CAPUCHIN FRANCISCAN FRIARS PROVINCE OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Much has been written about and many homilies have lamented the vocation crisis in the Catholic Church in the United States.  Religious Orders which used to have large classes of  novices each year now go for years without a new entrant. Dioceses which used to ordain many young men as priests each year now go for years without even one new priest. The Church needs the service of men and women who will dedicate themselves full time to the work of the Church. Even more, the world needs the example of men and women who dedicate themselves without reservation to God in prayer and service to the poor.

There is good news. The Capuchin Province of Saint Augustine has vocations!  Each year a new class of generous young men appears at Borromeo Seminary and Padre Pio Friary to begin formation for Capuchin life.  These young men represent hope for the Church.  They will be ambassadors of Christ to the people of the 21stcentury.

Forty men are currently in various formation programs preparing for service as Capuchin brothers and priests:
            Borromeo college seminary 6
            Postulancy 5
            Novitiate 5
            Temporary vows 16
            Final vows/Formation for Ministry 8

The men who are in Capuchin formation represent the diversity that is a source of life for the Catholic Church in the United States.
   
Of our 40 men in formation, 24 are from ethnic minorities:
            10 are Hispanic (2 US born, 8 foreign born)
            2 are African American
            3 are African immigrants
            1 was born in Indonesia
            1 was born in Korea
            1 was born in Sri Lanka
            1 was born in Brazil
            1 was born in China
            2 are of Filipino ancestry (US born)
            1 is of Indian ancestry (US born)
            1 has a mother born in Thailand

The Province of Saint Augustine gives thanks to God for the gift of vocations and hopes that these men will serve the Church soon as missionaries and preachers, pastors and teachers, social workers and counselors.  Already these men serve God and His Church as Capuchin brothers, living in prayer, fraternity and service.

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