Story by Shelley Wolf

Father Joseph Benicewicz will never be forgotten by all those who knew him, especially by the parishioners, faculty, staff and students at St. Paul Parish and St. Paul School in Kensington.

As the former pastor of the parish and school, the Franciscan priest, who died unexpectedly on Sept. 6, 2024, is being remembered fondly this fall through a memorial scholarship, Masses, a run and a walk.

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, four students are benefiting from the “Father Joseph Benicewicz Memorial Scholarship.” According to Principal Jill Conaway, four student families received $250 each for a total of $1,000 in scholarships. “It’s to keep his memory alive going forward,” Conaway says.

The scholarships were distributed to students who are practicing Catholics with a financial need, in keeping with Father Benicewicz’s values.

“It was important to Father Joe to never turn away families in need, who were committed to having a Catholic education for their children,” says Kelly Esposito, director of admissions and marketing, who noted the school also offers other forms of financial assistance.

The priest – who served as a teacher, principal and school president in previous assignments – loved to spend time with students. Before his passing, he led the St. Paul School children weekly in Mass and prayer, visited them in their classrooms, and even attended their basketball games.

As soon as teachers heard the news of his death last year, they suggested the scholarship in his name and began raising funds for the endeavor. The principal and advancement director got the ball rolling by setting aside a small portion of funds from the “Lion’s Pride Fun Run,” an already existing annual school fundraiser, to establish the Father Benicewicz Memorial Scholarship Fund. The school’s next Lion’s Pride Fun Run is slated for Oct. 9.

The admissions director and athletic director also partnered to start the “Father Joe Memorial Basketball Game” in which the basketball coaches challenged the boys and girls varsity team players, all while wearing “Father Joe” T-shirts. Proceeds from ticket sales and concessions went to the scholarship fund. Next year’s game is already set for Feb. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Additional scholarship donations are accepted throughout the year and processed through the Advancement Office, where each contribution is recorded and acknowledged, Esposito says.

Over at St. Paul Church on the weekend of Sept. 6, 7 and 8, near the anniversary of his death, the entire parish just celebrated three memorial Masses, offering special prayer intentions for Father Benicewicz.

Additionally, this coming October, St. Paul Parish will host the “Father Joe Memorial Walk and Gathering on the Parish Green” on Oct. 5, following the 12 p.m. Mass. The 3.1-mile walk will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Polish food will be available for purchase from Belvedere in New Britain – one of Father Joe’s favorites. The event will also include games and music.

For more about the scholarship and St. Paul School events, visit ourschool.stpaulkensington.org. For more about the memorial walk with St. Paul Parish, visit stpaulkensington.org.

Story by Karen A. Avitabile

For more than 25 years, parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Bristol have been honoring St. Teresa of Calcutta by helping to combat food insecurity in their town.

The parish has been running its own Mother Teresa Food Pantry for the saint who dedicated her life to providing food, shelter and medical care to people who needed it the most around the world.

Canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis, St. Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her perseverance to alleviating poverty and hardship. The anniversary of her death, on Sept. 5, is observed as her feast day.

Food pantry volunteers from St. Francis de Sales parish churches of St. Ann and St. Anthony of Padua organize collections of non-perishable food items and then fill grocery bags with them.

Spearheaded by Jacqueline Taber, Mother Teresa Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings at St. Ann Church for collection pickups.

“I enjoy helping people,” says Taber, who has been involved with the food pantry for close to 20 years with her husband, Philip. “You see the smiles on people’s faces when you give them the food.”

Once a month, Bristol residents who need assistance are able to pick up a grocery bag – or two bags for a family – at St. Ann Church. No questions are asked. Clients range from young individuals to older adults, along with numerous families. During the holiday seasons, the food pantry volunteers see an increase in need; so, they also collect and distribute turkeys and hams donated by the parish.

