Capuchin Novices receive habit

San Lorenzo, in the Santa Ynez Valley, was founded by the Capuchins of California in 1962 to serve as a novitiate. However, in 1997, due to smaller numbers entering the Order, it became a full-time retreat center. With an increase in vocations to the Order, the site was chosen as the common novitiate for the North American Pacific Capuchin Conference, comprised of provinces in the United States, Australia, and Canada. There are four members of the formation staff, including Father Robert Barbato from Los Angeles, Father Gerard O’Dempsey from Australia, and Brother Jerome Johnson, from the Midwest. The novitiate is within the parish of Mission Santa Ines, also served by the Capuchins.{gallery width=100 height=100}gallery/2011/0812/capuchin/{/gallery}