(Utica, NY – Feb. 2013) Betty Frank, OFS, was professed into the Secular Franciscan Order in 1949 at then-St. Joseph’s Church. Since then, she has been immersed in the life of the parish (now St. Joseph-St. Patrick) and the diocese, leaving a spiritual handprint like few others, noted Fr. Richard Dellos, pastor.
It has not gone unnoticed by the Vatican, Father Dellos added, because Pope Benedict XVI has conferred on her the Pontifical Cross, “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice,” the highest honor the pope can bestow upon a lay person. Syracuse Bishop Robert J. Cunningham presented the medal to Betty Frank on Feb. 3 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
And on Sunday, Feb. 10, St. Joseph-St. Patrick will celebrate the honor bestowed on one of its own with Solemn Vespers at 2 p.m. in the church and a reception immediately following in the parish center.
“The public is invited,” Father Dellos said. “We want everyone to join us in this celebration in honor of Betty Frank.”
Father Dellos offered a few examples of Betty’s impact. She co-founded the 24-hour Adoration Chapel at the church, recruiting over 300 people to take turns praying around the clock. She diligently supported the cause for Mother Marianne Cope’s sainthood, including forming the Mother Marianne Prayer Group and helping to establish the Mother Marianne Shrine at the parish. She has represented the parish at Syracuse Diocese meetings, and she was present at the Vatican for both the beatification and canonization of Mother Marianne, who herself was a parishioner of the West Utica church.