Friars promote Franciscan way of life at record-breaking SEEK Conference

Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe attended the SEEK conference Jan. 1 to 5, in Columbus, Ohio, to represent the vocation ministry. Over 26,000 young Catholics attended the conference across three U.S. cities (Columbus, Denver, Fort Worth) with 16,000 participants in Columbus. This year’s SEEK saw record-breaking attendance with a 24% increase over last year, according to organizers. 

“The energy was palpable,” said Br. Greg Plata, OFM, national vocations director. “For these students to give up a week of their Christmas vacation and save their money to attend these days of prayer, fellowship and talks on discipleship is very inspiring.”  

The annual SEEK conference is hosted and organized by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), attracting university and college students from around the country, along with campus ministers, other young adults, priests, religious and bishops. The theme this year was, “To the Heights!” inspired by the recently canonized St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. 

Representing our province were Brothers Greg, Casey Cole, OFM, Roberto “Tito” Serrano, OFM, and Josh Richter, OFM. During the event, each friar distributed cards with a QR code that linked to a video from our vocation team created in early December. The short video introduces the vocation team while explaining various facets of Franciscan life and ministry. 

The vocation ministry’s upcoming events include a Candidate Invitation Weekend in Santa Barbara, Calif., Jan. 16 to 18, followed by a Come and See Weekend at St. Anthony Friary in Cincinnati, Jan. 23 to 25. The vocation ministry team is asking for prayerful support during these two events.  

Is God calling you to become a Franciscan friar? Contact our vocation ministry to speak with a vocation director.