Greetings from Brother Martin, Provincial Vocation Promoter & Co-Ordinator of Vocation Ministry

Over 800 years ago, Saint Francis of Assisi began to answer a question. The question: 'Who are you Lord and who am I?' The answer: to live a life centred on Christ. Francis lived a radical life of minority, prayer and service that changed the world forever; the effects of which can still be felt today.

My name is Brother Martin and I have the privilege of ministering as Vocation Promoter and Co-Ordinator of Vocation Ministry for the Irish Province of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars. As Franciscans we live a life centred on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as laid down by St. Francis of Assisi. As Capuchin Franciscans we do this in a particular way. Gospel life for us revolves around the core principles of fraternity (brotherhood) and minority.

I joined the Capuchins as a Postulant in 2008 leaving behind a career in the corporate world. I joined because I felt deep inside that God was calling me to something more. Today God continues to call people to all sorts of careers and ways of life. He continues to invite people to respond to this call in ways that draw on and utilise their gifts and talents.

As Capuchins we respond in a way that allows us to enter ever more deeply into the unfolding mystery of God in the world around us. We respond as brothers, walking with those most in need. We respond as men of faith and men of prayer. We respond as tireless preachers of the Gospel and promoters of Gospel living. Our response is radical, countercultural, transformative and intentional.

As Capuchins we minister in many ways; as chaplains in schools, parishes, hospitals and hospices. We minister in and through our nine Friaries in Ireland providing the Sacrament of Reconciliation, counselling and spiritual direction. We minister to the poor and homeless through the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People in Dublin and the Kilkenny Food Project. Wherever you find us and whatever we do, we do so as 'Brothers of the People'. 

My job as Vocation Promoter is threefold: to promote vocations to the Capuchin way of life, to support those discerning a religious vocation and to promote a Franciscan approach to modern life and how this approach can help us live authentically as Gospel people in our modern world. The message of the Gospel as lived by St Francis, St Clare and the early Franciscans is as relevant, and as necessary, today as it has ever been.

Speaking in Rome to Capuchin Friars at the beginning of the Year of Mercy (2016) Pope Francis reminded us Capuchins that 'you are men of reconciliation, of forgiveness and of peace. God has given you a great gift for forgiveness: be generous with this gift'. Today the world needs people of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace to pour the ointment of God's Mercy onto the wounds of our troubled and hurting world. As Capuchins we need men of courage, of faith, of mercy and of love to join us our mission to be 'Brothers of the People' and to keep the flame of St Francis alight. 

I'm here and available to listen to your story and to share ours. You can contact me by in a number of ways:

Phone: 085 1188468
E-Mail: capuchinvocation@gmail.com
Post: Brother Martin Bennett OFM Cap., Capuchin Friary, Rochestown, Cork.

Wishing you every blessing

Pax
Brother Martin