Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Investiture of the New Novices

Rite of Investiture

We give thanks to Almighty God for the Investiture of five new Novices for our Order in the United States! On July 12, at the St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California, friars from around the United States gathered to celebrate the Investiture of five men in the habit of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual.

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Fr. Martin Day, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, presided over the Rite of Investiture which occurred within the context of Vespers (Evening Prayer). At the beginning of the ceremony, the men were called forward; Daniel Paul Devera (OLC), George Harris (SB), Matthew Flaherty (OLC), Tristen Paraiso (OLA), and Kole Resler (OLA). Fr. Martin questioned the men about their intentions and their willingness to live the Gospel Life, to which they wholeheartedly agreed.

The psalms were prayed, and three readings were read. Fr. Martin reflected beautifully on the need to be open to the voice of the Lord and how we as friars receive formation from a variety of places and in a variety of ways—not only from our designated formators, but also from our peers, and especially from the friars who have come before us.

The new Franciscan habits were blessed, and then each respective Ministers Provincial came forward to invest his Novices. Cole, George, Matthew, Tristen, and Paul were officially entrusted to their Directors, Frs. Jim Ciaramitaro and Tony Vattaparambil, as the assembled friars interceded for them and their ministry as Formators. Prayer continued with the praying of the Canticle of Mary, intercessions, and a concluding prayer and blessing. After photographs, all the friars enjoyed a delicious cookout.

Please keep these five Novices in your prayers as they undertake this year-and-a-day of probation and deeper formation in the Franciscan life.

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Before their investiture, we interviewed the incoming novices and asked them to share their thoughts on discernment and their time during postulancy. Click here to watch the videos!

Safeguarding Statement

The Franciscan Friars Conventual of St. Bonaventure Province are committed to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.

Every friar in active ministry must complete training in Virtus (the National Catholic Risk Retention Group) and any other safe environment compliances required by the dioceses in which they serve.

In addition, St. Bonaventure Province has its own Safe Environment Commission that oversees the implementation and monitoring of the Province’s Policies, Procedures, and Protocols for Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults. 

Any allegation regarding the Franciscan Friars Conventual of this Province receives an immediate response. This includes the Province’s full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and Ordinaries who have ecclesial jurisdiction over these matters, as well as a duly diligent investigation by a qualified third party in order to substantiate credibility.