Brothers
 
I commend to your prayers the soul of our brother, Friar John Sebastian Laird-Hammond, O.F.M., who passed into eternal life on Friday, March 19, 2020.  Friar Sebastian had just completed a transfer from the Custody of the Holy Land in Washington D.C.  into our Province.  His death was caused by complications from several health issues.  
 
Friar Sebastian requested prior his death that his body be cremated.  There are no other arrangements at this time.
 
We remind all our friars to pray for the repose of Friar Sebastian’s soul.  Friar-priests in particular are obligated to celebrate two Masses each for Friar Sebastian, while all the friars should make a special effort to remember him in their prayers.
 
Heavenly Father, we commend to your mercy Friar Sebastian and all our brothers who have embraced Sister Death, and we thank you for the gift of their lives.  United in faith and prayer, through the intercession of our Immaculate Mother Mary and our holy Father Saint Francis, keep us ever steadfast in your love as we strive for your vision of a world made new.