This summer, the Province commenced a new program of post-novitiate formation in Brooklyn, with the help of a friar from a neighboring province.

Going forward, after they complete novitiate and make their first profession of vows, our post-novices will spend two years at St. Michael Friary in East New York. They will be joined by their post-novice brothers from the Province of the Stigmata. After this period of time, our post-novices will move to Jamaica Plain, Mass., for theological studies.

Br. Shawn Natola, who made his first vows on July 27, is our first post-novice to participate in this new program. He is joined by fellow post-novice Br. Yovani Salas from the Stigmata Province. Br. Miguel Ramirez, a friar from the Stigmata Province, is the director of the Brooklyn post-novitiate program.

Post-novitiate is a time for brothers to make progress in maturity and a time of preparation to make a choice to be Capuchins for life. The goals of the post-novitiate program in Brooklyn are to integrate the prayer life of novitiate into an active life of ministry; to get a greater introduction to Province of St. Mary and the rhythm of a provincial fraternity; to deepen the Capuchin Franciscan identity; to begin full-time Capuchin ministry; to discern more deeply the call to be a Capuchin for life; and to grow in leadership and affective maturity.

We wish Brother Shawn, Brother Yovani, and Brother Miguel joy and peace as they live the Gospel life in brotherhood at St. Michael Friary.