Our Franciscan Friars Conventual Novitiate for the Provinces of North America is located in Arroyo Grande, CA, at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary, of the St. Joseph of Cupertino Province. Three of the new novices are from the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, two are from St. Bonaventure Province, and two are from our province (Our Lady of the Angels Province). This new class of novices arrived in July 2022 and began their “year and a day” with a retreat led by their Assistant Novice Director, Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province). Since 2017, the Director of the Novitiate ~ Br. Joe Wood, OFM Conv. (St. Bonaventure Province) has led the formation of the novices, and this year Friar Marek has been assigned to join him. Next month, another one of our province friars will arrive in Arroyo Grande to serve as the “wisdom friar” for the novices. Friar Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, OFM Conv. we be a friar in residence, sharing almost 50 years of experience as a Solemnly Professed friar. On August 2, 2022, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels (our province’s patronal feast day), Friar Marek will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of his Solemn Vow Profession. He kindly shared these photos of the 1st month with the Novices.
NOTE: The Novitiate’s website and Facebook page are in the midst of updates.
Check back later for more information on this stage of formation for our friars
and to follow along with the progress of the Novitiate Class of 2022-2023.
For more information on life as a Franciscan Friar Conventual visit: FranciscanVoice.org.
Contact the Vocation Directors of our Province at vocations@olaprovince.org.
Friar Marek leads the Novices in Adoration
Blessing of the new garden
Working together to plant the new gardens
Novitiate’s Chapel
Br. Joseph Wood, OFM Conv. (Novice Director – left front) and Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. (Assistant Novice Director – right front). Our Province’s two Novices – friar Connor Ouly, OFM Conv. (next to Br. Joe) and friar Marvin Paul Fernandez, OFM Conv. (next to Fr. Marek)
On this Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, as we begin our third* Province Quadrennium,
we reflect on these words from our Minister Provincial, Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv.: “May the simplicity of life
that our friars lived at the Portiuncula
inspire all of us to focus on what truly is important,
her Son, Jesus.”
Our province logo incorporates the Portiuncula graphic. This small chapel of St. Mary of the Angels, nicknamed Portiuncula – “Little Portion” by our Seraphic Father St. Francis of Assisi, is located within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli – The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, in Assisi, Italy, and is considered the cradle of the Order. Franciscans around the world celebrate August 2nd as the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, but as friars of a province named in her honor, we hold the day in special regard, as it is also our Patronal Feast Day. There will be many opportunities to join our friars for celebrations (live and virtual) throughout the province. We encourage all to find a ministry location nearest to you, and to join with our friars in celebrating Our Lady of the Angels. Visit our ministry locations page for links to our various ministries’ websites.
*NOTE: In 2014, friars of the Immaculate Conception Province (est. 1872) and the St. Anthony of Padua Province (est. 1906) joined together in union to become, our friars of the Franciscan Friars Conventual – Our Lady of the Angels Province. (Read more about our history in the USA) This is why it is only our province’s “third” Quadrennium (four year period). Our province includes over 220 friars, under the leadership of Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. [Minister Provincial], Fr. Gary Johnson, OFM Conv. [Vicar Provincial], and Br. Nicholas Romeo, OFM Conv. [Province Secretary]. Most of the friars of our province serve in ministries along the United States’ East Coast. We also have a handful of friars serving in Italy (Assisi, Rome, Vatican City), Japan & Australia. In addition, our province includes friars of our Provincial Delegation – St. Francis of Assisi in Canada, and friars of our two Provincial Custodies – Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Brazil & Blessed Agnellus of Pisa in Great Britain-Ireland.
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More on the Portiuncula,
and the Il Perdono (the Portiuncula Indulgence):
Six years ago (2016) marked the 800th Anniversary of the August 2nd Portiuncula Indulgence.
