A number of our members are doing outstanding things every day, and the rest of us truly admire them for that. Over the years there have been few who have joined us and immediately we know they are someone very special. This is the story of one such member, Frank Cannino, who just recently moved to Hammond, Louisiana, where he and wife Fran grew up as childhood sweethearts.

During the many years that Frank was a St. Charles Borromeo parishioner and an SCB Men of Manresa member, he did it all. It was not what he did as much as how he did it. Frank’s daily routine included starting in prayer and Mass. He not only attended daily Mass, he willingly served as altar server, minister of the Eucharist, liturgical reader, church cleaner, liturgical decorator, and more. He never had to be asked, he always knew what was needed and took Jesus’ invitation to “Follow Me” to heart.

Every Monday following Mass in our church, he was the first to volunteer to help with Monday Mass at the Ormond Nursing Home. Frank set up the altar after helping clear the room from the residents breakfast meal. His greatest joy was helping push the wheelchairs to the room where Mass was celebrated – normally 20 to 30 residents. He knew their names and they knew his. He greeted all with a big smile, a kiss, hug or handshake and they always looked forward to his presence there. Again, he was their altar server, or minister of the Eucharist, liturgical reader and even song leader. To see him doing the work of Christ for Christ was beautiful. The residents of Ormond Nursing Home will all miss him dearly.

Frank was also a regular member in our Men of Manresa (MOM) monthly meetings, Mass, rosary, and other activities. He helped with food preparation and even cooked solo a few times. When we had special activities, he was there. He attended our yearly retreat and he continues to be a classic example of what spirituality is all about. Our membership will miss him but will not forget him or the example he left with us. Our loss will be his next church parish’s gain.

When Frank’s name comes up in conversation among SCB parishioners, one of the first words that comes to mind is “sincere”. Frank is a sincere person, and his deep-seated concern for others and compassion for their problems are sincere. What’s even more significant is that he follows up on that concern and compassion with action. Anything he can do to help you, he does. For instance, when Warren Louque had some serious health issues a while back and was unable to drive, Frank virtually became his private chauffeur. He took him everywhere, and did everything. Likewise, on an ongoing basis, Frank takes great care of his brother-in-law Bobby Valenti. He makes sure Bobby has a safe and comfortable place to live, proper guidance, and everything he needs. This is typical of the way that Frank follows up his concern and compassion with action.

Another characteristic that Frank Cannino epitomizes is “humility.” Frank was, for many years, the president and general manager of a large food service corporation. Did you know that? Probably not, because he is not one to boast of his professional success. Did you know that he is an expert baker, well-versed in nutrition, and he is so generous that he would sometimes bake a delicious and nutritious dessert for SCB Men of Manresa meetings even though he would be unable to attend? Probably not, because he is not one to seek glory or recognition for himself. As we all should, Frank practices the Jesuit motto, “Ad majorem Dei gloriam” (AMDG) and does everything “For the greater glory of God.”

With all this said—and much more left unsaid - it may come as no surprise that Frank Cannino received from the Archdiocese of New Orleans its highest award and honor, the St Louis Medallion for 2007, for outstanding service to God and to the Church. Congratulations, Frank, on this beautiful recognition!

Before closing, there’s one more thing we need to talk about: ageing. Many people say that Frank has completely defied the natural ageing process. Always perfectly groomed, physically fit and well dressed, with nary a wrinkle or unwanted bulge, the only visible evidence of Frank’s age may be his full head of silver hair and the golden wisdom he has gained over the years. Why, one year when Frank and Fran were in costume (without eyeglasses) in our annual Passion Play, they both could truly have passed for young adults. It seems they must take equally good care of their possessions; it has been said that their car “has 120,000 miles on it and it still looks like it just came straight off the showroom floor,” and that “the garage in his house is so clean, you could eat off the floor.”

Frank and Fran, may you two have many happy years together in your new home. We will certainly miss you, being such an important part of our community, our parish, and our family. But we know that although our beloved family members may move, they always stay in touch, and they always come back - at least to visit.

This comes to you in all sincerity from your brothers in Christ, the St. Charles Borromeo Men of Manresa. Amen.