New postulants inspire others to answer God's call

It takes courage and trust in the Lord’s love to joyfully respond to his call for us. With warmth and welcome, the friars and faith community at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City embraced the men who have been accepted for Franciscan formation for the 2025-26 class during weekend Masses May 18 and 19.  

Four of the five accepted postulants – Tim, Alex, Jason and Chris – were on fire for their faith and eager to share their stories as they joined in the celebration for World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Also in attendance were Br. Basil Valente, OFM, executive director of vocations. and members of the province vocation team, who set up a table in the back of church with information packets and merchandise. 

Each friar presiding at Mass that weekend preached enthusiastically about vocations.  

During his homily, Br. Jim Bernard, OFM, reminded those gathered of Jesus’ commandment to his disciples to “Love one another as I have loved you. For us that means loving with humility, with sacrifice, with mercy and with joy. It is manifested in lives fully given over to Christ,” he said. “The Franciscan vocation is a powerful witness to self-giving love."  

 After Communion, the postulants were called forward to receive a blessing from the congregation, saying they felt “so affirmed and delighted by the experience.”  

Following Mass, they enthusiastically chatted with parishioners and encouraged other men to consider Franciscan life by saying, “I think you’d make a good friar.”  

Please pray for the postulants as they prepare to begin formation in August at Holy Name College in Silver Spring, Maryland, to continue their journey of faith!