On July 13, 2022, a new year began for the community at the St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California, USA. This inter-Provincial novitiate is under the jurisdiction of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF).
After a whole year with no novices, it was a great pleasure to finally welcome seven young men who are eager to delve deeper into themselves and into our way of life. Three of the new novices are from the Province of Our Lady of Consolation in the USA; two are from the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA; and the remaining two are from the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA. The previous year without novices gave us the opportunity to make many needed repairs and renovations on the novitiate buildings and grounds. However, now it is time to refocus our attention – as directors and novices – on spiritual renovations. Moreover, in addition to welcoming “Conventual” novices, we are privileged to be living in close proximity to the Capuchin and Observant novitiates. Therefore, this year will be filled with shared classes, seminars, spiritual direction, and great fraternity.
Friar Joseph WOOD, Novice Master
Photo:
The Novice Class of 2022-2023
