After several years of guidance, prayer, study and discernment, three men professed solemn vows as Capuchin friars. Their lifetime commitment follows four years living as friars in temporary vows. For three months prior to their late August profession they each had a private retreat, a group retreat and a pilgrimage/retreat in the homeland of Francis, Assisi and the surrounding Umbrian region in Italy.

Brother Steve Fernandes (top) came to the Capuchins after serving two years as a volunteer missionary in Papua New Guinea. He was born in Goa, India, raised his children in Ohio, and is now studying for ordination at Washington Theological Union in Maryland.

Brother Urbano Vazquez (middle), born in Mexico, has lived in the US for almost two decades. He became acquainted with Capuchins in Washington, DC, and the parish of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in the Adams-Morgan area of the city. He, too, has begun studies for the priesthood.

Brother Mark Pattock (bottom) lived most of his life in Philadelphia, PA, with roots in the Pittsburgh area. He is studying at Catholic University in preparation for ordination.

       The 2007-2008 academic year began with 38 men in the formation programs of the Capuchin-Franciscan Province of St. Augustine. Six of the postulants live in Philadelphia and one in Beaver, PA. They are living with friars to see whether they can live in community and to absorb the Capuchin-Franciscan spirit. Nine men are in novitiate,a year of intense prayer and study as friars, though not yet in vows. Eight men are in post-novitiate formation. The remaining men are in two pre-postulancy programs: three men in DC - Casa Padre Pio - and the others in Wickliffe, OH - the Capuchin Formation Program.

      "We are blessed," is a common refrain among the friars of the Province. The number of men in formation has dramatically increased over the past several years. "Among young Catholic men there appears to be a growing desire to live Capuchin life in an authentic way," says Father Tom Betz, one of the friars assigned to guide applicants seeking to join the Province. It is a ministry that keeps him and Father Moises Villalta very busy. They lead discernment weekends, individually meet and guide candidates, and, if suitable, lead them through the process of being accepted into the first stage of formation for those aspiring to be Capuchin friars.

There is no doubt: the Capuchin Province is growing!