Young Man from British Columbia Enters Franciscan Postulancy Program
Chifundo Phiri
When Chifundo Phiri lived in his native Zambia he saw the Franciscan friars undertake missions in his country, missions that improved the lives of many of his compatriots. Years later as an immigrant in British Columbia, Canada he finished his secondary education and began working in retail. He also got in touch with Friar Eric de la Pena – the Franciscans’ vocation director for parts of the Eastern United States and all of Canada. Something inside of Chifundo drew him to the Franciscan way of life.
Over the last several months, Friar Eric and Chifundo had a number of conversations during which Chifundo started to feel that he wanted to try the Franciscan way. So he applied to the Franciscans’ Postulancy Program and the friars accepted him. He will begin the program on July 1, 2011. As a postulant, Chifundo will live the life of a Franciscan at the friars’ formation house near Washington, D.C. He will learn about St. Francis of Assisi and his Order, pray, participate in daily Mass, complete chores, and join projects of service to the local community.
(Source of all related images on webpage and homepage: Conventual Franciscans.) |
