On July 4, 2026, six new novices from the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) were vested in the habit of the Order and officially began their novitiate year in Arroyo Grande, California, USA.
Acting on behalf of Friar Michael HEINE, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA (OLA), the Vicar Provincial, Friar Gary JOHNSON, vested three men in the habit: Friar Andrew Bjorn-Jaxa CHAMIEC (Provincial Custody of Bl. Agnellus of Pisa in Great Britain-Ireland); and Friars Lourenz John SALVADOR and Adan ORELLANA (OLA). The Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA, Friar Paul Joseph LANGEVIN, vested Friars Craig CHIRCOP, Jacob POLINSKI, and Joshua Monreal CALLADO. Friar James REITER, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph of Cupertino in the USA, presided over the ceremony, which took place during Midday Prayer. A festive barbecue followed. Later that evening, the friars attended the renowned Pismo Beach fireworks display as the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence.
The following are brief profiles of the two new novices from OLA Province: Friars Adan ORELLANA and Lourenz John SALVADOR.
Friar Adan ORELLANA is from Burlington, North Carolina, USA. He is the son of immigrants from El Salvador. Having known the Conventual Franciscan Friars throughout his life through the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Burlington, his home parish, he discerned a vocation after many years of serving in the children’s choir, as an altar server, and as sacristan. He completed his postulancy program in Chicago.
“Investiture is a confirmation of my ongoing religious discernment as a Conventual Franciscan. This means that this is what the Lord is calling me to be.”
Lourenz John SALVADOR is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but spent most of his adult life in St. John’s, Newfoundland (Canada). He earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Business/Marketing Management before serving in campus ministry and later dedicating himself to discerning his vocation. He especially enjoys reading books on the lives of the saints.
“I want to be a Conventual Franciscan because I want to follow Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis and his brothers. I look forward to learning the Franciscan way of life and praying and serving with brothers,” he said.
Kevin A. KEENAN
Director of Communications
