Yesterday I received some very exciting and long-awaited news. Now that things are a bit more certain and set in stone, I feel that it is the right time to let everyone know what I will be doing come September...
Since graduating from my beloved St. Joseph Seminary College, I have discontinued formation with the Diocese of Austin. I am leaving on very good terms with both Bishop Vasquez and the Diocese. I have been formally and officially accepted for entrance into the Capuchin Franciscan religious order, and if all goes according to plan, I will be entering the first formation year called the postulancy in early September. This particular Province (community) of Friars are located in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Black Forest, Colorado; as well as Hay, Victoria, and Lawrence, Kansas.
The Capuchin Franciscans are another branch of the Franciscans. All Franciscans are followers of the great St. Francis of Assisi and they live their lives radically and authentically according to the Gospel. They take three vows, Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, somewhat similar to a Diocesan Priest. The community is made up of Brothers and Priests, and at this point in my discernement, I still feel very called to the Priesthhod and plan on continuing that path just in this different way. I will be spending 1-2 years as a postulant and then 1 year as a novice in the year they call the "notiviate year" (this particular year, I will be living in Santa Ynez, California). At the start of the novitiate year, is when I will receive the Habit (the Brown robe with the long Capuchin hood)! Until then, I wear normal, everyday, what one might call "civilian" clothing as well as a Franciscan Cross around my neck. After these initial 2-3 years of formation, should I be ready, I will take my first vows as a Friar for the next three or so years. Perpetual/Solemn vows come after that.
Here is a quick synopsis about the Capuchins from the Province that I will be joining, The Mid-American Province of St. Conrad in Denver, Colorado:
[Capuchins are perhaps most easily recognized by the brown habit and long capuche (hood) for which the Order is named. Renowned as peacemakers and simple, approachable religious, the Capuchin friars have been serving the Church in the United States since the 17th century. Capuchins were among the first missionaries in Maine, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, and all along the Mississippi River. The first pastors of both New York City and St. Louis were Capuchins. Today there are seven regional jurisdictions of Capuchins in the continental United States and others in Puerto Rico and the Marianna and Hawaiian Islands. Usually found in the poorer sections of towns and cities, the Capuchins have a special charism for working among those who are most looked down upon and willingly taking the assignments which others refuse. You will find Capuchins working in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, working as hospital chaplains or in prison ministry. Additionally, you may find Capuchins serving as parish priests or university professors, as preachers and nurses and as missionaries to distant lands. You may even find Capuchins serving in your local shopping mall.
A Capuchin is many things to many people. He is above all else, however, a brother among brothers and a man committed to prayer. Capuchin friars build their life and ministry on these two essential foundations: prayer and fraternity. Centered upon their Eucharistic Lord and supported by a loving devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, personal and community prayer nourishes the friars’ relationship with God and one another and enables them to give fully of themselves to those they serve in ministry. Along with prayer, fraternity is of great importance to a Capuchin friar. This fraternal life provides them with companionship while witnessing their brotherhood to an increasingly isolated and alienated world. The charism, when lived authentically, is a witness to the gospel life in which, after washing the disciples' feet, the Lord exhorts his followers to do the same for others.
The Province of Mid- America was established in 1977, serving Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and most of Illinois, and missions in Puerto Rico and Papua, New Guinea, and more recently, Mexico. Its nine stateside friaries are located in Denver, Black Forest, and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Hays, Victoria, and Lawrence, Kansas]
If y'all have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to call, text, e-mail, or message me!
THANK YOU so much in advance for all of your prayers and faithful support! This is a big change and big step in my discernment and formation, but it is one that I feel God is truly calling me to! He truly works in mysterious ways and I will continue to follow with an unyielding faith!
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