At a solemn Mass at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, New York City, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 27, 2024, Antoinette DeVico and Mary Volpe were affiliated into the First Order by Fr. Robert M. Campagna, O.F.M., Provincial Minister.  During the affiliation Mass, they were both given the habit of the Order of Friars Minor as well as certificates issued by the Minister General, making them affiliated of the First Order.  In his homily, Fr. Robert spoke of the devotion and generosity of Brother Antoinette and Brother Mary, who, in the tradition of 
Brother Lady Jacob and St. Francis, were given this special honor.  Br. Antoinette has long served the province as Health Care Coordinator, seeing to the medical and physical needs of the friars, especially in regard to government benefits and insurance.  Brother Mary has been associated with the friars in Toronto for many years, serving at Archbishop McGuigan High School and then as Director of the Saint Francis Centre for Religious Studies in Caledon, Ontario.  As Fr. Robert explained, not only has she not taken any salary for this position, but has been extremely generous to the province's missions in Central America, visiting many times.  The Mass was coordinated by Fr. Patrick Boyle, O.F.M., Provincial Vicar, and a beautiful banquet was served after the Mass in the social hall.  Congratulations and welcome to Brothers Antoinette and Mary.