On the Feast of St. John Cantius, Dec. 23, 2021, the Canons Regular formally welcomed five novices during Rosary and Solemn Vespers which were presided by the Superior General of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, the Very Rev. Joshua Caswell, and also attended by Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Bishop Joseph N. Perry. The five new brothers were invested with the Roman Collar, sash, and received the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in a clothing ceremony symbolizing the next steps of religious life as a Canon Regular.
"Religious life is a window on the Gospel. A framed vision of men following Jesus that attracts others to do likewise. Or for the rest of us, at least, a surfaces wide-eyed wonder seeing young people desire a deeper friendship with Jesus. A deeper reason for living and believing and worshiping. None of this makes any sense, of course, except through a man's desire to become a closer brother with Jesus," shared Bishop Perry.
The five novices include Br. Marko Culjak from the Chicago area, Br. Kevin Doerge from Pennsylvania, Br. Nathaniel Pierce from the Chicago area, Br. Cole Schram from the Chicago area, and Br. Joshua Smerker from Montana.
These novices will further explore their calling and vocation to consecrated life under the care of Brother Mark Visconti, Novice Director. Br. Mark will lead the candidates to a fuller understanding of the common life during this period of formal discernment living as brothers, joining in work and prayer, and serving as witnesses to the universal Church.
Please join us in congratulating our new Brothers!
