Novices Make Icons

Friars begin making their icons

Recently - Kory, Nick, Bryan, Paul, John, David, and Jeffrey – the novices at the St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate in Mishawaka, Indiana participated in a five-day iconography workshop conducted by Father Damian Higgins who is a Byzantine Catholic Priest.  With guidance from Father Damian, the novices created their own icons and learned about their importance as spiritual objects. Creating or writing an icon requires a lot of dedication. The first step the novices took was to trace the face of Jesus on a piece of gesso-covered wood. Over the next few days, as the icons became real, the novices delighted in how they reminded them of Jesus’ presence in their lives. 

Bryan pays close attention to his work

The novices at the St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate are discerning vocations to the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. St. Francis of Assisi – the Order’s founder - lived his life imitating Jesus Christ. Now with their beautiful icons finished and blessed by Father Damian, the novices will be able to focus on doing the same.

The finished icons

(Source of all related photos on webpage and homepage: St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate Troubadour/for the Lord!)