JUBILARIANS ALL! - Holy Name Province

Catholic Seminary where he was exposed to
the spirituality of the Eastern Rites. As a result,
during novitiate he hopes to explore its
intersection with Franciscan spirituality for
his own development as well as to continue
in discerning God’s ever-unfolding plan.
Michael Minton, 46, is a native of Northwest
Indiana. He has worked supporting and
advocating for people with developmental
disabilities for almost 20 years. He has a
Masters degree in Non-Profit Management
and a BA in Sociology.
His initial exposure to Franciscans began
while in college and came to fruition after
moving to California. He is grateful for this
opportunity to discern his vocation in a more
intense, intimate, and trusting way.
The novitiate team wholeheartedly welcomes
Friar Tom Frost to this community and gives
great thanks to Friar Clifford Herle who
departs after six years.
LETTERS
About Br. Wenceslaus
vocation that unknown to me began that year.
I'm glad that I knew him. Kindly let this be
an item for the next issue of WestFriars. –
Barnabas Hughes, O.F.M.
About Moving
The BIG news for us friars here is the coming
“Changing of the Guard.” Tom Frost is
on his way to San Miguel to help in the novitiate,
and Ignatius has moved into Covered
Wells Village (Tom’s former place) and I’m
scheduled to move to Tularosa, New Mexico,
soon. This will happen when Ponchie Vaquez
is freed up from St. Elizabeth’s by his several
replacements, to take my place on the eastern
side of our San Solano Missions parish—
with a little luck by mid-August. The other
Brothers—Chris Best, Martin Sanabria and
Hajime Okuhara—are due before the end of
August.
I’ve been here for over 18 years now. It’s
absolutely amazing how much stuff has
accumulated in the process! Besides all my
regular work at present, I’m staring at this
Mountain of Stuff which needs to be (a)
sorted, (b) discarded, (c) carried along, and
(d) burned in effigy.
Wency was the first friar that I met, at the
time a tertiary brother and wore the capuche
only in public. It was during Holy Week,
1938. My grandmother lived in Santa Barbara
at the Upham Hotel and had invited me to
spend Holy Week with her. She showed me
how to walk to the Mission. I did. The Mission
was open. I found the gift shop. And
Wency with his beaming smile welcomed
me like a long lost brother. He never forgot
me. Always the smile, always the cheerful
greeting. His presence did much to foster the
5
If I had more time/energy I’d send you a
beautiful reflection on my life and ministry
here…Maybe next time Max Hottle,
O.F.M.