As part of the preliminary phase of the beatification process for Friar Casimir CYPHER, OFM Conv., the Holy Rosary Parish Church in Medford, Wisconsin, USA, hosted a commemorative event to mark the 50th anniversary of Friar Casimir’s death, which occurred in the Olancho Department of Honduras, on June 25, 1975.

The commemoration took place on July 14-24, 2025, within the Holy Rosary Parish community in Medford. Among the participants was the Vice Postulator of the beatification cause, Friar Juan Alonzo PAGOADA, OFM Conv. Several activities were carried out with support from the friars from the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA (Chicago), the Holy Rosary Parish in Medford, its Pastor, Father Patrick McCONNELL, and the Vice Postulator, Friar Juan.
Over the course of the event, a missionary pilgrimage was conducted to significant places in the life and mission of Friar Casimir, namely, the Provincial Curia of the Conventual Franciscans in Chicago, the Parish Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Rockford, Illinois, USA, and the parish community in Medford, Wisconsin (Diocese of Superior).
Afterward, the Vice-Postulator met with acquaintances of Friar Casimir, members of his family, and the parishioners.
This was followed by a meeting between the Vice Postulator, the Pro Causa Committee for Friar Casimir, and the Most Reverend James Patrick POWERS, Bishop of Superior, Wisconsin, USA.
The commemoration ended with Mass on Sunday, July 20, followed by a fraternal gathering with the faithful and Friar Casimir’s family members.
This commemorative event highlighted Friar Casimir’s reputation for holiness and his martyrdom. He was born, raised, initiated into the Christian sacraments, and formed in this very parish community. Today, fifty years after his murder, the Conventual Franciscan Order and the Diocese of Juticalpa in the Olancho Department of Honduras continue to gather documentary evidence and testimony, along with signs of Friar Casimir’s reputation for holiness and information about his martyrdom.
In this Jubilee Year of the Church, we continue to celebrate his life, mission, and witness, in continuity with recent activities held in the Olancho Department: the Missionary and Pastoral Symposium on May 23-24, 2025, the Diocesan Memorial Celebration on June 25, 2025, in Juticalpa and Gualaco, and now this event at the Parish Church of the Holy Rosary in Medford, Wisconsin. All these initiatives are signs of hope for the pilgrim Church in Honduras, which desires to be a faithful witness to the Gospel, following the shining example of Friar Casimir.

Friar Juan Alonzo PAGOADA, Vice-Postulator

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