Welcoming Our New Novices

At Solemn Vespers on Tuesday, December 23, the Feast of St. John Cantius, the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius joyfully welcomed three men into the Novitiate, marking the beginning of a new and focused stage of religious formation.

Br. Bobby Olson (Richmond, VA), Br. Ryan Ruddy (New Hope, MN), and Br. Donovan Utz (Richmond, VA) receive their habit (a black cassock, roman collar, and sash without fringe) and are entrusted over to the care and direction of their new Novice Director, Fr. Kevin Mann, SJC.

Having completed six months of postulancy, these brothers now begin the novitiate, a time marked by intensified prayer, interior formation, and deeper self-knowledge. Whereas postulancy introduces a man to the external life of the community, the novitiate emphasizes interior discipline and spiritual growth, helping the novice to mature in self-possession, charity, and conformity to Christ for the sake of the Church.

"I am extremely proud of these three young men," said Fr. Nathan Ford.

"It's been a blessing to help direct them in a deeper self-knowledge, and I am excited to see how their vocation continues to grow in the coming years."

In this new stage of formation, the daily life of the novice includes:

• Faithful participation in the sacred liturgy

• Daily prayer and spiritual reading

• Studies and conferences

• Community life and recreation

• Service through house chores and apostolic responsibilities

  
  

Through these ordinary rhythms, the novice’s heart is gradually shaped by grace, allowing for a deeper integration into the charism of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius as he prepares, God willing, for temporary vows.

Please Pray for Our Novices

We ask all our friends and benefactors to keep Br. Donovan, Br. Ryan, and Br. Bobby in your prayers as they begin this important chapter in their vocational journey.