Canned food items can be dropped off at the entrances of St. Ann and St. Anthony of Padua churches before weekend Masses. During bingo fundraisers on Thursday evenings in St. Ann Church Hall, donations are also accepted.

Parishioners of nearby St. Matthew & St. Gregory the Great Parish, with churches in Bristol and Forestville, also collect canned goods in their churches and drop them off at St. Ann Church.

“I feel this is beneficial for those people who need a little support,” says Jackie Samele, a food pantry volunteer for 10 years. “Back then, the food pantry needed volunteers and I stepped up.”

The Mother Terese Food Pantry team is made up of about a dozen volunteers. Like Taber, who retired and was looking for something extra to keep her busy, most of the volunteers are retirees who want to remain active, stay socially connected and make a difference in their own community. They say working with the clients enhances their own lives.

“It brings me happiness to see their joy,” says five-year volunteer Marthe Trudel. “I try to make someone else happy.”

For Sylvia Caron, giving to others has made her more thankful. “It gives you such a warm feeling to see their eyes light up and listen to them,” she says. “It’s a great feeling to do something for them. I love it.”

 

Story by Joe Pisani

The composing room foreman on my first newspaper always told me, “It’s a brand new day in a brand new way” … at least until things started going crazy and we were missing deadlines. Then, the brand new day turned old fast.

Monday morning, as I stepped out my front door, I remembered those words and vowed, “It’s gonna be a brand new day in a brand new way” in my campaign to be a better person.

However, those resolutions for self-improvement can fall apart fast too. I no sooner crossed the intersection on my way to morning Mass when I encountered spiritual turbulence — or possibly it was an opportunity for spiritual growth. If it was, I failed the test.

A fellow in a red Mercedes raced through the red light and started tailgating me, in my unassuming Prius. I was already doing close to 10 miles over the limit but that didn’t deter him, so I slammed on the brakes and slowed down, which made a bad situation worse, because now he was within several feet of my bumper with his lights on.

At that point, my patience and love of my fellow man, and woman, dissolved, and I let loose a tirade of not very nice words.

So much for resolutions about being a better person.

By the time I got to morning Mass, the score was Satan 1, Joe 0, and the day seemed to go downhill from there.

The irony is that one of the prayers I say after Communion goes like this:

“Dear Lord, help me remove from my mind every thought or opinion which You would not sanction, every feeling from my heart which you would not approve. Help me just for today. In the long hours of work, that I may not weary or grow slack in serving you. In conversations, that they may not be to me occasions of uncharitableness. In the day’s worries and disappointments, that I may be patient with myself and those around me. In moments of fatigue and illness, that I may be mindful of others rather than of myself. In temptations, that I may be generous and loyal, so that when the day is over I may lay it at your feet, with its successes, which are all yours, and its failures which are all my own.”

Whenever, I say that prayer, I really wonder about my progress.

I suppose that when you’re trying to grow spiritually, you have to expect setbacks. You also need to have the humility not to think if you have a good day, you’re on the road to perfection because you could have a really bad day tomorrow.

It reminds me of the familiar cliche, “one step forward and two steps backward,” which points to the importance of humility and grace. Spiritual progress is more than a white-knuckle undertaking because if we pray to be better, we have to trust that Jesus will lead us where we’re meant to go because we can’t do it on our own.

My disturbing encounter reminded me of that famous saying by Jesse Jackson: “God isn’t finished with me yet.” And my father, a recovering alcoholic, always quoted the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book: “We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.”

I can live with that, as long as it’s not spiritual regression or equally bad, spiritual digression.

Sometimes we don’t see much progress, although I’m inclined to think progress can often be imperceptible, and although we may not perceive it, Jesus does.

Of course, Jesus works at his own pace in answering our prayers, which sometimes, as in the case of St. Paul, can be pretty quick although generally most of us aren’t knocked off our horses and blinded.

However, anything can happen if you start your day by praying, “God, help me become a better person today than I was yesterday.” That’s one prayer that won’t go unanswered.

