Roman
Community
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Of the
Catholic
Tonawandas
Our Patron Saint
Saint Francis of Assisi, orig. Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone, (born 1181/82, Assisi, duchy of Spoleto—died Oct. 3, 1226, Assisi; canonized July 16, 1228; feast day October 4),
Italian saint and founder of the Franciscan religious order. Born into a wealthy family, he was a soldier and prisoner of war before he experienced a conversion in his early 20s. He sold his property, gave the proceeds to the church, and began a life of poverty and devoutness. He soon attracted followers, whom he sent to preach throughout Europe, and in 1209 Innocent III gave approval for the Franciscan order.
The Rule of St. Francis stressed the need to imitate the life of Jesus. In many ways a mystic, Francis viewed all nature as a mirror of God, calling all creatures his brothers and sisters. In 1212 he allowed formation of an order for women, called the Poor Clares. In 1219 he went to Egypt, preached to the sultan, and visited the holy places of Jerusalem.
In 1224, after a vision, he became the first person to receive the stigmata. His influence helped restore popular faith in a church much corrupted by wealth and political aspirations.
Our Chapel
Our Chapel was restored by the dedication of Msgr. Richard Wetter and the Restoration Committee over the period of three years. Bishop Edward D. Head rededicated the Chapel on October 6, 1993. It is now used for daily Mass, funerals, special liturgical services, choir rehearsals, and small weddings.
Sorrowful Mother Statue
This statue, called the Pieta, was purchased from St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Buffalo, where it stood for many years before the parish closed. It is a wooden sculpture that was repainted after purchase. The Pieta can be found at the entrance to the Columbarium.
Cremation Garden
At St. Francis' historical cemetery on Main St, there are still spaces available for people to elect to have their cremated remains interred in the Cremation Garden by the cemetery's flag. This is the only space available in the cemetery, and differs from the Columbarium as it is outdoors.
A columbarium is a structure or building that serves as a repository for the respectful and permanent storage of cremated remains. It typically contains niches or compartments where urns containing ashes are placed. Columbaria are often found in cemeteries, mausoleums, or religious buildings. St. Francis' is housed in it's historical Chapel.
Columbarium
For more information, click below
Early Childhood Center
St. Francis has an incredibly proud tradition of education here at St. Francis and we maintain a wonderful Early Childhood Center in our school on Adam St. We are grateful for years of nurturing and learning.
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The final academic year for the St. Francis Early Childhood Center was 2024-2025.
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