In a simple ceremony within the context of Evening Prayer, Dennis Geib and Richard Goodin have been formally received into the Postulancy Program of St. John the Baptist Province. The two men had begun their life with the Franciscans at Mt. Airy a week ago, but their formal reception took place yesterday, Friday July 7th.

Provincial Minister, Fr. Fred Link, O.F.M. (see picture on left) presided at the ceremony. After his brief reflections, Fr. Carl Langenderfer, O.F.M., the Director of Postulants, (see picture on right) reminded the two men of the goals of the Postulancy year and the entire Franciscan community then pledged our prayerful as well as practical support. Briefly stated, the goals of the year are to work toward becoming a more wholesome human being, a better follower of Jesus and, in time, a good Franciscan all with the grace of God.

Fr. Fred then blessed two Tau Crosses and presented them to Dennis and Richard repeating the blessing of St. Francis to Bro. Leo (one of St. Francis' most trusted companions): GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU. MAY GOD SMILE ON YOU AND BE MERCIFUL TO YOU. MAY GOD TURN HIS COUNTENANCE TOWARD YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

The Tau Cross (shaped like the letter "T") was dear to St. Francis. He often used it as a signature for his letters and he painted it on the walls of the rooms where the early friars lived at St. Mary of the Angels on the plain below Assisi. It has become a symbol among the Franciscans of the ongoing conversion required of the Gospel life and of the poverty or disappropriation to which we are called in our following of Jesus.

Let us remember Dennis and Richard as well as our three novices (Michael Newsome, O.F.M., Thomas Olsen, O.F.M. and Peter Muhwati, O.F.M.) in our prayers. We might also remember Christopher Meyer, O.F.M. and Al Mascia, O.F.M. who are presently on retreat preparing to make their Solemn (final) Profession of Vows August 12th.