While I’m convinced spiritual progress would be a lot easier if we didn’t have to deal with other people, Jesus raised the bar pretty high, which means to say we have to be patient, tolerant, compassionate and loving of them all — the dull, the cranky, the irascible and the nasty, not to mention the bad drivers.

So at the end of the day, I came to the minimally comforting realization that I had made some spiritual progress. Sort of. Not only did I pray for myself to do better tomorrow, but I also prayed for that driver.

Story by Shelley Wolf

This year has been a year of significant anniversaries for the Felician Sisters in Enfield, as they joined with their fellow sisters across the continent in marking notable anniversaries.

On May 17, 2025, local women religious celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Felician Sisters in North America (1874-2024). On that day, the sisters in the archdiocese welcomed Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, who celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in the chapel of Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Enfield.

The Mass, which was attended by numerous sisters, volunteers and invited guests, was followed by a reception. The event evoked fond memories of the sisters as teachers, and there was at least one request for the archbishop’s homily.

“When the archbishop talked about our history, you felt 10-feet taller because you were a part of this,” says Sister Patricia (“Patty”) Marie Iagrosso, who moved to Enfield from the Bronx as an aspirant after the eighth grade. “I’ve been here for over 60 years and have seen the ups and downs and the overs.”

The Felician Sisters, who formed their community in Enfield in 1932, were primarily known for education, operating several schools. The Enfield Montessori School sits on their campus today. “Our Montessori School is still flourishing,” says Sister Patty, who chose a different path for herself and continues to work as a resident care nurse at nearby St. Joseph Residence.

This year, the Felician Sisters also joined with their peers across the continent in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of their foundress, Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska (born May 16, 1825 and died Oct. 10, 1899).

The sisters in Enfield celebrated with a festive Mass. To symbolize enduring service, they planted a dogwood tree in front of their convent.

At its feet is a commemorative plaque honoring their foundress and the many employees who serve them at Our Lady of the Angels Convent and in their private care center for fellow sisters and Franciscan priests and brothers.

Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska founded the order of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice (the Felicians) in Poland in 1855. As someone who began as a lay Franciscan, she was committed to working with the poor and launched the Felicians as a branch of the Franciscans.

With the goal “to serve where needed,” she blessed five sisters, who left Poland in 1874, bound for North America, where the sisters made their mark in teaching and in social service. “Mother Mary Angela was a dynamic woman. She was ahead of her time, looking to the future,” Sister Patty says. “Mother’s vision was for ‘contemplative-active service.’”

Blessed Mary Angela, who died in 1899, is on the path to sainthood. A miraculous healing was attributed to her intervention and approved by the Vatican in 1984. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 18, 1993. She needs one more miracle to be approved in order to be canonized as a saint.

Today, a tapestry depicting Blessed Mary Angela hangs in the sanctuary of the chapel at Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Enfield. It is the same tapestry that was present at her beatification in Rome.

A free booklet telling the story of her life, On Earth as in Heaven, published by the Felicians, can be downloaded at felician.org/about/mary-angela-truszkowska/.

 

Spiritual renewal evenings set for lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Story by Joe Pisani

As part of a continuing formation program, the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Hartford is offering upcoming evenings of reflection and formation for lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

“These two-hour sessions are offered around the Archdiocese as a way to gather to reflect on their ministry, pray together and perhaps learn something new about their ministry,” says Josh Perry, director of the Office of Worship, who will be conducting them.

Seven sessions for extraordinary ministers will be offered in September. Lectors will also be able to participate in seven evenings geared toward them that will occur in October. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a lector or extraordinary minister is encouraged to attend.

The evenings for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion will include an opening prayer, reflections, formation best practices and guidelines.

Sessions for lectors will offer techniques to prepare for delivering the readings beforehand, Perry says, adding, “How do you get to know the reading? Pray with the readings and practice them at home.”

