Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Andrew Chamiec’s Welcome into Postulancy

On Sunday, August 31, the ninth and final Postulant for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF – USA, Canada, UK/Ireland, Australia), was officially welcomed into the program for the class of 2025-26.
 
Hailing from North West London and entering the Friars of the Provincial Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa, Andrew Chamiec is unique in the fact he comes to us having already been ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Westminster in the UK. 
8-31-25_Andrew's Welcome Ceremony (3)
8-31-25_Andrew's Welcome Ceremony (6)
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8-31-25_Andrew's Welcome Ceremony (2)
8-31-25_Andrew's Welcome Ceremony (7)
8-31-25_Andrew's Welcome Ceremony (1)
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8-31-25_Andrew's Welcome Ceremony (8)
He has previously ministered in parishes, but it was during his assignment to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk (East Anglia) where he got to know the Friars more intimately as they ministered at the ‘Slipper Chapel’ down the road. Feeling drawn towards a common life of prayer and fraternity, he received permission from his Archbishop to discern Religious Life with the Conventual Franciscans. Over a number of months, Andrew spent time visiting various Friaries around England and Ireland and, after applying, was accepted into the Formation Process; though the Postulancy Program in Chicago, USA, began in July, unfortunately the VISA application process delayed Andrew’s arrival until now.
 
Following the Sunday Conventual Mass, Andrew was called forward by Fr. Paul Schneider, OFM Conv., the Postulant Director, to declare his intentions of beginning his period of formation with the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. After Andrew was received, Fr. Paul blessed the San Damiano crucifix and invested Andrew with it as a sign of his connection with our Order. Andrew then knelt in front of the large San Damiano crucifix in the chapel and recited the ‘Prayer of St. Francis in front of the Crucifix.’ The Friars and his Postulant classmates then came forward to offer Andrew a sign of peace and welcome. Following the ceremony, the community was treated to a delicious Filipino breakfast consisting of garlic rice, corned beef, sweet sausage, steak, fried eggs, and a side of mango slaw, prepared by Postulants Joshua and Lou, who are of Filipino heritage, with the assistance of Jake.
 
Please keep Andrew and all the postulants in your prayers as they continue their first year of formation as Conventual Franciscan Friars.

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.