Reflections - Friars in Pre-Novitiate
Their Vocation Journey...
MATTHEW GILES, O.F.M., CAP.
Matt comes to us from Ashland, Massachusetts. He is 19 years old and recently finished his year of Postulancy. Matt is now in the Pre-Novitiate program, which is a nine-week program in conjuction with the postulants in the other provinces in the United States, Candada and Australia. Their time together is a time to deepen their spirituality and become more contemplative and transition from a busy, active Postulancy to a more cloistered, introspective Novitiate. Below are Matt's thoughts since his acceptance into the Capuchin Franciscan Postulancy Program...
It was a difficult journey for me to enter Capuchin life, but every day since entering has been a tremendous blessing. Postulancy was a fantastic year of growth, discovery and discernment. I had the great privilege to live with several great men, both my classmates and my formation directors, and had the great joy to serve the poor.
As I look back, I can't help but smile at all the great blessing that God has bestowed on me in my first year of Capuchin life and as I look ahead, I can't help but wonder at what great wonders God has in store for me. Although the path ahead will be difficult, just as the path to this point was difficult, I have confidence in God and in my Brothers in Christ and know that, despite the difficulties, God will continue to bless and guide me. I very much look forward to taking on the Capuchin habit and continuing my journey to Christ in the footsteps of Francis.
RONALD O'KEEFE, O.F.M., CAP.
Ron comes to us from Montclair, New Jersey, although he spent most of his time in the New York area. He is 37 years old and recently finished his year of Postulancy. Ron is now in the Pre-Novitiate program, which is a nine-week program in conjuction with the postulants in the other provinces in the United States, Candada and Australia. Their time together is a time to deepen their spirituality and become more contemplative and transition from a busy, active Postulancy to a more cloistered, introspective Novitiate. Below are Ron's thoughts since his acceptance into the Capuchin Franciscan Postulancy Program...
I was grateful to hear the positive news of my acceptance into the Capuchins. The opportunity to expand in a religious setting and to focus more on my relationships with myself, with others, and most importantly with God is an opportunity that I have waited for and prayed about for many years.
I would definitely encourage anyone seeking the Lord in their life through a vocational call to attend one of our weekends. These weekends are spirit-filled and the men that you meet are all great people who are listening and figuring out where in their life they are being called to serve.