Six men discerning their call to Franciscan life traveled from Wisconsin, Texas, Ohio, California and Washington to St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, Florida, the weekend of Dec. 12 to 14 for a Candidate Invitation Weekend. The purpose of such a weekend is to extend a formal application form to the discerners the vocation directors believe are ready to apply to the Order of Friars Minor. 

On Friday night, after I gave the opening prayer and discerners did preliminary introductions, Brothers Dan Kenna, OFM, and Jason Damon, OFM, shared their stories, including the highlights and joys of Franciscan life.  

On Saturday morning, I spoke about the three vows the friars take – poverty, chastity and obedience – and how they enrich our lives as friars in showing a radical witness to Christ and his love of all people.  

Later, Brothers Dan, John Hogan, OFM, Henri Djojo, OFM, Basil Valente, OFM, and Jason Damon, OFM, and I interviewed each candidate on topics such as their family and educational background as well as their spiritual journey. The friars gathered later that afternoon to discuss the strengths and possible challenges of each man, concluding that all six were ready to receive a formal invitation to apply to our province.  

“What I saw were friars from many different backgrounds and of many different ages, who had grown in their trust of the Holy Spirit and whose vows tied them to Christ and to one another,” commented one discerner. “I saw a real joy that inspired me, and which has made me want to grow closer to the friars and the Franciscan charism.” 

Later that afternoon, after joining Br. Jason for a walking tour of the area, the discerners headed to Sacred Heart Parish in downtown Tampa to celebrate the parish vigil Mass and join Brothers Stephen Kluge, OFM, Michael Jones, OFM, and Zachary Elliott, OFM, for a pizza dinner. The brothers shared their experience as friars serving in an active parish along with the support each received living in fraternity. 

“It was humbling to meet a group of individuals who work together effectively to serve the parish,” said one discerner. “I was able to see that this is a commitment that encompasses your entire life; it's not a job, because it ultimately means giving your whole being to Christ.” 

After morning prayer on Sunday, each candidate was thanked for coming to the weekend – and then given their application packet. I explained the process and assured the candidates that the province’s vocations staff, Jorge and Will, would support them as they completed their application. 

As they were preparing to depart, one discerner said, “I was so happy to receive my application packet. Every opportunity to continue this discernment process has been such a blessing, and I am eager to continue seeking the vocation that God has placed on my heart.” 

There are several upcoming vocations events planned, including another Candidate Invitation Weekend in Santa Barbara, California, from Jan. 16 to 18, followed by a Come and See Weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio, the weekend of Jan. 23 to 25. 

Are you interested in becoming a Franciscan friar? Contact our Franciscan Vocations Ministry to speak with a member of our vocations team.