The Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Mary are pleased to announce the investiture of three postulants as novices.
During the investiture, each man received the Franciscan habit for the first time and officially became a Brother in the Order, beginning the next stage of formation as a Capuchin Franciscan friar.
The Province’s newest novices are:
- Br. Ricardo Mendoza, who retained his baptismal name
- Br. Benedict Miller (formerly Elijah Miller)
- Br. Leopold Chavez (formerly Jose Chavez)
For those entering the novitiate, the investiture is one of the most significant moments in religious formation. The habit they receive is known as the habit of probation, identifying them as novices. It includes the distinctive caperone, a small shoulder covering that signifies they are beginners in the Order.
Although the novices have not yet professed vows, they wear the cord with its three knots representing poverty, chastity, and obedience as they begin living these evangelical counsels in preparation for religious profession.
During the investiture, a friar may keep his baptismal name or receive a religious name chosen by the Provincial Minister after prayerful discernment. Br. Ricardo retained his baptismal name, while Elijah Miller received the name Br. Benedict, after St. Benedict of Urbino, and Jose Chavez received the name Br. Leopold, after St. Leopold Mandić.
Over the coming year, the novices will devote themselves to prayer, study, work, fraternity, and formation while deepening their understanding of the Franciscan and Capuchin tradition.
The investiture was celebrated by Fr. Joseph Seraphin, OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, and Fr. Victor, OFM Cap., Secretary of Formation and Vocation Director, who invested the new novices with the Franciscan habit.
This year, three of the six Capuchin novices in the United States are from the Province of St. Mary.
Please join us in praying for Br. Ricardo, Br. Benedict, and Br. Leopold as they begin their novitiate.
