Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Father Matthew L. Gaskin, OFM. Father Matthew served as the National Spiritual Assistant, and as Spiritual Assistant to the National Formation Commission as well as the National Peace and Justice Commission. He also served the Secular Franciscan Order as the Provincial Spiritual Assistant to the SFO for Holy Name Province and Regional Spiritual Assistant to Our Lady of the Angels Regional Fraternity. Father Matt was a sought after speaker and retreat master, a gifted writer and was very passionate about his dedication to the SFO.

In recent years, Father Matt suffered from Parkinson's Disease and resided at the Friars' Infirmary--St. Francis Friary in Ringwood, NJ. He was a very dear friend and brother--like a second father to me. I am very happy to say that my wife Jody and I along with Dick Morton, SFO, former National Minister, had visited with Father Matt yesterday afternoon. Father Matt passed away in his sleep early last night. He was 88 years old and would have celebrated his 60th Jubilee on June 13th.

Please remember him in your prayers. He loved and dedicated much of his ministry to the SFO. May the Lord give him the reward of a faithful and loving Franciscan. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been announced.

Fraternally, Ron Pihokker, SFO
Regional Minister
Our Lady of the Angels Regional Fraternity

Wake Service:
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
St. Anthony Church
71 Bartholdi Avenue
Butler, NJ

Mass of Christian Burial:
Thursday, June 10, 2010, 10:30 a.m.
St. Anthony Church
71 Bartholdi Avenue
Butler, NJ

Interment:
Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Butler, NJ