Last night I received another letter from a reader from India asking if he can join the capuchins. He just read the article about the dwindling Capuchin vocations in India which I blogged a few months ago and then he contacted me and is asking if he can join the Capuchins. He even thought that I am a Capuchin Priest to my surprise. Everyday I receive many emails with the same kind of question and I think I cannot cope up with the demand. I guess I’ll be needing a secretary one of these days. Anyhow I am glad that more and more of our readers are taking interest in vocations and serving the Lord. The Lord calls in mysterious ways. Its amazing how a simple website can be used by the Lord to call people to his service. Here is the content of his letter:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

dear rev.father

\peace of Christ\

i am thomas Antony doing my b.a English litt in tnou an dce in hiet it is possible for me to serve our faithful and livings through your congregation because i like your true charity chasity and povertiy any capuchins simplicity and through i would like to serve in the wine yard of our Lord……………..

i am awaiting for thy responce (sent September 14, 2010).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Anthony

Thank you for contacting me and reading my blog.

First of all, I’m not a reverend father. Although I may sound like one but I’m not… not yet. You can just call me bluepanjeet. That will be fine.

Regarding your inquiry about the capuchins…

I am glad that you are interested to serve our Lord. The Church needs men like you who are ready to respond to the call. But the life you want to aspire is not an easy life. I should know since I have been there already. It demands a lot of good things from you such as endurance, humility, simplicity and obedience. Of course faith is already given. But despite the hardship one faces in the Capuchin formation, the end road is fruitful and happy.

I am not the right person to speak in behalf of the Capuchin Order. I am not even worthy to belong to the holiest of all orders. But I can give you information where you can contact the Capuchins. And because you never mentioned your exact province in India, I just took the initiative of giving you the link of all the Provinces of the Capuchin Presence in India.

Provinces are jurisdictions where a Capuchin community operates.  In one country there could be one or more provinces depending on the number of brothers. Here are the complete list of websites of the Capuchins in India. Pick one which is nearest to your location

Province of Andhra Pradesh-Orissa
Province of Karnataka
Province of Maharashtra
Province of St. Fidelis, North India
Province of St. Francis, Kerala
Province of St. Joseph, Kerala
Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, Kerala
Province of Tamil Nadu
Viceprovince of Pavanatma, North Kerala
Custody of Prem Jyoti

What you can do is to contact the “Vocation director” through these websites and ask for an appointment. The vocation director will gladly meet you and can give you advice on how to join the Capuchins. He will even set up a regular meeting with you and help you discern your vocation.

I will include you in my Prayers especially your vocation. I wish you all the best.

Pax et Bonum