The small chapel (at left) of St. Mary of the Angels (Our Lady of the Angels) was very dear to St. Francis of Assisi. He referred to it as the Portiuncula (aka “Little Portion”). Originally settling into the sacred hut of Rivo Torto for about two years with his companions, serving the lepers in the valley below Assisi, an area known as “Arce,” St. Francis obtained from the Benedictines the use of the Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels, for which he paid a basket of fish. The chapel and the surrounding small parcel of land were in disrepair. He relocated there, and just as he had done at San Damiano, St. Francis rebuilt the chapel, adding small huts (cells) and enclosing it all in a protective hedge. It was there that St. Francis gained a more vivid understanding of his own vocation. It was there that he held the annual meetings of the growing Order of friars (Chapters), and it is there, where he desired to spend his final earthly moments; dying in his nearby cell in 1226.
St. Francis felt that the Portiuncula was a place filled with God’s grace. In 1216, at the request of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Honorius granted special privilege (plenary indulgence – a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins) to all those who would visit the little chapel.
Although limited to include from noon on August 1st to midnight on August 2nd, the privilege continues to be granted to this day; not only to those who visit the Portiuncula, but to anyone who visits any church where Franciscan Friars live and minister.
Conditions to receive this privilege for yourself or for someone else – living or deceased:
Sacramental confession to be in God’s grace (during the eight days before or after)
Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Communion
Visit to the Portiuncula or another Franciscan Church, followed by Profession of Faith, in order to reaffirm one’s own Christian identity
Say the Our Father, in order to reaffirm the dignity as a child of God that one received in Baptism
Pray for the Pope’s intentions, in order to reaffirm one’s membership in the Church, of which the Roman Pontiff is the foundation and sign of visible unity
Inside the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli
The beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (below) that now surrounds the Portiuncula chapel was begun in 1569 (completed in 1684) by decree of Pius V. It was meant to accommodate the huge crowds of pilgrims who came on August 2nd for Il Perdono (Portiuncula Indulgence). This is an important feast day for all Franciscans and is celebrated in Franciscan churches throughout the world.
On July 13, 2022, a new year began for the community at the St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California, USA. This inter-Provincial novitiate is under the jurisdiction of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF).
July 27, 2022 Black Catholic Messenger – article by Nate Tinner-Williams – eaturing the cause of +Fr. Martin de Porres Maria Ward, OFM Conv. for sainthood.
Our Lady of the Angels Province student friar Antonio Moualeu, OFM Conv. will be joining our friars of the St. Frances of Assisi Friary (Hamburg, NY) for his Apostolic Year of Formation. We have nine friars living in that friary, seven of whom serve at our St. Francis High School (SFHS), where friar Antonio is assigned as the new Campus Minister for the 2022-2023 school year. On June 25, 2022, the former Campus Minister, Fr. Matt Foley, OFM Conv., was appointed President of the school. This past May, friar Antonio Moualeu, OFM Conv. received a Doctoral Degree in Mechanical Engineering, from Georgia Institute of Technology. (Read More)
On July 20, 2022, in the beautiful SFHS Chapel, at the hands of Fr. Maximilian Avila, OFM Conv. (seated at left), friar Antonio renewed his Simple Vows; recommitting his desire to live the Gospel as a Franciscan Friar Conventual. Friar Max has been assigned as the new Friary Guardian, and has served as an Instructor at SFHS since 2018. Alongside two of his confreres, friar Antonio first professed his Simple Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, on July 22, 2019. These Simple Vows are also referred to as Temporary Vows, since they are for only three years. It usually takes a bit longer for the final preparation for Solemn (also known as Perpetual) Vows, so it is most often necessary for a friar to renew his Simple Vows, at least once during his formation journey. Such a Vow Renewal has not taken place in the school’s chapel for a long time, and it was a very joyous occasion. When asked about this next step, friar Antonio said, “I’m very excited to serve the SFHS community as the next Campus Minster. I look forward to a great school year ahead!”
Learn more about life as a Franciscan Friar Conventual: Franciscan Voice
For more information on Our Lady of the Angels Province Vocations, email vocations@olaprovince.org.
The Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Member will support the Farm Manager in recruiting and overseeing volunteers for a wide range of work on our diversified vegetable and fruit farm. This role entails a majority of the time spent outdoors assisting and guiding volunteers in tasks such as planting, harvesting, weeding, and much more, all of which support of our overarching ecological and food justice goals. This position also includes some office tasks including assisting with volunteer communication and recruitment.
July 16-17, 2022: I participated in the Bicycle Pilgrimage from New Jersey to American Czestochowa, which is located about 20 mils from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Doylestown, PA). I was there for the first time, and I also had a sentimental reason, because my grandmother’s cousin, the president of the American Episcopate and Cardinal of Philadelphia – the late +Most Rev. John Cardinal Krol contributed significantly to the construction of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Czestochowa in this place.
For the eighth time, Pawel Siek organized a bicycle pilgrimage. It ran under God’s care, that is, there were no accidents and other bad adventures, with the small exception of when it rained abundantly at night and several tents were flooded and several participants “floated on mattresses.” However, this experience had a penitential dimension and did not change the joyful atmosphere.
Friar Bogus (in helmet), with his group of participants.
Our pilgrimage was attended by 20 men from the group of St. Joseph. The oldest participant in our group was 62 years old, and the youngest 18 years old. We traveled about 180 kilometers in two days. After each stage, which was an average of 20 mils, we prayed the rosary, and at 3 pm the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. At the end of the prayers, I spoke about mini-spiritual conferences, supplementing them with short examples from my missionary experiences in Uganda. Finally, several participants asked for the sacrament of Penance.
Before Our Lady Shrine, we joined a bicycle pilgrimage that came from Boston (over 350 mils) and together we entered American Czestochowa on Sunday at 11.30 am. We were welcomed by the superior of the Pauline Monastery, Father Marcin Ćwierz, OSPPE. He said, among other things, that he is glad that the pilgrimage movement to Czestochowa is returning after the pandemic. We participated in the Eucharist at midday, which was also attended by motorcyclists from Chicago. The sermon was about Saint Christopher the patron saint of travelers. After the Holy Mass, all vehicles were blessed. The atmosphere on the pilgrimage was joyful and there was kindness and understanding among the participants of the spiritual purpose of the pilgrimage.
Br. Vincent Vivian, OFM Conv. made his Solemn Profession, in our St. Hyacinth Friary Chapel (Chicopee, Massachusetts), on July 16, 2022. Our Minister Provincial, Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv., delegated Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. (the former Minister Provincial) to receive Br. Vincent’s vows and preside at the Mass. Fr. Mitchell Sawicki, OFM Conv. and Fr. Noel Danielewicz, OFM Conv. served as the canonical witnesses. Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM Conv. served as master of ceremonies for the Mass, which was attended by the many friars living and serving in the area, followed by a festive dinner. Keep Br. Vincent and all of our friars in joyful prayer.
Note: Friar Vincent 1st Professed Solemn Vows in 1970 and served in many capacities during his time as a friar of our province, including serving as a Missionary Friar. After a short period of time away, and having been approved for re-admission to the Order by the Minister General and his General Definitory, Br. Vincent was re-invested in the habit of our Order as a member of Our Lady of the Angels Province, on September 3, 2018, by then Minister Provincial, Friar James, during Mass in the Provincialate chapel. At that time, he began the canonically required period of probation, professing his Simple Vows in July 2019.