Perry was recently appointed in his role. “As the new director, I’ve had the privilege and honor of joining a number of the parishes around the Archdiocese for weekend Masses,” he says. “I’m grateful to you for your willingness to share your gifts with the communities you serve, and it is my prayer that you continue to find your ministry as lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion life-giving and spiritually enriching.”

The evenings of reflection and formation for lectors were started last year by Father Michael Ruminski, former director of the Office of Divine Worship and former pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Bloomfield. He was recently assigned as pastor of St. Thomas & St. Timothy Parish in West Hartford.

For lectors, Father Ruminiski says, it is important to “gain a greater appreciation of the spiritual and theological dimensions of what they do when they stand at the ambo and read the Word of God.”

“When the Scripture is proclaimed at Mass, God is speaking to us, and so the better we proclaim it and the better we understand how to proclaim it, the more easily we’ll be able to respond to that communication from God,” Father Ruminski adds. “This is especially true in the Gospel, which is why there’s veneration and incense and standing because we’re greeting the Gospels as if Christ is at the ambo.”

Later this year, Perry plans of offering the sessions for both lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. To see the schedule for the upcoming workshops and to sign up, visit archdioceseofhartford.org/evening-of-reflection. For questions, call Perry at 860.578.1427 or email him at josh.perry@aohct.org. Parishioners interested in learning more about becoming a lector or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may also speak with their pastor.

Dear Friends in Catholic Education,

The world in which we live is experiencing change at a pace unlike any we have known before. In many ways, it mirrors the dramatic shifts of the Industrial Revolution, when the cotton gin transformed agriculture, the telephone redefined communication, and the miracle of flight reshaped human possibility. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of another revolution, one driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovation, that will profoundly influence our children’s future.

In this moment of transformation, Catholic education has never been more essential. Ours is a mission not only of academic excellence but of forming hearts and minds rooted in faith. We are called to be builders of bridges, bridges of understanding, of dialogue, of human connection.

We must be intentional in fostering genuine encounters with one another. In an age when it is tempting to send an email or a text, I encourage our schools to pick up the phone or, better yet, sit face-to-face. Invite others to the table, especially those with whom you disagree or who carry a grievance. Ask, “Help me to understand,” and listen to their story. AI may analyze data, but it cannot feel compassion, extend forgiveness, or offer the healing presence that human connection provides.

There is one thing AI will never generate: our faith. Faith is not programmed; it is lived. It springs from the human heart and is nurtured by divine love. That love is what strengthens the bridges we build, enabling them to endure the storms, trials, and challenges of life. If our bridges are constructed from faith, hope, and love, they will stand firm, as St. Paul reminds us: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

As we navigate this new technological era, we would do well to remember the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Communication is not only the transmission of information, but it is also the creation of a culture.” Every conversation, every act of listening, and every moment of respectful dialogue shapes the culture we live in and pass on to our children. In Catholic education, that culture must be one of Christ-centered encounter, dialogue, compassion, and Truth.

We must hold fast to our humanity. We must hold our students, our teachers, and ourselves accountable, not only for knowledge gained, but for relationships formed and communities strengthened. Let us seek out the perspectives of parents, parish leaders, and one another through dialogue, surveys, and shared reflection, so we remain attentive to the voices of those we serve.

May this year be one in which we build bridges that unite rather than divide, that reflect our Catholic identity, and that lead us ever closer to Christ. Let us embrace innovation without losing sight of the eternal truth: our calling to love God and one another.

Peace,

Val Mara

Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt recounts the life of Waterbury native son and priest Blessed Michael J. McGivney, whose patronal feast in the Archdiocese of Hartford is annually marked on Aug. 13. Blessed McGivney, who founded the Knights of Columbus, demonstrated how to live a life of service and faith. Pray for his intercession and for a second miracle that will lead to his canonization as a saint. Read more about Blessed McGivney in the upcoming issue of the Catholic Transcript.  

