On July 16, 2020, our newest Postulants were received into the community at our Padre Pio Friary in Philadelphia, PA, where they will live and work together in this first year of formation in our Capuchin life and work. Our Provincial Minister, Tom Betz, OFM Cap., led the initiation and offered words of encouragement and challenge as these men embark on their journey to become Capuchin friars. The men who were completing their year of postulancy and heading for their novitiate year in Santa Ynez, CA, were also present "thanks" to the COVID-19 delay in beginning their year with other novices of the North American/Pacific Capuchin Conference.
You can still view the entire installation ceremony of the Postulants on the friary's Facebook page, and find out a little of their vocation story on our Postulancy pages.
Philadelphia's new Archbishop Nelson Perez (center) celebrated Mass at the local Holy Innocents Parish. Along with the Archbishop are (l-r) Br. Andrew McCarty, OFM Cap., director of the Padre Pio Prayer Center, Raf Altejar, Rob Butcher, Pablo Lopez and Br. Alex Hostoffer, OFM Cap., local guardian and Postulancy director.
