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Franciscan Vocation Program at Siena College and St. Bonaventure University

Some years ago the administration of Holy Name Province and the Director of Vocation for the Province designated two schools of the Holy Name Province Franciscans -- Siena College (outside Albany, N.Y.) and St. Bonaventure University (in the southwest corner of upstate New York between the City of Olean, N.Y., and the Village of Allegany, N.Y.) -- as centers for young men of college age to experience a period of discernment, a time of study and investigation of the prospect of joining the Franciscan Order while earning an undergraduate degree. Over the past few years young men have participated in these programs at Siena College and St. Bonaventure University.

At both schools, the vocation discernment group meets regularly throughout the semester in the friary for prayer and informal discussions led by the friar who is the program coordinator.

Discussions center around the life of St. Francis, the spiritual life as a Christian Catholic, the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Franciscan community life, ministries in Holy Name Province and the Franciscan charism on campus. Guests that have spoken with the groups include campus ministers, Secular Franciscans, friar professors and theologians, Holy Name Province's Provincial Minister and Vocation Director.

In addition to studies, group members are encouraged to engage in some form of ministry in their free time. Tutoring, involvement in liturgy as lector, Eucharistic minister, choir member, volunteering as a Big Brother, working with Habitat for Humanity, participating on campus committees and boards are some possibilities. Some have gone to the Province's soup kitchen in Philadelphia during college breaks.

Often, the program members are invited to the friary to join with the friars at meals and community prayer and Eucharist. Usually, once a semester the group goes off for a weekend retreat. The Siena group has joined with the Benedictines of Weston Priory in Vermont. The group at St. Bonaventure has visited nearby Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, N.Y., for retreat. In addition, the Franciscan College Vocation group has participated with the Vocation Office's Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi.

After graduation, those who apply and are accepted to the Franciscan Province of The Most Holy Name of Jesus will go to Holy Cross Friary in the Bronx for a year or two as postulants. When they finish at Holy Cross and have been invited to do so, the candidates are received as novices and complete a one-year novitiate program at St. Paul's Friary in Wilmington, DE., culminating in simple profession to live Franciscan community life by the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Then as a simply professed religious, the new friars prepare, study, and train for ministry in the church as a Franciscan priest or brother.

For more information about Siena College, one can reach Siena Admissions at http://www.siena.edu or 888-AT-SIENA. For more information about St. Bonaventure University one can reach St. Bonaventure Admissions at http://www.sbu.edu or 800-462-5050. For more information about the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province serving at Siena College and St. Bonaventure University, contact the Franciscan Vocation Ministry of Holy Name Province at 800-677-7788.

Comments as to "why belong to such a group?" – by men participating in the Franciscan College Vocation Program include:

"I have a feeling that I may have a call to a vocation. Indeed, I know I have a call to this as a Christian, but I think the calling may be to the friars."

"After being invited to attend, I jumped at the chance because I want to learn more about the Franciscan way of life."

"I am interested in strengthening my faith."

"I am interested in the Priesthood and I wish to be involved in any way I can."

"I would like to know more about the Franciscans and the Franciscan way of life."

"To be with other students who think they may have a call to religious life and also to get a sense of religious community."

Please feel free to let us know of any comments or questions you might have about our program by emailing Fr. Brian at Vocation@hnp.org.