Father Frank, you initially captured the public’s eye by choosing to clean and decorate the Trump family gravesite at All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village. What prompted you to take this action?

His mother, father, brother, and grandparents on his father’s side are buried there. A particular funeral director showed me the gravesite. One day, I went with a fellow priest. It was a little unkempt. I cleaned it up and put some artificial flowers. Once he became president, I did it more regularly. I sent a photo to Mar-a-Lago and received a call from him. That’s what started the friendship, caring for the gravesite. Later, on a request from Ivanka Trump, I went to the Bedminster, NJ golf course where her mother Ivana, Trump’s first wife, is buried. A brand-new headstone was placed there, and I was invited to bless the gravesite.

This gesture led to a friendship with President Trump, for whom you’ve now celebrated Mass at the White House on two occasions, as well as delivering the closing benediction at the January 2025 inauguration. Can you share how these experiences have been for you, a priest who has spent close to 50 years primarily serving in Queens, N.Y.?

We kept in touch with each other. I asked him if I could say a prayer if he gets elected again. I did the prayers at the inauguration. It was an amazing situation. I was invited back for two separate events at Easter. It was very special. I was asked to deliver a service for the White House staff. I couldn’t believe it. They were mostly young people, very devout, very prayerful people.

One ongoing mission in your life has been caring for abused, abandoned, and neglected animals, particularly cats. How did this advocacy begin?

I’ve always been an animal person since I was a kid and grew up with pets. I’ve had cats over the years, all rescues, some injured. They were all outdoor cats. I got involved with trap, neuter, return (TNR), and became certified.

Your animal rights advocacy has led to publishing your children’s book, The Wounded Butterfly. What is the central theme of this book, and what do you hope the reader may take away from the book after reading it?

So, what happened was, I had a vivid dream. I saw the book that I wrote come alive, grabbed pieces of paper, and started writing it. It’s about having respect and caring for the most fragile creatures. The character, Billy, befriends a caterpillar. He connects with all nature. He feels distraught when the caterpillar disappears, but he emerges into a butterfly. The butterfly’s wing becomes wounded. It’s about the boy’s love and affection for the butterfly by healing its wing, respecting life, and caring for the dignity of all life. It’s meant to teach adults and children to care and have compassion. All proceeds I put toward animal work and shelters.

Another inspiration of yours is Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. You have amassed a sizable collection of ephemera and personal effects of the long popular radio and TV personality. What messages did Archbishop Sheen deliver that spoke to you? Archbishop Sheen is now on track for the path of sainthood. What effect did he have on a generation of followers, and what will it mean to rise to the level of “Saint?”

I grew up following Sheen. I remember him well on television. No one could equal him. He was prime time. He spoke from the heart, had an incredible sense of humor, and above all, was a teacher. His popularity says a lot; millions watched him. As far as sainthood, I never would have expected that. I think it’s incredible. I met him once when I was in the seminary. He came to give a talk about the dignity of life. He was a phenomenon.

Father Frank, you were raised in Middle Village and, now retired, have chosen to remain in Middle Village. What is it about this community that continues to make you feel anchored and grounded?

I think the number one reason is that I grew up here. My grandparents purchased this house in the 1920s. I went to Our Lady of Miraculous Medal School, Cathedral H.S., and Cathedral College. I’ve always felt comfortable. It’s my roots. I’ve always found the people friendly and engaging. I’ve said Mass at both Our Lady of Hope and Saint Margaret in Middle Village. I’m a believer in memories, and I wouldn’t want to turn my back on memories.

Society these days seems to have much disunity and uncivil behavior. What do you attribute that to, and what do you hope to see achieved for the betterment of society in the future?

Every age has its own issues, I believe. I like the internet, but it has its pluses and minuses. It’s created a disconnect. The internet isolates people. Young teenagers read online, and then come out for destructive behavior like rioting in the malls, or car street takeovers. If the kids practiced their faith, these things wouldn’t be happening. I was a featured writer for The Tablet for 24 years, the Chaplain at Brooklyn College, and worked with street kids and artists in Bushwick. What I’ve learned is that people can be spiritual in their own way, to be kind and good, and behave with a compassionate heart. I believe in the basic goodness of people. Things happen in cycles. I think we will see a spiritual resurgence, with people coming out to do good things for their community.