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Darfur victims benefit from artwork
done by friars, Jan.-March 2008
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From Jan. 25-March 28, friar artists raised thousands of dollars to benefit victims of the crisis
in Darfur during “Heart Experience: United for Darfur,” an exhibit of paintings at
the Comboni Mission Museum in Cincinnati. Fr. Jim Van Vurst, Fr. Bill Reichel and Br. Martin Humphreys
contributed 75% of the proceeds from sales of their works. Above, Jim assisted a customer with
her purchase on opening night.
Photos By Jeff Scheeler, OFM
An abstract painting done by Bill Reichel, who took up painting as a hobby only a few years ago.
Photos By Jeff Scheeler, OFM
Guests at the Jan. 25 opening admired the watercolor nature scenes done by Jim Van Vurst.
Photos By Jeff Scheeler, OFM
Martin Humphreys discusses his work with a visitor to the museum.
Photos By Jeff Scheeler, OFM
Bill Reichel talks with fellow art aficionados at the opening night reception.
Photos By Jeff Scheeler, OFM
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Birthday celebration a surprise
for Fr. Chris, March 15, 2008
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Fr. Fred Link, left, was one of the guests who surprised Fr. Chris Schneider for an early celebration
of his birthday on March 15 at Archbishop Leibold Home in Cincinnati. The gregarious Chris, one
of four brothers who joined the friars, spent much of his active ministry in parish work. He turned
86 on March 18.
Photo By Toni Cashnelli
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Franciscan scholar challenges staff
to ‘live the cross,’ March 14, 2008
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In anticipation of Holy Week, respected Franciscan scholar and speaker Sr. Madonna Hoying, SFP,
presented a program on “Francis and his Love for the Cross” to the staff of St. Francis
Seraph Friary in Cincinnati. “When it’s God’s will for us to carry crosses we
(should) accept them and let them lead us to transformation,” she said.
Photo By Toni Cashnelli
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Friars in Philippines host gathering
of JPIC animators, February 2008
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Cebu City, Philippines, was the meeting place for the OFM JPIC Asia-Oceania continental meeting
of JPIC animators, Feb. 10-17, 2008. It was followed Feb. 18-25 by the meeting of the International
JPIC Council of the Order which consists of the presidents of the JPIC Councils of each OFM conference.
Donna Graham, OSF, our JPIC animator, is the president of the ESC-JPIC Council. (Most photos were
taken by Filipino friars.)
The International Council gathers in front of St. Francis Seraph Retreat Center in Talisay City,
Cebu, where the meeting was held.
Photo By Nestor Schwerz, OFM
The view from the retreat house high on the mountain.
Photo By Donna Graham, OSF
Participants in the Asia-Oceania Continental meeting pray outside the retreat house. Carmelite Sr.
Eva was one of the translators.
A squatters area near Cebu City.
Photo By Donna Graham, OSF
A squatters area with downtown Cebu in the background.
Photo By Donna Graham, OSF
Pedicabs are the cheapest means of transportation in the Philippines.
Photo By Donna Graham, OSF
The young man on the left works at the retreat house and guided Donna and Luis, a friar from Mexico, to
the Carbon Market where the poor shop
Photo By Boboi
Donna waves as the boat is pushed out into the waters heading for Mass on a nearby island.
German friar Markus Heinze, a member of the JPIC Animation Committee, gets Filipino assistance carrying
food to the boat for lunch on the island.
Island residents enjoy a quiet Sunday morning.
Children on the island laughing that Donna’s taking their picture.
Photo By Donna Graham, OSF
Filipino friar, Boboi, Donna, and a woman from the island who befriended us, showing the seashells
she was selling. One of the boats we traveled on is in the background.
The trip “home” from the island is reminiscent of the apostles in the boat with Jesus, “calm
the waters!”
A family waves from their creatively located home as the island travelers arrive back to shore.
These Filipino boys find Australian friar Matthew Beckmann entertaining as he waits for the bus
ride “home.”
Filipino boys check out the “strangers” as we return from the island.
Photo By Donna Graham, OSF
Friars follow their Filipino host as they experience the plight of the urban poor in Back Matimco,
Mandaue City, Cebu.
People living in Matimco struggle to find work and to deal with the flooding in their homes during
the rainy season.
Life is not easy in Matimco, or in many areas of the Philippines. Laundry requires a major
effort, as running water and electricity are often absent.
Children entertain the friars and residents gathered in Matimco.
Children in MATIMCO seem to enjoy the company of German friar Markus Heinze.
Friars who traveled overnight by boat to the island of Leyte to visit the people of Palo and see
firsthand the plight of landless farmers, were welcomed by the natural beauty of the region.
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