I must admit, it was a very unusual feeling sitting in the congregation watching the simple yet joyful ceremony of our annual reception of postulants. For many years I had the privilege and the pleasure of being in the sanctuary looking out at the radiant and innocent faces of young men about to make their first leap into religious life. Now that I am no longer the community servant, novice master, postulant director, or vocation director, I now view this wonderful event from the pews.
The long line of postulants dressed in their white shirts and gray slacks stood before Father Bernard Marie, our recently elected community servant, Father Luke Mary, our hard-working vocation director, and Father Leo Joseph, who is not only newly ordained but is acting as postulant director for the first time. Something deep within me stirred as my mind and imagination went back in time to when I was in the sanctuary – a bit leaner and with no gray hair – receiving them as postulants – John Murphy, Matthew Fletcher, and Mark Fisher!
It is very consoling to see our community really take root and spread its branches. Due to our evangelical preaching which has taken us well beyond the borders of the Bronx, even into Europe, the community no longer has an “east coast, tri-state” character. We are happy to say that our community continues to express itself as very “catholic”, that is, universal. We are becoming more and more a mosaic of different countries and cultures.
The purpose of “From the Friars” is not to toot our own horn, but rather to sound the trumpet for spiritual renewal in the church – beginning with ourselves. While the devil spreads seeds of deceit and discouragement, we want to spread seeds of truth and hope. I love the saying, “the sound of one dead limb falling makes more noise than a thousand seeds sprouting”. While the media does its job of reporting dead limbs falling, you do your job and tell others that many seeds are quietly growing. I know, I see it every year – and this year I joyfully watched it all from afar.
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR |
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The reception of postulants is a private ceremony held during the Friars' daily Eucharistic Holy Hour. (above) Father Leo reposes the Blessed Sacrament. |
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Father Leo surrounded by our 12 new CFR postulants (clockwise from top center) Christopher Johannssen from New York, Alex Gavazzi from Australia, Anthony Alarcon from California, Christopher Leonard from England, Christopher Kyte from Ontario, Paul Kim from California, Jose Arroyo from Puerto Rico, Augustine Shin from California, Julio De Jesus from the Dominican Republic, Jason White from Ohio, Paul Thomas from England, and Patrick Long from Florida |
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A round of applause at the conclusion of the ceremony! |
Alex Gavazzi receives the postulant cross. |
