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September 1, 2020Our Lord calls young men to serve him and his Church, even during a pandemic! In difficult times it’s tempting to focus solely on the latest statistics and dire headlines, but like the whispering sound mentioned in the Book of Kings, good news abounds in the midst of noise and disaster. This summer, our province celebrated the Diaconate Ordination of Br. James Martin Nobles, O.P., the renewal of vows of Br. Carlos Salas, O.P., the Priesthood Ordination of Br. Joseph Paul Albin, O.P., and the reception of five men into the Novitiate - Br. Aquinas Pace, Br. Samuel Wharton, Br. Jordan Pearcy, Br. Timothy Dominic Warren, and Br. Hunter Bradford (all pictured below).
Most people have heard of seminary and understand it well enough as studies in philosophy, theology, and pastoral ministry in preparation for the priesthood. Dominican formation, however, begins with a novitiate year - a year of discernment within the Order. During this year, the novices focus on living Dominican life in a deliberate way - through prayer, study, and living in community. During this year, these five men will experience all aspects of religious life. They will grow in their ability to balance action and contemplation, prayer and ministry, community and solitude.
When a man is called to be a Dominican friar, the question is about being a part of a community, not only the priesthood. Since our founding in 1216, Dominicans have always lived in community - praying together several times a day, celebrating Mass, having meals together, as well as preaching and teaching.
Perhaps what people first notice about a Dominican friar is his habit. The white Dominican habit is a sign of consecration, humility, and hope. On August 10, 2020, the five new men received the holy habit of St. Dominic in a quiet ceremony during Vespers (Evening Prayer). In the centuries-old tradition, the new men lay prostrate on the ground while the Prior Provincial, Fr. Tom Condon, O.P., asked them the question, “What do you seek?” The men answered, “God’s mercy and yours.” Then one by one, the men knelt before the Prior Provincial and were vested (clothed) in the habit and rosary. This perhaps may be one of the few times in the Order’s history where men were vested while wearing face masks.
The habit itself, especially in today’s world, is a sign of consecration, of being set apart for a specific purpose. Humility comes from knowing that the habit is not something that you earn or buy, but something that you ask for and that is given to you. It is a humbling experience to have someone dress you. And the habit is a sign of hope. Our Lord continues to call young men to be Preachers of the Gospel. We become preachers not because we are intelligent or great orators, but because we have received mercy. It’s the first thing we ask for when we begin the formation process, “God’s mercy and yours,” and it is something that we strive to offer every day since. Please pray for our men in formation, our novices and student brothers, they are your future priests and brothers bringing a visible sign of God’s mercy and hope to you and the world.
Take the next step in your discernment. Contact Fr. Francis, O.P. for more information or with questions.
