Training begins at Norwich Franciscan ceremony 

A Catholic group of laypeople in Norwich welcomed a new candidate to their order. Members of the Secular Franciscan Order observe the Gospel of Jesus by following the examples of St. Francis of Assisi.
 

Last month St George’s Church in Norwich, the Norwich Secular Franciscan Order, admitted into Candidacy Martin Von Fragstein. This was the second step towards full inclusion into the Franciscan fold. For the past twelve months Martin has been studying the Franciscan way under the expert guidance of Paula Pearce, the group's Formation Minister.

Anne Murrin from the Norwich Pax et Bonum Fraternity explained about the preparation process, "During the initial year, called Enquiry, formation consists of learning about Franciscan spirituality.  The two years of Candidacy which follow are when the candidate learns about the Secular Franciscan Order.  We learn about our Rule of life and the Franciscan vocation, about our history, our structure as we are part of a worldwide Order, and about our place in the Church and in the world.  We think about poverty, humility, fraternity and creation as these are all important in the Franciscan life."

The ceremony for Martin on January 11 began with the hymn ‘Make me a channel of Your peace’.   Various members then took part in reading parts of the service and Martin was presented with a copy of the Franciscan Handbook and a Canterbury Cross. The event concluded with the Franciscan hymn, ‘Laudato Si’ followed by the fraternity‘s resounding congratulations.  Anne said, "As with any special Franciscan event, a wonderful celebratory tea followed, including a chocolate marble cake baked, and still warm, by Martin’s own fair hands." 

Pictured above: Martin with members of the Norwich Fraternity