The Adventure of life as Capuchin Franciscan Friars

Life as capuchin Franciscan Friar is a rewarding mix of companionship in fraternity, service to others and the opportunity to deliver more deeply into realms of spirit and experience. Perhaps you have wondered whether life as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar might be suited to you. Or perhaps you have experienced persistent or periodic tug toward our way of life. The stages of formation are about questioning and learning to listen to God. To become a Franciscan you need to listen for the calling of the Lord. For this to happen one must be able to make a relationship with God where one is able to say like Samuel: "Here I am. Speak, Lord, your servant is listening..." and also like our Blessed Mother: "Let it be done to me according to your word. We have thirteen years of formation. All through these years the candidates discern what is the purpose of his life and the plan of God for him.

Candidates

"Candidates should prepare themselves interiorly for the future renunciation of goods and condition themselves for the service of all peoples, especially the poor." Capuchin Constitutions # 18:2

Candidates

Students of Plus 1

Students of Plus 2

Postulants

"The formation of Postulants aims primarily at completing their catechesis in the faith and includes an introduction to Liturgy, methods of prayer, Capuchin Franciscan instruction and an initial experience of apostolic work. It must also reinforce and promote human maturity, especially emotional maturity, and an ability to discern the signs of the times in light of the Gospel" Capuchin Constitutions # 28:2

Postulants

Novices:

"Let the rhythm of the novitiate respond to the primary aspect of our religious life, particularly through a special experience of faith, contemplative prayer, fraternal life, contact with the poor and work. Capuchin Constitution # 29:4

Novices

Brothers in Studies

The Post Novitiate is the period in which brothers, progressing further in maturity, prepare themselves for the definitive choice of our Gospel life that is undertaken through perpetual profession". Capuchin Constitution #30:1

Let the brother, according to each one's gifts and grace, apply themselves to a more profound study of sacred scripture, spiritual theology, Liturgy and the history and spirituality of the Order; let them also exercise various forms of apostolate as well as domestic work But such formation should always be made in view of the life and careful maturation of the individual". Capuchin Constitution #30:3

• Complete a degree in theological studies either leading to the priesthood or service to the poor as a professed brother
• Develop skills that will help him live our common life in a contemplative way while serving the church and world
• Use his summers to serve in a variety of ministries, including total immersion in another culture
• Renew Simple Vows each year for a minimum of three and maximum of six years, leading to Perpetual Profession
• Receive Final Profession before the reception of the diaconate to priesthood