Young Men From Across Costa Rica Explore Their Vocations at a Gathering with the Conventual Franciscan Friars

Friars Marco Umaña and Marcos Quesada (from left to right)

Friars Marco Umaña and Marcos Quesada held a vocational gathering on a recent Sunday at the Conventual Franciscans' friary in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Seven men from across Costa Rica who are discerning their call in life attended the event. Friar Marcos structured it into two parts. First the attendees studied St. Francis of Assisi and the historical context in which he fulfilled his vocation. Later they moved on to Franciscan history, which included an analytical breakdown of the Franciscans Order's various branches.

The Conventual Franciscan friary in Alajuela, Costa Rica

In Costa Rica and in other nations around the world, men and women are opening themselves up to God. This process takes time. It involves prayer, education, and guidance from religious who have already traveled the journey of initial discernment. Greivin, David, Antonio, Leonel, Odalier, Pablo, and Mario - the seven men who attended the recent gathering in Alajuela - are embarking on a wonderful adventure by opening themselves up to God's plan for their lives. During their sessions with Friars Marco and Marcos they began to understand what it is to be Franciscan and also that they are living out their vocations in their own set of circumstances.

The Conventual Franciscan friars serve their brothers and sisters in many nations

The Franciscan approach is not only one of self-reflection but also one of observation. Franciscans keep an eye out on the world around them and ask themselves, How can we help make things better for our brothers and sisters as well as the rest of creation? They also understand that in various places around the planet people are different and new problems require innovative solutions. With their strong faith, Franciscans learn how to adapt to different circumstances, knowing full well that God the loving Father is always with them. This is why one finds the friars in every part of the world. These men are active in Japan, the United States, Russia, England, Ghana and many other countries. Wherever God leads them they will go, ready to serve their brothers and sisters as best they can, imbibing the local culture and maintaining a deep sense of equality with the people of their host nation.

(Sources of all related images on webpage and homepage: www.ofmconv.cr, www.cia.gov, and Conventual Franciscan Friars Immaculate Conception Province Provincialgram.)