These days, I am re-reading the biography of Blessed Michael McGivney. I am sure you agree that he shines as a champion of the Gospel’s works of mercy. In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus presents a powerful image of the final judgment, separating the righteous from the unrighteous based on acts of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me,” he says. This Gospel passage is not merely a list of good deeds, but a roadmap to holiness, a path that Blessed Michael McGivney, as an example to all, walked among us with quiet courage and deep conviction.

As many of us know, Father McGivney, born in 1852 in Waterbury to Irish immigrant parents, was a highly skilled yet humble parish priest whose ministry reflected the corporal works of mercy through everyday acts. During a time when many Catholic families—especially widows and orphans—faced social prejudice, economic hardship, and spiritual marginalization, he shared their pain, recognizing in them the suffering face of Christ. A bright man, rather than furthering his priestly career due to his many talents, Father McGivney dedicated his priesthood to being present, compassionate, and proactive in caring for his flock.

Founding the Knights of Columbus in 1882 serves as a concrete expression of this mercy that he had already demonstrated in his pastoral assignments in New Haven and Thomaston. He recognized the vulnerable position of Catholic men, many of whom died young due to harsh labor conditions, leaving their families destitute. The Knights began as a mutual aid society, providing financial and spiritual support to widows and orphans. In this initiative, Father McGivney reflected the very heart of Matthew 25: loving Christ in the “least” among us.

Moreover, his mercy extended beyond material assistance. As a parish priest, he acted as a shepherd, offering counsel, encouragement, and sacramental grace to those who suffered. He made himself available to his parishioners, as well as to the poor, the unemployed, and the young men tempted by crime or despair. His compassion was not sentimental; it was active, personal, and rooted in the Eucharistic love of Christ.

Today, the witness of Blessed Michael McGivney speaks urgently to our times. In a society marred by division, indifference, and isolation, he calls us to rediscover mercy as the defining characteristic of Christian life. His legacy is not confined to statues, museums, or badges; it lives on in every act of compassion inspired by faith.

To honor this local saint means to take seriously the words of Christ in Matthew 25, not only as a future judgment, but also as a daily calling. Blessed Michael McGivney shows us that holiness is possible in ordinary life and that mercy is the most reliable path to Christ.

Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed McGivney

Our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we  may continue his work of caring for the needy and  the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify  Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Story by Karen A. Avitabile

Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Plainville is inviting people who have questions about the Catholic Church to ask them during the town’s upcoming ballon festival.

For the second year, newcomers and returning Catholics will be welcomed to the parish booth during the 38th annual Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival, which runs Aug. 22 and 23 at Norton Park.

“Some people have wandered away because of schedule, work or it slipped off the radar during the coronavirus,” pastor M. David Dawson says. “We want everybody to come home or welcome those who have never been to church to come.”

Father Dawson learned about the balloon festival, one of Plainville’s signature events, soon after his appointment as pastor in 2023. He suggested last year that the parish set up a booth to reach out to the community and evangelize at the same time.

“Our faith should not stay within the four walls of the church,” he says. “Everyone needs Christ.”

Similar to last year, a committee will work in shifts at the parish booth to greet people, engage in friendly conversation and pray with anyone who wishes to do so. Volunteers will also hand out religious medals, prayer cards, rosaries, trinkets for children, and flyers with information about the church, Mass times and confession schedule.

“We want to have a real presence and an impact on people in our town,” Father Dawson says. “This is a chance to make our presence felt among our community. We are part of Plainville, and we want people to come home.”

During the balloon festival, Father Dawson, donned in a cassock, spends most of his time walking around the park “to give people a little nudge,” he says, “to remind them that the Catholic Church is here for them.”

Homebound parishioners who are unable to participate in the balloon festival are asked to pray for the volunteers and the people they will encounter. “Pray that the Lord will work through the volunteers and his words and attitude will come through their mouths and actions,” Father Dawson says. “Pray that people who have never been Mass-goers start coming, and pray that those who have wandered will allow the Lord to open their hearts to his spirit.”

