In a ceremony to which a good number of friars attended, Aaron Abdilla of Mellieħa, and Emmanuel Said of Rabat began the experience of the Franciscan way of life. The celebration began with a Mass by the Minister Provincial Fr. Sandro Overend OFM, held at our Franciscan Church dedicated to St. Francis Stigmatised in Hamrun.

After Mass the Rite of Initiation to the Franciscan Life began. A reading from the Life of Saint Francis by Brother Thomas of Celano, then the Minister Provincial asked various question to the candidates followed, and the Franciscan habits were blessed. First Emmanuel, than Aaron were vested with the habit. They were welcomed by a warm applause from the congregation.

Fr. Aaron and Fr. Emmanuel will be travelling to Assisi to join the other nine novices from Italy, to begin the Novitiate year at San Damiano. We augur that their experience in Assisi will be enlightened by the Spirit of holiness, prayer, simplicity, peace and humility. May God bless them and may St. Mary of the Angels protect them always.