On July 1st, 9 new OFM candidates for the one-year novitiate program

reported to the Juan de Plasencia Novitiate House, Liliw, Laguna. There

are 8 Filipino candidates and
1 Myanmar national.
As part of their preparation for their acceptance to the novitiate known as
the Investiture Rites, the candidates have to undergo a three-day retreat
facilitated by the Novice Master, Br. Alejo Villanueva, OFM. The said
Investiture Retreat started on July 6 and has culminated on the 8th, at the
hermitage portion of the novitiate house. Every day has its own particular
theme which aims at recognizing the value of the candidates' Franciscan
calling and vocation.