July 11-15, 2022: Friar Delegates of Our Lady of the Angels Province joined the Assistant General of the CFF [Conventual Franciscan Federation] ~ Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv., our Minister Provincial ~ Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (above right), our Vicar Provincial ~ Fr. Gary Johnson, OFM Conv. (above left), the Custos of our Immaculate Conception Custody (Brazil) ~ Frei Ronaldo Gomes da Silva, OFM Conv., and the Custos of our Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody (Great Britain/Ireland) ~ Friar Ciprian Budău, OFM Conv., for the Ordinary Provincial Chapter 2022 – Part II. {link to Part I}
Link to Friar Jude’s Post – Curia’s Website
INVESTITURE:
On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the friars gathered during the 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer, led by Friar Michael and joined virtually by the other friars of our province, celebrated the Investiture of our province’s two new Novices: friar Marvin Paul Fernandez, OFM Conv. (above at center of Province’s our Delegation of St. Francis of Assisi, Canada) and friar Connor J. Ouly, OFM Conv. (above at right)
Fr. Joe Bayne, OFM Conv., our Assistant Postulancy Director, who served as a formator for friar Marvin and friar Connor during their time in the Postulancy, read from The First Letter of John. 
Fr. Mark Szanyi, OFM Conv., Prefect of Formation & Initial Formation Commission, then called forth friar Marvin and friar Connor, who in turn asked of Friar Michael the “clothes of probation.” They were welcomed by Friar Michael, in fraternity, to take this next step into the life of Franciscan Friars Conventual, ensuring that they will not be alone in this journey. Friar Michael reminded them that “the habit is not a sign of power, and it doesn’t bring attention to you personally, because it is the clothes of the poor man; the one who walked the roads of Assisi and preached a homily without words.” The new Novices were clothed in the habit of our Order (at right), followed by a fraternal embrace by each friar present. They were then sent forth to begin their year and a day in the North American Novitiate, where they will live in fraternity – in private and communal prayer, in classes, workshops, seminars, experiencing manual work, and other activities in line with the goals of this stage of formation.
After Morning Prayer, Br. Tom Purcell, OFM Conv. introduced Bishop John Dennis Corriveau, O.F.M. Cap. (at left, the Bishop Emeritus of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada and a former Minister General of the Capuchins) who offered a reflection, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (below) and celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Although the rest of the days and evenings were filled with a tight agenda of meetings, proposals, presentations, assignments, and discussions, the week was one of great fraternal joy.
[Photo Credit: Fr. Tom Lavin, OFM Conv.]
