Welcome to Our New Postulants

Welcome to Our New Postulants

Welcome to Our New Postulants

On Saturday, July 5, the Rite of Beginning Fraternity was held at St. Bonaventure Friary in Chicago. This year, nine men are entering the Postulancy. Two could not attend as they are entering from Canada and the UK/Ireland and are waiting on their visas.

Postulancy is the first year of initial formation in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. It is a year of introduction to and immersion in the Franciscan lifestyle.

L to R: Craig Chircop (SB); Joshua Marc Callado (SB); Jacob Polinski (SB); Hy Khan Tran (SJC); Adan Orellana (OLA); Matthew Tate (OLA); John Maghamez (OLC); two missing are Lourenz John Salvador from the Canadian Delegation of OLA & Andrew Chamiec from the Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa UK/Ireland) [Provinces: SB – St. Bonaventure; SJC – St. Joseph Cupertino; OLA – Our Lady of the Angels; OLC – Our Lady of Consolation]

Friar Michael Heine, Minister Provincial of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, presided.

Each postulant received the San Damiano Crucifix. The men knelt and recited the prayer of St. Francis in front of the Crucifix.

“Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart.
Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity.
Fill me with understanding and knowledge that I may fulfill your command.”

Prayer of St. Francis before the Crucifix

Fr. Martin Day, Provincial OLC, presented John Maghamez with a San Damiano Crucifix
The friars welcomed and congratulated the new class.
Friars Paul Mary and Ian, formators for the Postulancy, received a blessing.

Here’s a great Facebook post from St. Bonaventure Postulancy with many more photos: