On February 27th, the postulants visited the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown where Bro. Augustine measured the postulants to begin tailoring grey Conventual habits in preparation for their investiture in the next phase of formation to come, the novitiate. The Conventual Franciscan Friars wear a grey habit that includes two pieces, the capuche and the tunic. Once novices, they will wear a white cord around the waist without knots. The three knots are tied once first (temporary) vows are professed. These knots will represent the choice to live the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Please pray for the postulants as they continue to discern God’s Will and follow the path He is calling them to in formation with the Franciscan Conventual Friars.
You find it interesting to know, the material is grey polyester in most cases. Some of the materials come from “leftover” threads after JCPenney and other major companies have made a batch of their clothing.
Each habit is custom made with the measurements of the friar in mind.
Bro. Augustine measuring Paul for the Franciscan Conventual Friars habit. Bro. Augustine has been a friar since 1976. That is the same year Paul was born.
The habit makes the Sign of the Cross when a friar stands with his arms outstretched and the cowl overhead.
Bro. Augustine spends up to ten hours tailoring each habit. May they not be wasted!
Bro. Augustine has made 825 habits throughout his service as the Franciscan Conventual Friars’ tailor.
Bro. Augustine measuring George for the tailoring of the grey Conventual habit.
Bro. Augustine measuring Tristen for the habit. The next phase of formation is the novitiate, where current postulants will dawn the habit.
Bro. Augustine reminds the postulants that the habit is both “a shield and a target” against evil.
Let us keep these men in our prayers as they continue on their faith journey.