All festival-goers are encouraged to stop by the booth for Our Lady of  Mercy Parish. Weather permitting, the balloon festival runs 3 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 22, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Norton Park on South Washington Street. Crafters, vendors, food trucks, carnival rides and entertainment will be offered on both days.

At dusk on Friday, a balloon glow – when tethered balloons are illuminated from within the park at the same time – and a fireworks display will light up the sky.

On Saturday, balloons are scheduled to take flight from the park at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The balloons are a spectacle that captivate several neighboring communities too.

Also on the second day of the festival, a classic and muscle car exhibit will be underway. To mark the 140th anniversary of the Plainville Fire Company, a professional drone show in the evening is expected to draw a large crowd.

Father Dawson says he is hoping the parish booth will “plant a seed” with those who are unfamiliar with the faith. “Pray that our efforts will bear eternal fruit,” he adds. “Pray that those who have wandered will allow the Lord to open their hearts to his spirit.”

Story by Shelley Wolf

In August, a new Marian shrine will be dedicated in the Archdiocese of Hartford, creating a sacred pilgrimage destination where all local Catholics can go to deepen their devotion to Mary.

On Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne will elevate Maria Reina de la Paz Parish (Mary, Queen of Peace) at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Hartford to the status of an archdiocesan shrine. Archbishop Coyne has already recognized the shrine through a signed decree.

“This shrine is going to become a place of hope, prayer and encounter with Mary,” says Father H. Alexander Avendaño, pastor of the parish, who will also become the rector of the shrine. “Mary is the key. This is a spiritual place where we as Mary’s children encounter her motherly love, and we will make sure that’s going to happen here, day after day.”

While the shrine is open to all, it will aim to be a welcoming pilgrimage site for the archdiocese’s growing Hispanic population, many of whom have a special devotion to Mary.

For years, Maria Reina de la Paz Parish has offered daily Masses, the rosary, weeknight confessions, overnight confessions on First Fridays, and numerous Marian celebrations throughout the year – all of which factored into the parish’s elevation to a shrine and which will continue to be offered.

Future plans for the shrine include regular talks on Mary, workshops and a Marian congress or full-day retreat with invited speakers and activities.

“The shrine will offer a deeper understanding of Marian spirituality. There’s more than piety,” Father Avendaño explains. “There is knowledge, there’s facts. This shrine will be a place where Catholics will come to learn, gain knowledge and understand the mystery of Mary in sanctification and salvation.”

Longer-range plans, dependent on fundraising, call for the addition of outdoor stations of the cross, painted icons of Mary on the ceiling, and improved accessibility and more restrooms.

Father Avendaño is preparing for a full house at 7 p.m. on Aug. 14, the day of the shrine’s dedication by Archbishop Coyne, which is also the Vigil Mass for the feast of the Assumption of Mary. Pilgrims may be seated in the main church, in the lower church and can spill over onto the lawn, if needed.

The next day, on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m., on the actual feast of the Assumption of Mary, the shrine will host its first Spanish Mass with Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt. A traveling statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which was blessed by Pope Francis in 2017 and played a role in the shrine’s genesis, will be permanently enthroned at that time.

The new shrine has also been designated by the archdiocese as a Jubilee Church for the Jubilee Year of 2025, allowing pilgrims who attend between Aug. 14 and Jan. 6 to receive a special indulgence.

“Anyone who comes properly prepared and stays for Mass will be granted a plenary indulgence for the Jubilee Year of Hope,” Father Avendaño says. “I would like every parish to make a pilgrimage to get the indulgence before Jan. 6, when the Jubilee ends.”

For shrine offerings, visit mrpct.org or download the Maria Reina de la Paz app at Google Play or The App Store. The shrine is located at 494 New Britain Ave. in Hartford.