Jonathan Lawrence (left) and Matthew Mancino

With hope and joy, the Province has welcomed two men into its postulancy program. 

Jonathon Lawrence, 35, is from Readfield, Me. He was accepted into postulancy on May 6 by Br. Robert Abbatiello, outgoing provincial minister. Matthew Mancino, 46, is from Central Valley, N.Y. He was accepted into postulancy on March 18. Both Jonathon and Matthew have moved to Our Lady of Sorrows Friary in New York City, integrating into the life of the fraternity before they depart for Milwaukee, Wis., in July to begin the interprovincial postulancy program. Please keep Jonathon and Matthew in your prayers as they continue their discernment and preparation for Capuchin Franciscan life. The Province thanks Br. Erik Lenhart and Mary Ellen Yannitelli of the Office of Vocation Ministry for their work in preparing the admissions board for its discussions. They also thank the members of the admissions board for their fraternal discernment and support of Jonathon and Matthew.

We continue to hold come-and-see events for men considering our way of life. Our friars in Jamaica Plain, Mass., hosted a discernment weekend at San Lorenzo Friary on April 10-12. Br. Shawn Natola and Br. John Tokaz shared reflections on their vocation, our Capuchin charisms, and our Capuchin saints. Br. Paul Fesefeldt introduced the work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries to our candidates. Participants actively took part in community liturgies held in the friary chapel on Friday and Saturday, which included the Divine Office, Mass, and Eucharistic adoration with night prayer on Saturday evening. The retreat concluded with the Divine Mercy Sunday liturgy at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Special thanks are due to Br. Norbert D’Souza, Br. John Koelle, and Br. Francisco Serrano for dedicating their time and efforts to the weekend’s success. The month before that, March 13-15, the friars at St. Fidelis Friary, Interlaken, N.Y., hosted a collaborative retreat in conjunction with Cornell University’s Catholic ministry. The event brought together five Cornell students and four of our candidates. Cayuga Lake offered an ideal environment for reflection and prayer, fostering discernment and attentiveness to God’s guidance. Despite the lingering late-winter chill, many participants took advantage of the outdoors, enjoying quiet walks or moments of solitude on the dock. The weekend concluded with the Laetare Sunday celebration at Sage Chapel on the Cornell University campus. We extend our sincere appreciation to Br. Brendan Buckley and Br. Bernard Maloney, who were gracious hosts and provided assistance and attendance in our activities whenever possible.◼︎