By Br. Greg Plata, OFM

Franciscan brothers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, welcomed members of the province Vocation Team and three inquirers to their respective friaries during the weekend of May 17 to 19. The team consisted of Brothers Greg Plata, OFM, Henri Djojo, OFM, and Jeffery Jordan, OFM, and myself.

On Friday night, the inquirers were greeted by Provincial Councilor Br. Rommel Perez Flores, OFM. He told the men how important they are to the Order, stating that he and other friars would be praying as they continued their discernment of our Franciscan way of life. That evening, Brothers Mike Haney, OFM, Andrés Gallegos-Jimenez, OFM, Erasmo Romero, OFM, and Greg Friedman, OFM, shared their vocation stories, including the challenges and joys of being a friar today. 

The Franciscan residences in Albuquerque reflect the beauty of the Southwest with their architectural style and colors. Br. Erasmo, who serves as the present guardian of Casa Guadalupe Friary, made sure the visiting friars and discerners were comfortable in their accommodations and well fed with foods associated with the culture of that region. 

On Saturday morning, Br. Greg Friedman, OFM, gave a presentation on Sts Francis and Clare based on their social, cultural and religious backgrounds. He then took the group to a food distribution center known as Francis House, sponsored by the Catholic Worker. The three discerners, along with Br. Greg Friedman, OFM, and me, jumped right in, serving drinks, sandwiches and accommodating the needs of the homeless. Francis House provides everything from use of a bathroom to a fresh pair of socks. The guests appreciated what they received, with lots of heartfelt thanks expressed.  

That afternoon, Br. Maynard Shurley, OFM, shared his vocation story with the group during lunch. His father was a cradle Catholic, while his mother converted. As a Navajo, his perspective on his Franciscan vocation and appreciation of Catholicism added a unique perspective. 

“My experience was seeing how Catholicism, rather than eradicating our understanding of God as Navajos, was able to assimilate many of our beliefs that were common to Christianity,” said Br. Maynard.  

He, along with Brothers Bob Valentine, OFM, guardian of San Juan Diego Friary, Bruce Michalek, OFM, and Paul Juniet, OFM, shared their vocation stories, and what brought them to the Franciscans. An overriding theme was “fraternity and community,” and their joy of serving among the various pueblos and the indigenous communities. 

Later in the afternoon, the inquirers and accompanying friars joined the people of Holy Family Parish for the vigil Mass, enthusiastically celebrated by Br. Patrick Schafer, OFM. Towards the end of Mass, Br. Patrick he announced he would be moving to serve the Catholic community in Roswell, New Mexico. His popularity among the people was evident. 

As with most Come and See weekends, Saturday nights are a time to unwind after a busy day, watching a video or movie, or just talking among each other. After morning prayer, each of the inquirers met with the vocations team to suggest the next steps in their discernment. As of this writing, one of the men on the discernment weekend has made formal application to the province.  

Would you like to join our next Come and See weekend? Contact our vocations office to get started.