Franciscans joyfully attract more vocations

Young men are being drawn to the Franciscan path

- WCR photo by Bill Glen Friars Pierre Ducharme, Billy Isenor, Armand Mercier James Rodrigo and Dan Gurnick are in formation. Missing is Dwayne Fernandez.

By BILL GLEN
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

It might be early to call it a trend, but the number of Franciscans in formation in Edmonton has grown to six. And more are anticipated next year.

"It's a new beginning," said Franciscan Father Don MacDonald, professor of systematic theology at Newman Theological College.

Falling numbers in the order forced the closure of the old friary and St. Francis of Assisi Church last year. Both had served the Edmonton area for nearly 100 years.

On a wing and a prayer, the order's Western Canadian provincial office was relocated into Clement House at 81st Street and Jasper Avenue, owned by the Redemptorists. The Franciscans are leasing the residence temporarily.

Sudden influx

Although Brother Gerry Clyne continually travels Western Canada spreading the word about the Franciscans, he humbly denies that he has anything to do with the sudden influx of vocations.

"What is behind the growth is that we have found a small core of young friars to stay," said Clyne, vocations director for the province.

"Young people are now seeing other young people in the order and I think that's attracting them.

"The men in formation are pretty proactive in letting others know that there is something going on."

A rare abundance

Brother Bert Manthey was the last friar to profess his final vows in 2004. Before him was Clyne some 14 years ago. Having the six men in formation is rare.

"It is unique for us to have this many men at once. It's a joy to see their active youth," Clyne said.

And there may be three more next year.

"You never know until they come through the door."

Armand Mercier, James Rodrigo and Dan Gurnick have professed temporary vows while Pierre Ducharme, Billy Isenor and Dwayne Fernandez are postulants. Their ages average about 30.

Ducharme met the Franciscans three years ago when he began his studies in theology at Newman. He remained a lay student for two years before accepting his call to religious life.

"I was drawn to living a fraternal life. It wasn't my only option, but it was the best option for me," said Ducharme, a native of Vancouver.

"Now there is a movement with peers so it made it easier to see myself in community because there is friendship and camaraderie."

St. Francis' spirit of poverty and the mission work of the friars are what attracted Gurnick to the order. With Mercier, he performed mission work in a Peru orphanage, helping to build a chapel.

"I help out at the Bissell Centre and with the St. Vincent de Paul Society (in St. Alphonsus Parish) delivering furniture to the poor. I go to St. Michael's Extended Care and visit with the residents," Gurnick said.

Isenor fell away from the Church for a few years. He began reading about St. Francis and the order's development of community life and fraternity - and about extending the fraternity into ministry helping the poor.

Manthey is a friend of Isenor's father, who influenced Isenor by his willingness to contribute to the order.

Isenor felt called to find out more about religious life as a diocesan priest. But he chose the Franciscans.

"Discerning is an ongoing process. I'm aspiring to teach theology at a graduate level. Whether I'm a priest is another question. But I'm leaving the option open.

"It's one step at a time."

The men share morning and evening prayers and a Saturday night dinner with guests, but throughout the day they have their own studies and ministries. All are students at Newman.

On occasion, they play floor hockey, music, hike or cook together.

Mercier was a businessman for several years when he developed a desire to serve God and the Church. He entered seminary life for a year. Community life appealed to him.

Living in a home with 13 other men produces daily challenges. Mercier finds it all a learning process.

"There are peers and mentors here. We have people we look up to," Mercier said.

"We learn to live a Christian life and a life of ministry. As a friar, there are many ways to serve the world in a larger sense."

Ducharme said, "There are plenty of ministries in Edmonton, so the house is quite busy. It's hard not to be excited."

A lively and diverse spirit enlightens the house, Clyne said.

"It has been an amazing transition."

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