Hooray for Canada... 22 medals

Wow! we have 22 medals; what an accomplishment. I pretty much feel the same way; I have been discerning the last 6 years; first to diocesan priesthood, and now beginning postulancy with the Franciscans in about 5 months. It seems almost like an Olympic athlete who trains for years to be on the podium and finally after all his efforts he is rewarded with a medal.

I don't think that I can see myself doing anything else with my life, than being a friar. The Franciscan spirituality speaks to me because of it's wide variety of ministries, but mainly of it's focus on the one's most in need; the poor, sick, and the people that are rejected from society. I believe that is why I was put on this earth, to help those in most need. My upbringing in a large family; and my work in the hospitality field has prepared me to become a friar. I know that I have already thanked all the people that have encouraged me during the last few years, but truly without these friends, I would not be on the same path, and would probably not be writing this blog. As someone once told me after hearing the news that I would not be entering the seminary, he said never look back to the past, set your eyes on the future, as you cannot change the past but look forward to what is to come. This helped me tremendously, as I would always look back to mistakes that I made, or opportunities missed, or maybe even people I may have hurt. Now, I only look forward to a new beginning in my life, giving up my possessions ( which are most of the time distractions), and giving myself completely to my new community. It may sound like allot to take in, but for some reason, it doesn't really frighten me.

To conclude, I will quote Cardinal Van Thuan, who speaks on the will of God "Accept the will of God, obey the will of God love the will of God". I have finally decided to follow God's will.

P.s. My blog will be updated every week; Until then, keep me in your prayers, as I will do the same .

God Bless

Pax

Thank You...

I want to begin by saying thank you to all the friends and family who have supported me in my discernment over the last five years. Without all of your prayers and words of encouragement, I know I would not be entering the Franciscan Friars in five months. I am extremely grateful for the friendships that I have formed in the last five years at Notre-Dame Cathedral. These experiences are moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I began this blog in order to keep you, my friends and family, up to date on my progress and journey. My plans over the next several months is to keep you posted as to what is happening in my life as I prepare to move to Cincinnatti, Ohio to begin my discernment with the friars.

I am also making arrangements to set up a bank account for anyone who is interested and wishes to help support my vocation financially during the first two years of my formation. Since as my personal expenses will not be covered (i.e. bus passes, toiletries, movies, trips home, etc.) by the friars, any financial assistance you could provide would be very much appreciated.

I have included an excerpt from the letter sent to me from the Provincial Minister Fr. Jeff Scheeler OFM who wrote; " On behalf of all the friars, I wanted to welcome you to the Postulancy Program of St John the Baptist Province! The Admissions Board feels that you are ready to make this step and that you will make a good postulant and friar." I will continue to keep all of you up to date. To conclude this post, I would like to quote an influential author Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan; " Your decision to follow the Lord is not just a matter of signing your name on a document or of pronouncing vows. There is the continuous day-by-day sacrifice involved in living such a decision throughout you whole life"

P.S. The above photo was taken in the chapel at the friary in Cincinnati.
Also please watch the following video.



Pax

In the Begining

Well, it's official; I will be entering the Franciscans Friars of St John the Baptist province in Cincinnati Ohio this coming July 1st. I meet with the admissions board last Saturday, and was welcomed into the Postulancy program. I have been discerning with the friars for the last year, and was welcomed into the community by all the friars. This road was a long one as it really began about five years ago, while I was discerning the Diocesan priesthood in Ottawa, and now I will be moving to a different country and becoming part of a amazing community of friars. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to walk with the Lord and begin my journey with the Franciscans.

Pax