St. Conrad of Parzham, ofm, cap. (22 December 1818 – 21 April 1894) Becoming a through the little things.

On April 21, we Capuchins keep the feast of a very special spiritual master and saint of our order, Conrad of Parzham.

He was the porter (receptionist) in the friary of Altötting in Germany for nearly all of his life. Answering the door to all those who came for advice, he was sought out for healing herbal remedies and above all for prayer. He was a mystic who spent his nights deep in contemplation and his days in the service of his brothers and sisters, becoming known in the city as the Holy . He passed away in 1894. His life is a wonderful Gospel story of deep inner conversion, joy and peace, while becoming a saint through the faithful observance of the little things…

The picture above shows the only photo we have of him on his deathbed, holding the crucifix in one hand and the rule of St. Francis in the other. May St. Conrad pray for us that we may be faithful to the little things of this life…

Capuchins of Central Canada 2100 Jane Street, Toronto, ON M3M 1A1 Capuchins of Central Canada 2100 Jane Street, Toronto, ON M3M 1A1 Tel. 416-244-8458 Fax.416-244-9796 [email protected] Charitable Reg.# 11883 7988 RR 0001 Province of Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd

Spring / Easter 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in St. Francis of Assisi,

As the world lives in fear and anxiety in the face of Covid –19/Coronavirus, I join my brothers in encouraging you to live this difficult moment with the strength of faith, the certainty of hope and the fervour of charity. May God keep every one of you safe and protect your children and grand children from harm.

We express our closeness to those who are ill with Covid-19 and to the health-care workers who are caring for them. The Season and message of Lent has been almost hijacked by the anxiety and fear of the epidemic and yet again the same fear and anxiety invites us to look up to the cross and listen to the words of Jesus “do not be afraid”. Let us take courage and trust in the lord to lead us into the hope of resurrection.

Amidst all the turmoil God remains faithful to his covenant He made to us by pouring His love and mercy upon us, through our benefactors and well wishers. Our hearts are grateful more than ever to God and to you for not forgetting the Capuchin brothers even in difficult times. May God bless you and reward you abundantly. With your help Capuchin brothers are continuing the good work in their ministry and in the formation of our younger brothers.

Br. Michael Mascarenhas is almost at the end of his priestly formation and awaits future decisions. Br. Sunil D’Costa completed his second year of theology and Br. Martin Ngo has completed his first year at St Peter’s Seminary. All of them are doing well in their studies. Also, a few young men are showing an interest in our Capuchin way of life. Please continue your prayers for more vocations to our religious life. Our new vocation promoter is Br. Peter Poel who is very enthusiastic about this ministry.

With your prayers and financial support we are able to continue the formation of these young brothers. We are immensely grateful for your prayers and generous financial help. May the light of Risen Christ calm our anxieties and fears over the Covid-19 epidemic. Let us turn confidently to Jesus our healer, may He heal every wounded and troubled heart and help humanity to overcome the present crisis. Let us together look upon the Cross of Christ and receive the message of Jesus, “Do not be afraid”. The Lord is Risen! Halleluiah. YOU CAN HELP ANYTIME BY MAKING AN SECURE ONLINE FINANCIAL GIFT TO THE CAPUCHIN FOUNDATION www.capuchins.ca/you-can-help CHARITABLE REGISTRATION # 11883 7988 RR 0001

Bro. Henry Alva, Capuchin Minister Provincial

1 January, 2019 ~ 31 December

01 January, 2020 ~ 10 March 2020 u too? alling yo Is God ca

Please Pray For Our Men In Formation

Br Michael Mascarenhas Solemnly Professed Br Sunil D’Costa Mr. Martin Ngo Bro. Peter Poel in Priestly Formation Simply Professed Simply Professed Simply Professed London, ON London, ON London, ON Toronto, ON

OUR CAPUCHIN BURSE PROGRAM OUR CAPUCHIN LEGACY PROGRAM

The Capuchin Burse Program exists to fund our participation in As Christians one of the most important tasks we have is that the Capuchin Initial Formation Programs. These programs of faithful stewardship. This is beautifully expressed in St. consist of three elements, Postulancy, Pre-Novitiate and Francis’ “Canticle of the Creatures” which gives thanks for our Novitiate, in which our men receive their initial training and interdependent relationship with all of God’s creation, in education in the Capuchin Franciscan way of life. which we all share. This same spirit also finds contemporary

Our Postulancy Program is a collaborative effort between the resonance in a quote by Blessed Fr. , OFM, Cap Capuchin Provinces of St. Joseph (Detroit), St. Mary (New York) (d.1957) who stated, “The only science that gives purpose to and ourselves, and is currently based in Milwaukee, WI. The every other science is the science of religion – the science of Novitiate program is international , with the Capuchin provinces our happy relationship with, and our providential dependence on God and our neighbour.” of the United States, Australia, Canada (English), and Guam sending their novices to our Intercontinental Novitiate in Santa One of the most important and faith filled Ynez, California. During this time our men begin studying the life acts of stewardship that you can do is to of St. Francis of Assisi as well as our Capuchin and Church make certain that you have a current will. It history. is your loving remembrance for others and

Our Initial Formation Programs provide a solid religious your love is returned a hundred-fold in your foundation for our young men, which are world-class, reaching out and assuring “ new life ” for informative, and enlightening. Our programs emphasize that others. their vocations are not only to a local, but also a worldwide Please Remember... Church. The current costs of these programs is approximately $100,000.00 (CDN) per person. Your donations to our Capuchin Not only can you leave a gift of financial remembrance but gifts Burse Program directly enable our men to participate in these of Life Insurance, Stocks, Bonds or Property may also be gifted Capuchin Initial Formation programs providing our Catholic through your will. For further information contact: our Church with men who are well formed in Capuchin Franciscan Provincial Office. spirituality and prepared for a life of ministry in our Church..

PLEASE, be generous and THANK YOU for your Financial Support and Prayers! Have YOU considered your legacy lately?