On July 20, 2016 at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California, the Very Reverend Fr. Michael Zielke, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of St. Bonaventure Province, presided and preached at Vespers for the 2016 Investiture Ceremony. There were fifty Friars in attendance, as we welcomed seven new Novices, vested in the habit of our Order. Our province welcomes and congratulates our newest Novice: Friar Jason DeMartini.
Postulants
On July 21, 2016 the Franciscan Friars Conventual of North America celebrated the joy of the Profession of Simple Vows (also known as First or Temporary) Vows of seven Novices, at St. Paul’s Church, in Pismo Beach, California. Congratulations go to Friar Roberson Lubin,, Friar Jacob Minjarez, Friar Brian Mary Tougher, Friar Jaime Zaragoza, Friar Timothy Blanchard, {bottom row} Friar Franck Lino Sokpolie, and Friar Marco Antonio Didden. Many thanks go to their Novitiate Formators: Director Fr. Giles Zakowicz, OFM Conv. (far left, back), and Assistant Director Fr. Maurice Richard, OFM Conv. (far right, back)!
Friar Nick Rokitka Ordained to Holy Priesthood
It is with praise and gratitude to the Most High God that the Friars joyfully celebrated the ordination to the Holy Priesthood of our brother, Friar Nicholas John Rokitka, OFM Conv. conferred by Bishop John Eric Stowe, OFM Conv. of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky on June 25, 2016 at St. Casimir’s Church in Baltimore, Maryland. The day was filled with great joy and fraternity, as friars, family and friends from all over the province and beyond gathered in celebration. Pictured here are the newly ordained Fr. Nicholas, Bishop Stowe, and Fr. Bryan Hajovsky, OFM Conv. Please pray for Father Nick in his priestly ministry!
Simple Vows
On July 21, 2016 the Franciscan Friars Conventual of North America celebrated the joy of the Profession of Simple Vows (also known as First or Temporary) Vows of seven Novices, at St. Paul’s Church, in Pismo Beach, California. Congratulations go to Friar Roberson Lubin,, Friar Jacob Minjarez, Friar Brian Mary Tougher, Friar Jaime Zaragoza, Friar Timothy Blanchard, {bottom row} Friar Franck Lino Sokpolie, and Friar Marco Antonio Didden. Many thanks go to their Novitiate Formators: Director Fr. Giles Zakowicz, OFM Conv. (far left, back), and Assistant Director Fr. Maurice Richard, OFM Conv. (far right, back)!
Friar Nick Spano Ordained a Deacon
On Saturday, August 6, 2016, at San Damiano Mission in Brooklyn, New York, Friar Nicholas Spano, OFM Conv. was ordained a Transitional Deacon by the Bishop of Brooklyn, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio. Friar Nick was supported by many of the friars of our province, his family, friends and a large assembly of the people he serves. Please keep Friar Nicholas in your prayers.
Solemn Vows
Each summer, friars who are approaching their solemn, or final, vows travel on a special pilgrimage to Assisi to explore the rich Franciscan history of the area, accompanied by veteran friars. For the last week, the men continue delving into the life of St. Francis of Assisi and his followers, with a direct focus on the way to live out their Franciscan calling. Pictured here are the four Friars with Our Lady of the Angels Minister Provincial, Fr. James McCurry (left to right: Antonio Sandoval, Don Bassana, Emanuel Vasconcelos, and Maximilian Avila. Please keep all the Franciscan Friars Conventual in formation in your prayers during this important step in their vocation.