July 11-15, 2022: Friar Delegates of Our Lady of the Angels Province joined the Assistant General of the CFF [Conventual Franciscan Federation] ~ Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv., our Minister Provincial ~ Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (above right), our Vicar Provincial ~ Fr. Gary Johnson, OFM Conv. (above left), the Custos of our Immaculate Conception Custody (Brazil) ~ Frei Ronaldo Gomes da Silva, OFM Conv., and the Custos of our Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody (Great Britain/Ireland) ~ Friar Ciprian Budău, OFM Conv., for the Ordinary Provincial Chapter 2022 – Part II. {link to Part I}
On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the friars gathered during the 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer, led by Friar Michael and joined virtually by the other friars of our province, celebrated the Investiture of our province’s two new Novices: friar Marvin Paul Fernandez, OFM Conv. (above at center of Province’s our Delegation of St. Francis of Assisi, Canada) and friar Connor J. Ouly, OFM Conv. (above at right)
Fr. Joe Bayne, OFM Conv., our Assistant Postulancy Director, who served as a formator for friar Marvin and friar Connor during their time in the Postulancy, read from The First Letter of John. Fr. Mark Szanyi, OFM Conv., Prefect of Formation & Initial Formation Commission, then called forth friar Marvin and friar Connor, who in turn asked of Friar Michael the “clothes of probation.” They were welcomed by Friar Michael, in fraternity, to take this next step into the life of Franciscan Friars Conventual, ensuring that they will not be alone in this journey. Friar Michael reminded them that “the habit is not a sign of power, and it doesn’t bring attention to you personally, because it is the clothes of the poor man; the one who walked the roads of Assisi and preached a homily without words.” The new Novices were clothed in the habit of our Order (at right), followed by a fraternal embrace by each friar present. They were then sent forth to begin their year and a day in the North American Novitiate, where they will live in fraternity – in private and communal prayer, in classes, workshops, seminars, experiencing manual work, and other activities in line with the goals of this stage of formation.
After Morning Prayer, Br. Tom Purcell, OFM Conv. introduced Bishop John Dennis Corriveau, O.F.M. Cap. (at left, the Bishop Emeritus of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada and a former Minister General of the Capuchins) who offered a reflection, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (below) and celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Although the rest of the days and evenings were filled with a tight agenda of meetings, proposals, presentations, assignments, and discussions, the week was one of great fraternal joy.
On this Feast of Our Lady of the Angels, as we begin our third* Province Quadrennium,
Written by ~ Fr. Bogusław Dąbrowski, OFM Conv.
Before Our Lady Shrine, we joined a bicycle pilgrimage that came from Boston (over 350 mils) and together we entered American Czestochowa on Sunday at 11.30 am. We were welcomed by the superior of the Pauline Monastery, Father Marcin Ćwierz, OSPPE. He said, among other things, that he is glad that the pilgrimage movement to Czestochowa is returning after the pandemic. 
July 11-15, 2022: Friar Delegates of Our Lady of the Angels Province joined the Assistant General of the CFF [Conventual Franciscan Federation] ~ Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv., our Minister Provincial ~ Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. (above right), our Vicar Provincial ~ Fr. Gary Johnson, OFM Conv. (above left), the Custos of our Immaculate Conception Custody (Brazil) ~ Frei Ronaldo Gomes da Silva, OFM Conv., and the Custos of our Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody (Great Britain/Ireland) ~ Friar Ciprian Budău, OFM Conv., for the Ordinary Provincial Chapter 2022 – Part II. {
Fr. Mark Szanyi, OFM Conv., Prefect of Formation & Initial Formation Commission, then called forth friar Marvin and friar Connor, who in turn asked of Friar Michael the “clothes of probation.” They were welcomed by Friar Michael, in fraternity, to take this next step into the life of Franciscan Friars Conventual, ensuring that they will not be alone in this journey. Friar Michael reminded them that “the habit is not a sign of power, and it doesn’t bring attention to you personally, because it is the clothes of the poor man; the one who walked the roads of Assisi and preached a homily without words.” The new Novices were clothed in the habit of our Order (at right), followed by a fraternal embrace by each friar present. They were then sent forth to begin their year and a day in the 
After Morning Prayer, Br. Tom Purcell, OFM Conv. introduced Bishop John Dennis Corriveau, O.F.M. Cap. (at left, the Bishop Emeritus of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada and a former Minister General of the Capuchins) who offered a reflection, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (below) and celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
