I found that the confirmation of the Assistant Provincia and the three Provincial Counselors to be the most impressive act of the chapter. The confirmation took place in the Theater of Servite High School during a liturgy for the Solemn Feast of the Seven Holy Founders. Assembled there were the 950 plus all boy student body, organized into eight priories, each with the name of a Founder and Philip (Benizi). After a challenging homily, inviting the students to imitate the Founders, by the Prior Provincial, John Fontana, the newly elected were confirmed in office by the Vicar General, Franco Azzalli. At the conclusion of the Mass, the “cool” Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon of the Vicariate Apostolic of Ingwavuma spoke to the students about his youth and soccer days in Argentina. Speaking to the students in English and Spanish, he mentioned how he would like to see a closer relationship between the high school Star of the See in Africa and Servite in Anaheim. His remarks drew thundering applause and affirming hoots. Next the Vicar General spoke of his youth in Turin, Italy. He shared how he resisted the vocation call. His sincerity was enhanced by his struggle to speak to the students in English. His efforts were affirmed by loud applause and warm hoots. The final speaker was the “Prior General” of the student body. His message—GO SERVITE—electrified the students into a growing thunderous pep rally! I was impressed that we are doing something right at the school and both the lay administration and the committed Servite Friars there have instilled a spirit that is around “since 1233.”
Michael Doyle, O.S.M.
