104th Annual Crow Fair, a celebration of Crow heritage with over 1,500 teepees.

A color landscape photograph with a sign on an easel at center that reads "30 Years of Benefit on the Bay. Macray Harbor celebrates Capuchin Soup Kitchen." The sign is flanked by Shelving Inc. President Mike Schodowski at left and Fr. David Preuss, OFM Cap. at right.

Benefit on the Bay Celebrates 30 Years

The Benefit on the Bay, hosted each year since 1993 by Mike Schodowski, President of Shelving, Inc., takes place at Macray Harbor and regularly sells out to crowds of over 600. This year's benefit honored the 30th anniversary of this event which has brought in over $2.3 million in net proceeds for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen to date.

A color landscape photo looking up the center aisle of St.Bonaventure Chapel toward the sanctuary, where Br. Steve Kropp, OFM Cap. is preaching the Feast Day homily on the Feast of Blessed Solanus Casey on July 30, 2023. The artificial illumination is off due to a power outage and there are candles lit at the altar.

A Memorable Feast Day for Blessed Solanus Casey

The Novena and Feast of Blessed Solanus Casey unfolded this year at the Solanus Casey Center with feast day Masses celebrated by candlelight. A power outage caused by summer storms meant that celebrations took place without artificial lighting, sound amplification, or livestreaming but instead added a beautiful ambiance that allowed for a more simple celebration of quiet and peaceful reverence. Archbishop Allen Vigneron presided at the morning Mass.

Br. Julius and Br. Baudry say thanks to the staff of Antonio's during the Feast of St. Antonio.

Antonio's Celebrates it's 30th Feast of St. Antonio

Along with other anniversaries happening this year, our friends
at Antonio's celebrated their 30th year supporting the Capuchin
Soup Kitchen as well! This chain of restaurants in southeast Michigan hosts a free buffet each year encouraging donations to the soup kitchen for the meal. Friars from our Detroit ministries visited to support.

A landscape color photograph of a crowd of friars, benefactors and other supporters pray during the blessing and dedication of the Solanus Casey Center's new rosary garden, votive chapel and outdoor space.

Garden Dedication at the Solanus Casey Center

After months and years of time and effort, the Solanus Casey Center celebrated the opening of the new garden space in August of 2023 with a special dedication ceremony.