Nine men discover the Franciscan brotherhood at vocation event

Nine men interested in learning about the life of a Franciscan friar participated in a “Come and See” weekend at Holy Name College, home of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s postulancy program, in Silver Spring, Maryland, from Feb. 27 to March 1, 2026. The men who attended came from seven states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Texas, Virginia and New Jersey.  

“The purpose of this gathering is to provide discerners as much information as possible about our way of life. Men in formation (at this event, postulants and those who have made simple profession) spend time with the discerners answering questions and sharing details about their experiences,” explained Br. Greg Plata, OFM, national vocation director for the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Sharing experiences 

The first night included a mix of reflection, orientation and fellowship with Evening Prayer, Stations of the Cross and a shared meal. Br. Henry Fulmer, OFM, guardian of Holy Name College Friary, welcomed participants and helped them feel at home.  

Then, via Zoom, the discerners met with Brothers Tyler Harris, OFM, Ricky Madere, OFM, Richard Gaunt, OFM, and Jeffery Jordan, OFM. Each shared their vocational journey, and the simply professed friars shared their experiences of studying at the Oblate School of Theology and living at John Duns Scotus Friary, both located in San Antonio, Texas, and how much they enjoy the academic programs there.  

Later, the postulants shared their experiences from their first year of formation. The sessions concluded with prayer and then recreation. 

On the second day, Brothers Jimmy Kernan, OFM, Daniel Cruz, OFM, and Raphael Ozoude, OFM, who recently professed solemn vows, talked about their experiences after initial formation.  

Br. Raphael, who was ordained last year, spoke about how much he appreciates the fraternal support and encouragement he has received while serving at Transfiguration Parish in Southfield, Michigan.  

Br. Daniel, who serves at St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring and Langley Park Mission, shared that the community he has found with the friars and the people he serves has greatly enriched his life. Meanwhile, as the men shared both the joys and struggles of formation, Br. Jimmy  reminded everyone that, after solemn profession, formation continues to be “a lifelong process.” 

Candid conversations 

With another Zoom session, the discerners had the opportunity to learn about the missionary experiences of the friars in Jamaica: Brothers Phillip McCarter, OFM, Ricky Ferrer, OFM, and Seraphim Gonzalez, OFM, simply professed friars who are in the province’s Brothers Walking Together program – an immersive experience of ministry; and solemnly professed friars Brothers Colin King, OFM, and Maxwell Klug, OFM.  

They shared the joys and challenges of ministering in an impoverished area and candidly spoke about managing expectations when there are limited resources. The devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, the strongest ever recorded on the island, took both an emotional and physical toll on the friars and the community in general, as there was no electricity in the area for over a week while roads were almost impossible to navigate.  

If there was one theme that resonated with the discerners, it was the support of their local fraternity and how much they valued that significant charism of the Order of Friars Minor.  

Afterward, each discerner had an opportunity to meet with Br. Greg, Br. Henri Djojo, OFM, regional vocation director for the eastern region of the United States, and Br. Tony Luevano, OFM, regional vocation director for the western region of the United States. The group then visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. That evening, the men prayed with several friars during a Holy Hour and then enjoyed more fellowship and recreation. 

After Mass at nearby St. Camillus Parish on Sunday morning, the weekend concluded with Br. Greg giving a presentation on the formation process to become a solemnly professed Franciscan friar, followed by a question-and-answer period. As one discerner commented, “This was a great weekend, as it gave me an opportunity to ask a lot of questions of the friars at different levels of their journey. It gave me a lot of good information along with a lot of clarity.”  

The vocations team expressed their heartfelt thanks to the community of Holy Name College for their hospitality and their warm welcome to discerners. 

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a friar, contact our Franciscan Vocation Ministry by completing this form.