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 NEW! Download our Centenary Newsletter here The following article written by BILL GLEN, WCR Staff Writer, appeared in the Western Catholic Reporter the Week of March 13, 2006 Franciscans joyfully attract more vocations Young men are being drawn to the Franciscan path It might be early to call it a trend, but the number of Franciscans in formation in Edmonton has grown to six. And more are anticipated next year. "It's a new beginning," said Franciscan Father Don MacDonald, professor of systematic theology at Newman Theological College. Falling numbers in the order forced the closure of the old friary and St. Francis of Assisi Church last year. Both had served the Edmonton area for nearly 100 years. On a wing and a prayer, the order's Western Canadian provincial office was relocated into Clement House at 81st Street and Jasper Avenue, owned by the Redemptorists. The Franciscans are leasing the residence temporarily.
Sudden influx "What is behind the growth is that we have found a small core of young friars to stay," said Clyne, vocations director for the province. "Young people are now seeing other young people in the order and I think that's attracting them.
"The men in formation are pretty proactive in letting others know
that there is something going on."
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 More Photos of recent professions  ......................................................................... Three Guys in Brown Left to right (Dan Gurnick, Armand Mercier, James Rodrigo) Read story >>  |
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