BRONX, NEW YORK: A new icon was unveiled at the Mass of Thanksgiving for having been recognized as a religious institute of Pontifical Right on June 13, 2017. It was the 30th anniversary of the Orders founding by Father Benedict Groeschel, Father Stan Fortuna, Father Robert Stanion, Father Glenn Sodano, Father Bob Lombardo, and Father Andrew Apostoli. The group was established as a diocesan institute by Cardinal John O’Connor in 1999 all of whom are all pictured in the icon, along with St. Francis of Assisi, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Saint John Paul the Great and Saint Clare at the foot of the San Damiano Cross.
From the Communities website:
“Preach as you go, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay. Take no gold, silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff.”
-Matthew 10:7-10
