pics from the early days of the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance, (FPOs)1995), started when Father Pio Mandato and other, , who was one of the early CFRs and capuchin reformers in the Bronx..
"He and his fellow-reformers in New York sought out Bishop O'Malley when they felt ready for reorganization. After "much dialogue" over the course of about six months, the invitation arrived from the Fall River diocese."-you'll see him on the back cover of early versions of Fr GRoeschels 'REform of Renewal', -was called to more simplicity going back to the founding principles and to the Capuchin reforms in 1536-and the original Capuchin reform of not dwelling in cities, but in solitary places, non-use of all monies, and primary focus on evangelical preaching... and devoting more time to the contemplative aspect of following St. Francis
(Fr Pio now is at the Hermitage of St Joseph..i believe)
A day at the friary goes, more or less, like this: 2 a.m., night vigil, office of readings; 6:30 a.m., morning prayer together followed by an individual hour of prayer and solitude; 8 a.m., Mass; then class, study, work, etc.; noon, midday prayer and recollection, pickup lunch; afternoon work and study; 4:45 p.m., evening prayer in common, followed by one hour of silent eucharistic adoration; 6 p.m., supper (the Friars take turns preparing and serving), recreation, followed by Compline (the evening prayer), the rosary and, finally, the Grand Silence (close of the day, normally around 9 p.m.)
- here is a more recent pic from Boston
They own no radios, televisions or other worldly possessions. Meat, sweets and snack foods are not in their diets. They sleep on the floor and rise in the middle of night to pray. The men's gray habits are their only wardrobe, the big cowls marking them as Capuchins. They have no mode of transportation other than their feet. And they operate with no budget; there's little to account for besides spiritual formation and growth.
as you see the BRother is about to get in trouble anyways:)
