October 6, 2005
The Postulancy is the first stage of formation in our community. This is a six month program running from the beginning of September to the beginning of March at which time the postulants become novices. They then receive the holy habit of Saint Francis, don the title “brother” (and possibly a new name), and move to our friary in Newark, New Jersey.
Every September I am thankful again to be living with the postulants as the assistant postulant director. This year I am particularly inspired by their zeal and enthusiasm for our Gospel way of life. Presently they are doing very well (to all you family and friends, keep praying for them!). I am reminded of the words of our Holy Father Saint Francis as he lay dying, “Brothers, let us begin again, for up to now we have done very little.” Renewal – beginning again – is a perpetual Franciscan posture. Vatican II taught that the Church is in constant need of renewal and purification. The Lord’s mercies are new every morning!
When we begin our day with prayer, let us pray for the grace to live each day anew in God’s grace. Entrust your past to God’s mercy, entrust your future to His providence, live the present moment to the fullest. Lord, let me live this day as if it were my first day, my last day, my only day. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done. Amen.
God bless you; let us pray for each other,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
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