With the turning of the seasons, creation itself reminds us that change is constant. Our lives are no different, as we periodically transition from one phase in our lives to another. Yet unlike the weather, we often engage such changes through a process of discernment. This is markedly felt among our Conventual Franciscan community at all levels of our way of life, from our men in initial formation taking their next steps in that journey, to our solemnly professed friars discerning together at provincial chapters and transitioning into new assignments.
In Chicago this summer, we welcomed eleven men to postulancy, the first phase in Franciscan formation. It is a year for the candidate to live in community, learn about himself and the Franciscan way of life, and to discern if this is where he truly feels called. Meanwhile, the previous class of postulants moved into the next formation stage in California: the novitiate. Invested now with the Franciscan habit, our novices experience a more intense year of contemplation and discernment, focusing on the call to profess and live the vows of obedience and chastity and to live without anything of their own. Following their novitiate experience in July, last year’s cohort of novices professed temporary vows for a period of three years. They began their formal academic studies in San Antonio a few months ago. In this period of post-novitiate formation, they discern more seriously the call to a lifelong commitment to Franciscan religious life.
Discernment is a process. It requires time, prayer, attentive listening to the Holy Spirit, and humble self-knowledge. It is also a communal endeavor and involves communication with those near to us (e.g., spiritual directors, mentors, confreres, friends). In Franciscan formation, as in any relationship, discernment is a two-way street. Both the student and the order of friars mutually discern his suitability and readiness for the next stage of formation, solemn profession, or ordination. But discernment doesn’t end there. Discernment and formation are ongoing. Friars, in fact, all Christians, are called to listen to the Holy Spirit, to be formed by the Gospel, and to be open to growth and conversion as we seek to do God’s will.
This year has been especially significant for communal ongoing discernment as several of our Franciscan provinces have celebrated Provincial Chapters. Every four years, friars convene at Chapter to honestly consider our past and present and to envision our future. We elect and approve new leadership, and some friars are assigned to new friaries to assume a different ministry. More than a corporate meeting, however, Chapter is an opportunity to strengthen our fraternal bonds. It is a synodal experience in which we prayerfully listen to the Holy Spirit in the voices of our brothers, young and old. In this way, we commonly discern difficult decisions and how we are called to journey forward together.
In all these experiences of transition and discernment, the importance of 1. prayer, 2. community, and 3. self-reflection stands out as fundamental. The same is true for all of us. We need God, we need each other, and we need to know ourselves humbly and honestly to discern God’s call amidst life’s changes. Whether facing a major decision or embarking on a new venture in life, these three elements are key for discerning and listening to the Holy Spirit.
