by Fr. Andy Martinez, OFM Conv.

And Jesus asked, “Were there not 10 of them?” (Luke 17:17). In this case I’m referring to ten men attending the Vocation Retreat in Mesilla Park, New Mexico on October 24-26. The vocation retreat was a great experience! Indeed, God calls all! The men gathered to learn and consider the Conventual Franciscan way of life came from very diverse backgrounds. We had several men working toward bachelors and some aspiring to receive Masters degrees. A couple of the men were already in the professional world and seeking more – a communal evangelical life.

Friar Don Bassana, OFM Conv., shares his vocation journey.

These men were privileged to hear stories of missionary life as Friar Ivan Rolhoff shared his experiences of ministering in the Southwest, Central America and Russia! Friar Miguel Briseño shared the many vibrant ministries the friars are involved in.

The weekend was filled with much energy and spirit as we celebrated and praised God for the gift of ministering to and with the Tigua People at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Tortugas, New Mexico. The descendants of the Tigua people celebrated their 100 years at this place of worship and the friars were able to share with these men a place and people we have been honored to minister to and with for the last 32 years.

We ask for your prayers as these men now return to their perspective lives. May all ten “Glorify God in a loud voice” (Luke 17:16) and perhaps return to learn more about our life. Some of these men expressed interest in attending the “Come and See” in San Antonio, Texas on January 30-February 1, 2015.

We look forward to hearing and seeing how we can journey with these men as they strive to live a life filled with gratitude praising God.