One of the most joyful occasions in the life of the Capuchin friars is the renewal of vows of our brothers who are in initial formation. Friars who are in formation take temporary vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience until they are ready to make their lifetime commitment to consecrated life in the Capuchin Order. 

On Aug. 6, the feast of the Transfiguration, our brother Br. Shawn Natola made his renewal of vows in the presence of about 30 friars at Sacred Heart Friary in Yonkers, N.Y. A festive meal followed.

Our renewal of vows celebration was an inspiration to all the friars and a source of encouragement to them to also rededicate themselves to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the life and rule of St. Francis of Assisi.

Please pray for Brother Shawn and all the men who are in formation in our Province and around the United States as they deepen their commitment to the Capuchin Franciscan way of life and conform their lives more and more to Jesus Christ. Click HERE for photo highlights.

On Friday, July 31, six postulants were received into the interprovincial postulancy program in Milwaukee, including the two men from our Province. Our postulants, Jonathon Lawrence and Matthew Mancino, were received alongside Matthew David and Jaden Wonders of the Stigmata Province; Eric Gosse of the St. Joseph Province; and Lawrence Nwogu of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd Province.

Representatives from each of these provinces were there to present each postulant with a tau cross necklace to symbolize their incorporation into our fraternity. Our provincial minister, Br. James Peterson, embraced Matthew Mancino after bestowing the tau cross.

During their 11-month program, postulants discern and deepen their Capuchin vocation through fraternal and personal prayer, daily classes in Franciscan life and spirituality, and fraternal living. Postulants engage in Capuchin ministries at House of Peace, St. Ben’s Community Meal, and St. Francis Parish, as well as several other ministries in Milwaukee.

“Please keep the postulants and all the men in formation in your prayers as they begin Capuchin life,” said Br. Lake Herman, co-director of the interprovincial postulancy program. Click HERE for photo highlights.