On July 7, 2023, two men were officially welcomed into the CFF Postulancy Program and two postulants were welcomed back to the program. The Rite of Beginning Fraternity was held at the CFF Formation House located at St. Bonaventure Friary, Chicago, Illinois. Friar Paul Joseph Langevin, Minister Provincial of St. Bonaventure Province, presided at the welcoming ceremony. Friar Michael Heine, Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, was also present. A dozen friars from different jurisdictions joined in welcoming our new postulants. After the welcoming ceremony, everyone enjoyed a fraternal dinner.
My name is Paulo Moonjeli, and I am currently 19 years old. Pittsburgh, PA was the place of my birth, but I spent my formative years in the southern region of India as an Eastern Catholic. My interests lie in playing soccer and participating in thought-provoking discussions. Throughout my life, the Franciscan Charism has captivated me, particularly its harmonious blend of prayer and work, as well as the uplifting sense of community life that brings immense joy to my soul. Paulo is from Our Lady of Consolation Province.
My name is Ross Vito Caruso. I was born in Chicago, IL. I have lived away from there for almost 20 years now. I am 42 years old now! I lived on the West Coast for some time, then moved to New Orleans in 2017, and recently lived in Knoxville Tennessee. I have a love for life. In my younger years I was all about traveling and exploration. I love to hike, bike, go on long walks, read the Bible, and pray. I have always sought God and never felt I knew Him, until Jesus came into my life. The past four years of my life has been getting closer to Christ. I felt called by God to apply for Postulancy in the Conventual Franciscan Order a couple of years ago. I do believe God guides us if we ask and truly listen. I know that being in Postulancy will allow me to live my life more in line with what God is calling me to do, which is to live out His Gospel and keep praying and staying close to Jesus. I look forward to meeting everyone! God bless. Peace in Christ. Ross is from Saint Bonaventure Province.
My name is James Muzzey. I am 37 years old and from Holland, Michigan. I was born and raised in Germany. In 2006, I came to the US. For about 20 years, I was a firefighter for Germany and Michigan. Since I was a little kid, I have been interested in music. I played in various orchestras. My most recent orchestra was the American Legion Band in Holland, MI. For most of my life, I played the trumpet. But just a few years ago, I started to play the tenor saxophone, which I really enjoy playing. Since my First Communion, I had a feeling to be part of the Church. About 10 years ago, I received my calling for either priesthood or religious life. At that time, I thought it was a phase, but this never left my mind. The reason I wanted to join the Conventual Franciscans is because I always wanted to help my community in worship and prayers. When I came to my first Come and See I felt very welcome. James will be continuing his postulancy by taking classes at Truman Community College and will be involved in a variety of ministries. James is from Saint Bonaventure Province.
My name is César Victor Cruz Pérez III. I am 38 years old and was born in Los Angeles, California. I grew up in the Philippines. During my high school days, I founded a choir group after noticing many out of school youth who could serve the Lord through singing. In 2006, I graduated from college in the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business and Entrepreneurial Management. I returned to the United States in 2009. In 2011, I had a wonderful experience when I attended World Youth Day in Madrid with the Conventual Friars and again in 2012 at the Giovani Verso Assisi gathering. I have been a catechist and an Extra-ordinary Minister of Holy Communion in my parish. Prior to entering the Postulancy Program, I worked for Amazon, for Virgin Atlantic Airlines, for Marriott Hotel, and for Starbucks as a barista. During my free time, I like to visit the Blessed Sacrament, stroll or bike in the park, and clean. I also like exploring other countries and cities and trying different cuisines. I desire to follow the Franciscan way of life and use this time of discernment to see if this is where God is calling me. Their joyful spirit and fraternity encourage me to want to be part of them. César will be continuing his postulancy by taking classes at Loyola University and will be involved in a variety of ministries. César is from Our Lady of the Angels Province.