Simple Vows an Encouraging Tradition

A summer of vocational celebrations for the Franciscans of Western Canada began on June 14^th, 2009 when Joachim Ostermann, OFM, and Carlos Christopher Ona, OFM, made their initial vows to live the gospel as temporary professed members of the Franciscan Order.  These two men, who both come with years of professional experience in the sciences, will now take up full-time studies at Newman Theological College, while living at the Franciscan house of studies, St. Francis Friary, in Edmonton.  “Having completed a one year novitiate, and eager to work”, the two men “will be a welcome addition to our community in Edmonton” says post-novitiate director David Norman OFM.  The Simple Profession of Joachim and Carlos preceded a much bigger celebration, the Solemn Vows of Armand Mercier, OFM, and Dan Gurnick, OFM, on August 20^th.  Friars Billy Isenor, OFM, and Pierre Ducharme, OFM, also renewed their commitment for one more year on August 17^th, 2009.