The Novice Class of 2022 - 2023
On the 13th day of July, 2022, seven novices from the different Conventual Franciscan Provinces of North America
was welcomed at the Saint Francis of Assisi Friary & Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California,
by their Novice Directors, Friar Joseph Wood, OFM Conv. and Friar Marek Stybor, OFM Conv.
On the 10th of July, postulants Colden, André, and Robert were invested to the Conventual Franciscan habit by Very Rev. Fr. Martin Day, OFM Conv, Minister Provincial of the Our Lady of Consolation Province, together with some friars.
On the 12th of July, postulants Marvin & Connor were invested to the Conventual Franciscan habit by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv, Minister Provincial of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, during the Province's Chapter in Baltimore, MD.
On the eve of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (June 28), two postulants from the Saint Bonaventure Province were invested in the Conventual Franciscan habit by the Very Rev. Fr. Paul Joseph Langevin, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial. The two new novices are pictured with the friars of the said Province at the end of the Provincial Chapter.
"The Soul's Journey into God"
On July 17 - 24, 2022, the novices,
led by their Assistant Novice Master Friar Marek Stybor, OFM Conv.,
did their initial Novitiate retreat.
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MBTI CLASS with BRO. MIGUEL
On Aug. 15-17, Bro. Miguel Ramirez, OFM Cap. gave the novice friars a class on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
Click here to learn more about MBTI.
On Sept. 20, the second Inter-novitiate Class was held at the Conventual Novitiate House of Studies in Arroyo Grande. They are joined by the Capuchin Novices on studying the Gospel of Saint Matthew, given by Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv, a biblical scholar.
A Class on Contemplation by
Bro. Kip Ledger, OFM Cap.
Sept. 26-28, 2022
— Name, Title
Day of Fasting and Prayer
On Oct. 11, 2022, at the request of the Conference of Franciscan Family, the friars had a day of fasting and prayer for the peace in the world, especially in Ukraine and Russia.
To read the letter from the conference, click here.
A Prayer for World Peace
Lord Jesus, you came that the world might know the peace that you have experienced with the Father eternally. Yet, you taught us that in this life there will be wars and rumors of wars. Nations will rise against nations as violence works itself out in the world. However, through you, the world may be saved. O Lord, send your Spirit into the hearts of all men, that the world might know true peace through your abundant mercy. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
Inter-novitiate Class
on "Laudato Si" by
Fr. Keith Douglass
Warner, OFM
On Oct. 14-15, 2022, the friar novices of the three families of the First Order of Saint Francis had a class on the Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis: "Laudato Si" and its importance of today, especially to the Franciscan Order, held at San Lorenzo Seminary, Santa Ynez, CA, where the Capuchin novitiate is.
On Sexuality and Celibacy
From Oct. 17-19, 2022, Fernando A. Ortiz, Ph.D., ABPP gave the friar novices a class in understanding the spiritual context of sexuality and celibacy. Dr. Fernando is a professional psychologist from Gonzaga University. To learn more on his expertise, click the button below.
Inter-Novitiate Conference
"FRATERNITAS"
On November 30, Feast of Saint Andrews, Friar Andre Cirino, OFM gave a conference on the subject of fraternity, an important aspect of the Franciscan Religious Order. Today is also Father Andre's Name's Day
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Friars' Mid-year Retreat
On December 1-2, 2022, the friars of Saint Francis of Assisi Friary and Novitiate partake on their annual Mid-year Retreat. Friar Andre Cirino, OFM, was the Retreat Master on the topic of Saint Bonaventure's Five Feasts of the Child Jesus.
JPIC Conference with
Friar Michael Lasky, OFM Conv.
On December 12-15, 2022, Friar Michael presented to the Novices his ministry in Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Ministry. Friar Michael works as the General Delegate of the Order in the said ministry. To read on the articles of Friar Michael, click here.
Christmas Season 2022
INTER-NOVITIATE
CONFERENCE
From January 9-12, 2023, Friar Bill Short, OFM, one of the authors of the Saint Francis of Assisi Trilogy, gave a conference on the Rule of 1221 (Regula non bullata) and the Rule of 1223 (Regula bullata) and their histories and developments.
This year is the 800th Anniversary of the Rule of Saint Francis (1223 - November 29 - 2023), which the novices will profess at the end of their novitiate year.