On the evening of Saturday, July 5, 2025, friars from around the United States gathered at the St. Bonaventure Friary in Chicago, Illinois, USA, to officially welcome the new class of postulants. The Rite of Beginning Fraternity took place during Evening Prayer, led by Friar Michael HEINE, OFM Conv., the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA.
This year’s group of postulants from the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) is comprised of nine men from around the United States and abroad. Three are from the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA (SB) [Midwest]; two from the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA (OLA) [East]; one from the Province of Our Lady of Consolation in the USA (OLC) [Midwest and South]; one from the Province of St. Joseph of Cupertino in the USA (SJC) [West]; one from the Provincial Delegation in Canada (OLA); and one from the Provincial Custody of Bl. Agnellus of Pisa in Great Britain-Ireland. Unfortunately, both men from outside the USA are still awaiting their visas and will join the rest of the group in due time.
The excitement and significance of the occasion was palpable during the ceremony. The seven postulants present were dressed in matching grey polo shirts, embroidered with the crest of the order. Prayer began with a reading from the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, followed by a rousing rendition of the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King.” After the psalms and the scripture were read, Friar Michael delivered a beautiful reflection on two themes common to the lives of the saints–connection and correction. The saints were connected to the Lord but also sinners in need of His forgiveness and correction.
Friar Michael spoke about the realities of living in community, and how formation cannot be done in isolation–we need our brothers to encourage us and charitably challenge us, in order to help us become saints. He concluded his address to the postulants by saying, “In a few moments you will be receiving the San Damiano cross. St Francis embraced the cross [as] his personal emblem symbolizing repentance and conversion. As you put on this cross tonight and every day, may you be committed to conversion, reform, simplicity, humility and to your own commitment to living the Gospel way of life.”
Representatives from the four Provinces present came forward to vest each of their respective postulants with the San Damiano Crucifix. The seven men knelt and recited the prayer of St. Francis in front of the Crucifix, and then all friars were invited to come forward and congratulate the newly vested postulants. Evening Prayer concluded with the singing of the Canticle of Mary, the praying of intercessions, and a final blessing for the two formators, Friars Paul Mary SCHNEIDER and Ian BREMAR. The friars then sang the Salve Regina, imploring Our Lady’s intercession for these men who are taking their first step in Franciscan life.
Please keep these nine postulants in your prayers as they undertake this year of formation and growth in their understanding and appreciation for the Franciscan life.
Conventual Franciscans of the Midwest USA.
