Recollection Day with the NAPCC Novices

On April 29-30, 2014, I was pleased to give a recollection day to the twenty-one novices of the North American Pacific Capuchin Conference at the novitiate in Santa Ynez, California. The focus of my presentations was "The Capuchin Order as an international fraternity." In essence, I urged the novices to remember that their brotherhood should extend beyond the borders of their provinces and even of the Conference.

One might be tempted to say that the novices are an easy audience, but while they may be "captive", they are anything but passive. From their questions and remarks, it was evident that they listen closely to what is being said, and think about it critically.

It is always a great privilege and a pleasure to spend time with the novices. Their enthusiasm for the Capuchin life, their strong sense of fraternity, their youthful energy and their joy is infectious. This year was no exception.

Let us continue to pray for these brothers as they discern the Lord's call.