CNSA Friars and Staff Meet with 1st Order Novices

During the week of January 25-30, the CNSA Friars gathered at San Lorenzo, the novitiate house of the Capuchin friars in Santa Ynez, California, for a time of prayer, reflection on their ministry to the OFS, fraternity and CNSA business.  Father Christopher Panagoplos was unable to attend, and the snowstorm on the east coast cancelled Mary Frances Charsky, OFS and Corinne Lorenzet,  OFS’s travel plans.  Thankfully, all three were able to attend virtually.

The highlight of the week was a presentation by the Friars as well as Mary Frances and Corinne to the novices from all three of the First Order obediences.  The OFM and OFM Conventual novitiates are close to San Lorenzo, making this gathering possible.  Nineteen novices and seven members of the novitiate formation teams were present.

Corinne Lorenzet and Mary Frances Charsky share the Secular Franciscan Rule and charism with the novices.

The presentation included an overview of the structure of the OFS by Mary Frances Charsky, OFS, a reflection on the OFS Rule by CorinneLorenzet, OFS, a discussion of the altius moderamen and the friars’ responsibilities to the OFS by Father Jerome Wolbert, OFM and a presentation on the development of the Third Order religious and secular by Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR.  Father Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. began with an introduction, and led the group in the prayer written by Pope Leo for this year devoted to St. Francis.  Father John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap. concluded the presentation by reminding the novices and all present that we are one Franciscan family.  We were impressed by the novices’ interest in learning more about the OFS, and how they may be called to serve in the future.  They asked great questions!  Fathers Marek, John and Jerome were able to spend time with the novices during prayer, Mass and meals which resulted in many rich conversations.

Fr. Jerome, Fr. John and Fr. Marek enjoying the California sunshine.

Prior to the CNSA presentation, the novices spent a day with Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap., Wayne Hellman, OFM Conv. and Bill Short, OFM.  What an awesome experience for these young friars.

The time spent on CNSA business revolved heavily around spiritual assistance to the OFS.  Br. Kip Ledger, OFM Cap., who has been very involved in spiritual assistance formation programs, joined the CNSA discussion.  The friars developed an action plan for 2026 to begin to address the concerns that exist concerning spiritual assistants, and will be discussing these plans with the NEC at its next meeting.

We are grateful to Br. Kip for all his help to make this gathering possible, as well as the hospitality of the OFM Capuchin friars and novices at San Lorenzo.