On July 23, 2017, three of our brothers, Paul Rahn, Mike Herlihey and Collin Kourtz (above) made their transitions from "Postulancy" to their Novitiate year with the Investiture ceremony held in Santa Ynez. After a year at our Padre Pio Friary in Philadelphia where they began their discernment of the Lord's call to our Capuchin brotherhood, the three men headed to Santa Inex, CA, to join the other Provinces of the NAPCC (North American and Pacific Capuchin Conference) for the more intense discernement that takes place as "novices." The year began with their "Investiture," as Brs. Paul, Mike and Collin were dressed in the habit of the Order: our Capuchin brown tunic tied with a cord with three knots and marked by the distinctive, elongated hood ("capuccio").
Friars Jim Froehlich, Andrew McCarty and Rigobel Azanwi made their way to the celebration after their appreciated work on the IPP (Interprovincial Postulany Program) in St. Louis - a two month program where the then soon-to-be novices got a chance to come to know one another before beginning their novitiate year. Of course, they joined the brothers of our Province who serve on the novitiate staff (Brs. Phil Bernier and Bill Talentino) in kicking off the new year at St. Lorenzo Friary.
All of the following photos and more are found on this Google sharing site.
The ceremony of Investiture took place in the chapel where the habits are blessed.
Brs. Andrew and Rigobel enjoy the words of welcome
& Br. Bill Hugo, Novice Director blesses the habits.
Our Br. Bill Talentino proclaims a Scripture reading
while Paul and Collin listen intently to their invitation to follow the Lord's call.
Paul and Mike receive the habit from Br. Andrew and Br. Jiim
Our brother Phil (right) led the music to the liturgy.
Andrew adjusts Collin's hood;
we also welcome Ricardo Tardà (center, right)
from Puerto Rico to his novitiate year!
The friars from out Province gather for a photo-op:
Brs. Bill, Phil, Collin, Mike and Paul
All the friars who attended the ceremony gathered in front of the chapel
along with the "faithful friends" who prefer not to wear the habit over their tails.
The Capuchin Novices of the NAPCC, 2017-18
Bill Talentino is Welcomed at San Lorenzo
And while we're speaking of the novices, our brother Bill Talentino, OFM Cap. (below, left), is joining the fraternity of San Lorenzo this year to help the novice brothers during their discernment year. Having served the people of St. Cecilia and St. Felix Parishes in Rochester and Freedom, PA, Fr. Bill was welcomed to the NAPCC Novitiate Program in early July by the now "former" novices. Here are some shots of the party . . . .