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San Damiano Program

The San Damiano Program offers men who are recent arrivals to the United States an opportunity to discern a vocation to the Franciscan way of life. Participants experience life in community according to the Franciscan model of prayer, fraternity and ministry, while developing their English skills. They also receive spiritual direction and meet regularly with the formation director for assistance and support in their discernment process.

The program, which takes place at San Damiano House at Holy Name College in Silver Spring, Md., varies in length from three months to one year depending on the background and interests of each student. Students who pursue a vocation receive assistance in preparing for and applying to Holy Name Province’s initial formation program.

Applicants are interviewed by the vocation director and will need to provide all necessary documents which demonstrate a legal immigration status. For further information, contact Fr. Brian Smail, OFM, at 1-800-677-7788 or vocation@hnp.org.